What is a Progressive Parlay?
A progressive parlay is a type of parlay bet that allows one or more legs to lose while still returning a partial payout. Unlike a standard parlay, where every selection must win for the ticket to cash, a progressive parlay offers loss forgiveness. The exact number of legs you can miss depends on the sportsbook and the size of the parlay.
This type of bet is most common in the United States and is typically offered on popular sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. It is designed for bettors who want the higher potential return of a multi-leg ticket but prefer a softer penalty when not every selection hits.
How a Progressive Parlay works
A progressive parlay is structured to reduce the risk of losing a full payout. Here's a detailed breakdown of how it works:
Number of legs allowed
Progressive parlays usually have a minimum of 3 legs and can go up to 10 or more, depending on the sportsbook. The more legs included, the higher the potential payout.
Payout structure
Progressive parlays use preset tables to calculate payouts. These tables show what happens when:
- All legs win
- One leg loses
- Two legs lose (if allowed)
The payout decreases as more legs lose.
Here is a common structure for how many legs you can lose and still get paid, though the exact rules can vary by sportsbook:
Number of Legs | Number of Legs You Can Lose |
|---|---|
3 - 4 Legs | 1 leg |
5 - 8 Legs | Up to 2 legs |
9 - 10 Legs | Up to 3 legs |
11 - 12 Legs | Up to 4 legs |
Practical example
Let’s assume you place a 4-leg progressive parlay with $100 wagered. All legs have the following odds:
- Leg 1: +150 (2.50)
- Leg 2: -110 (1.91)
- Leg 3: +120 (2.20)
- Leg 4: -105 (1.95)
Scenario 1: All 4 legs win
- Traditional parlay payout: $100 × 2.50 × 1.91 × 2.20 × 1.95 ≈ $2,054
- Progressive parlay payout (with loss forgiveness) is typically lower, e.g., $1,600 to account for the risk reduction.
Scenario 2: 1 leg loses
- Suppose Leg 2 loses.
- Traditional parlay: $0 (full loss)
- Progressive parlay: partial payout based on the payout table, e.g., $600.
Scenario 3: 2 legs lose
- Suppose Legs 2 and 4 lose.
- Traditional parlay: $0
- Progressive parlay: payout may be further reduced or null, depending on sportsbook rules, e.g., $200.
Common types of Progressive Parlays
1. Traditional point spread progressive
This is the original form of the progressive parlay, often seen on physical parlay cards. It is typically available for major American sports like the NFL and NBA and focuses exclusively on point spread bets. Moneylines and totals are usually excluded, making it a straightforward option for bettors who prefer classic spread wagering.
2. Player prop progressive
A more modern, app-based variation, player prop progressive parlays center on individual player performance. These can include bets like passing yards in football or points and rebounds in basketball. These are usually mobile-exclusive, with restrictions on the number of picks per game or per player, catering to bettors who enjoy tracking individual player stats.
3. Limited market progressive
Some sportsbooks offer a restricted version of progressive parlays, which narrows the eligible markets. Commonly, these are totals (Over/Under) bets, and occasionally spreads are included. This version limits betting options and may not be available at all sportsbooks, making it a more specialized choice for certain types of bettors.
Key rules and strategic considerations for Progressive Parlay bets
- Pushes may count as losses: In many Progressive Parlays, if a bet pushes (ties), it is treated as a loss for the purpose of calculating the payout tier.
- Selection restrictions: Sportsbooks often impose rules such as not allowing the same player to be selected more than once or limiting the number of picks from a single game.
- Connected events: You generally cannot bet on connected or correlated events in the same parlay. For example, you cannot parlay a team to win the first half with the same team to win the full game, as these outcomes are dependent on each other.
Progressive Parlay vs traditional parlay
Feature | Progressive Parlay | |
|---|---|---|
Win Condition | Does not require all legs to win | All legs must win |
Risk & Payout | Lower risk with smaller, tiered payouts. | Higher risk with a single, higher potential payout. |
Eligible Markets | Often restricted; commonly point spreads and player props. | More flexible; can include spreads, moneylines, totals, and props. |
Number of selections | Often counted as a loss for the payout tier. | Leg is typically removed, and parlay odds are recalculated. |
Conclusion
Progressive parlays offer a unique blend of higher potential returns and reduced risk compared to traditional parlays. By allowing one or more losing legs, they provide flexibility for bettors while maintaining excitement across multiple selections. Understanding the types, rules, and payout structures is essential for making informed wagering decisions.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is a Progressive Parlay a better value than a standard parlay?
Progressive parlays have reduced risk compared to standard parlays, but the potential payout for a perfect ticket is typically lower. The odds structure is designed to balance more frequent wins with smaller maximum payouts.
How does a push (tie) affect a Progressive Parlay?
In most progressive parlays, a push is counted as a losing leg for payout purposes. This differs from standard parlays, where a push generally voids the leg without affecting the remaining selections.
Can I edit or cancel a Progressive Parlay after placing it?
Once a progressive parlay is confirmed, it cannot be edited or canceled. Bettors should verify all selections before submitting the wager.
Are Progressive Parlay winnings calculated using true odds?
Payouts are based on preset tables rather than multiplying the exact odds of each selection. These tables determine the payout tiers and cap the maximum return.
Do all major sportsbooks offer Progressive Parlays?
Availability varies by sportsbook. Progressive parlays are more commonly offered on certain platforms, so users should check the sportsbook’s parlay or promotions section to confirm.