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What is a Same Game Parlay? A Complete Guide for Sports Bettors

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Betting Education

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Term
Same Game Parlay (SGP)

What is a Same Game Parlay? A Complete Guide for Sports Bettors

Quick Summary

A Same Game Parlay (SGP) is a single bet that combines multiple wagers from the same sporting event. Instead of betting on different games, you're stacking predictions within one matchup for potentially bigger payouts. All selections must win for the bet to pay out.

What is a Same Game Parlay?

A Same Game Parlay combines multiple individual bets (called "legs") from a single sporting event into one wager. Unlike traditional parlays that span multiple games, SGPs focus all your predictions on one matchup.
Example NFL Same Game Parlay:
  • Kansas City Chiefs to win
  • Patrick Mahomes over 2.5 passing touchdowns
  • Total points over 48.5
  • Travis Kelce over 80.5 receiving yards
The catch: All legs must win for the parlay to pay out. If even one prediction is wrong, you lose the entire bet.

How Same Game Parlays Work

SGPs work differently from regular parlays because the outcomes are correlated. When Patrick Mahomes throws multiple touchdowns, it increases Kansas City's chances of winning and pushes the total score higher. These events are connected.
Because of these correlations, sportsbooks don't simply multiply each leg's odds together. Instead, they adjust the pricing to reflect these relationships, often reducing the payout compared to what you might expect.
Key Difference: Traditional parlays assume independent events. Same game parlays account for how outcomes within one game influence each other.

Important: Higher House Edge on Parlays

Before diving deeper into SGPs, you need to understand a crucial fact: parlays have significantly higher house edges than single bets.
Industry analysis and regulatory reports show that parlays, especially Same Game Parlays, yield hold rates (the sportsbook's profit margin) that are approximately 30-40% higher than single bets.
What this means:
  • Single bet hold rate: ~5-7% on average
  • Parlay hold rate: ~8-12% on average
  • Your long-term expected losses are higher with parlays
Why sportsbooks love parlays: This higher profit margin explains why every sportsbook heavily promotes parlays with flashy marketing, odds boosts, and risk-free promotions. They're more profitable for the house.
Should you avoid parlays entirely? Not necessarily, but understand you're paying a premium for the excitement and big payout potential. Treat SGPs as entertainment rather than a long-term profit strategy.

How Same Game Parlay Odds Are Calculated

The odds for a same game parlay are based on two major factors: the number of selections you're including and the odds for each of those choices. The sportsbook sets the odds as you add your choices to the slip.
Interestingly, the calculations can lead to different odds for what seem to be similar bets. For example, two different 2-leg parlays with the same individual odds (-110 each) might show:
  • Option A: +235 odds
  • Option B: +247 odds
Why the difference? Sportsbooks set SGP odds individually while considering the overall likelihood of the combined outcomes. They use algorithms that automatically calculate the numbers as you add selections, factoring in correlations between the events.
This means you can't simply multiply individual odds together to determine what your SGP should pay - the sportsbook's correlation adjustments change the math.

Same Game Parlay Examples

MLB Example

For a Cardinals vs. Diamondbacks game:
  • St. Louis Cardinals to win
  • Total runs over 7.5
  • Paul Goldschmidt to hit a home run
  • Game scoreless after first inning
If this parlay had +2429 odds, a $10 winning bet would return $242.90 in profit.

NBA Example

For a 76ers vs. Bucks game:
  • Philadelphia 76ers -1.5 points
  • Total points over 209.5
  • Joel Embiid over 11.5 rebounds
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo over 2.5 assists
A parlay like this might offer odds around +800 to +1200 depending on the specific lines.

What Are Your Real Odds of Winning?

Understanding the true difficulty of winning SGPs is crucial. Assuming all legs have -110 odds and equal probability, here are the real odds of being correct on all selections:
  • Two picks: 3 to 1 against you
  • Three picks: 7 to 1 against you
  • Four picks: 15 to 1 against you
  • Five picks: 31 to 1 against you
  • Six picks: 63 to 1 against you
As you can see, winning becomes exponentially harder with each additional leg. This is why most successful SGP bettors stick to 2-4 legs maximum.

Same Game Parlay Payout Examples

Here's what you'd win on a $10 bet at various odds levels:
SGP Odds → Payout for $10 Bet
  • +250 → $25
  • +500 → $50
  • +1000 → $100
  • +1500 → $150
  • +2000 → $200
  • +3000 → $300
Remember: these payouts only happen if you're correct on ALL selections. One wrong pick means you lose your entire stake.

Higher Engagement

Following one game with multiple betting interests creates excitement throughout the entire event. Every play matters to your bet.

Potential for Big Payouts

A three-leg SGP with standard -110 legs typically pays around +600 odds, offering significant returns from small stakes.

Simplified Research

Instead of analyzing multiple games, you can focus all your research on one matchup you understand well.

Story-Driven Betting

SGPs let you build a narrative around how you think a game will unfold, combining related outcomes that make logical sense together.

Mobile-Friendly Design

Betting apps make creating SGPs quick and visually engaging with drag-and-drop interfaces and real-time odds updates.

Tips for Better Same Game Parlay Success

Keep It Small

For each leg you add, your chances of winning decrease dramatically. Stick to 2-4 legs maximum for the best balance of payout potential and realistic winning chances.

Look for Correlations

Visualize how you think the game will play out, then find related outcomes that support that scenario. For example:
  • If you expect a high-scoring game: combine over totals with quarterback passing yards
  • If you expect a defensive battle: combine under totals with field goal props

Spot Value in Player Props

Look for player prop lines that seem unusually low compared to recent performance. A star player with a surprisingly low points/yards line might indicate value.

Avoid Emotional Betting

Don't let team loyalty cloud your judgment. Stick to objective analysis regardless of which teams you're rooting for.

Common Same Game Parlay Mistakes to Avoid

Chasing Long Shots

SGPs with 6+ legs are essentially lottery tickets. The compound probability makes them poor value despite their appeal.

Ignoring Correlation

Combining outcomes that don't logically fit together reduces your chances. Make sure your picks tell a coherent story about how the game will unfold.

Falling for Promotions

"Risk-free" SGPs and odds boosts are marketing tools designed to attract action. They don't change the fundamental math of correlation pricing.

Poor Bankroll Management

SGPs should represent a small portion of your betting volume. Their all-or-nothing nature requires disciplined stake sizing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a same game parlay differ from a regular parlay?

Regular parlays combine bets from separate games or events. SGPs focus on outcomes within one match, which introduces correlation between legs and impacts how sportsbooks calculate odds.

What does a $100 same game parlay pay?

It depends on the odds. A $100 three-leg parlay at +600 odds would return $700 ($600 profit + $100 stake). Always check your bet slip before confirming.

How long does a same game parlay take to settle?

SGPs are settled after the game ends, since all outcomes occur in the same event. You'll typically receive payment within minutes of the final whistle.

What happens if you lose one leg of a same game parlay?

If even one leg loses, the entire parlay is graded as a loss. There's no partial payout - it's all or nothing.

Can I include player props in a same game parlay?

Most sportsbooks allow player props (like yards, touchdowns, or assists) in SGPs. However, some books restrict certain combinations due to correlation concerns, so available options may vary.

How do I calculate same game parlay odds?

You can't simply multiply individual odds together due to correlation adjustments. Use the sportsbook's bet slip calculator or online parlay calculators for accurate odds.

What's the best strategy for same game parlays?

Focus on 2-4 legs maximum, look for logical correlations between outcomes, avoid very long shot parlays, and maintain strict bankroll discipline.

Are same game parlays good bets?

SGPs can be entertaining and offer big potential payouts, but they're challenging to win consistently. They should be treated as entertainment rather than a consistent profit strategy.
For more sports betting strategies and market analysis, visit The Advantage where we break down the latest trends and opportunities in sports betting markets.