Updated: April 25, 2025
Are you looking to elevate your NFL betting experience? If so, you may have come across the term “parlay.” Understanding how to play parlay NFL can significantly enhance your chances of winning big. This guide will break down everything you need to know about NFL parlays in simple, easy-to-follow language.
What is a Parlay Bet?
A parlay bet is a single wager that links multiple individual bets into one. To win a parlay, all bets—also known as “legs”—must be successful. This means that while the potential payouts are higher than traditional betting, the risk is also greater.
Why Choose Parlay Bets?
Many sports bettors are drawn to parlay betting in the NFL for several reasons:
- Higher Payouts: Because you are combining multiple bets, the potential return can be significantly larger than placing individual bets.
- Excitement: Watching several games unfold with a single bet adds an element of thrill to your NFL Sunday.
- Flexibility: You can mix and match different types of bets, such as point spreads, moneylines, and totals.
How to Place a Parlay Bet in NFL
Now that you understand what a parlay bet is and why it can be exciting, let’s dive into how to play parlay NFL step-by-step.
Step 1: Choose Your Sportsbook
The first step is to select a reliable sportsbook. Look for one that offers competitive odds, a user-friendly interface, and good customer support. Popular options include:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
Step 2: Understand Odds
Before placing a bet, familiarize yourself with how odds work. In NFL parlays, odds are expressed in either decimal or fractional format. The higher the odds, the larger the potential payout. For example:
- Odds of +200 mean that for every $100 wagered, you stand to win $200.
- Odds of -150 mean you must bet $150 to win $100.
Step 3: Select Your Bets
Now it's time to pick the games and types of bets you want to include in your parlay. Here are some common types of bets you can combine:
- Moneyline: Bet on which team will win the game outright.
- Point Spread: Bet on a team to win by a certain number of points.
- Over/Under: Bet on whether the total points scored by both teams will be over or under a specific number.
Step 4: Determine Your Stake
Decide how much money you want to wager on your parlay. Keep in mind that while the potential returns are higher, the risk is also elevated. A common practice is to only stake what you can afford to lose.
Step 5: Place Your Bet
Once you've selected your bets and determined your stake, it’s time to place your parlay bet. Follow these steps:
- Log into your sportsbook account.
- Select the games you want to bet on.
- Add them to your bet slip.
- Choose “Parlay” as your bet type.
- Enter your stake amount and confirm your bet.
Tips for Successful NFL Parlay Betting
While parlay betting can be thrilling, it’s important to approach it with a strategy. Here are some tips to improve your chances of success:
- Limit the Number of Legs: While you can add multiple bets, it’s wiser to keep it to 2-5 legs. The more legs you add, the harder it is to win.
- Research: Analyze team stats, player injuries, and recent performance before making your selections.
- Use Promotions: Many sportsbooks offer parlay boosts, which can increase your potential payout.
- Diversify Your Bets: Mix different types of bets to spread risk. For example, combine a moneyline bet with a point spread bet.
Understanding the Risks
While the allure of high payouts is tempting, it’s essential to understand the risks involved in parlay betting:
- All-or-Nothing: If one leg of your parlay loses, the entire bet is lost.
- Lower Odds of Winning: The more bets you include, the less likely you are to win the entire parlay.
Conclusion
Learning how to play parlay NFL can be an exciting way to enhance your sports betting experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide and employing smart strategies, you can increase your chances of crafting winning parlays. Remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the thrill of the game!
