A same game parlay combines several bets on one game, like a team to win, a player to score and the total going over.
Because the legs are related, sportsbooks don't simply multiply the odds. They adjust the price for how the outcomes affect each other, and often add a bigger margin than on a normal parlay.
In the UK, the same product is usually called a bet builder.
How it works
Same game parlays are popular because they let you bet on a story. If you think a team will win comfortably, you might combine their win, their quarterback throwing well and the game going over the total.
The problem is that those outcomes tend to happen together. A team that wins big usually scores a lot, so the legs aren't independent. If sportsbooks simply multiplied the odds like a normal parlay, they'd be paying out too much. Instead, they price the combination as a whole, and the result is usually shorter odds than multiplying the legs.
Sportsbooks also tend to build a bigger vig into same game parlays than into straight bet markets. That makes them a fun bet but a hard one to profit from.
A few things to watch:
- Check the price. Compare the SGP odds with what multiplying the legs would give.
- Correlated legs pay less. Legs that go against each other may pay more, but they're less likely to all land.
- Void rules. If a player in your SGP doesn't play, rules vary on whether the whole bet is voided or just that leg.
Examples
- Example 1
Chiefs to win at -200, Mahomes over 2.5 passing touchdowns at +150 and the over 48.5 at -110 multiply to about +616. Because the legs are related, a sportsbook might offer closer to +500 for the same game parlay.
- Example 2
A $10 same game parlay at +500 returns $60 if every leg wins: $50 profit plus your $10 stake.
Read more: How parlay odds work
Common questions
Why are same game parlay odds lower than a normal parlay?
The legs are related, so the sportsbook adjusts the price instead of multiplying each leg's odds. It usually adds a bigger margin too.
Can you cash out a same game parlay?
Many sportsbooks offer a cash out on same game parlays, but the offer usually includes extra margin. Check the amount against what the bet is likely worth before accepting.
What happens if a player in my same game parlay doesn't play?
It depends on the sportsbook. Some remove that leg and recalculate, others void the whole bet. Check the rules before you place it.