NZ bettors have multiple types of bets, and one of the most popular options is parlay. It’s a relatively straightforward way to bet, and widely supported by all sports betting sites.
Read on as we discuss all about parlay betting, including its upsides, downsides, and strategies.
A parlay bet or accumulator is a single bet that contains two or more individual wagers, which require all of the selections winning to get a return. Typically, parlay bets will pay out more than placing the bets separately, but, if one or more selections lose, the entire bet loses.
The returns of a parlay bet can be calculated by multiplying the stake by the odds of the first selection, then the second, third, fourth and so on, depending on how many selections you pick. You can place 20+ selection parlay bets, but the chancing of the bet landing decreases with every selection.
Here's a simplified explanation of how it works, broken down into four main components:
Component | Explanation |
---|---|
Definition | A single bet that links together two or more individual wagers for a high payout. All of the selections must win for the parlay to be successful. |
Example | Betting on three football games. If all three bets win, the payout is significantly higher than betting on each game individually. |
Risk | Higher risk since if any of the bets lose, the entire parlay loses. |
Potential Reward | Higher potential reward as the payout increases exponentially with each added bet to the parlay. |
A same-game parlay bet is a feature available on some online betting sites that allows you to combine multiple bets on a single game.
Essentially, you are betting on different outcomes in the same game, such as combining the result of the game, both teams scoring, the amount of corners, and much more.
Below is an example of a same-game parlay bet, also known as a "Bet Builder", on a few bookmakers.
Parlay betting, (multi- or accumulator betting) is legal in New Zealand and regulated by the New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB) and the Department of Internal Affairs under the Gambling Act 2003.
The NZRB operates the TAB (Totalisator Agency Board), the country's main provider of sports and race betting services. Parlay betting allows bettors to combine multiple bets into one for potentially higher payouts.
However, it is important to bet responsibly and be aware of the legal age requirement for gambling, which is 18 years in New Zealand.
While it involves picking multiple selections, placing a parlay bet is relatively straightforward. Find out how to go about it in the subsequent sections.
First, you have to identify a reliable parlay sportsbook to use. Your preferred platform must be legal and licensed to operate in New Zealand. Plus, it’s essential to evaluate the betting site's reputation and confirm that the operator is trustworthy. Other critical factors to consider include:
You can choose trustworthy bookmakers from our top 10 betting site list, where we double-check all of the details mentioned above..
After pinpointing the right parlay sportsbook in New Zealand, follow these instructions to place your bet:
Now, all you have to do is wait for the events to play and check if you win.
Parlay betting in New Zealand is one of the best ways to wager on sports events. However, it has its pros and cons. Let’s look at both sides of the equation:
The primary advantage of parlay betting is that it offers higher payouts than single-game wagers. When you combine legs into one slip, the sportsbook multiplies all the odds by your stake amount. So, the compounded odds result in much higher potential winnings than if you placed the bets separately.
With high rewards comes high risk. The fact that all legs in the parlay must play correctly for you to win makes the bet type challenging. If one selection isn’t correct, you lose it all. Additionally, the more legs you add to the accumulator bet, the lower the probability of winning.
Some betting sites also offer parlay insurance, which usually refunds your stake if your bet loses by one selection. These parlay insurances typically cover bets with four or more selections and mostly refund the stake as a free bet or cash.
However, Parlay insurance often only applies to certain sports and betting markets. Be sure to check out the promotions page on the bookmaker of your choice to see if they offer parlay insurance.
For example, bet365 offers parlay boosts of up to 70% extra, an early payout bonus for several sports, including NHL, NBA, MLB, & Soccer.
The early payout bonus marks your selection as a winner if your team is winning by a certain amount at any point in the game, and stays a winner even if the bet goes on to lose.
We’ve established that parlay betting promises more potential rewards but with increased risks. To help minimize the risks, here are some helpful parlay betting strategies to apply:
Always research and analyze your predictions carefully. That way, you can make informed picks when selecting legs for your parlay. A good approach is to focus on familiar sports rather than trying new games.
Many NZ sportsbooks will let you accumulate up to 20 selections in a parlay. But that doesn’t mean you should overload your slip with too many legs. To reduce the risk, keep your parlay at 4 or 5 selections.
It also helps to recognize the variations between different sports in New Zealand and follow strategies specific to each one. Here are some tips we recommend:
Thomas is responsible for content on BettingGuide New Zealand. With his extensive knowledge of the gambling industry and college degree in law, he knows what you should look out for when choosing the best casino or sportsbook.