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What is a Close Call Parlay Bet?

Damn! Did you just miss your parlay bet by one team? Don't sweat it - at some sportsbooks you may still qualify for a payout, under the terms of what is called a "close call parlay". Perhaps you've heard about it as a special sportsbook promotion, or from your betting buddies after a weekend of sports contests. Either way, close call parlays are a sportsbook's way of saying, "You missed it by one game, but we're going to pay you anway". Sounds sweet, doesn't it?

Definition of a Close Call Parlay Bet: A Close Call parlay is the result of a parlay bet that misses the total number of contests a player has wager on by one; that is, if a player makes a 10 team parlay bet, and 9 of 10 contests win, some sportsbooks will still pay the player on a reduced parlay payout schedule, despite the fact that the player technically lost the entire original 10 team parlay wager. Not all sportsbooks offer close call parlays.

Close Call Parlay Bet Example:

It's Saturday afternoon, and the NBA has several different games scheduled for the day. You decide that you're going to pick 8 of 8 winners in a standard 8 team parlay bet. By day's end, however, you only get 7 of 8 predictions correct. As a result, if your sportsbook offers a "close call parlay" option, you'll get paid out on 7 of 8 team result on a reduced schedule. Close call parlays are a very nice perk offered by top notch sportsbooks: getting paid for missing your entire parlay never paid so well!

The following schedule, courtesy of Sportsbetting3.com and VIP.com demonstrates how a sportsbook might payout a close call parlay. Note: there are always special conditions attached to this result, so be sure you understand the qualifications for collecting your winnings.

8 of 9 pays 4-1
A $50 losing parlay returns $200

7 of 8 pays 3-1
A $50 losing parlay returns $150

6 of 7 pays 2-1
A $50 losing parlay returns $100

5 of 6 pays 1-1
A $50 losing parlay returns $50

Rules: Only available on football and basketball 1st half, 2nd half and full game wagers against the spread and totals. Money lines and proposition bets are excluded. Parlays with pushes not eligible for this promo. Original stake is not refunded. This parlay will not be automatically paid out by our system. You must claim your winnings within 48 hours from when the parlay is graded. To claim your winnings, contact our Customer Service Department. Maximum payout $200. The Company reserves the right to refuse this promotion to anyone at any time. If your account shows a lifetime profit (Deposits – withdrawals – account balance = any negative number), you will not be eligible for this promotion. Only those accounts that currently have a positive lifetime number are eligible for this promotion.

Thoughts on Close Call Parlays:

1. Pissed that 8 of 9 only pays 4-1 ( at least according to the schedule above )? Well, you should be happy that you get any money at all. At some sportsbooks, it's common NOT to offer close call parlays. So if you get 8 of 9 predictions correct, you will get NOTHING. Some lesser sportsbooks have worse condistions: suppose you get 8 of 9 correct and push on the 9th prediction; you might still lose the entire parlay bet altogether. It's far better to tie the house or get a small payout opposed to losing your entire wager, so sportsbooks that offer close call parlays are worth visiting.

2. There are always conditions and qualifications attached to every close call parlay result. Be sure that you read your sportsbook's rules and house wagering guide carefully. If you see that close call parlays are offered, and feel you've qualified, but later don't get paid out, be sure to read the sportsbook's conditions very carefully before you make an angry call to customer service. Remember, close call parlays are a player perk that many sportsbooks DO NOT OFFER, so understand that there may be circumstances and conditions under which you may or may not get paid. If you do get paid out, think of it as free cash for what was otherwise a losing bet.

3. Who offers Close Call Parlays? It's hard to make a complete list, because in many cases, close call parlays are special promotions that are offered seasonally, or for VIP players. In general, however, we've seen that close call parlays are offered at:

Bookmaker.com
Diamond Sports International
5 Dimes Sportsbook
The Greek
Sportsbook.com
Superbook.com

4. I got a close call parlay payout, what do I do next? Well, think of it as free cash and thanks from your sprtsbook for your business. It's always fun to wager with found money, so we suggest you place another bet. Who knows, you might win big this time, all because you messed up the first time around? Great, isn't it? :)

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