What is a Sportsbook Parlay Card?

Parlays may seem like a simple concept at first glance, but one needs to remember that, as with any bet at a sportsbook, there are various conditions and rules that apply. Hence, the creation of what is known as a "parlay card", which is a brief explanation of the payouts for parlays up to 15 teams, along with any special conditions that apply. Rules and payout terms may vary by sportsbook.

Definition of a Parlay Bet Card: A Parlay Card is a reference sports bettors can use to see the payout amounts for various different parlay bets, and also learn about the conditions and rules that apply to parlay bets. House wagering rules vary by sportsbook. The most common parlay card used is the "Las Vegas Parlay Card", a standard most all Las Vegas sportsbooks and online sportsbook use.

Parlay Card Example

The following parlay bet schedule, courtesy of Sportsbetting3.com follows the standard "Las Vegas Parlay Card". Standard rules, conditions, and limitations follow the payout schedule.

2 Team Parlay: 13 to 5
3 Team Parlay: 6 to 1
4 Team Parlay: 10 to 1
5 Team Parlay: 20 to 1
6 Team Parlay: 40 to 1
7 Team Parlay: 75 to 1
8 Team Parlay: 100 to 1
9 Team Parlay: 150 to 1
10 Team Parlay: 300 to 1
11 Team Parlay: 450 to 1
12 Team Parlay: 600 to 1
13 Team Parlay: 750 to 1
14 Team Parlay: 900 to 1
15 Team Parlay: 1500 to 1

To figure how much money you could win per dollar wagered, find the number of teams you want to bet, and then multiply by the odds following the total team count. Example: You want to place a 10 team parlay bet. If you win, you will be paid $300 for every $1 wagered. So, if you bet $10 on a 10 team parlay, you would collect $3,000 in winnings.

Common Parlay Card Conditions and Rules:

• 1. If you lose any game on your parlay bet, the entire bet loses (unless your sportsbook offers Close Call Parlays - see "What is a Close Call Parlay").
  
  
• 2. If you bet a 2 team parlay and any of the games ties the spread, the parlay becomes a straight bet (essentially the game that ties is null and you get standard odds on your remaining game).
  
  
• 3. If any of the games on a parlay bet greater than 2 teams is a push, you don't lose: the parlay drops down to the next payout level. For example, a 6 team parlay with one a game push becomes a 5 team parlay. Likewise, a 12 team parlay with a one game push becomes a 11 team parlay. If two teams tie the spread, you subtract 2 games from your parlay game total: a 7 team parlay bet with 2 pushes becomes a 5 team parlay. Two or more pushes is rare.
  
  
• 4. Maximum Parlay bet payout: Most sportsbooks specify a Maximum payout on any one parlay bet. Usually, this amount is in the neighborhood of $100,000. This provision is meant to protect the sportsbook from paying out a huge win, especially in the rare event that a huge parlay bet comes in. If, for example, $100 was bet on 15 teams, the payout would be $150,000. The maximum payout rule is a sportsbook's insurance policy against run-away parlay bet wins.
  

Thoughts on Sportsbook Parlay Cards:

1. Always, always, always read your sportsbook's parlay card carefully. There may be some minor deviations from the standard Las Vegas parlay card example above. In most cases, these differences are minor and generally don't pinch the player, or create unfair wagering conditions. Most sportsbooks post their parlay cards in their House Rules and Wagering Guide section. See the parlay cards at the following sportsboks:

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

2. Wow, a 15 team parlay pays out big! Should I bet 15 team parlays every weekend? Nope - in fact, we suggest that never bet more than a 5 team parlay. There's a reason why a 15 team parlay pays 1500 to 1: this essentially means that there's a 1 in 1,500 chance you'll win, which are VERY , VERY long odds. Stick with 2-4 team parlays, and you'll make some money every once in a while.

3. What if I can't find my sportsbook's parlay card? If you can't find the parlay card, call customer support immediately and request it in person. Sometimes, house wagering rules and conditions are buried at sportsbook websites, in part because they don't want people to take advantage of any potential loop holes or weaknesses. Therefore, if you're just an average Joe looking to place a parlay bet, call or email support if you can't find the parlay card.