How to Make Parlay Bets in Virginia - A Betting Guide for Parlays

Fact Checked by Blake Weishaar

With sports betting live in Virginia, it's important to understand the different forms of bets available to you. Parlay bets are among the most popular bets at any sportsbook, and here you'll find all you need to know about parlays with Virginia sportsbooks.  

Verified Offers Verified By Our Experts
1
Best Choice
BetMGM Sports
Best Choice
Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in VA. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code VFBBONUS
2
Must be 21+ to participate in VA. T&Cs apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-888-532-3500
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
3
Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customer only. Must be 21+ and Present in VA. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
4
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code VFB1000
5
Offered by Seminole Hard Rock Digital, LLC. Must be 21+ and physically present in VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. In VA, CALL 1-800-GAMBLER
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
6
Must be 21+ to participate and present in VA. T&Cs apply.
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
7
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify $10.00
Promo Code Not Required
8
NEW SPORTSBOOK
ESPN BET Sportsbook
Must be 21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. T&Cs Apply.
Live Betting Yes
Live Support Chat Yes
Same Game Parlay Yes
Deposit To Qualify 10
Promo Code BETVA

What is a Parlay Bet in Virginia?

A parlay bet is like rolling the dice on multiple outcomes at once. Instead of placing separate bets on individual events, a parlay lets you combine several bets into one. The catch is that you only win if all your chosen outcomes happen. It's a high-risk, high-reward strategy – the more predictions you get right, the bigger your payoff, but if one falls through, you lose the whole bet. It's a thrilling way to multiply your winnings, but it comes with the challenge of predicting multiple results correctly. And note that you can build further on those winnings through the use of Virginia sports betting promos

Parlays can also sometimes be called "multis" or "accumulators" depending on what country you're in. However, they're mostly referred to as parlays in the US. 

How Do Parlays Work?

A parlay works by letting you combine multiple bets offered by VA betting apps into one. Instead of betting on one game or event, you choose several, and if all your predictions are correct, you win big. The catch is that if any of your predictions is wrong, you lose the entire bet. It's a way to increase your potential winnings by taking on more risk, as all the outcomes you pick have to happen for you to win. So, it's a high-risk, high-reward style of betting.

Are Parlay Bets Legal in Virginia?

Yes, parlay bets are legal in Virginia. The sports betting law signed by Gov. Ralph Northam allows for all types of wagers, parlays included. So you can sign up right away with a sportsbook like ESPN BET Virginia and start betting parlays! Remember that it's always a good idea to check for any updates or changes in the law, as regulations may evolve over time.

Building a Parlay Betting Strategy

Building a successful parlay betting strategy requires a thoughtful approach, combining intuition with careful consideration of odds and statistics. Firstly, it's crucial to focus on a specific sport or set of events that you are knowledgeable about. Whether it's basketball, football, or a mix of different sports, having a solid understanding of the teams or players involved enhances your ability to make informed predictions.

Next, assess the odds offered by the sportsbook like BetMGM Virginia for each individual bet you include in your parlay. Understanding the potential payouts and the likelihood of each outcome is essential. It's advisable to strike a balance between favorites and underdogs to optimize the risk-reward ratio. Including too many long shots may increase your potential winnings, but it also elevates the risk of losing the entire parlay.

Consider the type of bets you include in your parlay. Combining different bet types, such as moneyline, point spread, and totals, can add diversity to your strategy. However, ensure that each selection aligns with your overall analysis and predictions.

In addition to diversifying bet types, be mindful of the timing of the events you include. Ideally, aim for simultaneous or sequential events to avoid the challenge of waiting for outcomes that may affect subsequent bets. Timely information and updates on player injuries, team performance, and other relevant factors can also play a crucial role in shaping your parlay strategy.

Lastly, establish a budget and stick to it. While the allure of a large parlay payout is enticing, responsible bankroll management is key. Avoid chasing losses by betting more than you can afford to lose. Parlay betting is inherently riskier, so it's essential to approach it with a disciplined and strategic mindset, understanding that not every parlay will result in a win. By combining knowledge, thoughtful selection, and financial prudence, you can craft a parlay betting strategy that maximizes the potential for success in the unpredictable world of sports wagering.

How to Win a Parlay Bet

To win a parlay bet, you need all of your selected outcomes with the operator like Fanatics Sportsbook Virginia to be correct. Each individual prediction, often involving multiple games or events, must come true for the entire parlay to be successful. This makes parlay betting challenging but potentially lucrative. 

Successful parlay betting requires a combination of in-depth knowledge of the sports or events involved, strategic selection of bets with favorable odds, and a careful balance between risk and reward. It's crucial to approach parlay betting with realistic expectations, a disciplined budget, and a well-thought-out strategy to enhance your chances of hitting that rewarding combination of multiple correct predictions.

How to Understand Parlay Odds in Virginia

Understanding parlay odds involves grasping both the odds of individual bets and how they combine to affect the overall parlay potential payout. This is paramount with your journey in betting with some of the top sportsbooks in the state, such as Caesars Sportsbook Virginia

Individual Odds 

Start by looking at the odds for each individual bet within the parlay. For instance, if the Washington Commanders has a moneyline bet with odds of +150, the Wizards have a point spread bet with odds of -110, and the Capitals have a totals (over/under) bet with odds of +120, these represent the potential payouts for a $100 wager.

  • Washington Commanders (Moneyline +150): If you bet $100 and they win, you would profit $150 plus your initial $100.
  • Washington Wizards (Point Spread -110): If you bet $110 and they cover the spread, you would profit $100 plus your initial $110.
  • Washington Capitals (Totals Over +120): If you bet $100 and the total score goes over, you would profit $120 plus your initial $100.

Calculating Parlay Odds

Parlay odds are not simply the sum of individual odds. They are calculated based on a formula that considers the odds of each selection. For example, a three-team parlay with individual odds of +150, -110, and +120 might have overall odds around +600. This means a $100 parlay bet could potentially yield a profit of $600 plus the initial $100 if all three selections are correct.

Balancing Risk and Reward

It's important to strike a balance in your parlay selections. Including too many underdogs can increase the potential payout but also the risk of losing the entire bet. Conversely, relying solely on favorites may result in lower potential winnings.

Reading Parlay Odds

Positive odds (e.g., +600) indicate potential profit on a $100 bet, while negative odds (e.g., -110) represent the amount you need to wager to profit $100.

Utilizing Parlay Calculators

Online parlay calculators can help you quickly determine potential payouts based on your chosen odds and the number of selections.

Understanding parlay odds is about combining individual bets strategically to enhance potential returns while recognizing the inherent risk. By carefully selecting bets with favorable odds and managing risk, you can navigate the complexities of parlay betting with Virginia's professional sports teams.

Types of Parlay Bets in Virginia

While betting parlays, it's also important to understand which types of bets can be combined into a parlay. 

Moneyline

Moneyline betting involves predicting the outright winner of a game or event. Positive odds (e.g., +150) indicate potential profit on a $100 bet, while negative odds (e.g., -110) represent the amount you need to wager to profit $100. Moneyline bets are straightforward and commonly used in various sports.

Over/Under (Totals)

Over/Under, or Totals betting, revolves around predicting whether the combined score of both teams in a game will be over or under a set number. For example, if the Over/Under for a basketball game is set at 210 points, betting the Over wins if the total score is 211 or more, while betting the Under wins if the total is 210 or less.

Point Spreads

Point spread betting involves handicapping teams by giving or receiving points. For instance, if a team has a -6.5 point spread, they must win by at least 7 points for a bet on them to be successful. Conversely, if a team has a +6.5 point spread, they can lose by up to 6 points, and a bet on them can still win.

Teasers

Teasers allow bettors to adjust point spreads or totals by adding or subtracting points, typically 6, 6.5, or 7 points, to improve their chances of winning. While this increases the likelihood of success, it also reduces potential payouts. Teasers are popular for combining multiple bets while adjusting the lines to favor the bettor.

Pleasers

Pleasers are a more challenging variation of point spread betting where the sportsbook like DraftKings Virginia adds points to the spread in favor of the underdog, making it harder for them to cover. While the potential payouts are higher, the difficulty level increases, as the selected teams must win by a larger margin than the adjusted spread. Pleasers are a high-risk, high-reward bet type.

Round Robin

Round Robin betting is a way to create multiple parlays from a list of selected teams or outcomes. For example, if you choose three teams (A, B, and C), a Round Robin would create three two-team parlays (AB, AC, BC) and one three-team parlay (ABC). This strategy provides flexibility and diversification but requires a higher initial wager.

Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customer only. Must be 21+ and Present in VA. T&Cs apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Pros and Cons of Parlays

Pros
High Payouts: Combining bets can lead to substantial potential winnings.
Entertainment Value: Enhances excitement by combining multiple game predictions.
Strategic Flexibility: Allows diverse bet types and sports selections.
Cons
High Risk: One incorrect prediction results in losing the entire bet.
Lower Probability: Odds of winning decrease with each added selection.
Complexity: Requires careful analysis, increasing the potential for miscalculations.

Start Betting Parlays in Virginia

Now equipped with a sufficient understanding of parlay betting and its intricacies, you're poised to embark on an exciting journey into the realm of sports wagering in Virginia. Armed with knowledge about individual bet types such as Moneyline, Over/Under, and Point Spreads, as well as the strategic nuances involved in building a successful parlay, you are well-prepared to navigate the Virginia sports betting landscape. 

Whether you choose to explore the potential high payouts, derive entertainment value from combining multiple predictions, or leverage the strategic flexibility parlay betting offers, the time has come to put your insights into action. As you venture into the world of parlay betting, remember to approach it with a balanced mix of enthusiasm and discipline, keeping a watchful eye on both the rewards and risks associated with this dynamic form of sports gambling.

Virginia Parlay Betting FAQs

Author

Editorial Staff

The experts at BetVirginia who bring you the latest updates in Virginia sports betting. We pull together decades of experience to give you analysis as well as comparisons of the best VA online gambling apps.

Cited by leading media organizations, such as: