Parlays vs. Singles: Which Betting Strategy Wins Long-Term?

Parlays vs. Singles: Which Betting Strategy Wins Long-Term? | SportsTrade

June 03, 2025, by Toby Banks

Parlays vs. Singles: Which Strategy Makes More Sense Long-Term?

In the world of sports betting, two popular approaches dominate: parlays and single bets. While parlays offer tempting payouts with low stakes, single bets provide more control and consistency. So which strategy is actually smarter in the long run? Let’s break it down.

1. What Is a Parlay Bet?

A parlay is a single bet that combines multiple individual bets. For the bet to win, every leg must win. If even one leg loses, the entire bet loses.

Pros:

Huge payout potential from small stakes
Exciting and popular among casual bettors

Cons:

High risk: One mistake and the bet is lost
Odds multiply risk, not just return

Example: A 3-leg parlay with odds of 2.00, 1.80, and 2.20 pays 7.92x your stake—but all three must win.

2. What Are Single Bets?

Single bets are straightforward wagers on individual outcomes. You win or lose based solely on that one result.

Pros:

Easier to track and manage
Lower risk, better for bankroll control
Ideal for bettors with a long-term edge

Cons:

Lower payout per bet compared to parlays

Pro Tip: Single bets let your edge play out over time without compounding risk.

3. Which Strategy Performs Better Over Time?

Parlays:

Fun, but statistically less likely to yield consistent returns
Often favored by the house due to the higher edge

Singles:

Allow sharper bettors to grind out long-term profits
More consistent results if you stick to +EV bets

Real Talk:

Most professional sports bettors avoid parlays altogether or use them strategically in rare cases.

4. When Parlays Might Make Sense

You’re betting on closely related outcomes (e.g., underdog to win + under total points)
You’re using a small amount of money for entertainment
You have a strong edge across multiple correlated legs

5. How to Choose the Right Strategy for You

Ask yourself:

Are you betting for fun or long-term ROI?
Do you have data or models to support your bets?
Can you emotionally handle variance?

If your goal is to build sustainable profit, single bets are usually the smarter path.

Conclusion

Parlays are flashy and fun, but singles win the long game. By focusing on consistent, data-driven single bets, you give yourself the best chance to beat the market over time.

tag