What is a Same-Game Parlay?
Combine multiple bets from a single game into one high-payout wager. Learn how SGPs work and what you need to know before placing one.
Quick Answer
A same-game parlay (SGP) is a single bet that combines multiple selections from the same game. Unlike traditional parlays that mix bets from different games, SGPs let you stack outcomes like the game winner, player props, and totals all into one ticket. All legs must win for the parlay to pay out.
How Same-Game Parlays Work
Same-game parlays allow you to combine bets that were traditionally impossible to parlay because they come from the same event. Before SGPs, you couldn't parlay "Team A to win" with "Player X to score 2+ touchdowns" because both outcomes came from the same game.
The key difference from regular parlays is correlation. In a normal parlay with bets from different games, each outcome is independent. In a same-game parlay, outcomes are often related—if one happens, it may increase or decrease the likelihood of another happening.
Example: NFL Same-Game Parlay
Chiefs vs. Bills — Sunday Night Football
- Leg 1: Chiefs Moneyline (-130)
- Leg 2: Patrick Mahomes Over 275.5 Passing Yards (-115)
- Leg 3: Travis Kelce Anytime Touchdown (+120)
- Leg 4: Game Total Over 48.5 (-110)
Combined Odds: +620 (approximately) — $10 bet wins $62 profit
Note: Actual SGP odds are calculated by sportsbook algorithms accounting for correlations
Understanding Correlation in SGPs
Correlation is why SGP odds are lower than if you multiplied individual bet odds together. Sportsbooks use algorithms to adjust payouts based on how related your selections are.
Positive Correlation
Outcomes that become more likely together. These reduce your payout.
- Team to win + star player to have a good game
If the team wins, their best player likely played well
- High-scoring game + player over on points
More total points = more chances for individual scoring
- Team covers spread + team total over
Big wins usually mean high scores
Negative Correlation
Outcomes that become less likely together. These can increase your payout.
- Game under + player over on stats
Low-scoring games usually mean fewer individual stats
- Team blowout win + opponent's player props over
Blowouts often mean garbage time or reduced playing time
- Low-total game + multiple touchdowns from one player
Fewer total scores means less chance for individual TDs
Same-Game Parlay vs. Traditional Parlay
| Feature | Same-Game Parlay | Traditional Parlay |
|---|---|---|
| Source of bets | Single game only | Multiple different games |
| Correlation | Outcomes often related | Outcomes independent |
| Odds calculation | Proprietary algorithm (correlation-adjusted) | Standard multiplication of odds |
| Typical payout | Lower (correlation penalty) | Higher for same number of legs |
| House edge | Generally higher | Standard parlay vig |
Popular Same-Game Parlay Strategies
Game Script Betting
Build an SGP around how you think the game will play out. If you expect a shootout, combine the over with multiple player scoring props. If you expect a defensive battle, pair the under with first-half under.
Star Player Stack
Stack multiple props on a player you're confident will have a big game. Combine passing yards over, touchdown passes over, and rushing yards over for a dual-threat QB in a favorable matchup.
Low-Correlation Builds
Find legs that aren't heavily correlated to maximize payout. Props from opposing players or outcomes that don't directly affect each other can result in better value.
Contrarian Combos
Pair negatively correlated outcomes for higher payouts. The game under with a specific player scoring multiple touchdowns is harder to hit, but pays significantly more.
Pros and Cons of Same-Game Parlays
Advantages
- Entertainment value
More ways to stay engaged with a single game
- Express specific predictions
Bet on exactly how you think the game will unfold
- One game, big payout potential
Don't need multiple games to go your way
- Frequently boosted by sportsbooks
SGP boosts and insurance offers are common promos
Disadvantages
- Higher house edge
Sportsbooks typically charge more vig on SGPs
- Correlation reduces payouts
You get less than straight multiplication of odds
- Difficult to compare across books
Each book uses different correlation models
- Low win probability
Adding legs quickly reduces your chances
Tips for Same-Game Parlay Betting
1
Keep legs to 2-4 selections
Each leg you add dramatically reduces win probability. A 4-leg parlay is already difficult.
2
Compare SGP odds across sportsbooks
Different books price correlations differently—shop for the best payout.
3
Look for SGP boosts and promos
Books offer profit boosts and insurance on SGPs that can offset the higher vig.
4
Use SGPs for entertainment, not as your main strategy
Treat SGPs as fun bets with a small portion of your bankroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a same-game parlay?
A same-game parlay (SGP) combines multiple bets from the same game into one wager. All selections must win for the parlay to pay out. For example, you could bet on the Chiefs to win, Patrick Mahomes to throw over 2.5 touchdowns, and the game total to go over 48.5—all in one bet.
Why are same-game parlay payouts lower than regular parlays?
Same-game parlay payouts are lower because the outcomes are correlated. If you bet on a team to win big, the star quarterback is more likely to have a good game. Sportsbooks adjust the odds to account for these correlations, which reduces the overall payout compared to uncorrelated parlay legs.
Can same-game parlays be profitable?
Same-game parlays are generally difficult to beat long-term because sportsbooks use correlation models and typically charge higher vig. However, they can be profitable for entertainment value or if you find inefficiencies in how sportsbooks price correlated outcomes.
What sports offer same-game parlays?
Most major sportsbooks offer same-game parlays for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. Availability varies by sportsbook and specific games. Some books also offer SGPs for UFC fights and other sports.
How many legs can I add to a same-game parlay?
Most sportsbooks allow 2-12 legs in a same-game parlay, though limits vary. Keep in mind that each additional leg significantly reduces your probability of winning—a 3-leg parlay at -110 each has roughly a 12.5% chance of winning, while a 5-leg parlay drops to about 3%.