Just a question about straight wagers vs. parlays/teasers..

[JayKoz]

I'm just wondering why it seems everyone just does straight wagers. I'll usually do straight wagers with a parlay or two on the side, but I'm beginning to thing I'd be better off just doing straight wagers.

While the payouts can be nice, straight wagers somewhat insures you that if you even have a losing day by a game or 2, you can still prevent yourself from losing too much.

So.. did I just answer my own question? Is it better to just go with straight wagers?

[JayKoz]

Meant to add.. I know this is a stupid question to you veterans but I've only been betting for roughly a year. Just looking for some insight. I'm starting to believe that if I stuck to straight wagers, with possibly the occasional parlay/teaser here and there, I could cut my losses and thus increase my winnings.

Thanks for the time, guys. I was around during NCAA Basketball season for a little while but I've been reading here all the time. This is a great place filled with some really good people. :gulp:

[bigbag12]

parlays blow,,pick a set amount for each game and bet just that!!!

[HOMEDAWG]

parlay 25% chance to win
bet game straight 50% chance to win

lets use an example with the outcome of the following:

$100.00 bettor plays 8 games & wins 5


straight bettor wins $500.00 & loses $330.00 net +$170.00


parlay bettor ends up with #1-(2-0) #2-(1-1), #3-(1-1), #4-(1-1)


results wins $260.00 & loses $300.00 net -$40.00

outcome straight bettor Up $210.00 over the parlay bettor!



:beer2:

[JayKoz]

Good points guys, thanks for the input, it's much appreciated.

Basically, parlays it seems are for people who are looking to try to hit big quick--people who bet straight are more in it for a the long haul.

Thanks again.

[rjp]

Actually parlays can be a good thing. If you use them to reduce your risk and at the same time pay less vigorish then you actually come out ahead. Most people don't know how to calculate this, or even care to know, so if you're that person then it's best to straight bet everything.

[Q-Unit]

Originally posted by rjp
Actually parlays can be a good thing. If you use them to reduce your risk and at the same time pay less vigorish then you actually come out ahead. Most people don't know how to calculate this, or even care to know, so if you're that person then it's best to straight bet everything.

you've mentioned this before rjp and im intrigued, only thing is are you talking about say a 2 or 3 game parlay?

because its hard enough as it is to go 55% over the long haul on straight bets, rather than trying to hit ALL the plays on a parlay.

I mean I kinda see what you mean by less vig and less risk, but how the heck do you get the parlay to work for you % wise.:thumbs:

[HOMEDAWG]

You need to get to 7 wins out of 8 for the parlay to start paying!


at 6 wins +$600.00 -$220.00 net +$380.00

parlay 2-2 (2-0,2-0,1-1,1-1) +$520.00-$200.00 net $320.00


:beer2:

[JayKoz]

That's a great point homedawg. Thanks for your insight.

Thanks to everyone else, as well. I appreciate it.

[rjp]

Q, if you have a 55% expectation then you expect to win 16.6% of the time (0.55 x 0.55 x 0.55 = 0.166). Do the math but for a 3 team parlay with a 6 to 1 payoff you will pay less vig and, over the long haul, you make more money. You only win 16.6% of the time, but if you have a real 55% expectation then it's the way to go.

[Q-Unit]

:beer2: (this is the closest smiley i could find that resembles a light bulb going off on top of my head LOL)

-man and I took Algebra 2 and Geometry at the same time my sophomore year in high school cuz I thought it would help me out later in life LOL-

thanks rjp :thumbs: