What Is a Round Robin in Sports Betting?
A round robin in sports betting is a strategic wagering format that allows bettors to place multiple parlay bets simultaneously, covering different combinations of selections within a group. This type of bet provides flexibility and risk management by increasing the chances of earning a payout even if not all picks win.
How a Round Robin Works
When creating a round robin bet, the bettor selects a group of teams or outcomes—typically three or more—and the sportsbook automatically generates all possible parlay combinations of a chosen size from those selections. For example, if a bettor picks three teams (Team A, Team B, and Team C) and wants to build two-team parlays, the round robin will create the following three separate parlays:
- Parlay 1: Team A and Team B
- Parlay 2: Team A and Team C
- Parlay 3: Team B and Team C
If the bettor increases the number of picks, the sportsbook can create a much larger set of parlays, depending on the desired group size (doubles, triples, etc.).
Round Robin vs Traditional Parlay
A traditional parlay requires all selected outcomes to win for the bet to pay out. In contrast, a round robin spreads the wager across several smaller parlays, meaning that a bettor can still profit if only some of the combinations hit. This makes the round robin more forgiving and suitable for bettors looking for a balance between risk and reward.
For example:
- In a three-team traditional parlay, one loss results in a total loss.
- In a three-team round robin (2-team parlays), one loss may still result in a payout if two parlays win.
Types of Round Robin Combinations
Depending on how many teams or outcomes are chosen, bettors can create various types of round robin combinations:
- 2-Team Parlays (Doubles): All possible combinations of two picks.
- 3-Team Parlays (Triples): All possible combinations of three picks.
- Mixed Combinations: Bettors may choose to include all 2-team and 3-team combinations from a group of four or more picks.
The more combinations included, the higher the total cost of the bet, since each parlay is treated as an individual wager.
Example of a 4-Team Round Robin (2-Team Parlays)
Selections: A, B, C, D
Possible 2-team parlays:
- A & B
- A & C
- A & D
- B & C
- B & D
- C & D
This creates six separate parlays. If the bettor wagers $10 per parlay, the total bet amount is $60.
Advantages of Round Robin Betting
- Reduced Risk: Not all selections need to win for a payout.
- More Consistency: Increases the chance of some return even with one or two incorrect picks.
- Customizable: Bettors can control parlay size and stake per combination.
Disadvantages of Round Robin Betting
- Higher Cost: More combinations mean a higher total wager.
- Lower Maximum Payout: Compared to a traditional parlay, the payout is smaller if all selections win.
- Complexity: Beginners may find it confusing due to the number of moving parts and combinations.
When to Use a Round Robin Strategy
Round robin bets are particularly useful when a bettor has a strong opinion about multiple selections but wants to reduce the risk of a full parlay loss. It is ideal for experienced bettors who understand the probability and payout structure of each combination and want to hedge against variance.
Final Thoughts
Round robin betting adds a layer of strategy and flexibility to sports wagering. It bridges the gap between single bets and traditional parlays, offering a middle-ground option that can be both exciting and financially safer. While it requires a higher initial investment and a solid understanding of parlay mechanics, it remains a popular choice among seasoned bettors seeking consistent value across multiple picks.
