As legal sports betting is coming to more US states, millions of American sports fans are backing their teams with safe and legal bets. If you’re looking for fun and exciting ways to back your team, and possibly even win some cash, why not try new bet types? Perhaps you’ve spotted round robin as a betting option at your favorite sportsbook but are yet to dip your toes into it? Our betting experts are here to help you get a piece of round robin betting action! 

Round robin wagers allow bettors to create a series of smaller parlay bets from a more extensive list of teams or players. But compared to parlay betting, round robin stakes come with several unique advantages that can help take your sports wagering to the next level. 

For anyone curious about round robin betting and how it works, read our expert guide below.

Round Robins Explained

A round robin bet is a parlay wager with anywhere between three and ten different combinations. Essentially, it’s a string of smaller parlays created from a bigger list of bets. The more games you choose, the more parlay arrangements you can make! However, round robin betting is different from parlay betting, as you can still potentially win even if all your round robin bets don’t come in. You’ll just produce less profit. 

With a name derived from round robin tournaments, where every team plays each other team within its specific group, the idea is basically the same. Yet, instead of playing each other, teams form parlay bets together. 

Round Robin Example

To further explain how round robin bets work, let’s take a look at the example with imagined NFL odds from BetRivers. For this example, we’re using point spread bets, but remember, you can also use moneyline stakes.

  • Detroit Lions +4 (-110)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers -2.5 (-110)
  • Buffalo Bills -4.5 (-110)

Round robin betting offers three two-team parlay bets instead of parlaying all three teams into one three-teamer stake. 

Parlay 1

  • Detroit Lions +4 (-110)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers -2.5 (-110)

Parlay 2

  • Detroit Lions +4 (-110)
  • Buffalo Bills -4.5 (-110)

Parlay 3

  • Pittsburgh Steelers -2.5 (-110)
  • Buffalo Bills -4.5 (-110)

With the standard odds for each NFL game at -110, the payout on a two-team parlay on a $100 wager would be +264. Remember, your parlay odds don’t change when placing a round robin bet. 

Also, while combining several sports teams in a round robin bet is made on one single ticket, each parlay stake will appear as an individual bet. The key thing to remember with round robin bets is that not every parlay must win for your stake to succeed. 

Are Round Robins Worth It?

On the one hand, round robins usually require a more considerable investment than traditional parlay bets. The more teams you put in, the more expensive your wager is. 

However, they also increase your total possible profit while still reducing the chance of a complete loss. But that’s not to say that it’s always the wisest choice. As with parlay bets, the more legs you include, the riskier the wager becomes. Therefore, it’s best to weigh up your options before rushing in and placing your bet. 

Legal Sports Betting in the US

The US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) in May 2018, allowing each US state to establish its own sports betting market. Since PASPA’s abolishment, dozens of states have legalized online gambling and sports betting, introducing regulated sportsbook brands to the wider masses. 

With a steady increase in sports betting interest and popularity across the US, exciting wagers like round robins are becoming even more prevalent at sports betting sites. If you’re ready to place round robins on your favorite teams, check out our in-depth sportsbook reviews and pick your new favorite. Use the links on this page to register, claim your welcome bonus, and start betting today.