The public consensus seems to be that system bets are much, much safer than parlays and, therefore, much easier to recommend. Almost every betting guide or lengthy write-up suggests that you’re better off picking systems every time. In today’s text, I’m going to make a case for parlays.
For Irish sports betting enthusiasts, SkyBet Betting offers comprehensive coverage of sporting events with competitive odds across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf. Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and owned by Flutter Entertainment, the platform provides live betting, BuildABet features for custom accumulators, and extensive horse racing coverage, including Cheltenham and Royal Ascot. With 24/7 customer support and responsible gambling tools, SkyBet delivers a professional betting experience.
Definition – Parlays and Systems
Parlays
It’s a single bet that links multiple wagers. All the individual bets must win for the entire parlay to be successful. The potential payout for a parlay is significantly higher than the combined payouts of the individual bets. In short, it’s an appealing option for bettors seeking a larger return on their investment.
Systems
It’s a combination of multiple straight bets, where the bettor can win even if not all the individual bets are successful. It gives you a better chance of paying off when compared to a parlay, but the amount of money that could be won is much less.
Simple Distinctions Between Parlays and Systems
Both parlays and systems involve more than one betting pick, but they differ in several impactful ways. The primary distinctions between the two betting methods are shown below, in a table:
| Criteria | Parlays | Systems |
| Payout Potential | Higher | Lower |
| Probability of Winning | Lower | Higher |
| Risk Level | Higher | Lower |
| Flexibility | Less | More |
What Kinds of Bettors Choose Systems Over Parlays?
People who like to limit their risk and hope to get regular returns on their bets often choose system bets over parlays. Instead of going after the higher-risk, higher-reward bets, these cautious players are more likely to want to limit their losses than to get more money. Also, it seems to be the preferred strategy of casual bettors who can’t commit to a big, strong bet.
When to Choose Parlays: Matches with Predictable Outcomes
Parlays are an excellent choice when placing bets on matches with more predictable outcomes. I stress this word – MORE predictable. As we all know, nothing is certain when it comes to betting. Yet, in sports like tennis, golf, and football, the best teams and players consistently win. So, it’s much easier to accurately predict multiple outcomes. For example, if the 2025 Premier League champions Liverpool are facing a newly promoted team, you can confidently include that match in a parlay, knowing the favorite is highly likely to win.
The payout for such a parlay would be significantly higher than individual bets on each match. Let’s say Liverpool is priced at 1.25 to win, while Arsenal is at 1.30 in their game against weaker opposition. A $100 parlay combining these two outcomes would pay out $163 with a fairly low level of risk.
When to Choose Parlays: High-Scoring Games
Parlays are also an attractive option when betting on high-scoring games or leagues. Once again, we are turning to the Premier League. The top teams regularly win by multiple goals against weaker opponents. You can turn a small starting bet into a big return by adding the moneyline bets with multiple mismatches. Say you bet $50 that Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea will all win their games as big favorites. If you get creative with your bet (add more specific betting markets) and each of those teams wins, for example, by 3+ goals, your parlay would pay out at $1,012.50, approximately (based on past odds). This is compared to just $450 for three separate $50 bets.
Modern bettors increasingly appreciate the convenience of mobile betting platforms. For those interested in expanding their betting toolkit, aviatoronlinebet.com/mobile-app/ offers information about mobile gaming applications that can complement traditional sports betting strategies.
When to Choose Parlays: When You Need Short-Term Results
Finally, parlays are an excellent choice when you’re looking for quick, short-term results. By combining multiple outcomes into a single bet, you have the potential to turn a small investment into a much larger payout in a short amount of time. This can be particularly useful for bettors who need to generate results quickly, such as those with limited bankrolls.
For example, a $20 parlay on three Premier League games with odds of 1.91 each would pay out at almost $140, compared to almost 22% lower for three separate $20 bets. The potential for a substantial return on a small initial stake makes parlays an attractive option for bettors seeking short-term success. The above example with high-scoring games proves that short-term result potential is even more impressive if you choose to go with higher stakes.
