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From Single-Leg Bets to Parlays: How and Why Bettors Are Changing Their Wagering Habits

By jili tutorial · October 9, 2026

From Single-Leg Bets to Parlays: How and Why Bettors Are Changing Their Wagering Habits

The landscape of sports betting has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. Once dominated by single-leg bets, the industry has seen a seismic shift toward parlay wagers. This evolution is not just driven by new bettors entering the market but also by seasoned bettors changing their strategies. Below, we explore the factors behind this shift, supported by data, expert insights, and historical context.

The Rise of Parlays: A Five-Year Transformation

From One-Third to Nearly Three-Quarters

A comprehensive study analyzing 547 million NFL wagers placed between 2018 and 2023 revealed a striking trend: parlays surged from comprising about a third of all bets to nearly 73% during this period. While new bettors played a role, the data shows that existing customers also significantly altered their wagering habits. This shift is not merely anecdotal; it’s a measurable phenomenon backed by extensive research published in Finance Research Letters in September 2026.

The Role of Same-Game Parlays

One of the most significant contributors to this growth was the emergence of same-game parlays (SGPs). In 2018, SGPs were virtually nonexistent, accounting for 0% of wagers. By 2023, they represented 32.05% of all bets. Traditional parlays also saw growth, rising from 33.59% in 2018 to 40.46% in 2023. This data underscores a broader trend toward combining bets and chasing larger potential payouts.

Why Are Bettors Embracing Parlays?

The Appeal of Bigger Payouts

Anthony Lucas, a professor at UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and a former casino industry professional, emphasizes the psychological allure of parlays. “What the parlay does is it allows you to bet less money, risk less money, and then if you hit it, you get a bigger payout,” he explains. This “something-for-nothing” proposition resonates with bettors, drawing parallels to slot jackpots and long-shot bets at racetracks.

The Influence of Sportsbook Promotions

Promotions have also played a pivotal role. A companion study published in the Journal of Gambling Studies found that the rise in parlay usage coincided with the introduction of bonuses, free bets, and profit boosts. While these promotions didn’t directly cause the shift, their timing suggests they acted as catalysts, encouraging bettors to explore multi-leg wagers.

How Technology Has Simplified Parlay Betting

The Evolution of Sportsbook Apps

Matt Bresler, co-founder and CEO of Odditt, highlights how technology has transformed the betting experience. In 2018, building a parlay meant manually combining spreads, totals, or moneylines from multiple games. Today, sportsbook apps have streamlined this process, allowing bettors to tap three or four picks and have them land on the bet slip instantly. Some apps even feature ready-made parlays on the home screen or game page, eliminating the need for manual assembly.

Player Props and Market Expansion

The introduction of player prop bets has further fueled the parlay boom. Bettors now have access to a wider array of markets, enabling them to craft intricate wagers centered around a single game. For example, a fan could combine a quarterback’s passing yards with his team’s win probability, creating a personalized SGP tailored to their interests.

The Role of Familiarity and Experience

A Learning Curve

The study’s starting point, 2018, coincides with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which paved the way for regulated sports betting across the U.S. As Lucas notes, “People were kind of learning about sports wagering, and so they would make traditional bets, like side bets, picking a team. Then they start to get more involved, and they’re like, ‘Oh, this parlay is attractive.’”

From Novices to Advanced Bettors

This progression mirrors the natural evolution of bettors as they become more familiar with sports betting. While novices may start with straightforward single-leg bets, seasoned bettors often gravitate toward more complex wagering options like parlays in pursuit of higher rewards.

How Sportsbooks Are Driving the Parlay Trend

Personalization and Data Analysis

Sportsbooks are leveraging data to tailor the betting experience to individual preferences. Adam Bjorn, CEO of Plannatech, explains, “Bet history tells you almost everything: stake sizes, sports, markets, how many legs someone builds, and whether they’re chasing a big payout or grinding a small edge.” Once a bettor places a parlay, the sportsbook can use this information to promote similar wagers in the future.

Financial Incentives for Sportsbooks

There’s also a financial motive behind this push. Sportsbooks typically hold higher margins on parlays compared to single-leg bets. As Bjorn notes, operators actively encourage bettors to transition to parlays through odds boosts, parlay insurance, and bonus bets tied to multi-leg tickets. By making parlays the easiest option to click on the screen, sportsbooks increase the likelihood of adoption.

The Future of Parlay Betting

Continued Growth and Innovation

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the ways bettors engage with parlays. Innovations like AI-driven betting recommendations and dynamic odds adjustments could further enhance the appeal of multi-leg wagers. Meanwhile, sportsbooks are likely to double down on promotions and personalized experiences to retain and expand their customer base.

Unanswered Questions

While the studies provide valuable insights, they leave some questions unanswered. Why exactly do bettors shift from single-leg bets to parlays? Are promotions the primary driver, or do other factors, such as social influence or changing risk appetites, play a role? Future research may help unravel these complexities.

Conclusion

The shift from single-leg bets to parlays represents a fundamental change in how bettors approach sports wagering. Driven by technological advancements, promotions, and the allure of bigger payouts, this trend shows no signs of slowing down. As sportsbooks continue to innovate and cater to evolving preferences, parlays are poised to remain a cornerstone of the modern betting experience.