Love parlays, but dissatisfied that you can’t place multiple bets from the same game? Well, it’s time to say goodbye to that frustration.
Now you have found SGP, a type of wager that offers more flexibility in your parlay bets. Not only does it allow you to combine markets from the same event, but it can also give you big returns! However, to make the most of this wager, you need to understand how it works.
In this article, we will explain what a Same Game Parlay (SGP) bet is and how you can place it online. You will also learn strategies to maximize your winnings using SGPs.
So, to the multimillion-dollar question, what does SGP mean in sports betting?
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Understand how SGP betting works.
- Learn to place SGP bets at FanDuel sportsbook, DraftKings sportsbook and other online sports betting sites.
- Discover strategies to place winning SGP bets.
Understanding Same Game Parlays
A same-game parlay is a type of parlay bet that allows you to place or combine two or more wagers from the same game. If you are a newbie to sports betting, you need to know what a parlay bet is to understand SGPs better. A regular parlay is a single bet comprising two or more individual bets.
For instance: A parlay bet may look like this — A single $50 bet on:
- New England Patriots to win (-150)
- Patrick Mahoney to throw for over 299.5 yards (-120)
- Boston Celtics to cover the point spread (150)
- Manchester United to win (-150)
What do you notice here? All the bets are on different events. This is because traditional parlay bets do not allow you to place bets on the same event. However, same-game parlays allow you to pair bets on the same game.
Keep in mind that not all events support SGPs in online sportsbooks. You will find the SGP logo next to the game card of the one that does support the bet type.
Examples of SGP Betting in Action
Here is the first example of an SGP bet in the NBA:
- Los Angeles Laker to win (-180)
- LeBron James to score over 29.5 points (-110)
- Lakers to make over 12.5 three-pointers (-120)
Here is a second example in MLS — Atlanta United vs. Seattle Sounders:
- Atlanta United to win (-120)
- Josef Martinez to score a goal (-150)
- Over 3.5 goals total scored (-110)
As you can see, the SGP wagers combine multiple bets from the same game into one parlay. Like the standard parlay bet, all the legs or individual bets must win to give you a payout.
The Evolution of SGP Betting
The word “parlay” in gambling dates back to the 1800s; however, there is no specific information on when it became popular in sports betting. One thing is certain, though, it has existed since the early days of points spread betting.
Same Game Parlays, however, only came recently. It started in 2012 as a “request a bet” feature by British-based sportsbook SkyBet. The feature allowed customers to suggest bets on Twitter, and SkyBet’s traders would generate sports betting odds for the most demanded ones.
The bulk of customers’ requests were combinations of outcomes from the same game. Soon enough, this developed into same game parlays and a staple betting option for the company.
It was just us trying to find a new thing, a new market, a new tool that was going to really engage that lower-staking, mass-market recreational base who wanted to be entertained. And it just kept growing.
Robert Allen, Director of Brand Trading for Flutter
In 2019, FanDuel became the first sportsbook to introduce same-game parlays in the US. Interestingly enough, I placed my first SGP bet on the sportsbook in the same year. The wager was on a Saturday night soccer game, combining outcomes like match winner, half-time wins, and number of goals.
Today, SGPs are widely available in the best sportsbooks worldwide — the best online sportsbooks and retail sites.
How to Place an SGP Bet
Generally, it’s easy to place an SGP bet online. The good news is that the two most popular bookmakers in the United States, FanDuel and DraftKings, allow same-game parlays.
While testing the SGP offers available on both websites, I found that each sportsbook takes a slightly different approach to displaying its Same Game Parlays.
While FanDuel uses the name “Same Game Parlay”, DraftKings utilizes “SGParlay”.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can set up an SGP bet like a pro at the two sportsbooks:
- Log into your betting account: Sign in to your FanDuel or DraftKings account via the browser, mobile app, or desktop or laptop. If you are not yet a member, this is the time to create an account with either of the two bookies.
- Select your sports and game: The next step is to find markets or events that are SGP-enabled. As stated earlier, these events will have the SGP logo beside them. Select anyone that appeals to your interests.
- Add wagers to your bet: Here is where it gets more interesting, as you get to select the bets you want in your SGP wager. This process also varies between the two operators. While FanDuel allows you to build an SGP directly within the game’s betting options, DraftKings requires you to switch to the ‘Same Game Parlay’ tab to start creating your parlay.
- Choose your Bet Amount: After choosing your desired bets, decide the amount you want to wager. Remember to always bet responsibly and within your means. After inputting your stake, the sportsbook will calculate the odds and reveal the amount you will win if all the legs in your parlay win. Remember, they must all come through for you to win your bet.
Popular Sports for SGP Betting
Single Game Parlays (SGPs) are versatile bets that can be applied to various sports, but sportsbooks typically offer them for high-scoring and popular sports like football, basketball, baseball, and hockey.
If you want to use an SGP in betting, you might need to reconsider sports like darts and lacrosse.
SGP Betting in Sports
NFL Betting: You can place an SGP bet on NFL games and college events. The NFL’s diverse markets, such as prop bets and point spreads, make it ideal for SGP betting. For example:
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Chiefs win the game (moneyline) – 1.60
- Patrick Mahomes throws for over 300 yards (over 299.5) – 1.75
- Ravens have over 100 rushing yards (over 99.5) – 1.8
NBA Betting: The NBA is another great league for SGP bets due to its varied stats. Betting options include rebounds, team totals, spreads, and player performance props. An NBA SGP wager might look like this:
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Stephen Curry scores over 35 points (over 34.5)
- Warriors win the NBA game (moneyline)
- Lakers make over 18 three-pointers (over 17.5)
MLB Betting: Top sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel offer a variety of SGP options for baseball. Consider combining stats like home runs, strikeouts, RBIs, and moneyline bets. For example:
Toronto Blue Jays vs. New York Yankees
- Blue Jays win the game (moneyline)
- Gerrit Cole strikes out over 7.5 batters (over)
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits a home run (yes)
NHL Betting: Hockey is also suitable for SGP betting, with options like moneyline, player props, team props, and goalie props. An NHL SGP example is:
Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- Bruins to win
- Maple Leafs to score 2+ goals
- Total goals in the game to be over 5.5
SGPs offer a unique way to engage with your favorite sports, combining multiple bet types within one game to enhance your betting experience.
Strategies for Successful Same Game Parlay Betting
While SGPs can give you high returns, they also come with higher risks. To get the best experience from using this wager, you need to find the right balance between risk and reward.
Here are some key strategies to help you place winning same game parlay bets:
- Compare Odds across Sportsbooks: Betting sites’ SGP cumulative odds are not usually the same. To get the best returns on your wager, ensure you create SGP bets across different sportsbooks and identify the biggest potential payout. You can then place your bet with the bookie offering the highest return. This is one of the ways I use to maximize my winnings when betting on SGPs or parlays in general.
- Understand Odds: Each leg in your SGP wager contributes different bet odds to the total. Ensure you assess the actual probability of each leg before placing the bet. Don’t forget that higher odds translate to a higher risk, and all the legs in your bet need to win for the wager to be successful. If you are on a tight budget, I suggest you wager more on favorites. They may offer you lower odds, but they are often more likely to win.
- Don’t add many legs: Sportsbooks love it when players parlay bets. Why? It gives them the most money, mostly from bettors who add too many legs to their parlays. Selecting multiple betting options in your SGP bet can make it more difficult for you to win. You should keep them to legs three or at most 4 if you are highly sure of your research.
- Go for SGP Insurance: Some sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, and Unibet offer a form of cashback on your SGP bets where you can get a refund if one leg of your SGP bet fails. You will receive the rebate as bonus cash, which you can use to wager on the platform. This bonus can be highly beneficial as it helps reduce your potential losses.
For instance, I once placed an SGP bet on a football game with DraftKings, and unfortunately, one of the legs failed. But thanks to their SGP insurance, I received a rebate of $30 as a bonus bet, which I used to place another wager on a different game. I ended up winning that bet.
Mistakes to Avoid in SGP Betting
When betting on a single game parlay (SGP), avoid these common mistakes to improve your chances of success.
- Adding Too Many Legs: Avoid overloading your bet slip. Stick to a few well-researched selections to increase your chances of winning.
- Ignoring Other Markets: Don’t limit yourself to moneyline bets or over/under picks. Explore other betting options like prop bets, spreads, and futures to find value. For instance, betting on a player to score a touchdown can offer attractive SGP odds.
- Not Setting a Budget: Always manage your bankroll. Set a budget and stick to it to prevent overspending and potential financial problems. One bettor shared:
Having a clear budget saved me from chasing losses.
- Chasing Losses: Avoid the temptation to use SGPs to recoup losses. This can be financially and mentally damaging. If you’re on a losing streak, take a break from betting.
- Betting with Emotions: Base your SGP bets on logic and analysis, not emotions. Research thoroughly and stay objective. As another bettor advised:
A single game parlay should be a calculated risk, not an emotional decision.
By keeping these points in mind, you can make more informed and strategic SGP bets on sportsbooks offering various betting options.
So, Will You Place a Same Game Parlay Bet Tonight?
Over the years, same game parlays have become increasingly popular among sports bettors because of their flexibility and potential for higher payouts. You can join the trend by placing your first SGP bet on FanDuel, DraftKings, or any bookie of your choice.
Remember that every SGP bet is unique. So ensure you adopt the right strategies listed in this guide and learn how to bet responsibly. Interested in more high-yielding betting options? Check our detailed Sports Betting 101 guide.