If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, then DraftKings Sportsbook has just paid FanDuel Sportsbook a compliment of the highest degree. A new DraftKings same-game parlay feature is available in the app and on the Pennsylvania sports betting website.
It’s a move that will make it easy for bettors to diversify their wagers. However, it’s important to note that these are still parlay bets and carry extra risk despite the same-game element.
What are DraftKings same-game parlays?
They are essentially what the name suggests. It’s a parlay wager in which all the legs come from the same sporting event. An example using a Philadelphia Eagles game demonstrates the concept easily enough.
Say you want to put money down on Philadelphia’s regular-season opener in Atlanta on Sept. 12. You could just bet the Eagles spread or moneyline. However, there are so many more options with a same-game parlay. You could instead form a parlay using the following bets as legs:
- Jalen Hurts Over 200 passing yards
- Eagles +3.5
- Will the Eagles score a rushing touchdown in the first half? Yes
This differs from traditional parlays because all the legs come from the same event. Traditional parlays involve legs from multiple sporting events. Until recently, those were the only type DraftKings allowed.
How do I use this new feature on DraftKings?
DraftKings has loaded a new feature on its app allowing bettors to easily create custom parlay wagers on select sporting events. While browsing the betting markets, look for the new “SGP” symbol.
Tapping on that will open a new dialogue box, with a “switch” you can “flip” to activate same-game parlay mode for the event you’ve chosen. At that point, you’ll need to decide what legs will compose your parlay and how much you want to wager.
Once you’re satisfied with your legs and the odds, add the wager to your betting slip. From there’s it’s a matter of finalizing your bet just like any other wager. While this provides a new way to enjoy betting on sporting events, it’s important to remember why this option exists and what it means for you as a gambler.
DraftKings plans to come out ahead
In the process of creating these same-game parlays, you’re likely to discover the potential payout if you win these wagers is far better than traditional bets. That’s the case as compared to if you bet each leg on its own, too.
The important thing to remember is that you have to give something to get something whenever you gamble. The better your payout gets, the longer your odds are. DraftKings didn’t make this change because it felt like giving bettors more money.
In fact, the exact opposite is the case. DraftKings likely saw how FanDuel has been reaping the rewards of offering same-game parlays. In Illinois, for example, FanDuel’s win percentage was more than the next two operators’ (including DraftKings) win combined for June. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board does not break down monthly sports betting numbers by bet types.
A lot of that revenue came from bettors who placed same-game parlays and lost. It’s crucial to not forget about responsible gambling rules when enjoying the option to place a parlay wager on a single sporting event. DraftKings now enables you to do that.
Lead photo: DraftKings Field Club at Lincoln Financial Field/Katie Kohler