Round Robin Bets Explained: The What, Why, and How

Looking to try a new type of bet? Consider a Round Robin, a unique wager that you’ll find on many US sportsbooks. 

Here’s what you need to know.

What is a Round Robin Bet?

A Round Robin is a type of parlay that combines three or more selections and places a series of combination bets on them. If you have a Round Robin with three selections, you will still get a return if 2 of them win, as there will be a 2-pick parlay among those Round Robin bets.

What is an Example of a Round Robin Bet?

Let’s imagine that you choose the following moneyline selections:

•    Team A (Result = Win)

•    Team B (Result = Lose)

•    Team C (Result = Win)

If the above was a parlay, you’d lose, as all three are needed. But with a Round Robin, it will include bets such as:

•    A, B, and C

•    A and B

•    B and C

•    A and C

As a result, you win two of those bets.

Why Should I Bet a Round Robin?

Round Robin bets are great when you’re combining multiple underdogs. It means you can avoid the crushing disappointment of just missing out on a parlay. More importantly, the odds should be big enough to give you a profit even if you only get a small chunk of that Round Robin.

Pros and Cons of Round Robins

Pros

•    A good option for clearing wagering requirements on betting bonuses

•    Keeps the bet alive even if one of the selections loses

•    Not as risky as a traditional parlay

Cons

•    Can be confusing for novice gamblers

•    Can be difficult to judge your payout

•    Won’t pay as much as a traditional parlay

What’s the Difference Between a Round Robin and a Parlay Bet?

A parlay is a single bet on all selections to win. If any of those selections loses, the entire bet loses. This is true even if there are 20 selections and 19 winners. 

A Round Robin is a combination of different multiples, so it’s possible to win even if one or more selections fail. Of course, this also means that less of your stake is going on the full parlay, so if all selections win, you’ll get much less with a Round Robin than you would with a parlay.

What are the Other Round Robin Bet Types?

There are several other types of bets like Round Robins:

•    Trixie: Four bets from 3 picks, including three 2-picks and a 1-pick.

•    Patent: 7 bets from 3 picks, including three 2-picks, one 3-pick, and 3 straights.

•    Lucky 15: A total of 15 bets from 4 picks, including 4 straights, six 2-picks, four 3-picks, and one 4-pick.

•    Canadian: A total of 26 bets from 5 picks, including all variations of straights, 5s, 4s, 3s, and 2s.

•    Heinz: Named because it uses 57 bets from 6 picks, including all straights, 5s, 4s, 3s, and 2s, as well as a 6.

•    Lucky 63: A massive 63 bets from 6 picks, including six straights, fifteen 2-picks, twenty 3-picks, fifteen 4-picks, six 5-picks, and a single 6-pick.

•    Super Heinz: Just like the Heinz but covers 120 bets from 7 picks.

•    Goliath: 247 bets from 8 picks, including all possible multiple permutations and 8 straights.

How to Place a Round Robin Bet on FanDuel

At FanDuel, you can add up to 16 bets to a Round Robin. Just add them to your bet slip and then choose the Round Robin option. You cannot combine selections from the same game.

How to Place a Round Robin Bet on DraftKings

After adding your chosen bets to your slip, you’ll see separate sections for “Parlay” and “Round Robin”. Scroll to the latter and then enter your stake in the box. Click the green box to confirm.

How to Place a Round Robin Bet on Caesars Sportsbook?

To place a Round Robin on the Caesars Sportsbook app, make the first selection and then choose “Add More Bets” to add the others. Return to your bet slip when you’ve finished and then enter your stake in the “Round Robin” section.