Round Robin

A round robin is a combination betting structure that takes a set of three or more selections and automatically generates every possible parlay of a specified size from them. Instead of one parlay requiring all picks to win, a round robin distributes risk across multiple smaller parlays. As a result, you can still book a return even when one or more selections lose, provided enough of the individual parlays inside the round robin come in.

The most common configuration uses two-team parlays (“doubles”), but bettors can also build round robins from three-team parlays (“trebles”) or larger groupings. The number of bets generated is a function of the selection count and the chosen parlay size. Because a round robin is a set of individual parlays, the total stake equals the per-bet stake multiplied by the number of parlays created.

Example

Suppose you choose three teams and build a round robin of two-team parlays at a $10 stake per parlay:

• Selection A: Lakers moneyline at -130 (decimal odds 1.77)
• Selection B: Celtics -4.5 at -110 (decimal odds 1.91)
• Selection C: Warriors moneyline at +120 (decimal odds 2.20)

A three-pick round robin of doubles yields three separate parlays:

1. A + B (combined odds: 1.77 x 1.91 = 3.38, potential payout: $33.82)
2. A + C (combined odds: 1.77 x 2.20 = 3.89, potential payout: $38.94)
3. B + C (combined odds: 1.91 x 2.20 = 4.20, potential payout: $42.02)

Your total stake is $30 (three parlays at $10 each). If Selections A and B win but C loses, Parlay 1 pays out $33.82 while Parlays 2 and 3 lose. You collect $33.82 on a $30 total outlay, netting a $3.82 profit despite one losing pick.

Key Points

• Built-in loss protection: Unlike a straight parlay, a round robin can still turn a profit when one or more selections lose, because winning parlays may offset the losers.
• Higher total stake: Placing multiple parlays drives the total amount wagered well above a single parlay. A round robin of six selections in doubles creates 15 separate bets.
• Flexible combination sizes: Bettors set the parlay size within the round robin — doubles, trebles, or larger groups — based on desired risk and how many combinations to cover.
• Returns depend on which legs win: Overall profit or loss hinges not only on how many picks win but on which ones, since each parlay carries different combined odds.
• Useful for confident multi-pick scenarios: Round robins suit bettors who favor several selections but want insurance against one or two upsets rather than risking everything on a single large parlay.