Round-robin formats split a set of selections into many smaller parlays so you do not have to win every pick to get a return. This article walks through the core mechanics, the math for combinations, how costs and payouts are calculated, and which operator rules to check before you place a ticket. Intended for sports enthusiasts and experienced bettors, the guide explains practical ticket-building steps, includes worked examples, and offers a short pre-bet checklist for disciplined decision-making. It emphasizes verification of combination counts and stake-per-parlay to avoid unintended exposure.

Round robins build multiple smaller parlays from one set of picks and grade each parlay independently.

Total cost equals stake per parlay multiplied by the number of combinations created by the chosen formats.

Round robins can return partial winnings when some sub-parlays cash even if others lose.

What a round robin parlay bet is

Basic definition

A round robin parlay bet creates a set of smaller parlays from one group of selections so you are effectively placing many parlays at once. This format turns n picks into every qualifying sub-parlay of a chosen size, and each sub-parlay is graded independently under the operator's house rules, which is the core idea behind the format FanDuel support article and RG.org.

In practical terms, you choose which selections to include, pick a "by k" format such as by 2s or by 3s, and then the system or ticket generator builds all the sub-parlays that match that size. Each sub-parlay has its own stake and is settled on its own, so some sub-parlays can win while others lose.

How it differs from a single parlay

A single parlay requires every leg to win for the full ticket to pay. A round robin spreads the same set of selections across multiple smaller parlays, so the ticket can return money even if some of the original selections fail. This structural difference is why bettors use round robins when they want partial exposure rather than an all-or-nothing outcome Action Network guide.

Common terminology to know includes leg for an individual pick, sub-parlay for each smaller parlay inside the round robin, stake per parlay for the amount risked on each sub-parlay, and combinations to describe how many sub-parlays the ticket contains.

What is a round robin parlay bet and how does it differ from a single parlay?

A round robin parlay bet builds many smaller parlays from the same selections so each sub-parlay is settled independently; this can yield partial returns because not every original pick must win for some sub-parlays to cash.

Players choose round robins when they want a middle ground between multiple singles and a single large parlay. The format can lower variance on the ticket level because you do not need every selection to win in order to cash at least some sub-parlays. That said, round robins increase the total cost because you are buying many parlays at once, so they change both upside and downside compared with single parlays DraftKings help center.

How combinations and the math determine how many parlays you get

The binomial coefficient C(n, k) explained in plain terms

A "by k" round robin from n selections creates C(n, k) sub-parlays, which is the standard combinatorics result for choosing k items from n without order. If you want a simple description, C(n, k) counts how many distinct groups of k picks you can make from your n picks, and that count equals the number of sub-parlays you will place for that format. The underlying math is the combinatorics for combinations, as described in mathematical references Encyclopaedia Britannica on combinations and OddsIndex guide.

Put more plainly: with 4 selections, a by 2s round robin gives C(4,2) equals 6 sub-parlays. The ticket would therefore contain six separate two-leg parlays, each with its own stake.

When you mix formats, you add counts. For example, a ticket with n selections set to by 2s plus by 3s contains C(n,2) plus C(n,3) parlays. Operators and educational guides present this addition as the straightforward way to compute total combinations for mixed formats, and the ticket generator will typically show the summed count before you confirm Action Network guide.

Memorize a few small values for quick checks. For n equals 3, C(3,2) is 3. For n equals 4, C(4,2) is 6 and C(4,3) is 4. Use these small examples to confirm the generator's displayed combinatoric counts before placing a ticket.

How to build a round robin ticket and calculate total cost

Picking stake per parlay

Minimal step by step diagram showing C 4 choose 2 equals 6 calculation for a round robin parlay bet, four pick icons combine into six two leg parlay icons on a dark Funded Plays style background

Start by choosing your selections and then decide how much you want to risk on each sub-parlay, commonly called the stake per parlay. The total exposure equals the stake-per-parlay multiplied by the number of sub-parlays the formats create, so set the stake with your bankroll in mind and verify the total cost shown by the interface FanDuel support article.

For example, if your ticket creates six sub-parlays and you set a stake per parlay of 2 units, the total cost is 6 times 2 units, which is 12 units. Operators normally show the number of combinations and the total cost before you confirm the ticket, but you should always double-check the math yourself.

Most platforms present a simple workflow: select your picks, pick a by-k format or formats, set stake per parlay, and then the system previews the resulting sub-parlays and total cost (see Funded Plays). The generator mechanically lists each sub-parlay so you can spot-check leg combinations and confirm there are no correlated or duplicate entries if the operator forbids them Action Network guide.

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Step-by-step cost example

Step 1: Choose 4 selections. Step 2: Choose by 2s format, which produces C(4,2)=6 parlays. Step 3: Set stake per parlay to 1 unit. Step 4: Total cost equals 6 times 1 unit, so the ticket costs 6 units. This is the basic arithmetic you should run every time before finalizing a ticket Action Network guide. (see how Funded Plays evaluations work)

How payouts are calculated inside a round robin

How each winning sub-parlay is paid using parlay odds

Each winning sub-parlay is settled using the same parlay-odds mechanics as a standard parlay. That means you multiply the leg odds for that sub-parlay, apply the stake for that sub-parlay, and the book pays that parlay accordingly. The total return for the round robin ticket is the sum of all individual winning sub-parlay payouts FanDuel support article.

Because each sub-parlay is independent, you can get several smaller winning returns that add up to the ticket payout. This structure is the reason round robins can return money even when not every original selection wins.

Round robins provide partial payouts because only the sub-parlays that include losing legs are graded as losses while other sub-parlays that contain only winning legs still cash. That contrasts with a single parlay where a single losing leg typically makes the entire ticket lose. Multiple educational sources explain this partial-pay behavior as one of the main practical points for using round robins Action Network guide.

Push handling varies but is commonly treated by either reducing that sub-parlay's size or voiding the leg so the affected sub-parlay is settled as if the push did not exist. Different operators apply slightly different rules, so pushes can change whether certain sub-parlays still win or are downgraded to a smaller parlay before payout Covers explanation and Fox Sports.

Operator rules and common restrictions to check before you place a ticket

Correlated selections and same-event limits

Most operators restrict or prohibit correlated selections on the same ticket, especially when picks come from the same event or market family, because correlated legs can distort liability and settlement. Always review the house rules or help center to see the operator's specific limits on same-event combinations DraftKings help center.

Push, tie and dead-heat policies

Different help centers spell out how pushes, ties, and dead-heats are handled for parlays, and those policies also apply to sub-parlays within a round robin. Some operators reduce the parlay by removing the push leg, while others may void that leg for the affected sub-parlays; reading the posted rules will tell you which treatment applies on a given site Caesars help article.

compute total cost from parlays and stake per parlay

Enter Parlays from C(n,k) calculations

Interface and terms differences to watch for

Because wording and ticket preview layouts vary, do not assume identical behavior across operators. Confirm the displayed combination count, the stake-per-parlay field, and the total cost before you submit a ticket. When in doubt, consult the operator's help center for examples and definitions FanDuel support article.

When to use round robin parlays: decision criteria

Bankroll and stake considerations

Round robins require higher total investment because you are placing several parlays at once. Treat the total cost as the main exposure metric: stake-per-parlay times number of combinations can quickly exceed what you might put on a single parlay or a group of singles, so size positions relative to your bankroll and risk limits Action Network guide.

When partial payouts improve risk profile

If you expect some uncertainty across your selections but still want upside if many picks land, a round robin can produce a smoother return profile than a single parlay. Because partial payouts are possible, this format can reduce downside probability for the ticket as a whole while keeping multiple-leg upside in play Covers explanation.

When singles or a single parlay are preferable

If your goal is maximal payout on a tight set of correlated selections or you prefer the lower total cost of single bets, then singles or a single parlay may be the better choice. Use round robins when you value partial returns or want to spread risk across sub-parlays rather than putting all exposure on one combined outcome Action Network guide.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Underestimating total cost

Failing to multiply stake per parlay by the number of combinations is the most common oversight, and it directly leads to unforeseen exposure. Run the arithmetic or use a simple calculator to confirm what the interface displays before placing a ticket FanDuel support article.

Do not assume the stake field is total cost. Many platforms ask for stake per parlay, not the total ticket stake, and that difference is where mistakes happen.

Practice combinations with Funded Plays Challenges

Consider practicing with small stakes or a simulation to learn how combinations and payouts work before increasing exposure.

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Including correlated selections accidentally

Adding correlated picks that the operator prohibits or that concentrate risk into similar outcomes reduces the intended diversification of a round robin. Check the operator's correlated-selection policy before building a ticket and remove or replace picks that trigger the restriction DraftKings help center.

Overcomplicating with too many combinations

Building tickets with extremely large combination counts multiplies complexity and variance. Start with modest formats such as by 2s or by 3s, keep stake per parlay small, and grow only after you understand how the payouts scale and how pushes or voids will affect settlements Caesars help article.

Real-world examples and step-by-step walkthroughs

Example 1: small by 2s round robin and outcome scenarios

Example ticket: Four selections, by 2s, stake per parlay 1 unit. Combinations: C(4,2)=6 parlays. If two of the four selections lose but the other two win, some sub-parlays will include only winners and cash, while others will contain at least one loser and fail. The net result is the sum of the winning sub-parlay payouts, which can be positive even if some original picks lose Action Network example.

Walkthrough steps: list your four picks, enumerate the six two-leg pairs, compute each pair's parlay payout from the leg odds, and add the winning payouts to find the total return.

Example ticket: Five selections, by 2s plus by 3s, stake per parlay 1 unit. Combinations: C(5,2)+C(5,3)=10+10=20 parlays. Because there are twenty sub-parlays, the total cost is 20 times the stake per parlay. To compute returns, evaluate each winning two-leg and three-leg sub-parlay separately and sum payouts. If several picks push, recalculate affected sub-parlays according to the operator's push policy before summing results Covers example.

Using a spreadsheet to list sub-parlays, plug in leg odds for each, compute each parlay payout, and then sum the column of winning payouts to get total return. This also makes it easy to simulate pushes or void legs and see how final returns shift.

Using a simple spreadsheet or calculator to model returns

Modeling returns with a spreadsheet helps you verify totals quickly. Put each sub-parlay on its own row, compute its payout based on the leg odds and stake, and sum the winning rows. This approach scales well when you mix formats or test different stake sizes Action Network guide.

Summary and next steps

Key takeaways

Round robins generate multiple sub-parlays from one set of selections and can pay partially because each sub-parlay is graded independently. The total cost equals stake per parlay times the number of combinations, and each winning sub-parlay is paid using standard parlay-odds mechanics FanDuel support article.

Minimalist vector spreadsheet mockup showing sub parlay rows as rounded panels leg odds represented by circular chips individual payout bars and a highlighted summed total return in Funded Plays palette round robin parlay bet

Quick checklist before placing a round robin

Verify combination counts, confirm stake per parlay, check push and correlated selection rules in the operator's help center, and consider practicing with small or simulated stakes to learn the format.

Further learning resources and practice tips

Practice with modest combinations and small stakes while tracking outcomes to see how pushes, voids, and partial payouts affect overall returns. Use a spreadsheet or simple calculator to reproduce ticket math before committing larger stakes Action Network guide. See the Funded Plays blog for more.

How does a push affect a sub-parlay?

Push handling varies by operator; common treatments are reducing the parlay size for settlement or voiding the pushed leg, so check the operator rules for exact behavior.

Does a round robin cost more than a single parlay?

Yes, because you place multiple sub-parlays; total cost equals stake per parlay times the number of combinations.

Can I include two bets from the same game in a round robin?

Many operators restrict correlated selections from the same event, so verify the house rules before including such picks.

Use small stakes or simulated tickets to practice the combination math and settlement outcomes before committing larger capital. Always confirm house rules for correlated selections and push handling and treat round robins as a tool to manage variance rather than a guaranteed way to limit losses.