What Is a Round Robin Bet & How Does It Work?
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Last Updated: 4 August, 2025
A round robin bet is a type of parlay where multiple smaller parlays are created from a list of teams or picks.
Instead of needing all picks to win, you can still make a profit if some parlays hit.
It’s a flexible way to bet that lowers risk while keeping the chance for bigger payouts.
How does a round robin bet work?
A round robin bet works by taking a group of picks and breaking them into smaller parlays.
You choose how many teams go into each combo, like two-team or three-team parlays, and the online sportsbook builds every possible version of those combos.
For example, if you pick four teams and choose two-team parlays, the book will create six different combinations.
If you include three-team combos, too, it adds four more parlays.
That’s ten bets total.
You can win money even if not every team wins, depending on how many of the smaller parlays hit.
This format gives you more ways to profit while spreading out your risk.
Round robin bet example
Let’s say you pick four NFL teams: Packers, Chiefs, Eagles, and Bengals.
You decide to build a 4 bet round robin using two-team and three-team parlays.
That means the sports betting site will generate 6 two-team parlays and 4 three-team parlays, for a total of 10 bets.
Here’s what the combos might look like:
Two-team parlays:
Packers & Chiefs
Packers & Eagles
Packers & Bengals
Chiefs & Eagles
Chiefs & Bengals
Eagles & Bengals
Three-team parlays:
Packers, Chiefs & Eagles
Packers, Chiefs & Bengals
Packers, Eagles & Bengals
Chiefs, Eagles & Bengals
If you bet $10 on each parlay, that’s $100 total.
If three teams win but one loses, some parlays will still cash.
You won’t hit every combo, but you can still make a profit or limit your loss based on how many parlays hit.
Round robin vs other bet types
How to place a round robin bet
Is a round robin bet worth it?
That depends on your risk tolerance and strategy.
Round robin bets offer a middle ground between straight bets and high-risk parlays.
You won’t get the massive payout of a full parlay, but you won’t lose everything if one leg fails either.
They’re especially useful when you like multiple underdogs.
A few wins at +200 or higher can cover losses on the missed parlays and still leave you with a profit.
But round robins get expensive fast.
A 5 bet round robin, using 2- and 3-team combos, creates 20 different parlays.
At $5 per parlay, that’s $100 on the line.
If you’re disciplined with your staking and realistic about the upside, round robins can add value to your overall betting approach.
Just know that small win percentages won’t stretch far unless you’re hitting at decent odds.
What we think
Here at Sporting Post, we think round robin bets are worth it when used with a plan.
They’re ideal for bettors who want parlay upside without going all-or-nothing.
We’ve found them especially useful with underdog moneylines or when you feel confident in three to five picks but want to spread out risk.
Like any strategy, they work best when you manage your bankroll and avoid overloading combos!
Best way to bet round robin in sports betting
The best way to bet a round robin is to focus on value, not just volume.
Start with 3 to 5 strong picks and keep your combo sizes simple.
A 2 bet round robin is a good starting point for most bettors because it balances risk and payout.
We recommend using moneyline underdogs in sports like football or baseball.
The upside is higher, and even a few hits at +180 or +250 can turn a profit across multiple parlays.
If you're wondering what is a round robin bet in football, it works the same, just with game lines, totals, or player props.
Avoid large round robins unless you’re ready for the cost.
For example, a 4 bet round robin using 2- and 3-team combos already creates 10 parlays.
If you go bigger, use lower wager sizes to protect your bankroll.
In short: focus on sharp picks, limit combinations, and keep your stakes steady.
That’s how to make the most of a round robin.
Round robin betting by sport
Round robin bets can be used across all major sports, but some offer better value than others.
Here’s how this strategy fits into football, basketball, baseball, and hockey.
Football: Round robins work well with point spreads and underdog moneylines. NFL and college football often have tight lines, so small combos of +200 or +300 moneylines can deliver strong value.
Basketball: Use round robins when you're confident in totals or spreads. The high-scoring nature of NBA games can make moneyline upsets rare, but mix in alternate spreads or first-half plays for variety.
Baseball: Great for round robins due to frequent underdog wins. MLB moneyline dogs between +150 and +250 are common and can be grouped for high-upside combos, especially during long homestands or favorable pitching matchups.
Hockey: Similar to baseball, with lots of volatility. NHL underdogs win often enough to make 2- or 3-team round robin combos worthwhile, especially during tight playoff races.
How to calculate a round robin bet without a calculator
You don’t need a tool to figure out round robin payouts; it just takes a little math and knowing the odds.
Here’s how to do it by hand:
Example: You bet a 2 bet round robin with 3 teams (A, B, C), $10 per combo. That’s 3 combos: A+B, A+C, B+C.
If two parlays win at +260:
$26 + $26 = $52 winnings
$30 total bet
Net profit: $22
This gives you a fast way to estimate without needing a round robin bet calculator.
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