Two same-game parlays vs. straight wager

[YourAllAmerican]

One of my sports books allows me to bet a side and a total as a two-team parlay, so I'm thinking of dividing my standard bet in half, and making two same-game parlays instead of one straight wager.

For example, this is what I'm thinking of doing:

PARLAY 1
* Team A -4
* Over 80
Pays 13/5 (we'll say betting $100 to win $260)

PARLAY
* Team A -4
* Under 80
Pays 13/5 (again, betting $100 to win $260)

So it looks to me like this is an advantage. I had originally planned to risk $110 to win $100, returning a total of $210 if I win.

Using this method -- and assuming my math is correct -- looks like I'm risking $100 to win $160 (the $260 winning bet minus the $100 losing wager), returning a total of $260.

I'm sure there's a downside to this method, but I'm sure as heck not seeing it right now. Can anybody walk me through the negatives?

Thanks much, y'all.

 

[AROBTTHC]

unless i'm missing something that you are doing, if Team B +4 gets the cover....both parlays are losses.

 

[YourAllAmerican]

Correct, however I would have lost that bet anyway had I placed a straight wager on Team A.

So, the way it seems to me, is that it has no effect on a losing bet, but increases slightly the amount collected on a winning bet.

 

[maxdemo]

Gotta love 5dimes

 

[mhk]

If team A doesn't cover, you are out 200 bucks, not $110 (as you would be with a $110 atraight wager).. Bigger risk if team A doesn't cover vs. winning $60 more w/ parlays..

 

[YourAllAmerican]

You know, it's funny how when I sat down to try and clarify my own original question, the answer suddenly becomes clear (as well as showing me once again why I didn't major in anything requiring much math).

Here are my original assumptions:

1. I am willing to wager 1 unit total on the game. For simplicity, we'll say that 1 unit equals $200 (not including any juice).

2. That $200 would either be placed on a single bet -- Team A to win -- or divided into two same-game parlays -- Team A and the over; Team A and the under.

So here is what it amounts to (assuming Team A did, in fact, win):

I could risk $220 to win $200, returning a total of $420 on a straight wager

-OR-

I could risk $200 (two $100 parlays) to win $260, but that would return a total of only $260 ($260 + $100 - $100)

So I've answered my own question and feel terribly stupid for having asked in the first place. I am, at least, proud that I knew enough to place this discussion in the Newbies forum.

Now I must distract you all, so you'll forget out my silly query...so I'll mention there's a picture of a girl with big ol' boobs in the "I just lost a bet" thread...

 

[stacilu]

YourAllAmerican

Please don't beat yourself up over a mistaken. My God come
over to the political forum and you will see them by the hundreds.
Just check out blight, game face and right wing chances are
great they will make a stupid post at least once every day.

 

[mhk]

YAA, its all good.. You now know why its not a good bet.. Its been brought up before.. Now a parlay with a chance at a middle, (meaning one parlay is not an automatic loser), whole different ball game..