I admit, at first I got carried away by the excitement. I saw an advert for parlays on the same game and thought, “Easy, I'll combine three plays and make a fortune!” Spoiler alert: it didn't work out that way. This type of bet has its charm, but it also has its pitfalls. It's time to understand it not only from a numerical perspective, but also from the perspective of the mind and the emotions that drive us. That combination — mathematics and psychology — determines whether we play strategically or impulsively.
Bookmakers such as 10bet offer the possibility of combining predictions within the same sporting event: winner, number of goals, cards, corner kicks... all on a single ticket. The promise is clear: more risk, more potential payout. But the real game is in resisting the illusion of control, that deceptive feeling that because we know the match, the result belongs to us.
What exactly is a same-game parlay?
It seems simple: you choose several events within the same match and combine them. If they all come in, you collect a much higher combined payout. For example, América wins, there are more than 2.5 goals, and Henry Martín scores. Three related things, one bet. It's exciting because it's intuitive, right? But intuitive isn't always profitable.
These combinations have an internal correlation, something that bookmakers know how to handle with precision. That's why they adjust the odds: the greater the connection between events, the lower the actual profit margin for the player. It's not cheating; it's pure statistics. However, you don't think about statistics when your heart is beating with the game. This is where the battle between emotion and reason begins, the same battle that determines whether you enjoy yourself or rack your brains over a losing streak.
The curious thing is that our brain prefers to bet on scenarios it understands visually — such as a match — rather than on abstract numbers. This causes what is known as “familiarity bias”: you believe you will have better control over the outcome simply because you understand it. But that confidence can work against you, especially if you mix too many events in the same parlay. Sometimes less is more, and we're not saying that as a cliché, but because of actual probability.
The psychology behind the parlay: why do we find it difficult to let go of the bet?
There is something fascinating about the dopamine rush generated by a parlay. Each selection acts as a small injection of hope. According to neuroeconomics studies, that anticipation produces pleasure even before winning. That is why many continue to bet even though they know, deep down, that the odds are not in their favour. The problem is not enjoying the game, but doing so while hoping for a miracle with every ticket.
Another common phenomenon is the “gambler's fallacy”: believing that after several losses, “it's time to win”. Classic mistake. Chance does not keep track of your frustrations. The right thing to do is to evaluate the cold statistics: if your combined probability of success is 10%, a losing streak does not mean anything personal. But our ego does not understand it that way. And that frustration, poorly managed, leads to emotional betting, to recovering losses with more risk, just when you should stop.
That is why every serious organisation promotes control tools. In 10bet, For example, you can set daily or weekly deposit limits and receive automatic reminders when you exceed your playing time threshold. It's not just about complying with regulations, but also about protecting yourself from your own excessive optimism. If you think about it, that little brake can save you from an impulsive decision made at midnight.
Mental factors that influence decision-making
When a bettor creates a parlay, they operate on three mental levels. First, emotion: impulse mixed with intuition. Second, rationalisation: “I know football, this is bound to happen.” Third, post-justification: explaining the right or wrong decision to maintain stable self-esteem. All of this happens in seconds. That's why controlling the environment, mood, and prior information is as important as understanding the odds.
Another common bias is confirmation bias. You look for data that validates your prediction and discard anything that contradicts it. You see on social media that your favourite team is on a roll and forget that their opponents have had better defence at home. It's human nature, but dangerous for your pocket. The best remedy is to write down the reasons for each selection beforehand, as if you were your own auditor. This simple exercise significantly reduces impulsiveness.
And speaking of control, experienced bettors use applications that break down your results. On regulated platforms such as 10bet, Each betting history shows you clear patterns. If you notice that your three-event parlays fail more than 80% of the time, you are probably betting based on emotion rather than statistical value. Self-awareness begins with numbers, not hunches.
Quick checklist before placing a same-game parlay bet
- 🔢 How many events did you include? Between two and three is usually a reasonable range.
- 📊 Have you analysed correlations? Combine related events without duplicating their impact (for example, do not bet on “over 2.5 goals” and “first half with over 1.5 goals”).
- 🧠 Are you calm? Never place a parlay bet after a previous bad result.
- 📅 Have you checked the line-ups and weather? An injured striker or rain can change everything.
- ⏸️ Do you have a betting limit? Set your maximum loss before playing.
This list may seem basic, but following it can make the difference between playing for pleasure and ending up bitter. The next step is to understand the most common mistakes and simple ways to avoid them.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
| 🚩 Error | Consequence | Practical solution |
|---|---|---|
| Combining too many events | Minimum probability of success and overconfidence bias | Limit your selections; no more than 3 in complex games. |
| Ignore implicit quotas | Believing that the payment is high “just because” | Convert odds to probability before playing |
| Chasing losses | Loss of control over bankroll and loss of discipline | Set daily limits and avoid “adjusting” after losing |
| Using statistics without context | Overinterpreting irrelevant figures | Observe external factors: weather, referee, motivation |
These patterns repeat themselves at all levels of experience. Even veteran players fall into them when they forget that emotions always outweigh calculations. If rationality survives, emotion pushes; that is the silent rule of the gambler. Recognising it is the first step towards more conscious play.
Bankroll management and emotional control
Your bankroll isn't just your betting money. It's your emotional buffer. People who allocate a fixed weekly budget for entertainment tend to suffer less frustration, because losses are part of their plan, not their self-esteem. The key is to separate “gambling money” from “day-to-day money”. If you mix the two, the inevitable happens: you bet with the anxiety of trying to win back your losses.
A simple trick is to use percentages. Betting a maximum of 5% of your total bankroll on a parlay reduces the risk of ruin. If you have £1,000 for the month, your maximum parlay would be £100. That way, you won't get carried away by the excitement of the moment. And if you win, redistribute your winnings before betting again. This method, although it may seem harsh, is what separates the systematic player from the impulsive one.
Mini-FAQ
How many events is it advisable to include in a single parlay?
Between two and three. Each additional event increases the odds, but drastically reduces the probability of success. This is especially true for parlays on the same game, where the markets are correlated.
Which sports work best for same-game parlays?
Football and basketball, because they offer multiple internal variables (goals, assists, points, partial scores). Combining clear markets makes more sense than taking risks with exotic or difficult-to-measure events.
What is the difference between a normal parlay and a same-game parlay?
The first combines different matches or sports; the second mixes variables within the same event. The main difference lies in how the odds are adjusted to reflect the relationship between those markets.
What happens if an event is cancelled?
In most cases, the bet is adjusted by removing that market. The parlay remains valid with the odds recalculated, according to each operator's terms.
Final reflection
Same-game parlays are a fascinating challenge because they combine strategy, knowledge and excitement. But that's where the risk lies: in the fine line between enjoying yourself and becoming dependent on the outcome. Understanding your biases and applying simple rules can turn you into a conscious bettor, capable of enjoying yourself without losing control.
Remember, in Mexico only regulated platforms such as 10bet They guarantee secure transactions, self-control tools and verified payments. Play smart, and leave the excitement of the game on the pitch, not in your bank account.
The game is for people over 18 years of age. Gamble responsibly. If you need help, contact IAPA at 800 800 4227 or visit your operator's responsible gaming section.
Sources
- Clark, L. & Limbrick-Oldfield, E. (2013). Gambling Neuroscience: Cognitive Distortions and Predictive Processing. *Current Topics in Behavioural Neurosciences.*
- Killeen, P. (2018). Gambling as Optimal Foraging: The Science of Reinforcement. Behavioural Processes.
- SEGOB Mexico. Directorate General for Games and Raffles. Updated regulatory framework, 2025.
About the author
Juan Carlos Rodríguez He is an iGaming analyst and independent consultant on player behaviour. He has collaborated with licensed operators in Mexico and promotes responsible gaming practices focused on user statistical education.
