For many decades, gambling has been an integral part of society. Whether we’re watching Drake play on Stake through Instagram or participating in global lottery systems, it’s clear that these betting platforms have had a significant impact nationwide. Recently, sports betting has gained popularity among Gen Z, particularly with the rise of parlay betting.

You may have seen the phrase “my parlay just hit” across social media. A parlay bet combines two or more individual wagers—often referred to as “legs”—into one single bet. To win a parlay, every individual wager must be successful; even one losing a smaller bet or leg within the parlay will cause the entire parlay to fail. Although combining bets increases the thrill of winning, it also entails a higher risk but results in a larger potential payout. To break even on sports betting, one must maintain a winning rate of over 52.4%. 

Betting platforms like FanDuel, DraftKings, Underdog, and PrizePicks have revolutionized the experience for sports fans, enabling them to financially benefit from their passion. Celebrities such as Kevin Hart, LeBron James, Druski, and Joe Budden have endorsed these sports betting apps, encouraging more people to engage in sports betting. Drake, as a partner with Stake, frequently showcases his bets on various sports and casino games through Instagram, often joining other gamers on social media to raise brand awareness.

Statista reported that the online gambling market is projected to grow from $14 billion in 2023 to $40 billion by 2029. Specifically for sports, ESPN noted a record high of $10.92 billion in revenue in 2023, accounting for 78% of total gambling profits. A considerable portion of sports betting activity comes from Gen Z, with 43% placing sports wagers and 25% betting at least once a week. While parlays can enhance the excitement and enjoyment of betting, they also carry the risk of negatively impacting mental health and financial stability. 

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, approximately 85% of adults in the United States have gambled at least once in their lives. Gambling problems can affect anyone, and studies suggest that children and teens may be at a higher risk of developing gambling issues, especially if introduced at a young age. Whether you gamble once a month or every week, uncontrolled gambling impulses can lead to emotional and financial challenges. The potential harm associated with gambling has sparked concerns about mental health and financial distress, leading many to question whether we can channel our passion for gambling into more positive outlets.

Despite the risks, parlays have fostered camaraderie among younger generations as they celebrate wins and losses together on social media platforms and in group chats. The community rallied behind athletes like Derrick Henry, who set an NFL record before the playoffs, and John Metchie III, who showcased his resilience during the regular season after battling cancer in 2022. Multiple bettors considered a variety of athletes that resulted in the winnings of multiple two, three, four, and six leg parlays. These communal experiences help validate participation in parlays. Remember, the odds of winning big are generally 50/50, and the growing awareness of sports betting has created opportunities for financial gain while also opening doors for content creators who provide advice to those interested in trying out parlays.