Exploring the appeal of betting subscriptions that offer parlay boosts among US bettors

Exploring the appeal of betting subscriptions that offer parlay boosts among US bettors

Rishad Dsouza - February 26th, 2025

In January, DraftKings launched a new subscription service in New York, offering odds boosts on parlays to customers who subscribe to DraftKings Sportsbook+. YouGov Surveys data reveals that such a move might hold plenty of potential.

The Popularity of Parlay Bets Among US Sports Bettors

Parlay bets are an important part of the US sports betting landscape. More than half of sports bettors engage in parlay bets at least once a week (56%), highlighting the widespread appeal of this high-risk, high-reward betting style. The allure of potentially massive payouts from relatively small wagers keeps bettors coming back for more. Only 5% of respondents report never participating in parlay bets, underscoring the broad reach of this betting category.

Demand for Subscription-Based Odds Boosts

The idea of subscribing to a platform that offers unlimited odds boosts on parlays resonates with a significant portion of sports bettors. The data reveals that 22% of respondents are "very likely" to consider a paid subscription if it means maximizing their potential returns through parlays. Another 43% say they are “somewhat likely” to take up such a subscription.

The appeal of odds boosts lies in their potential to enhance winnings without increasing the stake amount. For parlay enthusiasts, even a small percentage increase can make a notable difference in overall payout, making the concept of subscription-based boosts particularly attractive. This growing interest presents a lucrative opportunity for sportsbooks willing to explore subscription models.

Motivations to Subscribe: Beyond Parlays

While odds boosts on parlays are a significant draw, they are not the only motivating factor for bettors considering a subscription. Approximately 37% of respondents indicated that unlimited odds boosts on parlays would encourage them to subscribe to a betting service. However, other features such as enhanced customer support, exclusive promotions, personalized betting insights, and access to advanced analytics also play a role in influencing subscription decisions.

For sportsbooks, this represents an opportunity to bundle multiple features into a single subscription package, enhancing the perceived value for customers. By appealing to both the emotional thrill of parlay betting and the practical needs of strategic bettors, platforms can create a more comprehensive and compelling offering.

Willingness to Pay for a Betting Subscription

The success of any subscription model depends not only on the features offered but also on the price point. According to the survey data, 25% of bettors are willing to pay less than $10 per month for a betting subscription, while 17% are open to paying between $10 and $19 per month. Notably, 12% of respondents are willing to pay $20 or more, suggesting that a premium market segment exists, albeit a smaller one.

These insights reveal a notable price sensitivity among sports bettors, which sportsbooks must carefully navigate when setting subscription fees. Offering tiered subscription plans or introductory discounts could be effective strategies to attract price-conscious bettors while maximizing revenue from those seeking premium features.