- An accumulator combines multiple selections into a single bet, with winnings rolled over to the next selection.
What Is an Accumulator?
An accumulator bet, also known as an “acca” (or “parlay” in the USA) is similar to a treble bet in that it combines multiple selections into a single bet. However, accumulators can include any number of selections, not just three. The more selections included in the accumulator, the higher the potential payout, but the harder it becomes to win the bet.
To place an accumulator bet, the bettor selects multiple events or games they want to bet on and places a wager on all of them. For example, in basketball, a bettor might place an accumulator bet on the winners of five separate games. All five teams would have to win their respective matches for the bettor to win the accumulator bet.
If one of the selections loses, the entire bet is lost. However, some bookmakers offer “accumulator insurance,” where the bettor receives a refund or a free bet if only one selection loses. This can be a way to minimise losses while still having the chance to win big with multiple selections.
Accumulator bets are especially popular in sports such as football or horse racing, where there are often several matches or races taking place at the same time.
It’s important to note that accumulator bets are much riskier than single bets or even treble bets because of the increased number of selections involved. However, there are significant payouts if all selections win.
Example
Let’s say you place a £10 accumulator bet on five horse races with odds of 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 6.0.
- If all five horses win their respective races, the total return will be £7,200 (£10 x 2.0 x 3.0 x 4.0 x 5.0 x 6.0), with £7,190 profit.
- If any horse loses, the entire bet is lost.
- If one race is canceled or declared void, the bettor will usually receive a payout based on the odds of the remaining selections.
Another way of looking at it is that the winnings from the first bet (£20) are rolled onto the second bet at 3.0, then those winnings (£60) are rolled onto the third bet at 4.0, and so on until the fifth bet at 6.0.
Best Bookmakers for Accumulators
1. William Hill
William Hill offers multiple promotions for accumulator bettors. Their main offer, Acca Freedom, lets you choose between an odds boost or insurance on accas with 5+ legs (min odds 1/5 per leg). The insurance refunds your stake as a free bet (up to £20) if one selection lets you down, while the boost increases your overall returns. Separately, the Bet Boost Acca promotion allows you to boost the odds on any 3+ leg accumulator (excluding horse racing and greyhounds), with a maximum stake of £20. This can be used once per day and is also available for in-play accas.
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2. Bet365
Bet365 provides an ‘Acca Boost’ promotion, offering up to 100% extra on winnings for accumulators with 2 or more selections across various sports, including football, tennis, basketball, and more. The boost percentage increases with the number of selections, and the maximum bonus is capped at £100,000. Note that bets placed with Bet Credits are not eligible for the acca boost.
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3. Betfred
Betfred’s ‘Acca Flex’ promotion enhances football accumulator bets by offering a cash bonus of 2.5% to 100% on winnings, depending on the number of legs in your bet. Additionally, if one selection in your 5+ leg accumulator loses, you can receive your stake back as a free bet up to £10. Each leg must have minimum odds of 1/2 (1.5).
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4. BoyleSports
BoyleSports features the ‘Acca Rewards’ program, offering either an acca boost or insurance on qualifying bets. For boosts, place a 3+ leg accumulator with minimum odds of 1/5 (1.20) per leg to receive up to 100% extra on your winnings. For insurance, place a 5+ leg accumulator, and if one selection loses, get your stake back as a free bet up to £20.
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5. NetBet
NetBet offers an ‘Acca Boost’ promotion, providing up to 50% extra on winnings for accumulators with 3 or more selections. Each selection must have minimum odds of 1.30, and the promotion applies to both pre-match and live betting across various sports.
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What to Look for in an Accumulator
When placing an accumulator bet, consider the following to increase your chances of a successful outcome:
Value Odds
Seek out selections that are undervalued by the bookmaker. This occurs when the odds assigned to the selections are higher than they should be, providing you with a better chance to win and a higher potential payout.
Number of Selections
Carefully consider the number of selections to include in your accumulator. While adding more selections increases the potential payout, it also makes the bet harder to win. Aim for a balance between potential reward and the likelihood of success.
Insurance & Cash Out
Accumulators are high-risk, high-reward bets. To mitigate potential losses, consider using accumulator insurance or Cash Out options, if your bookmaker offers those features.
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