- An accumulator combines multiple selections into a single bet, with winnings rolled over to the next selection.
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
What truly sets bookmakers apart when it comes to accumulators are the promotions that enhance the potential payouts. Here are the bookies we recommend for accas:
1. William Hill
William Hill runs a Bet Boost Acca promotion, which aligns with their other “Bet Boost” products.
To create an Bet Boost Acca, simply add three or more selections to your multiple bet, excluding Horse Racing and Greyhounds, and ensure the stake does not exceed £20. This allows your odds to be boosted once per day.
A notable advantage of this promotion is the ability to use this boost in play. So, if you join a game late, you can still claim boosted odds.
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2. Bet365
Bet365 is a top choice for acca bets, offering an enormous catalogue of leagues and competitions to bet on.
The Soccer Acca Boost promotion from Bet365 stands out, offering up to 70% extra profits on successful accas, depending on the number of legs in the bet. The boost increases incrementally with each additional selection, starting at 2.5% for a double.
If your acca wins, the boost is credited as a cash payout. Note that bets placed with bet credits are not eligible for the acca boost.
Bet365 extends this boost to tennis, American football, basketball, ice hockey, baseball, and MMA, although the range of competitions is somewhat limited.
Note: this promotion will expire 6th August 2024.
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3. Betfred
Betfred is a leading site for accumulator betting, thanks to its Acca Flex promotion.
Football bettors can place a pre-match accumulator of 5 or more legs, with minimum odds of 1/2 per leg, to receive a cash bonus of up to 50% if all selections win.
The boost begins at 2.5% for a five-leg acca, increasing with more selections for greater returns on successful bets. Additionally, if your bet loses by just one selection, Betfred offers acca insurance, providing a stake refund (up to £10) as cash.
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4. Boylesports
BoyleSports excels in horse racing accumulator betting.
For horse racing accas, you can choose between acca insurance or an acca bonus through BoyleSports’ Acca Rewards. Boosts up to 100% are available for accas with three or more legs, provided each selection has odds of at least 1/5.
With acca insurance, a five-leg or more acca returns your stake as a free bet up to £20 if one selection lets you down.
BoyleSports also rewards loyalty. Place five accas with five legs or more in a week, and you’ll receive a £5 accumulator free bet for any sport.
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5. Netbet
NetBet is a strong contender in accumulator betting. Starting with a welcome offer for new customers—bet £5 on a bet builder and receive a £10 free bet.
NetBet provides an acca betting boost on all accas with three or more selections, offering up to a 50% profit boost depending on the number of legs.
Additionally, NetBet offers a £5 free bet for placing a four-fold £10 acca with minimum odds of 1/2, further cementing its reputation as a top site for football accumulator betting.
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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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