What Is An Accumulator Bet & Are They Worth It?
Accumulator bets—often called accas—are a popular choice among sports fans who want to combine multiple selections into one wager. Instead of placing several individual bets, an accumulator links them together, and all of them need to be correct for the bet to pay out.
Since the odds multiply with each added selection, the potential returns can be significantly higher than with single bets. However, if even one part of the bet doesn’t come through, the whole accumulator doesn’t win.
In this blog post, we’ll explain how accumulator bets work, outline the different types available, and highlight what to consider if you’re thinking about placing one. Let’s check out the sections below to learn more.
What Is An Accumulator Bet?
An accumulator bet combines several individual selections—often called legs—into one single wager. Rather than placing separate bets on different events, bettors link multiple outcomes together, such as backing the winners of several football matches.
For the accumulator to be successful, every selection included must be correct. If even one leg doesn’t go as predicted, the entire bet is lost.
Accumulators appeal to many bettors because the odds from each selection are multiplied. This means that even a small stake can lead to a larger potential return if all the outcomes go as expected. That said, with more selections included, it becomes increasingly challenging for the full bet to land.
Accumulator Bet Example
To understand how an accumulator works in practice, consider a scenario where a bettor places a four-fold accumulator on the outcomes of four football matches:
- Team A to beat Team B at 2/1
- Team C to beat Team D at 3/1
- Team E to beat Team F at 4/1
- Team G to beat Team H at 5/1
If each of these selections were placed as individual bets, they would be settled separately, with separate payouts if they won. But when grouped into an accumulator, the odds are multiplied (2/1 × 3/1 × 4/1 × 5/1), which significantly increases the potential return from a single £10 stake.
However, for the accumulator to succeed, every team selected must win. If just one selection doesn’t go as predicted, the entire bet is unsuccessful.
Accumulator Bet Types
There are several ways bettors can put together accumulators and related bets. Here’s a quick look at some of the most common combinations:
Double
A Double combines two selections. Both need to win.
Treble
A Treble brings together three selections, all of which must be correct.
Four Fold Bet
Four choices, each needing to win for a payout.
Lucky 15
15 bets using four selections. Bettors can still receive a return even if only one bet wins, but the more that come in, the higher their payout.
Lucky 31
31 bets built around five selections. Returns are possible even if a bettor has a losing leg.
Lucky 63
A Lucky 63 bet consists of 63 bets from six picks, covering different combinations. Returns can still be paid with only some winning legs.
Yankee
The Yankee bet is 11 bets made up of four selections, but excludes singles. Returns require correct combinations.
Trixie
Four bets including three picks (three doubles and a treble), with no singles involved.
Patent
Seven bets made from three selections, including every single, double, and treble possible with those picks.
Canadian
The Canadian bet, also known as a Super Yankee, 26 bets formed from five selections, excluding singles.
Super Heinz
A Super Heinz bet consists of 120 bets from seven selections, covering a wide range of combinations.
Goliath
The Goliath bet is a total of 247 bets from eight picks, making it one of the largest accumulators you can place.
Do All Bets Have To Win In An Accumulator?
If you choose to place a standard accumulator, then yes—all of your selections need to win for the bet to pay out. That’s what sets accumulators apart from single or system bets.
Some bookmakers may occasionally offer promotions or insurance—such as a refund or a smaller payout—if just one leg doesn’t come in. These offers can add a bit of flexibility, but it’s always worth checking the terms and conditions carefully before relying on them.
What Happens If a Bet Is Void In An Accumulator?
If you place an accumulator and one of the events is made void—perhaps because a match is cancelled or postponed due to weather or other disruptions—that leg is simply removed from the bet.
So, if you had a four-fold accumulator and one selection becomes void, your bet would continue as a treble instead. The odds would be adjusted accordingly, and the potential return would be lower, but the rest of the bet still stands.
It’s a good idea to check how your bookmaker handles voided selections, as the exact approach can vary slightly from one to another.
Are Accumulator Bets Worth It?
Whether accumulator bets are worth it really depends on what you’re hoping to get out of the experience and how you like to approach sports betting.
If you choose to place an accumulator, it’s usually because you’re interested in the potential for a larger return from a small stake—something made possible by the way the odds are multiplied. That said, with every extra selection added, there’s a greater chance that one result might not go your way.
If you’d rather focus on a more straightforward outcome, single bets might suit you better, as each one only depends on a single result. But if you enjoy following multiple events and are comfortable with the uncertainty involved, an accumulator can add an extra layer of interest.
Whichever route you take, it’s important to stick to your budget and view betting as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money.
How To Place An Accumulator Bet
If you choose to try an accumulator bet, getting started is fairly straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how it works:
- Choose Your Selections: Start by picking the events you’d like to bet on—these might be football matches, horse races, or other markets.
- Add Them to Your Bet Slip: On the bookmaker’s website or app, add your chosen selections. Each one becomes a leg of your accumulator.
- Select ‘Accumulator’: In your bet slip, you’ll usually see the option to combine your selections into one accumulator bet.
- Enter Your Stake: Decide how much you’d like to stake in total. This is the amount you’ll be betting across all combined selections.
- Place Your Bet: Review your selections and stake, then go ahead and place the bet when you’re ready.
Once it’s placed, the outcome of your accumulator depends on all of your selections being correct. If even one doesn’t go the way you predicted, the bet won’t result in a return.
If you choose to explore accumulators, knowing how they work can help you make more informed choices if you place any bets.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.