What Is an Accumulator Bet?
An accumulator (also called “acca,” “parlay,” or “combo bet”) combines four or more selections into a single bet. All selections must win for the bet to pay out. The odds multiply together, creating the potential for substantial returns from a small stake - but with significant risk since every selection must be correct.
Key characteristics:
- 4 or more selections from different events
- All selections must win
- Odds multiply together exponentially
- One losing selection = entire bet loses
- Highest potential returns of any standard bet type
Common accumulator sizes:
| Name | Selections | Example Combined Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 4-fold | 4 | 2.0 × 2.0 × 2.0 × 2.0 = 16.00 |
| 5-fold | 5 | 2.0⁵ = 32.00 |
| 6-fold | 6 | 2.0⁶ = 64.00 |
| 10-fold | 10 | 2.0¹⁰ = 1,024.00 |
How the Accumulator Calculator Works
Add your selections and the calculator instantly computes your potential returns:
| Input | Description |
|---|---|
| Selection Odds | The odds for each pick (add as many as needed) |
| Stake | Total amount wagered on the accumulator |
| Odds Format | Decimal, Fractional, or American |
| Rule 4 | Optional deduction per selection (horse racing) |
The Accumulator Formula
Combined Odds = Odds₁ × Odds₂ × Odds₃ × ... × Oddsₙ
Total Payout = Stake × Combined Odds
Profit = Total Payout - Stake
Example: 5 selections at 1.50, 1.80, 2.00, 1.60, 2.20 with $10 stake
- Combined odds = 1.50 × 1.80 × 2.00 × 1.60 × 2.20 = 19.01
- Payout = $10 × 19.01 = $190.10
- Profit = $190.10 - $10 = $180.10
Real-World Accumulator Example
Saturday Football 5-Fold
| Selection | Match | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal to beat Brighton | 1.55 |
| 2 | Liverpool to beat Wolves | 1.40 |
| 3 | Man City to beat Burnley | 1.25 |
| 4 | Chelsea to beat Everton | 1.70 |
| 5 | Tottenham to beat Fulham | 1.65 |
Stake: $20
Calculation:
- Combined odds: 1.55 × 1.40 × 1.25 × 1.70 × 1.65 = 7.61
- Potential payout: $20 × 7.61 = $152.20
- Potential profit: $132.20
If all five teams win, you receive $152.20. If even one team fails to win, you lose your $20 stake entirely.
The Power (and Risk) of Accumulators
How Odds Multiply
The exponential nature of accumulators creates huge potential returns:
| Stake | 4-fold (all 2.0) | 6-fold (all 2.0) | 10-fold (all 2.0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $5 | $80 | $320 | $5,120 |
| $10 | $160 | $640 | $10,240 |
| $20 | $320 | $1,280 | $20,480 |
But Probability Works Against You
| Selections | Win Rate Each | Acca Win Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 50% | 6.25% |
| 5 | 50% | 3.13% |
| 6 | 50% | 1.56% |
| 10 | 50% | 0.098% |
Even with a 60% win rate per selection:
- 4-fold: 13% chance
- 6-fold: 4.7% chance
- 10-fold: 0.6% chance
Reality check: Most recreational bettors win fewer than 1 in 20 accumulators.
Accumulator Outcomes Explained
All Selections Win ✓
| Selection | Result |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | ✓ Won |
| Liverpool | ✓ Won |
| Man City | ✓ Won |
| Chelsea | ✓ Won |
| Tottenham | ✓ Won |
Result: Full payout ($152.20 from the example above)
One Selection Loses ✗
| Selection | Result |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | ✓ Won |
| Liverpool | ✓ Won |
| Man City | ✓ Won |
| Chelsea | ✗ Lost |
| Tottenham | ✓ Won |
Result: Entire bet loses - $0 returned
Four out of five isn’t good enough. The acca is all-or-nothing.
One Selection Void ⊘
| Selection | Result |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | ✓ Won |
| Liverpool | ✓ Won |
| Man City | ⊘ Void |
| Chelsea | ✓ Won |
| Tottenham | ✓ Won |
Result: 5-fold becomes a 4-fold on remaining selections.
New calculation: $20 × (1.55 × 1.40 × 1.70 × 1.65) = $121.79
Popular Accumulator Types
Football Accumulators
| Type | Description | Typical Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend Acca | 5-6 Premier League favorites | 5-15× |
| BTTS Acca | Both teams to score in multiple games | 10-30× |
| Over 2.5 Acca | Over 2.5 goals across matches | 8-25× |
| Correct Score Acca | Exact scores (very risky!) | 100-1000×+ |
Horse Racing Accumulators
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Favourite Acca | Backing favorites across multiple races |
| Each Way Acca | Place terms on each selection |
| Meeting Acca | All selections from same race meeting |
US Sports Accumulators (Parlays)
| Sport | Popular Combo |
|---|---|
| NFL | Sunday spread picks |
| NBA | Moneyline favorites |
| MLB | Run line selections |
| NHL | Puck line parlays |
Acca Insurance and Boosts
Many bookmakers offer promotions for accumulators:
Acca Insurance
If one selection loses in a 5+ fold, get your stake back as a free bet.
Example: 6-fold acca, 5 win, 1 loses → Stake returned as free bet
Acca Boost
Percentage bonus added to winnings for winning accas.
| Selections | Typical Boost |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5% |
| 5 | 10% |
| 6 | 15% |
| 7+ | 20%+ |
Example: $100 win on a 5-fold with 10% boost = $110 total winnings
Acca Edge / Edit
Some bookmakers let you:
- Remove a losing selection from a settled acca
- Edit selections before all events finish
Always check the terms - these offers have conditions.
Accumulator Strategy Tips
1. Keep Selections Reasonable
The more legs, the lower your chances. 4-6 selections offer a balance between returns and probability.
2. Mix Odds Wisely
Don’t just pick heavy favorites (low returns) or all outsiders (won’t win). A mix of 1.40-2.50 odds creates value.
3. Research Every Selection
Your acca is only as strong as its weakest pick. One lazy selection ruins everything.
4. Consider Each Way for Horse Racing
Each way accas pay out if selections place, providing a safety net.
5. Use Acca Insurance When Available
If one leg can lose without losing your stake, that changes the math significantly.
6. Set a Budget
Accumulators are high-risk entertainment bets. Never stake money you can’t afford to lose.
Accumulator vs System Bets
Can’t decide between a straight accumulator and a system bet? Here’s the comparison:
| Feature | Accumulator | System Bet (e.g., Yankee) |
|---|---|---|
| Selections needed | All must win | Some can lose |
| Stake | Lower | Higher (multiple bets) |
| Returns if all win | Highest | Lower |
| Returns if 1 loses | Zero | Still get paid |
| Risk level | Very high | Medium |
Example with 4 selections:
- 4-fold acca: 1 bet, all must win
- Yankee: 11 bets (6 doubles + 4 trebles + 1 four-fold), still pays if 2+ win
Calculating Large Accumulators
10-Fold Example
| Sel | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 1.50 |
| 2 | Liverpool | 1.45 |
| 3 | Man City | 1.30 |
| 4 | Chelsea | 1.60 |
| 5 | Tottenham | 1.55 |
| 6 | Man United | 1.70 |
| 7 | Newcastle | 1.80 |
| 8 | Brighton | 2.00 |
| 9 | Aston Villa | 1.90 |
| 10 | West Ham | 1.75 |
$5 stake:
- Combined odds: 1.50 × 1.45 × 1.30 × 1.60 × 1.55 × 1.70 × 1.80 × 2.00 × 1.90 × 1.75
- = 94.47
- Potential payout: $5 × 94.47 = $472.35
- Potential profit: $467.35
Win probability (assuming 50% each): 0.5¹⁰ = 0.098% (roughly 1 in 1,000)
Accumulator Myths Debunked
Myth 1: “Accas are a good way to make money”
Reality: The bookmaker’s margin multiplies with each selection. A 4-fold has roughly 4× the margin of a single bet.
Myth 2: “I just need to pick winners”
Reality: You need to beat the odds, not just pick winners. Favorites win often but rarely at value odds.
Myth 3: “My acca nearly won, I’m close to cracking it”
Reality: Each acca is independent. Near-misses don’t increase future chances.
Myth 4: “Adding more selections is worth it for bigger returns”
Reality: Each selection exponentially decreases your win probability while only linearly increasing potential returns.
When to Use Accumulators
Good Uses
- Entertainment betting with money you can afford to lose
- Taking advantage of acca insurance/boost offers
- Small stakes for potentially large returns
- Casual betting on events you’re watching
Bad Uses
- Trying to build a bankroll consistently
- Professional/serious betting
- Betting more than you can afford to lose
- Chasing losses from previous bets
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the maximum number of selections in an accumulator?
Most bookmakers allow 10-20 selections, some up to 25. Maximum payout limits usually kick in before you hit these limits.
What happens if a match in my acca is postponed?
That selection is voided and removed. Your 6-fold becomes a 5-fold at reduced odds.
Can I cash out an accumulator?
Yes, most bookmakers offer cash out on accas before all selections have completed. The value depends on results so far and remaining odds.
What’s the difference between an accumulator and a parlay?
They’re the same thing. “Accumulator” is the UK term; “parlay” is used in the US.
Are accumulators good value?
Generally no. The bookmaker’s margin compounds with each selection. However, promotions like acca insurance can improve value.
What’s an each way accumulator?
An each way acca pays if selections win OR place. It’s two bets: a win acca and a place acca. Useful for horse racing.
Start Calculating Your Accumulators
Use our free accumulator calculator above to:
- Add as many selections as you want
- Enter odds in any format (decimal, fractional, or American)
- Input your stake amount
- See combined odds, potential payout, and profit instantly
- Adjust selections to compare different combinations
The calculator updates in real-time, making it easy to experiment with different selections and find the accumulator that matches your risk appetite and budget.