Accumulator betting, also known as parlay betting in the United States, is a popular form of wagering in the sports betting world. It offers the potential for significant returns from a relatively small stake, making it an attractive option for both novice and experienced bettors. 

However, with great potential rewards come great risks, as the more selections added to an accumulator (acca), the higher the chances of the bet failing. This guide will provide an in-depth look at accumulator betting, including how it works, strategies to consider, and tips for maximising your chances of success.

Especially focusing on when placing these kinds of bets at bet365 Sport. 

What is Accumulator Betting?

An accumulator bet is a single wager that combines multiple selections into one bet. For the bet to be successful, all selections within the accumulator must win. If even one of the selections loses, the entire accumulator bet is lost.

This “all or nothing” approach is what makes accumulators both thrilling and risky.

For example, if you place a four-fold accumulator (four selections) and three of your selections win but one loses, the entire bet is lost.

However, if all four selections win, the returns can be substantial due to the way the odds of each selection in your bet, combined with your stake, are multiplied.

How Accumulator Bets Work

To understand accumulator betting, it’s crucial to grasp how the odds are calculated. When you add multiple selections to an accumulator, the odds of each selection are multiplied together. Here’s how it works:

1. Make Your Acca Selections: Suppose you choose four football teams to win their matches, with odds of 2.00, 1.50, 2.20, and 1.80, respectively.

2. The Multiplier Effect: In an accumulator, these odds are multiplied together (2.00 x 1.50 x 2.20 x 1.80), giving you a combined odds total of 11.88.

3. Your Potential Returns: If you place a £10 bet on this accumulator, your potential winnings return would be £118.80 (10 x 11.88). Plus, you would also receive your £10 stake back for a total return of £128.80. 

However, remember that all four selections must win for you to collect this payout.

Types of Accumulators

Traditional accumulator bets can range from a double (two selections), trebles (three selections) or even bets with more four or more selections. These are known known as four-folds, five-folds, and so on. Here’s a quick breakdown of different types:

Standard Accumulator

– Double: An accumulator with two selections. Both must win for the bet to be successful.

– Treble: An accumulator with three selections. All three must win for the bet to win.

– Four-Fold, Five-Fold and Beyond: Accumulators with four or more selections. The potential returns increase with each additional selection, but so does the risk.

A good rule of thumb to remember is the more selections in an accumulator, the greater the risk, but the greater the reward.

Each Way Accas

For some accumulator bets, such as those made on horse racing, punters can opt to place a win bet, or an each way acca bet. However, an each way acca bet will cost 2x the stake to cover the win and place parts of the bet. 

However, each way accas will earn you a payout if your selection is placed or wins the race. However, if any selection loses and is not placed, then the bet is lost.

Full Cover Bets

Some bookmakers offer special types of accumulator bets called Full Cover and Full Cover Bets with Singles. 

These bets not only cover accumulator bets, but also the different possible combination bets that can be made using the different selections. 

For example a three selection full cover bet, known as a Trixie, is actually four bets. It covers selections A & B to win, selections A & C to win, selections B and C to win and selections A, B and C to win. Therefore, it would cost 4 x the stake to place this bet. So a £10 Trixie bet, would cost £40. 

These bets have exotic names based on the number of lines that need to be covered with each bet and some of the most common are listed below.

– Trixie: A bet consisting of three selections with four bets – three doubles and one treble. Only two of the three selections need to win for a return.

– Yankee: A bet with four selections and 11 bets – six doubles, four trebles, and one four-fold. Here, only two selections need to win to guarantee a return, though the return will be smaller than if all four selections win.

– Canadian (Super Yankee): A five-selection bet that includes 26 bets – ten doubles, ten trebles, five four-folds, and one five-fold. Find out more about Canadian or Super Yankee bets by clicking here. 

– Heinz – A six-selection bet that includes 57 bets. 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 fourfolds, 6 fivefolds and a sixfold accumulator.  

– Super Heinz – a seven-selection bet that includes 120 bets. 21 doubles, 35 trebles, 21 fivefolds, 7 sixfold and a sevenfold accumulator.

– Goliath – an eight-selection bet that includes 247 separate bets. 28 doubles, 56 trebles, 70 fourfolds, 56 fivefolds, 28 sixfolds, 8 sevenfolds and an eightfold accumulator. 

Full Cover Bets With Singles

There are four Full Cover Bets with Singles available. These bets cover the same bets as the Trixie, Yankee, Canadian and Heinz bets, but also cover each selection as a single bet too. 

These bets also have different names including:

– Patent – Three-selection bet which has 7 bets; 3 singles, 3 doubles and a treble.

– Lucky 15 – Four selection bet which has 15 bets; 4 singles, 6 doubles, 4 trebles and a fourfold accumulator.

– Lucky 31 – Five selection bet which has 31 bets, 5 singles; 10 doubles, 10 trebles, 5 fourfolds and a fivefold accumulator.

– Lucky 63 – Six selection bet which has 63 bets; 6 singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 fourfolds, 6 fivefolds and a sixfold accumulator. 

These types of accumulator bets provide some insurance against one or two selections losing, but they require a higher initial stake.

The Appeal of Accumulator Betting

The main attraction of accumulator betting is the potential for high returns from a small stake. This is due to the multiplier effect of the odds, which can result in significantly higher payouts compared to individual bets. For example, a £10 bet on a single selection with odds of 2.00 would return £20 (including your stake). However, a £10 accumulator bet with four selections, each with odds of 2.00, would return £160 if all selections are correct.

Accumulators are particularly popular for sports like football, where bettors can combine results from different matches to create a potentially lucrative bet. They’re also appealing because they offer a low-risk, high-reward betting strategy. A bettor can place a small wager but stand to win a large amount if all the selections come in.

Risks Involved

While accumulator betting can be profitable, it’s also inherently risky. The more selections you add to an accumulator, the higher the odds of one selection letting you down. For instance, with four selections, the probability of winning is lower than with just two selections because the chances of all outcomes occurring decrease as you add more selections.

Another risk is the temptation to include too many selections in a single accumulator in pursuit of higher returns. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and increased chances of losing the entire bet. Additionally, accumulators are more susceptible to unexpected results or upsets, which are common in sports betting.

Accumulator betting is very popular with all bookmakers. However, bet365 Sport offers a range of different betting offers and tools in order to make acca betting accessible, flexible and easier to follow on the site. 

Let’s take a look at some of the key utilities and promos you will find at bet365 Sport to help you enjoy accumulator betting there to the max. 

Bet365 Sport – Accumulator Betting Promotions and Utilities

Outlined below are just some of the features which makes acca betting at bet365 so enjoyable and potentially more profitable compared to other betting sites.

100% Acca Boost Promotion

Bet365’s latest Acca Boost offer is applicable across a range of sports and markets. Thus allowing customers to combine selected markets from a variety of sports and fixtures.

It is its most flexible acca boost offer to date and covers the following sports and markets:

• Soccer – Both Teams to Score, Full Time Result & BTTS and Full Time Result markets.
• American Football – Spread, Money Line 2-way, Money Line 3-way, Game Totals, 1st Half Spread, 1st Half Totals, 2nd Half Spread (NFL only), 2nd Half Totals (NFL Only).
• Tennis – To Win Match, First Set Winner, Set Betting Markets.
• Baseball – Run Line, Money Line 2-way, Money Line 3-way, Game Totals, A Run in the 1st Innings.
• Basketball – Spread, Money Line 2-way, Money Line 3-way, Game Totals, 1st Half Spread, 1st Half Totals, 2nd Half Spread (NBA only), 2nd Half Totals (NBA Only).
• MMA – To Win Fight, Fight Outcome.
• Ice Hockey – Puck Line, Money Line 2-Way, Money Line 3-Way, Game Totals.

For each sport selected tournaments, fixtures and markets are eligible for the offer and can be combined into an accumulator bet that will qualify for a bonus if the bet is a winner.

What is the Acca Bonus and how is it calculated?

The acca bonus is based on the number of selections on your qualifying accumulator. The greater the number of selections, the greater the potential value of your bonus. The bonus is calculated as a stated percentage of your winnings on your accumulator bet.

The percentage rate you can win on this bet ranges from 2.5% for a successful Double bet, up to 100% for a successful 20-fold bet. 

For example, if you qualify for the 100% Acca Boost promotion with a 5-fold accumulator and place a £10 bet at the combined acca odds of 20/1, then your winning bet would usually return you £200 in winnings, plus your £10 stake back. A total return of £210. 

But with the 100% Acca Boost promotion. You would receive a further 10% boost on top of your winnings. Which means you would receive £220 in winnings, plus your £10 stake back, for a total return of £230!

Key Terms and Conditions

• This boost is only available to new and eligible customers.
• This boost applies to winnings on accumulators of 2 or more selections placed on any combination of qualifying sports placed from 18:30 UK Time on 6th August 2024.
• This boost applies to winnings on accumulators of 2 or more selections on the standard Full Time Result (Soccer only), Both Teams To Score (Soccer only), Result/Both Teams to Score (Soccer only), Spread (Basketball, American Football only), Run Line (Baseball only), Puck Line (Ice Hockey only), Money Line 2-Way & 3-Way (Basketball, American Football, Baseball, Ice Hockey only), Game Totals (Basketball, American Football, Baseball, Ice Hockey only), 1st Half Spread (Basketball, American Football), 1st Half Totals (Basketball, American Football), 2nd Half Spread (NFL & NBA only), 2nd Half Totals (NFL & NBA only), A Run in the 1st Innings (Baseball only), To Win Fight (MMA only), Fight Outcome (MMA only), To Win Match (Tennis only), First Set Winner (Tennis only) and Set Betting markets (Tennis only) for selected leagues and competitions, listed below.
• Bets placed on the Full Time Result – Enhanced Prices market do not apply to this boost.
• Selections can be pre-match or In-Play.
• Maximum boost £100,000 or currency equivalent*. Acca Boost does not apply to bets placed on alternative line/spread/totals markets, bets placed with Bet Credits, fixed odds Parlay Cards, Teasers and Fixed Teaser Cards, Jackpots, Double Chance bets or combination bets with bonuses such as Lucky 15s, Lucky 31s etc.
• Where an accumulator has been placed using Bet Builders or Bet Builder+, Acca Boost will not apply.
• This boost will not apply to accumulators that contain any selection at odds of less than 1/10 or any selections where the outcome of the market can be void despite the natural conclusion and determinability of the event/market (i.e., the outcome of the market is known).
  Where a Bet Boost is offered for a multiple bet (for example a pre-built Treble), Acca Boost will not apply.
• Boosts are paid out on accumulators once all full-time results are confirmed. If an accumulator would otherwise have lost but becomes a winner under the terms of an Early Payout, no additional winnings will be applied.
• This boost will not apply where a bet has been fully Cashed Out. Where a bet has been partially Cashed Out, the boost will be calculated based on the remaining active stake. Where all selections within the bet have been marked as won and this has been Cashed Out for the full return value, the boost will apply.
• If a qualifying bet is edited using our Edit Bet feature, the boost will be calculated based on the new stake.

*Or currency equivalent

Bet Builder +

If you like betting across different sports and fixtures, then Bet Builder + is a very useful utility to use on the bet365 Sport site. It allows you to combine markets from a wide range of fixtures across different sports into a single accumulator bet. 

You can find out much more about the Bet Builder + utility by following this link. 

Bet Boosts & Super Boosts

Each day, bet365 Sport will offer a number of boosted odds on some predefined accumulator bets as part of their Bet Boosts and/or Super Boosts promotions. Customers are free to use these options if they so wish.

Early Payout Offers

Bet365 has a range of Early Payout offers across a range of sports, many of which can be used in conjunction with accumulator bet selections. Notably Tennis, Ice Hockey, Basketball, Baseball and Football. This means if your selection matches the criteria for the offer, your selection will be declared a winner, even if it turns out to be a loser at the end of the match. 

Details of all these offers can be found on bet365 including full terms and conditions for each offer.

Strategies for Accumulator Betting at bet365

1. Start Small: If you’re new to accumulator betting, it’s wise to start with smaller accumulators, such as doubles or trebles. This will help you get a feel for how accumulators work without exposing yourself to too much risk.
2. Research and Analysis: As with all forms of betting, research is key. Make sure to analyse the form, injuries, head-to-head records, and other relevant factors before making your selections. The more informed your choices, the better your chances of success.
3. Avoid Overloading: While it might be tempting to add more selections for a bigger potential payout, it’s generally safer to keep the number of selections low. A four-fold accumulator offers a good balance between risk and reward.
4. Bankroll Management: Accumulator bets should only represent a small portion of your overall betting bankroll. Given their risky nature, it’s important not to wager more than you can afford to lose.
5. Use Bookmaker Promotions: Many bookmakers offer promotions specifically for accumulators, such as enhanced odds or money-back specials if one leg of the accumulator fails. These can add extra value and reduce the risk.
6. Cash-Out Option: Some bookmakers offer a cash-out option, which allows you to settle your accumulator bet before all the selections have finished. This can be useful if you’ve won several legs of the bet and want to secure a profit rather than risk losing it all on the remaining selections.

Tips for Maximizing Accumulator Success at bet365

1. Stick to What You Know: Focus on sports and leagues you are familiar with. This knowledge will give you an edge when making your selections.
2. Bet With Your Head, Not Your Heart: It can be tempting to include your favourite team in an accumulator, but emotional bets can cloud your judgment. Make your selections based on research and analysis rather than personal bias.
3. Monitor Market Movement: Keep an eye on the odds as they can shift due to factors like team news or weather conditions. Timing your bet to take advantage of favourable odds is crucial.
4. Consider the Long Game: Accumulator betting is a marathon, not a sprint. Understand that you won’t win every accumulator, but with careful strategy and discipline, you can enjoy long-term success.

Conclusion – Better Acca Betting with bet365 Sport

Accumulator betting is an exciting way to engage with sports betting, offering the chance for substantial rewards from small stakes. However, it requires careful strategy, research, and discipline to maximise its potential while managing the inherent risks. 

By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can improve your chances of success at bet365 Sport and make accumulator betting a rewarding part of your sports betting experience.