97. Accas

Posted on by lpaton80
When I started out in this game 20 years ago people always used to say avoid accumulators. They are for mugs. That common misconception could not be more wrong. The reality though is that for most punters accas are terrible value and just extrapolate losses.

Accas are pretty simple in terms of whether they are the right bet for you or not. If you have an edge across the selections you are taking then it is an opportunity to compound the edge that you have. I was careful how to phrase that as not all selections need to have an edge.

Some of the selections could be fairly neutral or even slightly negative in terms of EV if others within the selections overcome that. If you are placing bets on -EV picks there has to be a reason for it otherwise it will compound unfavourably against you.

The main reason why you might do it is to be able to get the volume of bets on that you want. Or to cover up which selections you think has the significant +EV. As a general rule though if your selections have a positive edge accas are a great option for you.
Conversely, if your selections have a -EV then accas should be avoided at all costs and are absolutely what the bookmaker wants you betting on. The hard part as always is knowing whether you definitely have an edge or not. 

Accas can be a great way to get some decent volume of bets on as everyone just assumes that accas are for mugs. That’s particularly the case in shops if all your accounts are restricted. You can often get some decent bonuses on accas as well. 

Shops like Betfred will give you bonuses if only one of your selections win. Or if they all win. Or if one leg lets you down. They are happy to make these offers as they want to encourage as many people onto the product, knowing how profitable they are for them.
It is great news though if you already have an edge on these products as it just increases the profitability of them. There are some great offers online as well if you have access. I know of certain bookmakers who will give you significant bonuses irrespective of the prices involved. 

So on a sport like tennis if you place a 5 fold acca you might get a 20% bonus. Obviously, its important to have bets that are +EV/neutral initially but if you do then it can be a real difference maker. There are often high limits with these bonuses as well. 

Accas are amongst the most misunderstood markets out there. Use them to your advantage if you have an edge. Use the bookmakers greed and love for them against them. You have to have an edge though, otherwise avoid at all costs. 

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