What is a Multiple Bet?

Discover what a multiple bet is and how to maximize your returns with various types like doubles, trebles, and accumulators. Learn key strategies and tips to win more with multiple bets in our comprehensive guide.

Claudia Hartley

Sports Betting Writer

Last Updated: 2024-06-12

Fact checked by:

A. Tzamantanis

Sports Betting Editor

6 minutes read

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Table of Contents

Multiple bets are an exciting form of betting that allows you to combine various bets into one single wager. A multiple bet gives you a unique opportunity to benefit from increased odds, as long as the correct number of legs come in.

Speaking of legs, you’ll find each individual part of a multiple bet referred to as a leg. For example, if you bet on three horses in a multiple bet, each of their races is its own leg.

Some types of multiple bets require all of the legs to win, others require just some. All good sports betting sites will offer various types of multiple bets, which we’ll explain in detail next.

Types of Multiple Bets

There are various different multiple bet types, each with its own rules and payout systems. Below we’ll touch on each of the most popular multiple bets, but if you’re interested in finding out more, we have a dedicated explainer on every single one.

Double

A double is the simplest type of multiple bet. It involves placing a wager on two separate events and in order for it to payout, both must win.

Your returns from a double bet are based on the winnings from the first leg of the double being used as the stake for the second part of the double.

Treble

A treble bet works in exactly the same way as a double, except you bet on three separate events and all three must win for your bet to be paid out.

Your returns are calculated in the same way as a double, where the winnings from the first bet are used as the stake for the second, and the winnings from the second are used as the stake for the third.

Accumulator

An accumulator is a type of multiple bet that involves the same payout mechanics as a double or treble, but with more legs. It’s sometimes called a parlay, particularly in the United States.

You’ll often see bonuses that are targeted specifically towards accumulators or accas. These can be helpful for increasing profits, but bare in mind that the more legs your acca has, the harder it will be to win.

Yankee

This is the point where things get a little more confusing. A Yankee is a bet with four selections most commonly seen in racing sports such as motorsports, horse racing, and greyhound racing.

Your four selections cover 11 different bets: six doubles, four trebles, and one four-fold accumulator. Your returns vary greatly depending on the odds of your selections, but at least two selections must win for your bet to win.

Canadian

You can think of a Canadian like the next stage up from a Yankee, in fact, you’ll sometimes see it called a Super Yankee. This bet has five selections that total 26 different bets. These bets are made up of: 10 doubles, 10 trebles, 5 four-fold bets, and 1 five-fold accumulator.

It’s paid out in the same way as a Canadian, with at least two selections needing to win for you to be paid out. The calculations for these kinds of multiple bets are complicated, so it’s best to use a calculator to do it for you.

Heinz

The final multiple bet type that we’re going to look at in detail is called a Heinz. This bet is made up of six selections totalling 57 bets. These bets are: 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-fold bets, 6 five-fold bets, and 1 six-fold bet.

Like a Yankee and a Canadian, at least two selections must win for you to make any returns.

How to Win at Multiple Bets

Winning at multiple bets involves a lot of the same strategy as winning at singles. However, there are a few other factors to consider.

Below we’ll discuss some of the ‘best practices’ for winning, whatever the type of bet you’re making. Then, we’ll take a look at some ideas that are specific to multiple bets.

Best Practices for Multiple Betting Success

Ideally, you want to use all of these tips whichever type of bet you’re making, but they’re particularly important with multiple bets.

●    Research: The most important part of any successful betting strategy is doing proper research. Make sure you look into every aspect of the player, team, or horse’s form and understand its chances thoroughly.
●    Knowing the Sport: Knowing the sport will give you a big advantage, particularly when making multiple bets. Choose a sport that you consider yourself an expert on and stick to that single sport when placing multiples.
●    Bankroll Management: Only betting with money that you can afford to lose is an essential skill to have as a bettor at any level. Consider setting deposit or loss limits with your bookmaker to ensure you stick to your bankroll budget.
●    Searching Out Odds: Odds are exceptionally important in multiple bets, particularly doubles, trebles, and accumulators. This is because the odds become compounded, which we’ll talk about more in a second.

Multiple Bets and Compounding Odds

Bookmakers are always looking for ways to increase their profits and multiple bets can be an effective way of doing this. This is because all of your wagers are effectively multiplied together in doubles, trebles, and accumulators.

If you take poor odds on just one leg of your multiple bet then this will effect the payout from the bet as a whole. It’s for this reason that it’s super important to search out the very best

Frequently Asked Questions About Multiple Bets

Can I place an each way multiple bet?

If you’re betting on a race-based sport, then you usually can. However, you need to remember that having an each-way multiple bet will double your stake.

What’s the best way to calculate the payout for multiple bets?

Doubles and trebles are fairly easy to work out by yourself, but for lengthier multiple bets, a calculator is the best way. You’ll find lots of free multiple bet calculators online that take out the hard work.

Claudia HartleySports Betting Writer

With a decade of experience in the sports betting industry, Claudia can spot a value bet from a mile off. She prides herself on not just being a sports writer, but a fastidious researcher too.