Work out a parlay payout and its true cost
A parlay (also called an accumulator or multi) rolls several bets into one. Every leg must win, and the odds multiply, so the payout grows fast. So does the bookmaker margin, because you pay it on every leg. Enter each leg below, and optionally the opposing price, to see both sides of the trade.
Formula and worked example
Combined decimal odds = Leg 1 odds x Leg 2 odds x ... x Leg n odds
Total payout = Stake x Combined decimal odds
Profit = Total payout - Stake
Implied probability = 1 / Combined decimal odds
Three legs at decimal odds of 2.00, 1.91 and 2.50 combine to 9.55. A 10 stake returns 95.50 for an 85.50 profit. The combined price implies a 10.47% chance, which is what the parlay must beat before the margin is even considered.
True odds and the hold you pay
The implied probability above still carries the bookmaker margin, so it overstates the real chance the parlay lands. To strip that out, add the opposing price for each leg. The calculator removes the two-way vig on every leg, multiplies the resulting no-vig implied probabilities for the true probability the parlay hits, and compares two holds.
Because margins multiply rather than add, the hold on the parlay is larger than the sum of the individual legs' hold. That gap is the extra edge you hand over purely for combining the bets. The expected value line shows the same cost as a share of every unit staked. Use the vig calculator to inspect a single market's margin, or the betting odds calculator to price one leg on its own.
How a parlay differs from separate singles
Stacking legs multiplies the price and the risk together. One losing leg voids the whole ticket, and you pay the book's margin on each selection. Splitting the same picks into separate singles keeps each margin isolated instead of compounding, which is why the true-odds view usually favours singles unless a specific correlation or promotion changes the maths.
Limits and responsible use
The calculation assumes independent legs settled under standard rules, and it does not model correlated markets, same-game pricing, voids, deductions or maximum payout caps. UK-licensed operators must publish rules covering settlement, errors, withdrawals and maximum payouts. See Gambling Commission LCCP 4.2.6.
Set a spending limit before gambling and do not chase losses. Read GambleAware's advice and our responsible gambling guidance.
Related tools and guides
After checking the price, you can compare betting partners. Oddly Likely may earn a commission from partner links; check current odds, eligibility and terms. Read the affiliate disclosure.
Sources
- Gambling Commission, LCCP condition 4.2.6. Current code accessed 4 August 2026.
- GambleAware, Advice to consider if you're gambling. Accessed 4 August 2026.