The Bet Builder (also known as Same Game Multi or SGM) lets you combine multiple markets from a single match — such as “Home Win,” “Player to Score,” and “Over 9 Corners” — into one combined wager. It is one of the most popular features offered by modern bookmakers.
However, there is a fundamental difference between a Bet Builder and a standard accumulator. In an acca, the events come from different matches and are genuinely independent — so the odds are simply multiplied. In a Bet Builder, the events come from the same match and are usually dependent on each other. Bookmakers account for this by applying a correlation discount, reducing the combined odds below the simple multiplication.
Our Bet Builder Estimator helps you approximate how much that discount might be. Select a common combination type, adjust the correlation slider, and see the estimated SGM price range alongside the independence (acca) price. This is a heuristic screening tool — not a replacement for the bookmaker’s proprietary pricing model.
Bet Builder Estimator
SGM CalcEstimate adjusted Same Game Multi odds using a correlation discount. This is a heuristic tool — bookmaker pricing uses proprietary models.
How to Use the Bet Builder Estimator
This tool gives you a rough sense of how correlation affects your SGM odds. It does not replicate bookmaker algorithms — those are proprietary and use methods like Monte Carlo simulation and copula models.
- Add Your Selections: Input the decimal odds for each leg. You can find individual leg odds in the bookmaker’s single markets (e.g., 1X2 market for match result, Over/Under for goals).
- Choose a Combination Type: Select the type that best describes your combo (e.g., “Result + Player Scorer” or “BTTS + Over/Under”). The calculator will auto-set the correlation slider to the midpoint of the suggested range for that combination type. You can also choose “Custom” for full manual control.
- Adjust the Correlation (if needed): The slider controls how much discount is applied to the independence price. Higher correlation = larger discount = lower estimated SGM odds. The suggested range for each combo type is shown below the dropdown.
- Read the Results:
- Independence Acca: What the odds would be if the events were completely unrelated (simple multiplication).
- Estimated SGM Range: The approximate range of adjusted odds after correlation discount. This is a range, not a single number, because the exact discount depends on match context.
- If your bookmaker’s actual SGM price falls within or near this range, their pricing is roughly in line with the estimated dependency. If it falls well below, the bookmaker may be taking a larger cut.
The calculator also warns you if your selection descriptions suggest contradictory events (e.g., “Under 0.5 Goals” + “Player to Score”) — combos that most bookmakers block.
Common Bet Builder Combinations & Their Correlation
Not all SGM combos are created equal. The correlation between legs depends on how closely the events influence each other within the same match.
| Combination | Correlation | Typical Discount | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Result + Player Scorer | High | 40–55% | If a team’s striker scores, that team is very likely to win. Events strongly overlap. |
| Result + Over/Under Goals | Medium-High | 25–40% | A strong favourite winning often correlates with more total goals. |
| Result + BTTS | Medium | 20–35% | Win + BTTS implies a specific scoring pattern (e.g., 2-1, 3-1). |
| BTTS + Over/Under Goals | Medium | 20–35% | If both teams score, total goals are pulled toward 2+, making Over 2.5 more likely. |
| Player Scorer + Over/Under | Medium | 15–30% | A goal scorer pushes up total goals, but is not the sole driver. |
| Result + Cards / Corners | Low | 5–20% | Winning and card/corner counts are weakly related — the direction can even flip depending on match context. |
These are approximate ranges based on general tendencies. The actual correlation varies by league, team style, and in-play context. The calculator uses these ranges as defaults when you select a combination type.
Why Bookmakers Love Bet Builders
Bet Builders are among the most profitable products for bookmakers. Here is why:
Compounding margin. Every individual leg in a Bet Builder carries the bookmaker’s margin (typically 3–7% per market). When you combine 3 or 4 legs, the margins multiply. A 4-leg SGM where each leg has a 5% margin can carry a combined hidden margin of 20–30%. You do not see this because the bookmaker shows only the final combined price — not the breakdown.
Correlation discount on top of margin. In addition to the per-leg margin, the bookmaker also applies their proprietary correlation adjustment. This means the final SGM price can be significantly lower than the fair (no-margin, correlation-adjusted) price. The player absorbs both the margin and the correlation discount.
Entertainment appeal. SGMs are marketed as fun and creative, which attracts recreational bettors who are less likely to scrutinize the pricing. This makes SGMs a high-margin product by design.
None of this means you should never use Bet Builders — but you should understand the cost structure before placing one.
Blocked & Contradictory Combinations
Most bookmakers will reject or block SGM combos where the legs logically conflict. Common examples:
- Under 0.5 Goals + Any Player to Score — impossible for both to happen.
- Clean Sheet + BTTS Yes — a clean sheet means one team scores zero; BTTS requires both to score.
- 0-0 Correct Score + Over 1.5 Goals — directly contradictory.
- Home Win + 0-0 — cannot win with a 0-0 score.
If the calculator detects keywords suggesting a contradiction, it will display a warning. Always double-check your selections before building.
Real-World Examples
Example 1: High Correlation — Result + Scorer
You want to bet on Liverpool to Win (1.60) and Mo Salah Anytime Scorer (2.00).
- Independence Acca: 1.60 × 2.00 = 3.20.
- Combo Type: “Result + Player Scorer” → suggested range 40–55%.
- At 48% discount (midpoint): Profit = 3.20 − 1 = 2.20. Discounted profit = 2.20 × (1 − 0.48) = 1.14. Estimated SGM ≈ 2.14.
- Estimated Range: At 40%: 2.32. At 55%: 1.99. Range: ~1.99 – 2.32.
- Reality check: If your bookmaker offers 2.20, that is within the expected range. If they offer 1.80, they are taking a significantly larger cut than the correlation alone would explain.
Example 2: Low Correlation — Result + Cards
You bet on Arsenal to Win (1.80) and Under 3.5 Match Cards (1.90).
- Independence Acca: 1.80 × 1.90 = 3.42.
- Combo Type: “Result + Cards/Corners” → suggested range 5–20%.
- At 13% discount (midpoint): Profit = 2.42. Discounted = 2.42 × 0.87 = 2.11. Estimated SGM ≈ 3.11.
- Estimated Range: At 5%: 3.30. At 20%: 2.94. Range: ~2.94 – 3.30.
- Reality check: The SGM price stays much closer to the acca price because these events are weakly related.
Tip: To check odds for individual legs like BTTS, use our BTTS Calculator. For Over/Under, see the Over/Under Goals Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between an Accumulator and a Bet Builder?
An Accumulator (Acca) combines selections from different matches. Since the matches do not influence each other, the odds are simply multiplied. A Bet Builder combines selections from the same match. Since events within one game are usually correlated, the bookmaker adjusts (reduces) the combined odds using proprietary algorithms.
Why are my Bet Builder odds lower than a standard acca?
Two reasons. First, correlation: if your selections support each other (e.g., “Over 2.5 Goals” + “BTTS Yes”), the joint probability is higher than the product of individual probabilities, so the bookmaker reduces the price. Second, compounding margin: each leg carries a built-in margin (3–7%), and when legs are combined, the total hidden margin can reach 20–30%.
Can I use this calculator for real payouts?
No. This tool is a heuristic estimator. It applies a linear discount to independence odds — a rough approximation. Every bookmaker uses a different proprietary pricing model (based on Monte Carlo simulations, copulas, or internal market data). No external calculator can replicate these. Use this tool for rough screening only.
Why does the calculator show a range instead of a single number?
Because the exact correlation between events is uncertain. It depends on match context, league, team styles, and in-play dynamics. A range (e.g., 2.10 – 2.45) is more honest than a single pseudo-precise number. If your bookmaker’s price falls within or near this range, the correlation discount is roughly in line with expectations.
These are selections that logically conflict — for example, “Under 0.5 Goals” and “Home Team to Win.” Most bookmakers block such combos entirely. If the calculator detects keywords suggesting a contradiction, it will show a warning.