What is a payout cap?
A payout cap (maximum payout limit) is the ceiling a bookmaker will pay on a single bet. If your potential winnings exceed the cap, you are paid the cap — the rest is forfeited. Caps are set out in each bookmaker's terms and conditions.
Caps scale with bet size
Most SA bookmakers tier their caps by the number of legs in an accumulator (or numbers in a Lucky Numbers bet). A short slip has a low cap; a long accumulator unlocks a much higher one. This is why a 3-leg bet can be capped far below a bookmaker's advertised maximum.
How to avoid losing to a cap
Before placing a large bet, check whether your potential payout exceeds the applicable cap at your bookmaker — and whether another bookmaker has a higher cap for the same bet. Our calculator does this comparison instantly. Bet responsibly: winners know when to stop (National Responsible Gambling Programme: 0800 006 008, 18+).
Check your own bet against every bookmaker
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