A Lucky 31 is a full cover bet on five selections that includes every single, double, treble, fourfold and the fivefold: 31 bets in total. Because it includes singles, one winner can give you a return, and some bookmakers add bonuses on top. This guide explains what is inside a Lucky 31 bet, what it costs, how the returns build as more picks win and how it compares with the Lucky 15 and Lucky 63.
The Lucky 31 in 30 seconds
- It uses 5 selections, each in a different event.
- It contains 31 bets, including 5 singles.
- A 10p unit stake costs £3.10, or £6.20 each-way.
- One winner returns something, but you usually need three or more to make a profit.
What’s inside a Lucky 31
| Bet type | Number of bets |
|---|---|
| Singles | 5 |
| Doubles | 10 |
| Trebles | 10 |
| Fourfolds | 5 |
| Fivefold | 1 |
| Total | 31 |
Every possible combination of your five picks is covered, which is why it is called a full cover bet with singles. Without the singles, the same 26 bets make a Canadian, also known as a Super Yankee.
How much a Lucky 31 bet costs
Multiply your unit stake by 31. At 10p a line that is £3.10, at 50p it is £15.50 and at £1 it is £31. An each-way Lucky 31 doubles the number of bets to 62, so the cost doubles too: £62 at £1 each-way.
Lucky 31 returns: a worked example
Say you place a £1 Lucky 31 (£31 total) on five Premier League home wins on the same Saturday: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa, each priced at evens (2.0 in decimal odds). The prices are for illustration. Here is what you would get back depending on how many of the five win.
| Winners | Bets that win | Total return | Profit or loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 single | £2 | -£29 |
| 2 | 2 singles, 1 double | £8 | -£23 |
| 3 | 3 singles, 3 doubles, 1 treble | £26 | -£5 |
| 4 | 4 singles, 6 doubles, 4 trebles, 1 fourfold | £80 | +£49 |
| 5 | All 31 bets | £242 | +£211 |
At evens you need four winners to make a profit. With bigger prices, fewer winners are needed: three winners at 3/1 each would already return well over the stake. The table also shows why the bet is popular: returns grow fast once most of your picks land.
Lucky 31 bonuses and consolations
Many bookmakers add extras to Lucky bets, such as double or treble odds if only one selection wins, or a percentage bonus if all five win. These are not standard and the terms vary a lot, so check the bookmaker’s rules before you bet. A bonus does not change the basic maths above, it only adds to the return in certain outcomes.
Lucky 31 vs Lucky 15 and Lucky 63
| Bet | Selections | Bets | Includes singles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky 15 | 4 | 15 | Yes |
| Lucky 31 | 5 | 31 | Yes |
| Lucky 63 | 6 | 63 | Yes |
| Yankee | 4 | 11 | No |
| Canadian (Super Yankee) | 5 | 26 | No |
The pattern is simple: each extra selection roughly doubles the number of bets and the cost. A Lucky 63 adds a sixth pick and costs 63 times your unit stake. If you want to keep costs down, a Patent covers three selections in seven bets.
Non-runners and void selections
If one of your selections is a non-runner or its event is void, the bookmaker usually settles the bets that include it as if that selection was not there. A double containing the non-runner becomes a single, a treble becomes a double and so on, and the stake on the single for that selection is returned. Rules can differ for horse racing, so read the bookmaker’s settlement terms. Our guide to non-runner no bet covers advance racing bets.
Is a Lucky 31 right for you?
A Lucky 31 suits people who like five selections and want some return even if only one or two win. The trade-off is cost: you pay for 31 bets, and most of them need several winners. If you are only confident about two or three picks, a smaller bet or simple singles may give better value for your stake. Bigger full cover bets, like the Goliath, push this trade-off further.
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Lucky 31 FAQs
Usually not. Selections normally have to come from separate events, because the results need to be independent. It depends on the bookmaker. Many accept 5p or 10p a line, which makes the total £1.55 or £3.10. Yes, on races and other each-way markets. It becomes 62 bets, so the total cost doubles.Can I use two selections from the same match in a Lucky 31?
What is the minimum stake for a Lucky 31?
Can I place a Lucky 31 each-way?
18+ only. Free bets and welcome offers are for new customers and T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun, visit our responsible gambling page or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Free advice is also available from BeGambleAware.org.
