A Lucky 15 is a bet on four selections made up of 15 separate bets: four singles, six doubles, four trebles and one four-fold accumulator. Because it includes singles, one winner is enough to get something back. In addition, the multiples mean three or four winners can pay out far more than the same stake on singles. Here’s how a Lucky 15 works, what it costs, and worked examples showing what you win with one, two, three or four winners.
Lucky 15 in 30 seconds
- You pick four selections, usually horses in different races.
- The bet is 15 bets in one: 4 singles, 6 doubles, 4 trebles and 1 four-fold.
- It costs 15 times your unit stake, or 30 times if you bet each-way.
- One winner returns something, but often less than your total stake.
- The big payouts come when three or four selections win.
How a Lucky 15 works
You choose four selections in separate events. The bookmaker then combines them in every possible way:
| Bet type | Number of bets | Needs to win |
|---|---|---|
| Singles | 4 | 1 selection each |
| Doubles | 6 | 2 selections each |
| Trebles | 4 | 3 selections each |
| Four-fold | 1 | All 4 selections |
| Total | 15 |
Each of those 15 bets uses your unit stake. So a £1 Lucky 15 costs £15, and a £2 Lucky 15 costs £30.
A Lucky 15 is a full cover bet. That means it covers every combination of your selections, including the singles. A Yankee is the same bet without the singles, which is why it has 11 bets instead of 15.
Lucky 15 worked examples
Take a £1 Lucky 15, costing £15 in total, on four horses at 2/1, 3/1, 4/1 and 5/1. In decimal odds that’s 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0.
| Winners | Which ones | Total return | Profit or loss on £15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5/1 only | £6 | −£9 |
| 2 | 3/1 and 5/1 | £34 | +£19 |
| 3 | 3/1, 4/1 and 5/1 | £209 | +£194 |
| 4 | All four | £839 | +£824 |
Here’s how the two-winner line adds up. The two singles return £4 and £6. The double between them returns £1 × 4.0 × 6.0 = £24. So the total return is £34, and every other bet loses.
With three winners, you collect three singles (£4 + £5 + £6 = £15), three doubles (£20 + £24 + £30 = £74) and one treble (£1 × 4.0 × 5.0 × 6.0 = £120). That makes £209, a profit of £194. Every bet that includes the 2/1 loser is lost, including the four-fold.
The lesson is clear. A Lucky 15 is built for the chance of a big win when most of your selections come in. One winner at a short price usually loses you money overall.
Bonuses and consolations
Some bookmakers add extras to a Lucky 15, especially on horse racing. Common ones include:
- Double or treble the odds on a single if only one of your selections wins.
- A percentage bonus on your returns if all four win.
These promotions vary between bookmakers and from day to day, and they usually have their own terms, such as minimum odds or a maximum bonus. Always read them before you bet, and don’t assume a bonus applies unless it’s shown on your bet slip.
Each-way Lucky 15
An each-way Lucky 15 is 30 bets: the 15 win bets plus 15 place bets. So a £1 each-way Lucky 15 costs £30. The place part pays at the each-way fraction of the odds for each selection, such as 1/5 or 1/4.
Each-way can make sense when you back bigger prices, because placed horses keep the place doubles and trebles alive. Our each-way betting guide explains place terms, and the each-way calculator works out the place returns on a single.
Non-runners and Rule 4
If one of your selections is a non-runner, its single is refunded. In the doubles, trebles and four-fold, the non-runner is treated as void, as if it had won at decimal odds of 1.0, so those bets carry on with the remaining selections. In effect, your Lucky 15 becomes a smaller full cover bet on three horses.
Late withdrawals in a race can also trigger a deduction on your winning selections. See Rule 4 explained for how that works.
Yankees and other full cover bets
| Bet | Selections | Bets | Includes singles? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trixie | 3 | 4 | No |
| Patent | 3 | 7 | Yes |
| Yankee | 4 | 11 | No |
| Lucky 15 | 4 | 15 | Yes |
| Lucky 31 | 5 | 31 | Yes |
| Lucky 63 | 6 | 63 | Yes |
More bets means more ways to win, but also a bigger total stake. If you’d rather keep things simple, our guide to acca and bet builder free bets covers single accumulators.
Free bets on a Lucky 15
Most sign-up free bets are for a single stake, so they can’t usually be used on a 15-bet combination. Some racing offers do give free bets for placing a Lucky 15, though. As always, check the terms. Here are some of the simplest offers to claim right now:
Free bet offers
Paddy Power Sports Easy Low risk
£30 in free bets
18+ · Code YSKAST · £5 bet at evens+ · £30 free bets · 30 days · Debit/Apple Pay/bank
Full T&Cs
18+ · New Customer offer - Use promo code YSKAST. Place a min £5 bet on the sportsbook at odds of min EVS (2.0) and get £30 in free bets. Free bet rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via Pay by Bank, Debit Cards & Apple Pay will qualify for this offer. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly
Kwiff Sports Easy Very low risk
£40 in free bets
18+ · £10 bet at 2.0+ in 5 days · 4 x £10 free bets (3+ legs each) · 7-day expiry
Full T&Cs
New UK customers. £10 cash bet, min. odds 2.0, in 5 days of deposit. Get 4x £10 Free Bets: Single, 2 Accas & Bet Builder (3+ legs each). Excl. cashout, E/W, Multis, Ineligible Markets & Odds Boosts. 7-day expiry. T&Cs apply. 18+ | GambleAware
Unibet Sports Easy Very low risk
£40 in free bets
18+ · Opt in · Dep & bet £20 at 2.0+ in 7 days · £40 free bets · 7 days · Debit/bank only
Full T&Cs
18+ | GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Opt in, deposit and Bet £20+ on sports at min odds of 2.0+ (1/1) for £40 in Free Bets within 7 days of registration. Debit cards or instant bank transfers only. Free bets expire within 7 days of issue. Geographical restrictions and T&C’s apply.
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Lucky 15 FAQ
£15, because it’s 15 separate £1 bets. A £1 each-way Lucky 15 costs £30. Yes, the single on that selection pays out. However, unless the price is big, the return is usually less than the total stake. Some bookmakers boost the odds on a lone winner as a consolation. A Yankee has the same doubles, trebles and four-fold, but no singles, so it’s 11 bets. A Lucky 15 adds the four singles to make 15. Its single is refunded. In the multiples it’s treated as void, at decimal odds of 1.0, so those bets carry on with the remaining selections. Yes. You can use any four selections in separate events, although it’s most popular on horse racing.How much does a £1 Lucky 15 cost?
Do you win anything with one winner?
What's the difference between a Lucky 15 and a Yankee?
What happens if a horse doesn't run?
Can I put a Lucky 15 on football?
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.
