A Lucky 15 and a Trixie are both part of the family of full-cover bets, but they are not the same. The key difference comes down to the number of selections and whether singles are included.
A Lucky 15 uses four selections and covers every possible outcome: four singles, six doubles, four trebles, and one fourfold. That’s 15 bets in total. A Trixie uses three selections but only includes the multiples: three doubles and one treble. That’s just four bets, and no singles.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Lucky 15 | Trixie |
|---|---|---|
| Selections | 4 | 3 |
| Total bets (win-only) | 15 (includes singles) | 4 (multiples only) |
| Minimum winners needed | 1 (a single pays) | 2 (must land a double) |
| Typical stake at £1 per line | £15 (£30 each way) | £4 (£8 each way) |
| Risk profile | Lower (singles reduce volatility) | Higher (leaner bet, no singles) |
| Common bonuses | One-winner consolation, all-winners boost | Not usually offered |
Why choose a Trixie over a Lucky 15?
A Trixie is cheaper and simpler. With only four lines, it’s a light option that still gives you coverage across three selections. The trade-off is that you need at least two winners to see any return, because there are no singles included. For a £1 Trixie, the outlay is just £4, making it a low-cost way to back three horses in multiples.
Why choose a Lucky 15 over a Trixie?
A Lucky 15 is more expensive, but much safer. With 15 bets in play, the singles mean that even one winning horse will get you something back. Many bookmakers also add bonuses such as double odds for one winner and a 10% boost if all four win. This reduces the risk of walking away empty-handed and adds upside if everything clicks. The price is the higher cost: £15 for £1 per line, or £30 if played each way.
Structure comparison at a glance
| Bet Type | Singles | Doubles | Trebles | Fourfold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky 15 (4 selections) | 4 | 6 | 4 | 1 |
| Trixie (3 selections) | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
Each-way versions
Both bets can be played each way, which doubles the number of lines:
- A £1 each-way Lucky 15 is 30 bets in total, costing £30.
- A £1 each-way Trixie is 8 bets in total, costing £8.
Each way is useful when your horses are at longer odds and you want to be paid if they place rather than win.
Which should you choose?
Choose a Trixie if you want a cheap, focused multiple that requires at least two winners. Choose a Lucky 15 if you want broader cover, singles included, and the chance to benefit from bookmaker bonuses. A Lucky 15 costs more, but for many punters the safety net of singles makes it worthwhile.
The best way to decide is to plug your selections into a Bet Calculator. You’ll see instantly how the potential returns compare against a Trixie.
If you want to calculate your Trixie bet you can use our free Trixie Calculator or if you are set on a Lucky 15 then check out our Lucky 15 Calculator.
Peter is an award-winning horse racing sports writer and avid equestrian. He has 10+ years in sports journalism & Lucky 15 betting. He is an active writer for some of the leading sports news outlets worldwide including horse racing & betting / igaming. His current role is as Founder of Lucky 15 Calculator. He lives in Oxfordshire with his wife and two children.