Lucky 15 vs Yankee: Differences

Lucky 15 vs Yankee: What’s the Difference?

Short answer: A Lucky 15 and a Yankee both use four selections, but the difference lies in the single coverage. A Lucky 15 has 15 bets because it includes singles, while a Yankee has 11 bets because it only includes multiples.

That means a Lucky 15 costs more but gives you a return even if only one horse wins. A Yankee is cheaper, but you need at least two winners to see a return.

Lucky 15 vs Yankee Bet: Overall

A Lucky 15 is a full-cover multiple made up of four singles, six doubles, four trebles, and one fourfold. In total, that’s 15 bets.

A Yankee also uses four selections, but it only covers the multiples: six doubles, four trebles, and one fourfold. That’s 11 bets in total, with no singles.

Summary: This simple difference explains the contrast between them. A Lucky 15 offers a safety net at a higher cost, while a Yankee is riskier (only relying on multiples) but requires less outlay.

Quick comparison

Feature	Lucky 15	Yankee
Selections	4	4
Total bets (win-only)	15 (includes singles)	11 (multiples only)
Minimum winners needed	1 (a single pays)	2 (must land a double)
Typical stake at £1 per line	£15 (£30 each way)	£11 (£22 each way)
Risk profile	Lower (singles reduce volatility)	Higher (no singles, more all-or-nothing)
Common bonuses	One-winner consolation, all-winners boost	Rarely offered

Why choose a Yankee?

The Yankee is designed for punters who are confident that at least two of their four selections will win. Because it cuts out singles, the total stake is lower, and the returns are concentrated on the multiples. That makes it riskier but potentially more rewarding if you get several winners.

For a £1 Yankee, the total outlay is £11, which is cheaper than a £15 Lucky 15. It’s a neat choice when you want exposure to four horses but don’t feel the need for singles.

Why choose a Lucky 15?

The Lucky 15 suits punters who want more insurance. The singles mean that even if only one horse wins, you will still collect something back. On top of that, most bookmakers add bonuses: double odds for one winner or a 10% boost if all four win.

This makes the Lucky 15 attractive for everyday use because it softens the downside and adds extra upside. The trade-off is that it costs more… £15 for £1 per line whcih can add up, but many punters see that as fair value for the added safety.

Comparison at a glance

Bet Type	Singles	Doubles	Trebles	Fourfold
Lucky 15 (4 selections)	4	6	4	1
Yankee (4 selections)	0	6	4	1

Each Way versions

Both bets can be played each way.

• A £1 each-way Lucky 15 is £30 in total because it covers 30 lines: 15 win bets and 15 place bets.
• A £1 each-way Yankee is £22 in total because it covers 22 lines: 11 win bets and 11 place bets.

The each-way option is useful when your horses are at bigger odds and you think they could place rather than win.

Which should you choose?

If you want the cheapest version and you’re confident of two or more winners, the Yankee is the sharper tool.

If you want peace of mind and you value singles as cover, the Lucky 15 is the stronger option. Both bets use the same four selections, but the Lucky 15 spreads the risk while the Yankee concentrates it.

The simplest way to see which works for your situation is to run your picks through a Lucky 15 Calculator. That way you can compare the returns directly before you place your bet.