What Is A Yankee Bet? A Simple Explanation
Last Updated on December 4, 2023
By Jacob Potter 
A Yankee bet consists of eleven bets over four different selections. It has six doubles, four trebles and a fourfold accumulator. Its popularity is derived from the increased chance of achieving a return versus a traditional accumulator.
The amount won from a Yankee depends on the number of selections which win and the odds of each one. When you place 11 bets on four different selections, a £1 win-only Yankee bet would therefore cost £11. Because a Yankee bet contains no single bets, two of the selections must win for a return to be achieved. The return from just two selections would be highly unlikely to be greater than the original stake.
The four bets consist of six doubles four trebles and a fourfold accumulator. The diagram below shows a win-only Yankee. Bets one to six consist of the doubles, bets seven to ten consist of the trebles and bet 11 is the accumulator.
How To Make A Yankee Bet Calculation
The Yankee bet calculator removes all the working out and simplifies your bets so you know what to expect in the way of winning returns.
Here is an example of a Yankee bet that can be worked out using the calculator above:
- We are going for four straight bets, but you can choose an each-way option if you like
- Choose your odds format – decimal, fractional or American
- Next choose the outcome – winner, dead heat, lost or void/non-runner
- Then enter the odds for that horse
- Confirm whether there were any rule 4 applications to be added
- Finally select whether you are calculating with a stake per bet, or combined – and what your stake is
- The total outlay, total return and total profit will automatically update to give you all the information you need
Yankee Bet Calculator
If you are relatively new to online sports betting all this might seem a little confusing. Working out how much a bet will cost – and how much the winning returns might be may well put you off. That’s why anyone who is interested in placing system bets, such as a Yankee, should use a betting calculator. Work out your winnings with our Yankee Bet Calculator.
Yankee Bet Calculator
Enter Bet Details
EACH WAY
Odds Format
Add Selection Notes
| # | Outcome | Odds | Place Odds | Rule 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
||||
| 1 |
/
|
|||
| Places Offered: | Tied Position: | Number of Runners in Dead Heat: | ||
|
|
||||
| 2 |
/
|
|||
| Places Offered: | Tied Position: | Number of Runners in Dead Heat: | ||
|
|
||||
| 3 |
/
|
|||
| Places Offered: | Tied Position: | Number of Runners in Dead Heat: | ||
|
|
||||
| 4 |
/
|
|||
| Places Offered: | Tied Position: | Number of Runners in Dead Heat: | ||
Summary (Updated Automatically)
Stake Type
Stake
Total Outlay
Total Return
Total Profit
Why Make A Yankee Bet?
A benefit of the Yankee is that it really diversifies the risk of one selection losing within a multiple bet. A traditional accumulator is lost when just one selection doesn’t win. If you’re more confident the majority of your selections will win, then a Yankee will increase your chances of a positive return on your stake.
The disadvantage of a Yankee bet is that it does require a higher stake. With 11 bets instead of one, the stake will be much higher. You need to consider the increased chance of winning is worth this higher stake.
Is it possible to place an each-way Yankee bet?
The quick answer is yes. An each way Yankee bet consists of 22 bets. Eleven of the bets are to win, as above in the image. Eleven extra bets in an each way are for the selections to place.
We have another article which explains how each way bets work in more detail.
What is the Difference Between a Yankee and a Lucky 15?
Lucky 15 bets also feature four selections, but there is a key difference.
A Yankee has 11 bets. A Lucky 15 bet has 15 bets. A Lucky 15 bet includes all the 11 bets in the image above but features an additional four bets. These four additional bets are four singles, one for each of the selections. This will increase the size of the stake, but also increases the size of the return if all four were to win.
Yankee Bet Calculator FAQs
How does a Yankee bet payout?
You will receive some kind of payout as long as two of the four horses win their races.
When should I go for a Yankee bet?
It can be a good idea to go for a Yankee bet when at least two of your selections have very good chances of winning but the odds for a single would not bring in much in the way of winnings.
Why should I use a Yankee bet calculator?
Unless you want to take up a lot of time working out the elements of this kind of bet, a calculator is the best way to go.
