What Is a Yankee Bet? Full Guide to This Popular Betting Strategy

What is a Yankee Bet?

A Yankee bet is one of the most popular bet types among horse racing and football fans. It's common among experienced players for its coverage and value. A Yankee bet is a multiple bet that allows players to place 11 bets by selecting four different picks from different events. 

Playing a Yankee bet helps players balance their risks and rewards. It guarantees a return in case one or two of the four selections result in a loss. It also acts as a safety net because bettors only need two of the four selections to win to get a payout. They receive more returns if three or all of their selections can win. 

How Does a Yankee Bet Work?

Although it's more recommended for expert players, beginners can jump on Yankee once they understand how it works. It's all about placing 11 bets using four selections. The 11 bets are divided into six doubles, four trebles, and one fourfold accumulator. 

So, let's say you made four selections, A, B, C, and D. You would have something like this.

1. AB (Double)

2. AC (Double)

3. AD (Double)

4. BC (Double)

5. BD (Double)

6. CD (Double)

7. ABC (Treble)

8. ABD (Treble)

9. BCD (Treble)

10. ACD (Treble)

11. ABCD (Fourfold Accumulator)

To get a return, you need to win at least two selections from four. You can get the following possible returns.

• If two selections win, you will payout one double.

• If three selections win, you'll payout three doubles and one treble.

• You'll win all 11 bets if all four selections win.

Example of a Yankee Bet

Now, let's get to the real deal using races at Cheltenham Festival as an example. Let's say you make the following selections from different events.

• Gaelic Warriors (7/1) 

• Golden Ace (25/1)

• Blue Lemons (14/1) 

• I am Maximus (9/1)

You'll have the following bets if you wager £1 each.

1. Gaelic Warriors and Golden Ace (Double) = 7/1 × 25/1 = £208

2. Gaelic Warriors and Blue Lemons (Double) = 7/1 × 14/1 = £120

3. Gaelic Warriors and I am Maximus (Double) = 7/1 × 9/1 = £80

4. Golden Ace and Blue Lemons (Double) = 25/1 × 14/1 = £390

5. Golden Ace and I am Maximus (Double) = 25/1 × 9/1 = £260

6. Blue Lemons and I am Maximus (Double) = 14/1 × 9/1 = £150

7. Gaelic Warriors, Golden Ace, and Blue Lemons (Treble) = 7/1 × 25/1 × 14/1 = 3,210

8. Gaelic Warriors, Golden Ace, and I am Maximus (Treble) = 7/1 × 25/1 × 9/1 = £2080

9. Gaelic Warriors, Blue Lemons, and I am Maximus (Treble) = 7/1 × 14/1 × 9/1 = £1200

10. Golden Ace, Blue Lemons, and I am Maximus (Treble) = 25/1 × 14/1 × 9/1 = £3900

11. Gaelic Warriors, Golden Ace, Blue Lemons, and I am Maximus (Fourfold Accumulator) = 7/1 × 25/1 × 14/1 × 9/1 = £31,200

If all four selections win, you'll win a total of £42,708. Your net winnings will be £42,708 - £11 = £42,697

Advantages of a Yankee Bet

Bettors who are not sure if all their picks will return use a Yankee bet to reduce their risks. It's safer than using a straight accumulator, which needs all selections to win to claim a return. A Yankee bet has a greater chance of getting a return because only two wins are required to payout.

Additionally, it gives higher profits than singles. Instead of betting on a series of single bets, you can cover doubles, trebles, and a fourfold for more payouts.

Disadvantages and Risks

Despite its numerous benefits, certain risks are also associated with Yankee. If you're a beginner, it could be too complex to understand. We only recommend bets that do not require extensive technical knowledge for novice players.

Additionally, a Yankee bet requires a higher stake than regular accumulator bets. Since you're betting on 11 outcomes, you need to wager equal unit sizes for each. This increases your stake amount significantly.

Furthermore, you run a risk of losing money if you don't use Yankee wisely. We don't recommend using this bet type if all four selections are not strong.

Yankee Bet vs Other Bet Types

Are 11 bets too much for you? You don't need to worry, as you can play a Trixie bet instead. With Trixie, you can use three selections to place four bets. It follows the same process, only that you'll get three doubles and one treble.

Do you want your four selections to form more bets? Lucky 15 allows you to place 15 bets. The only difference from Yankee is the addition of four singles.  

Whether you're playing Trixie, Yankee, or Lucky 15, the aim is to reduce risks presented with accumulator bets. We recommend choosing Yankee if you want slightly higher payouts while balancing your stake amount. However, ensure you select only strong picks to increase your chances.

Where to Place a Yankee Bet in the UK

The UK is home to many reputable betting sites that offer a range of bet types, including the popular Yankee bet. If you're ready to get started, you can target the following platforms.

• bet365

• William Hill 

• Paddy Power

Each of these bookmakers allows you to wager on Yankee when you make four selections. Go to your bet slip and tap “Yankee” to input your stake. They all have mobile apps for Android and iOS devices to help you stake that thing on the go.

Additionally, the above-mentioned betting sites offer welcome bonuses to help you get started. For instance, bet365 offers £30 in bet credits when you wager £10. 

Tips for Placing a Successful Yankee Bet

Whether you're an expert or just starting, you cannot go wrong with betting tips. Here are some tips to help you make betting decisions for long-term success. 

• Research selections: Before placing your bets, take the time to conduct thorough research. Check out the information and stats about each team or horse as well as injury records, weather, and head-to-head. Proper research offers the opportunity to receive a payout.

• Consider odds: Your odds determine your eventual payout. You must consider if the odds are worth betting on. Odds like 1/1 or 4/5 may not give you the value you're looking for. Even if you win three or all four selections, there is no guarantee you'll get a significant profit. Therefore, we recommend finding value odds for better returns.

• Manage bankroll: Set a bet size for your Yankee bet to effectively manage your bankroll. We recommend starting slowly with a bet of around £1 and a total of £11 to control your risk. Proper bankroll management enables you to gamble responsibly to a significant extent. We also advise against chasing your losses.

Want to Know More About Betting in the UK?

• How to Bet on the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa - See the full guide here.

• Womens Euros Final Preview: ENG vs ESP - See the full guide here.

• How to Bet on F1 Without Picking the Winner - See the full guide here.

Responsible Gambling 

If you ever find yourself seeing betting as more than an entertaining pastime, you need to take caution. Set up deposit and time limits to stay in control. If you're drowning in problem gambling, seek help with GamStop self-exclusion programme. All UK-licensed bookmakers have a link to help you get the assistance you need.

In addition to responsible gambling tools, you must be 18 years or above to sign up on any UKGC-regulated betting sites. You'll need to submit a copy of your ID document to verify your age and identity.