How to Calculate a Lucky 15 Bet: Step-by-Step Guide
A Lucky 15 often appears on betting slips, but it helps to understand how it works before placing one. The mix of singles, doubles, trebles, and a fourfold can look complex at first glance.
This blog post explains what a Lucky 15 is, how each part fits together, and how to work out returns using the odds and your stake. It includes clear examples so you can see how potential payouts are calculated in practice.
Read on to learn more.
What Is a Lucky 15 Bet?
A Lucky 15 is a type of multiple bet built from four selections. It combines these into 15 separate bets across singles, doubles, trebles, and one fourfold accumulator.
To break it down, placing a Lucky 15 means there is one bet on each selection as a single, plus every possible double, treble, and the fourfold covering those four picks. That adds up to 15 bets in total.
This format covers a broad range of combinations from the same four selections. A return is possible with one winner because singles are included, and returns increase if two, three, or all four selections are successful.
Each of the 15 parts uses the same unit stake. For example, a 50p Lucky 15 costs £7.50 in total.
So, how does that structure affect what gets paid out?
How Does a Lucky 15 Work?
A Lucky 15 turns four separate selections into 15 individual bets: four singles, six doubles, four trebles, and one fourfold. Each part is settled on its own, depending on the results of the selections it contains.
The overall stake is split equally across the 15 parts. Winnings depend on how many selections are successful and at what odds. With one winner, only the relevant single returns. With two or more winners, the doubles, trebles, and potentially the fourfold also return.
Some bookmakers may offer specific bonuses, such as a small boost if only one selection wins or a potentially enhanced payout for all four winning. These offers may vary and are always subject to the bookmaker’s rules.
With the structure in place, the next step is the maths behind the returns.
How to Work Out a Lucky 15 Bet Step by Step
Calculating Singles, Doubles, Trebles, and the Fourfold
A Lucky 15 is made up of these 15 parts:
- 4 singles (one on each selection)
- 6 doubles (each possible pair)
- 4 trebles (each possible trio)
- 1 fourfold accumulator (all four together)
Each part is settled separately according to the results and the odds.
Applying Odds and Stake to Each Part of the Bet
Use a unit stake per line. With a £1 unit stake, the total cost is £15 because there are 15 lines.
Returns are calculated by applying the odds to each winning line and including the stake that rolls through. For a single at fractional odds, the return is stake multiplied by (odds + 1). For example, £1 at 3/1 returns £4.
For multiples, the return from one leg becomes the stake for the next. A double is the first-leg return multiplied by (odds of the second leg + 1). The same approach applies to trebles and the fourfold, where each leg’s return feeds into the next. If preferred, convert each leg to decimal odds and multiply them together with the stake to reach the same figure.
Only lines made up entirely of winning selections are included in the total. Add those returns together for the overall payout.
How Are Lucky 15 Winnings Calculated?
Suppose there are four selections, each at 3/1, with a £1 unit stake. The total stake is £15.
If two selections win:
- Each winning single returns £4 (£1 x [3 + 1]), so £8 in total.
- The double on those two winners rolls the stake through: £1 at 3/1 returns £4, which then goes on at 3/1 to return £16.
Add the singles (£8) and the double (£16) for a total return of £24.
This shows how returns build as more combinations land. With three or four winners, additional trebles and the fourfold are included, which increases the total.
Example of a Lucky 15 Bet Calculation
Suppose there are four selections, each at 3/1, with a £1 unit stake. The total stake is £15.
If two selections win:
- Each winning single returns £4 (£1 x [3 + 1]), so £8 in total.
- The double on those two winners rolls the stake through: £1 at 3/1 returns £4, which then goes on at 3/1 to return £16.
Add the singles (£8) and the double (£16) for a total return of £24.
This shows how returns build as more combinations land. With three or four winners, additional trebles and the fourfold are included, which increases the total.
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.