What is a Heinz bet?

A Heinz bet, also known as a Heinz 57, is a complex system bet that involves placing six selections across different events, making up a total of 57 bets. These bets are broken down into 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-fold accumulators, six five-fold accumulators, and one six-fold accumulator. Due to the large number of combinations, this bet does not include singles, meaning that at least two of the six selections must be successful to generate any return.

This type of bet can be expensive due to the total number of wagers involved. For example, placing a 10p Heinz would cost £5.70, and a £2 unit stake would result in a total stake of £114. The structure of the Heinz bet provides some insurance for the bettor. Even if one or two selections fail to win, other combinations within the 57 bets can still result in a payout, offering a degree of reassurance to the bettor.

A Heinz bet is best suited for experienced punters who have in-depth knowledge of the sport or event they are betting on. It is a complicated bet that requires careful consideration of the six selections. The bet takes its name from the Heinz food company’s famous advertising campaign, which promised "57 varieties" of pickle. This reflects the vast number of betting options within the Heinz system, offering multiple ways to win, depending on the number of successful selections.

Heinz bets are typically placed in sports with numerous events on a given day or weekend, such as greyhound racing, football, and horse racing. However, they cannot be placed on a single event; the bettor must select six different events. A Heinz bet offers the potential for significant returns, especially if all six selections win, with the six-fold accumulator providing the largest payout. Even with fewer winning selections, bettors can still receive returns from the other combinations, though the initial stake is much higher than for simpler bets like accumulators.