What is a Yankee bet?

A Yankee bet is a multiple bet type consisting of four selections, resulting in 11 individual bets: six doubles, four trebles, and one four-fold accumulator. To receive a return, a minimum of two selections must win. This bet provides a level of security, as the multiple combinations of bets increase the chances of winning, even if some selections don’t succeed. However, the returns tend to be lower compared to other types of multiple bets, such as a treble, where all selections must win for a payout.

The main appeal of the Yankee bet is its ability to offer partial success, where bettors can still achieve returns even if not all selections win. The 11 bets across four different selections provide a safety net, but this means the payout is typically lower than more straightforward bets, like a treble, which is riskier but offers higher rewards. Although the potential for a large payout exists, it requires all 11 bets to win, which is a harder feat compared to simpler accumulator bets.

However, Yankee bets come at a higher cost than a single bet due to the 11 different wagers being placed. For example, a £1 Yankee costs £11, as each of the 11 bets requires a separate stake. Bettors can adjust their stake, but the total cost will always be multiplied by the number of bets involved. This makes the Yankee bet more expensive to place compared to traditional betting, and the higher cost means higher risk for bettors.

Yankee bets are popular across a variety of sports, including horse racing, football, and greyhound racing. However, they require four selections from different events, so they are not suitable for bets on a single event. The Yankee bet's broad appeal lies in its balance between affordability and the potential for significant rewards, offering bettors a chance for multiple successes with varying levels of risk and return. This combination of security and potential payout has helped the Yankee remain a popular choice among sports bettors.