Union Jack Bet Explained: What Is It & How Does It Work?

Union Jack bets are a type of multiple bet often seen in football and horse racing. They are built around a grid and link several selections together, which may be of interest to you if you want to include a few possibilities in a single arrangement.

It is important to understand the grid before placing a bet. Different versions change the number of linked selections and the total stake. Decide on a clear budget and only use funds you are comfortable staking.

This blog post explains what a Union Jack bet is, how the grid turns into wagers, how payouts are worked out, the main variations, which sports it can be applied to, and how to put one together.

Read on to learn more.

What Is A Union Jack Bet?

A Union Jack bet uses a 3×3 grid, with each square holding a selection. Lines can then be drawn across the grid in different ways.

Each line counts as a separate bet. In the common version, lines usually group three selections together. This means there are multiple ways a single set of picks might result in a return, though not every combination will do so.

Some people like this format because it gathers several picks into a single arrangement without needing to place many separate bets manually. While the basic Union Jack involves only trebles per line, some bookmakers offer variations including singles and doubles, which increase the total number of bets.

How Does a Union Jack Bet Work?

Picture nine boxes arranged in a square, each with a different selection. Lines are formed across the boxes: three horizontal, three vertical, and two diagonal, making eight lines in total.

If each line is treated as a treble, the same selection can appear in multiple lines. The centre square, for instance, features in four lines, while a corner appears in three. This overlapping layout increases the combinations but also affects which lines might result in a payout.

Stakes are applied per line. For instance, a £1 stake per line would make the total £8 for a treble-based Union Jack. Each line settles independently: a line where all three picks are successful counts, while a line with fewer successes does not.

Potential payouts vary because they depend on both the odds of the selections and how many lines end up successful. Understanding this setup clarifies how returns are determined.

How Are Winnings Calculated in a Union Jack Bet?

Settlement happens line by line. For a treble-based Union Jack, any line with all three successful selections is paid as a treble, and the total is the sum of all winning lines.

For example, if a line has selections at 2/1, 3/1 and 5/2, converting these to decimals gives 3.0, 4.0 and 3.5. The treble return on a £1 stake would be 3.0 × 4.0 × 3.5 = £42, including the stake. If more than one line succeeds, the payouts are added together. If no line completes all three, there is no return.

Some Union Jack formats offered by certain bookmakers include singles and doubles along with trebles, which creates additional ways for a line to pay out but increases the total number of bets and the overall stake. Rules and odds may vary, so always check these in advance and only stake amounts you can afford.

Different Types of Union Jack Bets

Several versions exist, each still using the grid but changing how bets are applied to lines and how returns can be made.

Union Jack Treble Bet

Every line is a treble using its three selections, creating eight trebles in total. This is the simplest form and keeps the total number of bets easy to follow.

Union Jack Patent Bet

A Patent adds more linked bets per line. Each line covers seven bets: three singles, three doubles, and one treble. Across eight lines, that’s 56 bets. This offers more ways for a line to result in a payout, but the total stake rises because there are more bets to place.

Union Jack Round Robin Bet

Here, each line may contain three doubles, one treble, and linked singles that place a stake on a second selection if the first succeeds. The total number of bets can reach 56, though exact counts may vary slightly depending on the bookmaker. This arrangement spreads potential returns across smaller and larger payouts per line.

Whichever version you might choose, check the number of bets and ensure you are comfortable with the total stake before proceeding.

What Sports Can You Use a Union Jack Bet On?

Union Jack bets can be applied to any sport offering at least nine separate selections. Football is common, for example, using match results or goal-related markets. Horse racing works well, too, with each square representing a different race or horse. Tennis, greyhound racing and other events can also suit the format.

Selections should come from separate events. Combinations from the same match may be treated as linked and could be disallowed. Always review the rules of the markets you are combining.

How to Place a Union Jack Bet Step by Step

If you choose to place a Union Jack bet, start by selecting a bookmaker that offers this type of wager and check which versions are available. You would then pick nine selections from different events to fill the grid. The position of your selections matters to some extent: the centre square appears in more lines than a corner square, so some people spread their favourite picks across different lines to avoid one result affecting too many at once.

Next, decide on the format. A Treble version keeps things straightforward, while a Patent or Round Robin increases the number of ways your lines could generate returns, though this also raises the total number of bets. You would then enter a stake per line and check the total cost before proceeding, so there are no surprises.

Before confirming, take a moment to review the grid. Make sure all your selections are eligible and that the total stake fits within your plan. Many accounts provide tools such as deposit limits and reality checks to help you monitor spending.

Used thoughtfully, the Union Jack arrangement is a way to organise multiple picks, making it clear how lines, stakes, and potential payouts connect.

Always approach bets responsibly, and only stake what you can afford to lose. Set limits on both the time and money you spend, and avoid chasing losses.

Remember that betting should remain a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money, and take regular breaks to maintain perspective.

If you ever feel that gambling is becoming difficult to control, seek support from professional resources or organisations that specialise in responsible gambling.