Many people hear the term Yankee bet but may not know exactly what it involves or why it appears in sports betting. Understanding the different bet types may be useful if you choose to include multiple selections in a single wager.
This blog post covers what a Yankee is, how it functions, the sports it can be applied to, how many bets it includes, how to place one, and how returns are calculated.
Read on for a clearer explanation.
What Is a Yankee Bet?
A Yankee bet is a multiple bet containing four selections from separate events, forming several smaller bets. Unlike bets where individual selections can succeed on their own, a Yankee combines selections in pairs and larger groupings.
At least some selections must succeed for any return to be made. If only a couple succeed, only the pairs that include them pay out; if more succeed, additional combinations contribute to the total.
Later sections will explain exactly how these combinations are arranged.
How Does a Yankee Bet Work in Sports Betting?
A Yankee uses four selections to create multiple combinations, with each combination treated individually. The stake chosen applies to each combination, so the total outlay is greater than a single bet.
Returns depend on how many selections succeed and the odds assigned to them. For example, if two selections succeed, only certain pairs contribute; if three succeed, more combinations are included; if all four succeed, nearly every combination counts.
This type of bet allows attention to be spread across several selections while linking returns to multiple combinations. Later, we’ll detail exactly how those combinations are structured.
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What Sports Can You Use a Yankee Bet On?
A Yankee can be placed across a variety of sports, provided there are four separate events. Football and horse racing are commonly chosen, but tennis, cricket and greyhound racing are also suitable.
Each selection should come from a different event to avoid overlapping outcomes. Bookmakers generally do not allow selections from the same match or race. Examples include four football matches, four horses in different races, or a mix of sports if the platform permits.
Once the types of sports are understood, it becomes easier to see how many bets a Yankee contains.
How Many Bets Are in a Yankee Bet?
A Yankee consists of 11 smaller bets formed from four selections:
- 6 doubles
- 4 trebles
- 1 four-fold accumulator
Singles are not included, which is why multiple selections need to succeed for a return. Each bet receives the unit stake individually, so the overall cost is the stake multiplied by 11.
This breakdown makes placing one on a bet slip simpler, as we’ll explain next.
How to Place a Yankee Bet
On most online bet slips, once four separate selections are chosen, the multiples section offers a Yankee option. The unit stake is set, and the total cost is shown as the stake multiplied by 11, alongside an estimated return based on current odds.
It is important to check that selections are from different events, that the odds are correct, and that the total stake is within your budget. Then, if you decide to proceed, it can be placed like any other multiple bet.
How Do You Calculate Yankee Bet Winnings?
Returns are calculated by adding together the results from any winning doubles, trebles and the four-fold. Each combination pays based on the odds of the selections it includes, multiplied by the stake allocated to that part.
For example, with a £1 stake per part, if two selections succeed at 2/1 and 3/1, a double could return £12 including the stake. If three selections succeed, add the returns from the relevant doubles plus the treble; if all four succeed, every double, treble and the four-fold contributes.
Most online platforms show an estimated return before confirming a bet, and calculators can assist when outcomes get more complicated. Understanding how a Yankee works, where it can be applied, and how payouts are calculated helps guide decisions.
If you choose to place this sort of bet, or any other bet, decide on a spending limit and keep to it. Avoid chasing losses, as trying to recover them can lead to further problems.
Only use money you can afford to part with, and never gamble with funds needed for essential expenses. Treat betting as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money.
Take regular breaks and keep track of how much time and money you spend. Monitoring your activity can help you stay aware of how betting fits into your everyday life.
Seek support if you notice your betting is affecting your well-being or daily routines. There are organisations available that provide confidential guidance and advice if needed.
Remember that betting should remain an enjoyable pastime. Being aware of your limits and following them is key to maintaining a balanced approach.
