What is a Yankee bet?

Systems and formulas are extremely popular among much of the betting community, and one of the most common options is the yankee bet. It’s arguably the most common term among formula betting, but what does it mean?

A yankee is a multiple bet, but it’s not a straight-line accumulator. Four selections are used, and it will pay out if at least two of those wins. If you’ve ever asked the question, “What is a yankee bet?” read on and we’ll explain in greater detail.

Definition of a Yankee bet

A yankee bet is a betting term that is considered an accumulator consisting of four selections. Within that overall bet are eleven different stakes—six doubles, four trebles, and a four-fold accumulator.

The yankee doesn’t work in the same way as a straight line multiple, so we do not need all four of the selections to win. A yankee bet will start paying out as soon as a double lands. Singles are not sufficient, so if the bet runs and only one single has come in, that isn’t enough for a return.

How does a Yankee bet work?

A yankee is not a straight-line accumulator, so we don’t need all of the picks to win. Remember, a yankee consists of the following eleven bets

  • Six doubles
  • Four trebles
  • One fourfold

A yankee bet requires at least one double to win in order for a return to pay out. It’s not enough for just one single bet to land. If there is more than one double, the odds are combined and the return increases.

If a bettor manages to land a treble, or even the four-fold multiple, odds are carried forward and the stake is applied to the combined odds total.

Yankee bet vs Super Yankee bet

While the names may be similar, there are clear differences between a yankee bet and a super yankee. As a core part of our yankee bet explained guide, you’ve seen that a yankee has four selections, and there are eleven bets overall.

In contrast, a super yankee has five picks and 26 bets—10 doubles, ten trebles, five four-folds, and one five-fold. The super yankee, therefore, requires a higher initial outlay.

In order to make a distinction, the super yankee is known as a ‘Canadian’ in some areas of the betting community.

How to place a Yankee bet

If you’re looking to get involved in a yankee bet online, placing it is very straightforward, and your sportsbook will do most of the work. First up, you need to make your four selections, so do some research and make your picks.

Log onto one of the best betting sites UK, browse the markets available and add your four selections to the betslip.

It’s likely that the bets will default to four singles, but you will have the option to change this. The bookmaker allows you to tick a box for multiples, and a yankee will be included. 

Your outlay and potential returns will now be shown — or, if you want to check manually, you can use a single bet calculator for a clearer breakdown.

Pros and cons of making a Yankee bet

Every type of formula bet is going to have upsides. As long as the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, it’s worth considering, so how does a yankee bet shape up?

Pros

Only two winning bets are required for a return to pay out. This means that a yankee bet offers a higher chance of a payout than a straight line four-fold multiplier.

A bettor’s interest may be maintained for longer. If the first pick loses, there are three more to play out, so you are still in the game.

In those lucky cases where all four yankee selections come in, the returns can be exceptional. There are no guarantees, and the size of the odds will play a part, but the combination of six doubles, four trebles, and a four-fold can lead to high payouts.

Cons

The initial outlay of a yankee bet is high compared to straight multis. If we compare it to a four-fold, which has four selections, but just four bets, your initial stakes could work as follows.

Let’s say we want to apply a unit stake of £1.00. With yankee betting, your overall exposure is £11.00. In contrast, the straight-line multi has an outlay of £4.00.

Another potential downside is the fact that the yankee bet is quite complicated to work out. When assessing your four selections, you may find it tricky to assess outlay and potential returns, although your bookmaker can help in this respect.

Strategies for successful Yankee bets

If you’re looking to undertake any kind of bet, there are certain things to keep in mind. Systems such as this one will also attract contrasting advice from tipsters in terms of yankee bet meaning, and it can be confusing. So, what should you do?

  • Carry out research: don’t be tempted to add a pick or two just to make up the yankee bet numbers. Each selection should be carefully thought out, so research into form and other factors.
  • Look for a mix of bets: some tipsters will suggest that you only bet on short odds favourites. That means that the picks may have a better chance of coming in, but your returns will be low. Look for a mix of favourites and longer-odds options to increase your potential profits.
  • Start modestly: if you are placing a yankee bet for the first time, start with small stakes. A 10p wager multiplied by 11 will allow you to get used to the system, without committing to a large outlay. If you’re new to the market overall, many new betting sites in the UK offer welcome bonuses that could be worth exploring.

Conclusion

System bets can certainly make things interesting, and we hope that this guide to the yankee bet explained has made this option much clearer. Compared with some other systems, such as a super yankee or a heinz, there are fewer selections, and your exposure is lower.

A yankee can also keep you interested, even if your first two picks fail to land — and if you’re betting on the go, some of the top betting apps offer a fast and user-friendly interface to manage your betslip efficiently.

FAQ

How many selections are needed for a Yankee bet?

Four selections are needed for a Yankee bet. These are combined into eleven separate bets— six doubles, four trebles, and one four-fold accumulator. No singles are included.

Can you do Yankee betting each way?

Yes, you can use each way bets when you’re compiling a yankee. All four of your selections can be each way, if you wish, or it’s possible to have just one, two, or three each way picks, this seems a popular option for those building a horse racing yankee.

What sports are best for Yankee betting?

Any sport can be used to place a yankee bet, but it’s best to stick with what you know. If you follow football closely, and find it easy to research teams and statistics, this is a logical option. Similarly, if you’re an expert on horse racing, cricket, or golf, look to focus on those sports.

How do I calculate a Yankee bet?

To calculate your potential returns for a yankee bet, you need to multiply your odds, while carrying over your stake. Remember that there are six doubles, plus four trebles and a single four-fold. Fortunately, most sportsbooks provide an online yankee bet accumulator that can do the work for you.

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • GambleAware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org

About the author

Daniel Smyth

Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.

Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanSmythThePoet