What Is a Lucky 31 Bet & How Do You Work a Lucky 31 Out?

Ever wondered what a Lucky 31 bet is and how it works? You’re in the right place. 

A Lucky 31 bet is a popular way to place a series of bets in one go. It combines 5 selections into 31 different bets, which spreads the risk and offers more opportunities to see returns from your bet. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down the Lucky 31 bet into simple steps, making it easy to understand even if you’re a beginner. By the end, you’ll know all you need to know about how to place a Lucky 31 bet and how to work out your potential winnings. Let’s get started. 

What Is a Lucky 31?

A Lucky 31 is a type of multiple bet that involves five different selections. It creates 31 individual bets from these five selections. 

Here’s how it breaks down: 

• 1 five-fold accumulator
• 5 four-fold accumulators
• 10 trebles
• 10 doubles
• 5 singles

This means you place your stake on each of these 31 bets. For example, if you bet £1 per bet, it will cost you £31 in total. 

The beauty of a Lucky 31 is that even if one or more of your selections don’t win, you can still get a return from the other combinations. This makes it a more forgiving bet compared to single bets or straight accumulators. 

Many people use a Lucky 31 because it covers various outcomes, which increases the chances of receiving at least some winnings, even if it’s not a full return on your bet. 

That’s the basic idea of a Lucky 31: a mix of singles, doubles, trebles, and accumulators to help spread your chances. 

How Does a Lucky 31 Work?

A Lucky 31 bet consists of 31 separate bets based on five selections. Here’s how it works: 

First, choose five different outcomes, such as the winners of five different horse races. From these five selections, the Lucky 31 bet will cover: 

• 1 five-fold accumulator
• 5 four-fold accumulators
• 10 trebles (three-fold bets)
• 10 doubles (two-fold bets)
• 5 singles (one for each selection)

This means you will have 31 individual bets in total. 

Each bet is treated separately for the purpose of staking. For example, if you place £1 on each bet, the total stake for the Lucky 31 will be £31. 

If one or more of your selections win, you can expect a return from the winning combinations. Even if not all your selections come through, the various doubles, trebles, and accumulators allow for plenty of chances for you to still win some money back. 

This spread of bets means the Lucky 31 bet covers a range of outcomes, as it gives multiple ways to win based on your five selections. It’s especially useful for beginners who want to increase their chances of getting back a return. 

However, it’s important to stick to a budget and remember that since it is 31 individual bets, the total stakes can increase quickly if you choose to bet higher. Always gamble responsibly. 

How To Work Out a Lucky 31

Working out a Lucky 31 bet involves calculating the total stake and potential returns based on your selections. Let’s look at two examples to make it clear. 

20p Lucky 31 Example

In a 20p Lucky 31, you are placing 20p on each of the 31 bets. 

• Stake per bet: 20p
• Total number of bets: 31
• Total stake: 20p x 31 = £6.20

To work out potential returns, you need to know the odds of each of your five selections. For this example, let’s assume: 

• Selection 1: 3/1
• Selection 2: 2/1
• Selection 3: 4/1
• Selection 4: 5/1
• Selection 5: 6/1

If one of your selections wins, you just multiply the odds by the stake to get the return for that single bet. For combinations, add the odds and multiply accordingly. 

50p Lucky 31 Example

In a 50p Lucky 31, you place 50p on each of the 31 bets. 

• Stake per bet: 50p
• Total number of bets: 31
• Total stake: 50p x 31 = £15.50

Again, let’s assume the same odds: 

• Selection 1: 3/1
• Selection 2: 2/1
• Selection 3: 4/1
• Selection 4: 5/1
• Selection 5: 6/1

Now, if two selections win, for example, Selection 1 and Selection 2, you calculate the return for each winning combination (single, double, etc.). Multiply the stake by the combined odds to get the return for that particular bet. 

Working out a Lucky 31 can be complex, but understanding the basics helps in making informed decisions. 

Lucky 31 Bet Each Way Meaning

An “each way” Lucky 31 bet means you are placing two bets on each of your 31 bets – one for the selection to win and one for the selection to place. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Double the Stake: Since you have two bets (win and place) for each combination, the total stake will be doubled. For example, a £1 each way Lucky 31 will cost you £62, as you have 62 bets in total. 
• Win Bet: If your selection wins, you will receive the winnings based on the odds you placed the bet on. 
• Place Bet: If your selection doesn’t win but finishes in a specified place (like second or third), you’ll receive a payout, usually at a fraction of the odds, such as 1/4 or 1/5. 

Each way bets are commonly used in horse racing, but they can also be applied to other sports where a place bet is possible. 

The major benefit is that each way covers more outcomes, giving you a better chance of getting a return on your stake. This can be especially useful for events with larger fields or when you’re unsure about your selections winning outright but believe they will perform well. 

How Many Horses Need To Win In a Lucky 31?

In a Lucky 31 bet, to get a return, only one of your five selections needs to win. Here’s why: 

The Lucky 31 includes 5 single bets, so even if just one horse wins, you’ll get a payout from that single bet. 

However, the more horses that win, the higher your potential return. This is because you also have 10 doubles, 10 trebles, 5 four-folds, and 1 five-fold. Winning multiple selections can activate these combination bets, leading to bigger returns. 

So, while you only need one winner to get some money back, more winners mean you have a better chance on more of those 31 bets and, therefore, a better chance of a larger payout. However, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations and remember that winning is never guaranteed. 

Is a Lucky 31 a Good Bet?

Whether a Lucky 31 is a good bet depends on your personal preferences and budget. 

Personal Preferences

If you like the prospect of placing multiple bets in order to cover various outcomes and don’t mind the higher total stake it takes to do this, then a Lucky 31 could be a good option. It offers a mix of singles, doubles, trebles, and accumulators, increasing your chances of winning something, even if not all your selections come through. 

Budget Considerations

Your budget plays a significant role. Since a Lucky 31 involves 31 individual bets, the total stake can add up quickly. For example, a £1 Lucky 31 will cost you £31 in total. If this fits within your budget and you’re comfortable with the total stake, it could be a good choice. 

Pros

• Increased Chances of Return: More ways to win compared to a single or straight accumulator bet.
• Flexibility: Even if only one or two selections win, you can still get a return.

Cons

• Higher Total Stake: More expensive upfront than placing single or fewer combination bets.
• Complexity: It can be a bit complicated if you’re new to betting.

Overall, whether a Lucky 31 is a good bet is really up to you. It offers more opportunities for a return but also requires a larger total stake. Make sure to consider your preferences and budget before deciding, and, as always, please gamble responsibly.