What is a Lucky 63?
A Lucky 63 is a type of accumulator bet offered by UK bookmakers that involves six separate selections. It combines 63 individual bets: six singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, six five-folds, and one six-fold accumulator.
The structure allows bettors to win even if not all selections are successful, while still offering a potentially large payout if all six picks win. This type of bet is commonly used for sports such as football, horse racing, and tennis.
How a Lucky 63 works
A Lucky 63 is structured to provide multiple ways to win across six selections.
It involves six different events from a bookmaker, with each selection typically in a win/loss market, such as a match-winner.
The total stake is spread across 63 separate bets, as shown on the table below. Placing a £1 stake per bet would result in a total stake of £63.
Bet Type | Number of Bets |
|---|---|
Singles | 6 |
Doubles | 15 |
Trebles | 20 |
Four-Fold Accumulators | 15 |
Five-Fold Accumulators | 6 |
Six-Fold Accumulator | 1 |
Total | 63 |
Related article: What is a Lucky 15?
How winnings are calculated
Each winning selection contributes to the payouts of all the accumulators it is part of.
If some selections lose, the combinations containing those losing picks will not pay out, but the remaining successful bets will still generate returns.
For example, suppose your six selections have the following odds:
- Selection 1: 2.00 (+100)
- Selection 2: 1.80 (-125)
- Selection 3: 2.50 (+150)
- Selection 4: 1.60 (-167)
- Selection 5: 2.20 (+120)
- Selection 6: 1.90 (+110)
If all six selections win, the total payout is the combined return of all 63 bets. The six-fold accumulator alone offers the highest return.
If only four selections win, only the singles, doubles, trebles, and four-folds containing those picks pay out. The five-fold and six-fold accumulators containing any losing picks are void.
Potential returns:
- Singles: payout equals the stake multiplied by the odds of the individual selection.
- Doubles and trebles: payout is calculated by multiplying the odds of the combined selections in that accumulator.
- Larger accumulators (four-, five-, six-folds) offer higher potential returns but are riskier since all picks must win for that bet to pay out.
The key feature that makes Lucky 63 popular is the inclusion of single bets. This means you only need one of your six selections to win to get some money back, unlike in similar bets like the Heinz (57 bets), which does not include singles.
For accurate calculation, it's best to use an online Lucky 63 bet calculator. You simply input your stake and the odds for each selection, and the calculator will show your potential returns and profit.
Lucky 63 vs other related full-cover bets
The Lucky 63 is one of a series of “Lucky” bets, which differ by the number of selections and total bets included.
Bet type | Number of selections | Total bets | Breakdown of Bets | Key Feature & Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4 | 15 | 4 singles, 6 doubles, 4 trebles, 1 four-fold accumulator | Includes singles for a safety net; good for 4 strong selections. | |
Lucky 31 | 5 | 31 | 5 singles, 10 doubles, 10 trebles, 5 four-folds, 1 five-fold accumulator | A middle-ground option; higher potential than Lucky 15, lower stake than Lucky 63. |
Lucky 63 | 6 | 63 | 6 singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, 6 five-folds, 1 six-fold accumulator | Highest potential payout and risk; only needs one winner for a return. |
Key strategies and considerations when placing Lucky 63 bets
Profitability
While one winner secures a return, you typically need at least two or three winning selections to make a profit, depending on their odds.
Each-way Lucky 63
The bet can also be placed as an each-way wager. This doubles the number of bets to 126—63 for the win part and 63 for the place part, effectively doubling the total stake. Each-way betting increases the chances of securing a return if some selections only “place” (finish in a top position) rather than win outright.
Related article: What is an Each Way bet?
Selection strategy
A common approach involves combining a few selections with shorter odds and others with longer odds. This mix allows for potential returns from stronger favourites while also including higher-odds options that can increase overall payouts if successful.
Bookmaker bonuses
Some bookmakers provide promotions or enhanced odds specifically for Lucky 63 bets. Checking these offers can influence the value of the bet but will vary by bookmaker and by region.
Conclusion
A Lucky 63 offers a unique way to spread risk across six selections, combining multiple singles and accumulators for varied potential returns. While it carries higher stakes and risk, the inclusion of singles ensures at least some chance of a return. Understanding odds, selection choices, and each-way options is key to assessing its potential reward.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What happens if one of my selections is a non-runner?
If a selection is void (a non-runner), all singles involving that pick are void. The remaining bets are recalculated as accumulators with fewer selections, and the total stake is adjusted accordingly.
Can a Lucky 63 be used for in-play or live betting?
Lucky 63 bets must be placed before the first event starts. It is not possible to add live or in-play events to an existing Lucky 63 bet slip.
Is a Lucky 63 suitable for beginners?
A Lucky 63 involves a higher total stake and multiple combinations, which can make it complex. Bettors new to full-cover bets may find smaller combinations, such as a Lucky 15, easier to manage while learning how accumulator structures work.
Why is the total stake higher than the unit stake?
The total stake equals the unit stake multiplied by the 63 individual bets. For example, a £1 unit stake results in a total outlay of £63. This reflects the comprehensive coverage of all possible combinations within the Lucky 63.
Do all bookmakers offer the same bonuses on Lucky 63 bets?
No. Bonuses and promotions for Lucky 63 bets vary by bookmaker. Some may provide a profit boost if all six selections win, while others offer smaller returns if only one selection is successful. Terms and conditions differ, so it is important to review each bookmaker’s offer before placing a bet.