Union Jack Bet Explained: What It Is & How It Works in Betting
Looking to try something different with your sports bets? You might have heard the term “Union Jack Bet” and wondered what it actually means.
This type of multiple is often used in football and horse racing. This bet may seem confusing at first; however, learning how the Union Jack Bet grid works could potentially help you understand how to place this bet.
Read on to find out what a Union Jack Bet involves, how the combinations are formed, and when it might be worth considering.
What Is a Union Jack Bet?
A Union Jack Bet is a type of multiple bet designed around a 3×3 grid. The bet consists of nine different selections placed into the grid, which then creates eight trebles from straight lines across that grid.
Each line of three on the 3×3 grid forms one treble, resulting in trebles placed across three horizontal lines, three vertical lines, and two diagonal lines. Any winning treble returns; however, it is important to remember that if many selections win but aren’t included in one of the eight trebles, the bet will not return.
How Does a Union Jack Bet Work?
Each of the nine squares in the 3×3 grid holds one selection, which automatically forms eight trebles from every straight line on the grid.
A treble needs all three of its selections to be correct to return. Stakes are applied per treble, not per grid, which means a £1 unit stake equals £8 in total, as there are eight trebles in the set. Returns are then calculated treble by treble and added together if more than one treble is successful.
Since you are placing multiple trebles consisting of three selections each rather than one large accumulator, outcomes can vary. One line may potentially cover your outlay; multiple lines landing can potentially increase the return, while none landing means the stake is lost.
It is important to remember that all outcomes are down to chance, so there is no guarantee that placing a Union Jack Bet will result in your bet succeeding.
Understanding the Layout and Bet Combinations
Each box holds one selection, and every straight line of three forms a separate treble, giving you eight distinct trebles in total: three rows, three columns, and two diagonals.
Placement affects how often a selection appears:
- The centre square features in four trebles.
- Each corner features in three.
- Each centre edge square (non-corner) features in two.
This means the centre box on the grid carries the most influence across the bet, resulting in some bettors selecting higher-confidence picks in the centre and corners so they appear in more trebles, while keeping their less favourable selections on the edges. Some betting sites may show the exact lines on the slip, so you can see how your grid has been combined.
When Is a Union Jack Bet Worth Considering?
A Union Jack Bet could be worth considering if you want to make multiple selections without placing them in one accumulator. In football, that may be outcomes from one weekend’s fixtures; in racing, it could be selections across one meeting.
Some bettors may find the balance between coverage and cost an appealing aspect of the Union Jack Bet: eight trebles give several routes to a potential return; however, they also mean a higher stake than other bets. If you decide to place a Union Jack Bet, ensure you place a stake that is within your means.
How to Calculate Union Jack Bet Payouts
Each winning treble pays based on the combined odds of its three selections. Converting fractional odds to decimals makes the maths simple: multiply the three decimal prices, then multiply by your stake per treble.
For example, a treble at 2.00, 2.50, and 3.00 with a £1 stake would return £15, calculated as follows: 2.00 x 2.50 x 3.00 x £1 = £15. If two separate lines won at those same odds, you would add both treble returns together. If only one line lands, only that line pays.
Most online bet slips or calculators show a projection before you confirm, so you can see the potential return. With eight separate trebles in play, total returns depend on which lines are successful.
Union Jack Bet vs Other Multiple Bets
A Union Jack Bet uses nine selections in a 3×3 grid to form eight trebles, paying out if any treble wins. By contrast, an accumulator requires all selections to win for any return.
A Trixie uses three selections to create four bets: three doubles and one treble. For example, if you place a bet on selection A, selection B and selection C, the Trixie Bet would create the following:
- Double 1: Selection A and Selection B.
- Double 2: Selection A and Selection C.
- Double 3: Selection B and Selection C.
- Treble: Selection A, Selection B and Selection C.
Patent Bets use the same three selections to create seven bets, including singles. For example, if you place a bet on selection A, selection B and selection C, the Patent Bet would create the following:
- Single 1: Selection A to win.
- Single 2: Selection B to win.
- Single 3: Selection C to win.
- Double 1: Selection A and Selection B.
- Double 2: Selection A and Selection C.
- Double 3: Selection B and Selection C.
- Treble: Selection A, Selection B and Selection C.
In comparison, the Union Jack Bet consists of nine selections, eight trebles, and only straight-line combinations from the grid are used. The betting format that works best depends on how many selections you want to choose and how much you are comfortable staking.
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Features are designed to help you track your activity, explore various betting options, and manage your account with secure payment methods.
If you choose to play, set limits that suit you and make use of the available safer gambling tools. When used thoughtfully, formats like the Union Jack Bet can add variety to your betting, Mr Luck provides a straightforward place to try them at a time and place that suits you.
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Always remember to gamble responsibly by setting limits to your playing time, sticking to a strict budget within your means and making use of any responsible gambling tools available.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
