Lucky 63: The Complete Guide to Full-Cover Betting with Six Selections

A Lucky 63 is the largest of the named "Lucky" series of full-cover bets, designed to maximise returns across six selections through 63 individual bets. Every possible combination of singles, doubles, trebles, four-folds, five-folds, and the six-fold accumulator is included in a single wager. The inclusion of singles ensures a return from just one winning selection, making it a popular choice for bettors who want comprehensive coverage without the risk of a complete loss.

The Lucky 63 represents the pinnacle of full-cover betting for six-selection cards. It is particularly popular during major horse racing events—the Cheltenham Festival, Royal Ascot, and York—where bettors identify six strong picks across the day's races and want every possible combination to contribute to their potential winnings. The bet type balances accessibility (through small unit stakes) with the excitement of substantial returns when multiple selections come through.

What Is a Lucky 63 Bet? The Foundation of Full-Cover Betting

Understanding the Basic Definition

A Lucky 63 bet is a full-cover combination bet comprising 63 individual wagers placed on six selections from different events. The term "full-cover" means that every possible combination of those six selections is included—from singles all the way up to the six-fold accumulator. This structure ensures that if any selection wins, you receive a return from at least one of the 63 bets.

The "63" in the name refers directly to the total number of individual bets. This number is not arbitrary; it is the mathematical result of combining six selections in every possible way:

Each of the 63 bets is placed at the same unit stake. If you choose a 10p stake, you are placing 63 separate 10p bets, totalling £6.30. If you choose £1 per line, the total stake is £63. This structure means that every winning selection contributes to multiple bets simultaneously, amplifying your returns when several selections win.

Why Is It Called "Lucky 63"?

The name "Lucky 63" has two origins: the obvious numerical reference to the 63 bets, and the "lucky" element referring to the bookmaker bonuses that traditionally accompany this bet type. Bookmakers offer bonuses on Lucky 63 bets to encourage their use—these can include double odds on a sole winner or enhanced returns if all six selections win.

The Lucky 63 was invented by Fred Done, the founder of Betfred, one of the UK's largest independent bookmakers. Done created the Lucky series of bets (starting with Lucky 15 on four selections, then Lucky 31 on five, and finally Lucky 63 on six) as a way to provide bettors with full-cover options that balanced risk and reward. The "lucky" branding was intentional marketing: the bonuses offered on these bets made them feel like a fortunate bet to place, even when not all selections won.

The bet type gained significant traction during major racing festivals, where bettors naturally identify multiple strong picks across a day's card. The Cheltenham Festival in March and Royal Ascot in June became synonymous with Lucky 63 betting, as the sheer number of races and the quality of the fields made it possible for experienced punters to confidently select six horses across the day.

How Does the Lucky 63 Bet Work? The Complete Mechanism

The Full Breakdown of 63 Bets

To truly understand a Lucky 63, you must see how all 63 bets are constructed. Let's use six selections labelled A, B, C, D, E, and F:

The 6 Singles: Each selection stands alone. If any single selection wins, you receive a return on that single bet.

• A, B, C, D, E, F

The 15 Doubles: Every pair of selections is combined. These bets win if both selections in the pair win.

• AB, AC, AD, AE, AF, BC, BD, BE, BF, CD, CE, CF, DE, DF, EF

The 20 Trebles: Every combination of three selections is included. These bets win if all three selections win.

• ABC, ABD, ABE, ABF, ACD, ACE, ACF, ADE, ADF, AEF, BCD, BCE, BCF, BDE, BDF, BEF, CDE, CDF, CEF, DEF

The 15 Four-Folds: Every combination of four selections creates a four-fold accumulator.

• ABCD, ABCE, ABCF, ABDE, ABDF, ABEF, ACDE, ACDF, ACEF, ADEF, BCDE, BCDF, BCEF, BDEF, CDEF

The 6 Five-Folds: Every combination of five selections creates a five-fold accumulator.

• ABCDE, ABCDF, ABCEF, ABDEF, ACDEF, BCDEF

The 1 Six-Fold: All six selections combined in a single accumulator.

• ABCDEF

This comprehensive structure means that no matter which selections win, you have bets covering those winners at multiple levels. If selections A, C, and E win, for example, you collect returns from:

• 3 singles (A, C, E)
• 3 doubles (AC, AE, CE)
• 1 treble (ACE)

Step-by-Step Guide to Placing a Lucky 63 Bet

Placing a Lucky 63 bet is straightforward, especially with modern online betting platforms:

Step 1: Choose Your Bookmaker Select a bookmaker that offers Lucky 63 bets. Most major UK-licensed bookmakers provide this bet type, particularly during major racing events.

Step 2: Select Six Events Navigate to your chosen sport (typically horse racing, greyhound racing, or football) and select six different events. You can mix sports if you wish—for example, three horse races and three football matches.

Step 3: Add Selections to Your Bet Slip Add each of your six selections to your bet slip. The bookmaker's system will automatically recognise that you have six selections.

Step 4: Choose the Bet Type From the bet slip options, select "Lucky 63." The system will automatically generate all 63 combinations.

Step 5: Enter Your Unit Stake Decide on your unit stake (e.g., 10p, 20p, £1). The bookmaker will display your total stake (unit stake × 63).

Step 6: Review and Place Review your selections, odds, and total stake. Confirm and place the bet.

Step 7: Wait for Results As events unfold, your winning selections are tracked. The bookmaker automatically calculates payouts based on which combinations have won.

Understanding Payouts and Returns

The beauty of a Lucky 63 is that partial returns are possible at every level. Here's how payouts work:

The actual returns depend entirely on the odds of your selections. A selection at 2.0 odds contributes differently than one at 10.0 odds. The more selections that win, and the higher their odds, the greater your total return.

Real Example: Suppose you place a £1 Lucky 63 with these six selections at the following odds:

• Selection 1: 2.5
• Selection 2: 4.0
• Selection 3: 3.0
• Selection 4: 5.0
• Selection 5: 2.0
• Selection 6: 3.5

If selections 1, 3, 4, and 6 win:

• 4 Singles: £2.50 + £3.00 + £5.00 + £3.50 = £14.00
• 6 Doubles: 2.5×3.0=7.5, 2.5×5.0=12.5, 2.5×3.5=8.75, 3.0×5.0=15, 3.0×3.5=10.5, 5.0×3.5=17.5 = £71.75
• 4 Trebles: 2.5×3.0×5.0=37.5, 2.5×3.0×3.5=26.25, 2.5×5.0×3.5=43.75, 3.0×5.0×3.5=52.5 = £160.00
• 1 Four-Fold: 2.5×3.0×5.0×3.5=131.25

Total Return: £14.00 + £71.75 + £160.00 + £131.25 = £377.00 (against a £63 stake)

This demonstrates how multiple winning selections at moderate odds can generate substantial returns.

The History and Evolution of the Lucky 63

The Invention by Betfred

The Lucky 63 was created by Fred Done in the 1980s when he was building Betfred into a major force in UK betting. Done recognised that many bettors, particularly during major horse racing festivals, would identify multiple strong selections but felt uncomfortable placing a simple six-fold accumulator (which requires all six to win). He wanted to create a bet type that provided full coverage—ensuring returns even if only some selections won—while still offering the excitement of large potential payouts.

The Lucky 63 was born from this insight. The name itself was a marketing masterstroke: by calling it "lucky" and offering bookmaker bonuses on these bets, Done made the bet type feel like a special opportunity. The bonuses—typically doubling odds on a sole winner or offering 10–25% bonuses when all six win—added genuine value and encouraged widespread adoption.

Betfred's promotion of the Lucky 63 during the Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot made it a staple of UK betting culture. Today, every major bookmaker offers Lucky 63 bets, and the bet type has become synonymous with festival betting and multi-selection wagering.

The Evolution of the Lucky Series

The Lucky 63 did not emerge in isolation. Fred Done had previously created the Lucky 15 (four selections, 15 bets) and the Lucky 31 (five selections, 31 bets). These bets followed the same principle: full-cover combinations with bookmaker bonuses.

The progression was logical:

• Lucky 15 (1984): 4 selections, 15 bets
• Lucky 31 (1992): 5 selections, 31 bets
• Lucky 63 (1999): 6 selections, 63 bets

The Lucky series became so successful that competitors created their own variations. The Heinz (57 bets on 6 selections, without singles) was introduced as an alternative for bettors who wanted to focus on higher-level combinations. The Super Heinz (120 bets on 7 selections) and Goliath (247 bets on 8 selections) extended the concept further.

Today, the Lucky series remains the most popular full-cover bet types in the UK, with the Lucky 63 being the largest of the named "Lucky" bets.

Lucky 63 vs Other Full-Cover Bets: Which Should You Choose?

Lucky 63 vs Heinz: The Key Difference

The Heinz and Lucky 63 are often confused because both use 6 selections. However, they are fundamentally different:

The Heinz omits singles, making it cheaper and focusing returns on higher-level combinations. If you're confident that at least 3 of your 6 selections will win, the Heinz offers better value. If you want insurance from a single winner, the Lucky 63 is the better choice.

Lucky 63 vs Lucky 31: Five vs Six Selections

The Lucky 31 uses 5 selections and comprises 31 bets (5 singles, 10 doubles, 10 trebles, 5 four-folds, 1 five-fold). The choice between Lucky 31 and Lucky 63 depends on how many confident selections you have:

• Use Lucky 31 if you can confidently identify 5 strong selections. At 10p per line, it costs £3.10.
• Use Lucky 63 if you can confidently identify 6 strong selections. At 10p per line, it costs £6.30.

The Lucky 63 offers more combinations and higher potential returns, but requires an additional selection and double the stake.

Lucky 63 vs Super Heinz: Six vs Seven Selections

The Super Heinz uses 7 selections and comprises 120 bets (without singles). It is significantly larger and more expensive:

The Super Heinz is for bettors with 7 strong selections and a higher budget. It offers substantially larger potential returns but requires more selections to win to be profitable.

How Much Does a Lucky 63 Bet Cost?

Calculating Your Total Stake

The cost of a Lucky 63 is simple to calculate: Unit Stake × 63 = Total Cost

Your unit stake is the amount you wish to bet on each of the 63 individual lines. Common unit stakes in the UK are 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, and £1.

This structure makes the Lucky 63 accessible to recreational bettors. A 10p Lucky 63 costs just £6.30—less than a typical high-street betting shop visit. Even at 20p per line (£12.60), the cost remains manageable for most bettors while still offering the potential for substantial returns.

Each-Way Lucky 63: Double the Combinations, Double the Cost

An each-way Lucky 63 involves placing both a win bet and a place bet on each selection, effectively doubling the number of combinations to 126 and the total cost.

For example:

• Standard Lucky 63 at 10p: £6.30
• Each-Way Lucky 63 at 10p: £12.60

An each-way Lucky 63 is particularly popular in horse racing, where place odds are typically 1/4 to 1/5 of the win odds. This provides insurance: even if a selection doesn't win but places, you receive a return from the place bet combinations.

What Are the Odds and Probability of Winning a Lucky 63?

Realistic Probability Scenarios

The probability of winning a Lucky 63 depends entirely on the odds of your selections. However, we can consider realistic scenarios:

Scenario 1: Six selections at 2.0 odds (even money)

• Probability of all 6 winning: approximately 1 in 64
• Probability of at least 1 winning: approximately 98%
• Probability of 3+ winning: approximately 34%

Scenario 2: Six selections at 3.0 odds

• Probability of all 6 winning: approximately 1 in 750
• Probability of at least 1 winning: approximately 88%
• Probability of 3+ winning: approximately 21%

Scenario 3: Six selections at 5.0 odds

• Probability of all 6 winning: approximately 1 in 15,625
• Probability of at least 1 winning: approximately 74%
• Probability of 3+ winning: approximately 3%

These probabilities illustrate why the Lucky 63 is popular: even with moderate odds, there is a high probability of at least one selection winning, guaranteeing some return. The probability of 3 or more winners (which typically generates profit) is between 3% and 34% depending on odds.

Real-World Return Examples

Example 1: Two Winners at 3.0 and 4.0 Odds £1 Lucky 63 with selections at: 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 2.5, 3.5, 5.0

If selections 2 and 3 win (at 3.0 and 4.0):

• 2 Singles: £3.00 + £4.00 = £7.00
• 1 Double: 3.0 × 4.0 = £12.00
• Total Return: £19.00 (against £63 stake = loss of £44)

Example 2: Four Winners at 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 Odds £1 Lucky 63 with selections at: 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 5.0

If selections 1, 2, 3, and 4 win:

• 4 Singles: £2.00 + £2.50 + £3.00 + £3.50 = £11.00
• 6 Doubles: (2.0×2.5) + (2.0×3.0) + (2.0×3.5) + (2.5×3.0) + (2.5×3.5) + (3.0×3.5) = £44.75
• 4 Trebles: (2.0×2.5×3.0) + (2.0×2.5×3.5) + (2.0×3.0×3.5) + (2.5×3.0×3.5) = £79.75
• 1 Four-Fold: 2.0 × 2.5 × 3.0 × 3.5 = £52.50
• Total Return: £188.00 (against £63 stake = profit of £125)

These examples show that 3–4 winners at moderate odds typically generate clear profit, while 1–2 winners may result in a small loss or break-even.

Bookmaker Bonuses on Lucky 63 Bets

Common Bonus Types

Bookmakers offer several types of bonuses on Lucky 63 bets to incentivise their use:

Bonus for 1 Winner: Many bookmakers offer double odds if only one selection wins. Instead of receiving returns at the selection's true odds, you receive double. For example, if your sole winner is at 3.0 odds, you receive returns at 6.0 odds.

Bonus for All 6 Winners: If all six selections win, bookmakers often offer a 10–25% bonus on your total return. This bonus is added to your payout and can significantly increase your winnings.

Enhanced Odds Promotions: During major racing festivals, bookmakers frequently offer enhanced odds on Lucky 63 bets. For example, they might offer 10% extra on all returns or double odds on the six-fold accumulator.

Cumulative Bonuses: Some bookmakers offer tiered bonuses: 5% for 4 winners, 10% for 5 winners, 15% for all 6 winners.

How Bonuses Affect Your Returns

Bonuses can substantially increase your profitability. Consider this example:

Without Bonus: £1 Lucky 63 with all 6 selections winning at 2.0, 3.0, 2.5, 4.0, 3.5, 5.0 odds.

• Six-fold return: 2.0 × 3.0 × 2.5 × 4.0 × 3.5 × 5.0 = £1,050.00
• Plus all other combinations (singles, doubles, trebles, etc.) = approximately £1,500.00 total

With 15% Bonus for All 6 Winners:

• Total return: £1,500.00 × 1.15 = £1,725.00

The 15% bonus adds £225 to your winnings—a significant boost. This is why checking bookmaker promotions before placing a Lucky 63 is important; bonuses can make a substantial difference to your returns.

Common Misconceptions About the Lucky 63

Myth 1: "A Lucky 63 Guarantees Profit"

The Reality: A Lucky 63 does not guarantee profit. If no selections win, you lose your entire stake. Even if 1–2 selections win at low odds, your returns may not exceed your £63 stake (or whatever your total cost was).

A Lucky 63 is a bet with multiple chances to win, not a guaranteed money-maker. Profitability depends on selection quality and odds.

Myth 2: "You Must Win All 6 Selections to Get a Return"

The Reality: This is false. A Lucky 63 returns money if even 1 selection wins. The single bet on that selection pays out at its odds. However, if you want a substantial profit, you typically need 3 or more winners at reasonable odds.

Myth 3: "Lucky 63 Is Always Better Than an Accumulator"

The Reality: It depends on your confidence level. If you're highly confident all 6 selections will win, a simple six-fold accumulator offers better odds and a higher return. The Lucky 63 is better if you're less certain but still confident in most of your picks.

Myth 4: "Bookmaker Bonuses Make Lucky 63 Bets Profitable"

The Reality: Bonuses add value, but they don't guarantee profit. A bonus might turn a £50 loss into a £25 loss, but if your selections don't win, the bonus cannot save you. Bonuses are valuable only when you have winning selections.

Myth 5: "Non-Runner Selections Void Your Entire Bet"

The Reality: If one of your selections is a non-runner, the bookmaker automatically adjusts your bet. The bet stands at reduced odds with the non-runner removed from all combinations. You still have a valid bet.

How to Develop a Winning Lucky 63 Strategy

Selection Criteria: Choosing Your Six Picks

The foundation of a profitable Lucky 63 is selecting strong candidates:

1. Research Form and Conditions Study recent form, track conditions, jockey/trainer records, and race conditions. Don't rely on hunches; use data.

2. Balance Your Odds Avoid selecting six 10.0+ outsiders. Balance shorter-odds selections (2.0–3.0) with longer-odds picks (5.0–8.0). This increases the probability of multiple winners while maintaining decent returns.

3. Avoid Overlapping Selections If multiple races have the same trainer or jockey, be cautious. If that person has a bad day, multiple selections fail simultaneously.

4. Understand the Race Conditions Heavy ground, distance, field size, and class level all affect chances. Don't select a horse that dislikes the conditions.

5. Consider Betting Angles Look for value: horses that are underpriced relative to their actual winning chances. Odds of 3.5 on a horse you believe has a 35% chance to win represent value.

Stake Management and Bankroll Strategy

Use Unit Betting: Adopt a fixed unit stake that represents a small percentage of your total betting bankroll—typically 1–5%. This prevents overextending yourself.

Frequency Matters: Don't place a Lucky 63 every day. Use them selectively during major racing events or when you've identified genuinely strong selections.

Avoid Chasing Losses: If a Lucky 63 loses, don't immediately place another at a higher stake to "recover." Stick to your unit strategy.

Track Results: Keep records of your Lucky 63 bets: selections, odds, stake, and result. Over time, this data reveals whether your selection process is profitable.

When to Use Lucky 63 vs Other Bets

Use Lucky 63 when:

• You have 6 selections you're moderately confident about (not certain, but fairly sure)
• You want full coverage and don't want to worry about missing a winning combination
• You're using small unit stakes (5p–20p per line)
• You're betting during a major racing festival with multiple races

Avoid Lucky 63 when:

• You're only confident in 1–2 selections (place single bets instead)
• You're very confident all 6 will win (a simple six-fold accumulator offers better odds)
• You can't afford to lose the total stake (£63 at £1 per line)
• You're betting on low-odds selections (under 1.5 odds) where the returns are modest

What Happens If a Selection Is a Non-Runner?

How Bookmakers Handle Non-Runners

If one of your six selections is withdrawn or declared a non-runner before the event, the bookmaker automatically adjusts your Lucky 63. The bet does not void; instead, it is recalculated without the non-runner.

Example: Your six selections are A, B, C, D, E, F. Selection C is a non-runner. The bookmaker removes C from all 63 combinations, leaving you with a Lucky 31 (5 selections, 31 bets) at your original unit stake.

Impact on Your Potential Returns

A non-runner reduces your potential returns because:

• Fewer combinations exist (31 instead of 63)
• The removed selection cannot contribute to any winning bets
• Your cost remains the same (you paid for 63 bets), but you only have 31 bets active

However, your bet is still valid. If your remaining 5 selections perform well, you can still generate profit.

Example: £1 Lucky 63 (£63 stake). Selection C is a non-runner. Your bet becomes a £1 Lucky 31 (£31 stake). If the remaining 5 selections all win at good odds, you can still receive substantial returns.

Is the Lucky 63 Worth It? A Balanced Assessment

Advantages of Lucky 63 Bets

1. Full Coverage: Every combination is included, so you never miss a winning combination.
2. Returns from 1 Winner: Even a single winning selection generates a return, providing insurance.
3. Manageable Cost at Small Stakes: At 10p per line (£6.30), the Lucky 63 is affordable for most bettors.
4. Excitement and Engagement: Tracking 63 bets across multiple events is engaging and enjoyable.
5. Bookmaker Bonuses: Bonuses can add 10–25% to your returns if all selections win.
6. Suitable for Festivals: During major racing events, the Lucky 63 is ideal for covering multiple races.

Disadvantages of Lucky 63 Bets

1. High Total Stake: At £1 per line, £63 is a significant outlay. Even at 10p, £6.30 adds up if you place multiple bets.
2. Complex Tracking: With 63 bets, it's difficult to manually track payouts. Most bettors rely on the bookmaker's calculation.
3. Low Returns from Few Winners: If only 1–2 selections win at low odds, your return may not exceed your stake.
4. Requires Multiple Winners: To generate substantial profit, you need at least 3–4 selections to win.
5. Temptation to Overbet: The allure of large potential returns can lead to betting more than you can afford to lose.

Who Should Use Lucky 63 Bets?

The Lucky 63 is best suited for:

• Experienced bettors who understand odds and probability
• Horse racing enthusiasts with strong form-reading skills
• Festival bettors who identify multiple strong picks during major events
• Conservative bettors who use small unit stakes (5p–20p per line)
• Bettors confident in 4–6 selections but not all 6

The Lucky 63 is not ideal for:

• Complete beginners unfamiliar with odds and bet types
• Bettors with limited bankrolls
• Those who lack discipline in stake management
• Bettors who are only confident in 1–3 selections

Frequently Asked Questions About Lucky 63 Betting

Q: How many bets are in a Lucky 63? A: A Lucky 63 comprises 63 individual bets: 6 singles, 15 doubles, 20 trebles, 15 four-folds, 6 five-folds, and 1 six-fold accumulator.

Q: What is the difference between Lucky 63 and Heinz? A: Both use 6 selections, but Lucky 63 includes 6 singles (63 bets total), while Heinz omits singles (57 bets total). Lucky 63 costs more but provides insurance from a single winner.

Q: How much does a £1 Lucky 63 cost? A: £63 (£1 × 63 bets). At 10p per line, the cost is £6.30.

Q: Do I need all 6 selections to win to get a return? A: No. Even 1 winning selection returns money from the corresponding single bet. However, the amount depends on the odds of that selection.

Q: What is an each-way Lucky 63? A: An each-way Lucky 63 doubles the bets to 126 (63 win bets + 63 place bets) and doubles the cost. It provides returns if selections place rather than win.

Q: What happens if one of my selections is a non-runner? A: The bookmaker removes the non-runner from all combinations. Your bet becomes a Lucky 31 (5 selections, 31 bets) at your original unit stake.

Q: What bookmaker bonuses apply to Lucky 63 bets? A: Common bonuses include double odds if only 1 selection wins, or 10–25% bonuses if all 6 win. Bonuses vary by bookmaker and are often promoted during major racing events.

Q: Is the Lucky 63 worth betting on? A: Yes, if you're confident in 4+ selections and use small unit stakes (5p–20p per line). At these stakes, the cost is manageable and potential returns can be substantial.

Q: How do I calculate my Lucky 63 returns? A: Use a Lucky 63 bet calculator (available on most bookmaker websites) or multiply the odds of each winning combination. For example, a treble return is selection1_odds × selection2_odds × selection3_odds.

Q: What is the best Lucky 63 strategy? A: Research selections thoroughly, balance odds, use small unit stakes, avoid overconfidence, and only place bets when confident in most picks. Track results to assess whether your selection process is profitable over time.