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ET

Editorial Team

Betting Expert

Key Takeaways

  • 1A Lucky 31 consists of 31 bets across 5 selections: 5 singles, 10 doubles, 10 trebles, 5 four-folds, and 1 five-fold.
  • 2You receive a return if just one of your five selections wins — giving more coverage than a Lucky 15.
  • 3Bookmaker bonuses typically offer double odds for one winner and 20% bonus if all five win.
  • 4A £1 Lucky 31 costs £31 total — the higher outlay demands confidence in at least 2-3 selections.
  • 5Lucky 31s are a natural step up from Lucky 15s when you have a fifth strong selection to add.

The Lucky 31 is the next step up from the Lucky 15 — adding a fifth selection to create 31 bets across every possible combination. It is a popular choice for horse racing punters with a full afternoon card of fancies.

How a Lucky 31 Works

Pick 5 selections. The bet automatically generates:

  • 5 singles — one bet on each selection
  • 10 doubles — every pair combination
  • 10 trebles — every trio combination
  • 5 four-folds — every group of four
  • 1 five-fold accumulator — all five together

Total: 31 bets. At £1 per line, your outlay is £31.

Lucky 31 Returns Example

Five selections at odds of 2.50, 3.00, 4.00, 5.00, and 6.00 with a £1 unit stake (£31 total):

  • All 5 win: Every bet wins — singles, doubles, trebles, four-folds, and the five-fold. Total returns exceed £3,000 from a £31 outlay.
  • 3 of 5 win (2.50, 4.00, 6.00): You collect on 3 singles, 3 doubles, and 1 treble — approximately £133 in returns.
  • 1 of 5 wins (3.00 only): You collect £3 on the single. With a double-odds bonus, that becomes £5.

The returns scale dramatically with each additional winner because every new winner activates multiple combination bets.

Bookmaker Bonuses

Standard Lucky 31 bonuses at UK bookmakers:

  • One winner: Double the odds on the single
  • All five winners: 20% bonus added to total returns
  • Some bookmakers offer consolation returns if no selections win but one or more place (each-way only)

When to Use a Lucky 31

A Lucky 31 is right when:

  • You have 5 well-researched selections across a race card
  • You want more coverage than a Lucky 15 but the same structural protection
  • You are comfortable with a £31+ outlay at £1 per line
  • At least 2-3 of your selections are at decent odds (3.00+) to make the multiples worthwhile

Lucky 31 vs Lucky 63

If you have a sixth selection, a Lucky 63 (63 bets) provides even broader coverage — but at twice the cost again. Most recreational bettors find the Lucky 31 the sweet spot between coverage and affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions

?What is a Lucky 31 bet?
A Lucky 31 is a full-cover bet on 5 selections comprising 31 bets: 5 singles, 10 doubles, 10 trebles, 5 four-fold accumulators, and 1 five-fold accumulator. You receive a return if any one or more selections wins.
?How much does a Lucky 31 cost?
A Lucky 31 costs 31 times your unit stake. At £1 per line, the total is £31. At £2 per line, the total is £62. The higher outlay compared to a Lucky 15 reflects the extra coverage from the fifth selection.
?What bonuses do bookmakers offer on Lucky 31s?
Common bonuses include double odds on your winning single if only one selection wins, and a 20% bonus on total returns if all five selections win. Some bookmakers extend consolation bonuses for one or two winners.
?How does a Lucky 31 compare to a Lucky 15?
A Lucky 31 adds a fifth selection, creating 31 bets instead of 15. It provides more combinations and higher potential returns but costs more than double a Lucky 15 at the same unit stake. It suits bettors with five confident selections rather than four.
?Can I place a Lucky 31 each-way?
Yes. An each-way Lucky 31 doubles the bets to 62, so a £1 each-way Lucky 31 costs £62. This provides place protection on all bets but significantly increases total outlay.
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