Union Jack Bets Explained

How It Works

Using the letters A through to I, here are the eight different trebles that can be made:

• ABC (horizontal)
• DEF (horizontal)
• GHI (horizontal)
• ADG (vertical)
• BEH (vertical)
• CFI (vertical)
• AEI (diagonal)
• BFG (diagonal)

The Union Jack bet offers eight combinations, providing extensive coverage across the selected events. This increases the chances of winning compared to single bets but also requires a more significant initial stake due to the multiple bets placed.

Despite the increased coverage of your betting picks and the added chances of winning, your initial investment will be considerably more than a standard single bet and other multiple betting options. This is where our Union Jack calculator comes in handy.

Using our calculator, you can better understand the number of winning bets required to achieve profitability. It is crucial to note that you do not necessarily have to win all eight individual bets; you just need to surpass the threshold to secure profitability.

The probability of your selections and the margin of error they allow are essential to consider. For instance, if you choose selections with odds lower than Evens, you will likely need them all to win, and just one unsuccessful bet could lead to returns lower than your initial investment.

Now we will look at how our nine selections work, ranging from Horse A through to Horse I.

Examples

To calculate the profit per bet and per bet type for each of the eight bets of the Union Jack, with a stake of £1, we must consider the possible outcomes and their respective odds looking at the total returns for each.

Treble Bets (9 bets):

ABC (Horse A, Horse B & Horse C): (1 x 1/1 x 2/1 x 3/1) = £24

DEF (Horse D, Horse E & Horse F): (1 x 4/1 x 5/1 x 6/1) = £210

GHI (Horse G, Horse H & Horse I): (1 x 7/1 x 8/1 x 9/1) = £720

ADG (Horse A, Horse D & Horse G): (1 x 1/1 x 4/1 x 71) = £80

BEH (Horse B, Horse E & Horse H): (1 x 2/1 x 5/1 x 8/1) = £162

CFI (Horse C, Horse F & Horse I): (1 x 3/1 x 6/1 x 9/1) = £280

AEI (Horse A, Horse E & Horse I): (1 x 1/1 x 5/1 x 9/1) = £120

CEG (Horse C, Horse E & Horse G): (1 x 3/1 x 5/1 x 7/1) = £192

Should all nine horses get past the winning post before anyone else, all eight bets will be declared winners, and if you strike it lucky with a 100% success rate, a total return of £1,789 would be yours. At the same time, the profit would then be the total return minus the initial stake of £8.

Therefore, an overall profit of £1,780 would be secured in the example above. However, this figure will vary depending on the odds of your original choices and the success that they subsequently have at the racecourse.

Here is our pre-loaded Union Jack bet calculator to see this bet example play out and test different outcomes with different stakes. To change the outcomes, simply change the ‘Outcome’ from ‘Winner’ to ‘Lost’. Click here to test it out.

How To Place A Union Jack with Bet365

Step 1. Select the sport you want to bet on. For this example, we have selected football.

Step 2. Note the nine selections you want to make. The top selection would be A through to I.

Step 3. Then, place the eight trebles as per the combinations above (this example is ABC).

Reasons for making a Union Jack Bet:

Now that we have explained a Union Jack bet, we will consider why you would place one.

• Enhanced Coverage: Union Jack bets offer extensive coverage across multiple selections, providing a broader range of potential winning combinations than single bets. This increased coverage increases the chances of achieving successful outcomes and winning more bets within a single wager.
• Balanced Risk and Reward: Union Jack bets balance risk and reward. While they offer greater coverage and increased chances of winning compared to single bets, they also retain the potential for higher returns compared to simpler bet types like single bets or straightforward accumulators. This balanced approach appeals to bettors seeking a mix of risk mitigation and potential profits.
• Strategic Flexibility: Union Jack bets offer strategic flexibility, allowing punters to customise their bets by selecting multiple combinations within a single wager. This strategic flexibility enables bettors to tailor their bets to their preferences, risk tolerance, and strategies, providing a dynamic betting experience.

Like flag bets, Union Jack bets incorporate built-in risk management by spreading the stake across different combinations. This strategic approach helps mitigate the impact of potential losses and enhances the overall potential for profitable outcomes.

Despite their potential for higher returns, Union Jack bets may require a higher initial stake and involve a degree of complexity. Bettors must carefully consider their selections and the potential outcomes of each combination, similar to flag bets.

However, similar to flag bets, Union Jack bets offer the potential for increased returns and flexibility in betting options, making them attractive to experienced bettors seeking substantial profits.

Nonetheless, there remains a possibility of only securing partial profit if not all selections win. This underscores the importance of careful selection and risk management in Union Jack betting, similar to flag bets, to optimise profitability and mitigate potential losses.

Like any betting type, there will always be benefits and drawbacks. With this in mind, we shall look at the plusses and minuses of a Union Jack.

Pros & Cons

Conclusion

Before deciding on a Union Jack bet, evaluating whether it fits your betting preferences and risk tolerance is crucial. While it offers the possibility of greater returns, it may need a more significant number of accurate selections to ensure you generate a profit.