What is a Canadian Bet?
As sports betting grows more sophisticated, so too do the betting options available to punters. While many are familiar with singles, doubles and accumulators, there is a category of system bets that offers greater coverage and multiple paths to a return. One of the most popular in this group is the Canadian bet, also known as a Super Yankee. This bet type is ideal for punters who have confidence in several selections and want to strike a balance between risk and reward.
In this article, we’ll explore what a Canadian bet is, how it works, what it costs, and when it might be the right choice for your betting strategy.
What is a Canadian Bet?
A Canadian bet consists of five selections and a total of 26 individual bets. These 26 bets are made up of:
- 10 Doubles
- 10 Trebles
- 5 Four-fold Accumulators
- 1 Five-fold Accumulator
Unlike a Lucky 31 (which also involves five selections), the Canadian does not include any single bets. This means that to receive a return, at least two of your five selections must win.
The Canadian bet offers widespread coverage, allowing for returns even when not all selections are successful. This makes it attractive for punters who want more flexibility than accumulators, but more ambition than smaller combination bets like Yankees or Trixies.
How Much Does a Canadian Bet Cost?
The total stake depends on your unit stake per line. Since a Canadian consists of 26 bets, the total stake is calculated as:
Unit stake × 26
For example:
- A £1 Canadian bet will cost £26
- A £2 Canadian bet will cost £52
An each-way Canadian (often used in horse racing) doubles the number of bets to 52 (26 win + 26 place), so:
- A £1 each-way Canadian costs £52
Example of a Canadian Bet
Let’s say you’re betting on five horses at a major racing meeting:
- Horse A at 3/1
- Horse B at 5/2
- Horse C at 2/1
- Horse D at 4/1
- Horse E at 6/1
Your Canadian bet will automatically cover all 10 possible doubles, 10 trebles, 5 four-folds, and 1 five-fold using all five selections. If only one of your horses wins, you will receive no return. If two or more win, you will start to see returns, increasing significantly as more selections come in.
Advantages of a Canadian Bet
1. Strong Coverage
With 26 bets across all possible doubles and higher, the Canadian offers more coverage than a simple accumulator or even a Yankee.
2. Big Win Potential
If all five selections win, the five-fold accumulator and combination of smaller multiples can lead to substantial payouts.
3. Flexible Structure
You don’t need every selection to win in order to see a return. As long as two win, some portion of the bet will pay out.
4. Suitable for Mixed Confidence Selections
If you’re confident about a few picks but unsure about others, a Canadian lets you back them all without going all in on a single accumulator.
Disadvantages of a Canadian Bet
1. No Singles Included
Unlike a Lucky 31, a Canadian doesn’t cover singles. If only one selection wins, you receive no return.
2. High Stake Requirement
Because it consists of 26 bets, the overall cost is higher than a simple multiple. A £5 unit stake results in a £130 total bet.
3. Complexity for Beginners
While not overly technical, the number of combinations and tracking potential returns can be a little confusing for newer punters.
When Should You Use a Canadian Bet?
A Canadian bet is ideal when:
- You have five solid selections across different events
- You want the potential for big returns, but not the all-or-nothing risk of a straight accumulator
- You’re betting on a day full of sport (e.g. horse racing, football, or tennis) and want to spread your risk while keeping your selections grouped
It’s a particularly popular option during major horse racing festivals like Cheltenham or Royal Ascot, when punters often have multiple strong fancies in separate races.
Each-Way Canadian Bets
An each-way Canadian is popular in racing and greyhound betting. It allows for a return even if some horses place rather than win. While this doubles your stake, it also greatly improves your chances of getting something back — especially when dealing with large fields or unpredictable outcomes.
Summary
The Canadian bet, or Super Yankee, offers punters an excellent balance between coverage, cost and potential return. With 26 bets built around five selections, it allows for flexibility and strategic planning — giving you several ways to win, and multiple opportunities for profit even if not all your selections come in.
While it’s not for everyone — especially those with smaller betting budgets — it’s a great option for those looking to level up from smaller multiples. As always, bet responsibly and make sure the size of your stake is within your comfort zone.