Flag

What Is a Flag Bet? 

If you’ve ever browsed through betting options and come across terms like Yankee, Heinz, or Lucky 15, you’ll know that combination bets can be a bit of a minefield for newcomers. Among these options sits a lesser-known but fascinating type of multiple — the Flag bet. A complex yet flexible bet type, the Flag offers punters the chance to back four selections across several events, with a total of 23 bets placed from just those four picks.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what a Flag bet is, how it works, and when it might be a smart option to consider. Whether you’re a seasoned punter or simply curious about expanding your betting strategy, this guide will clarify everything you need to know about the Flag.

What Is a Flag Bet?

A Flag bet is a type of full cover multiple bet that includes 23 individual bets based on four different selections. These selections must each be in separate events — for example, four different horse races or four football matches.

The 23 bets are made up as follows:

• 6 Doubles
• 4 Trebles
• 1 Fourfold accumulator
• 6 Single Stakes About (SSAs) – This is the feature that sets a Flag bet apart
• 6 Reverse Forecasts – Only included if the selections are in races (or contests) where forecast betting is available (usually horse or greyhound racing)

If you’re placing a Flag bet without forecasts (e.g., in football or tennis), it will contain 23 bets. If forecasts are applicable, the number can rise due to the addition of reverse forecasts.

Breaking Down the Components

Let’s go into a little more detail about each part of the bet:

• Doubles: A bet where two selections must win.
• Trebles: All three selections must be successful to yield a return.
• Fourfold Accumulator: A bet on all four selections to win; if one loses, the bet fails.
• Single Stakes About (SSA): This is a pair of bets where the stake from one winning single is used to place another single on the next selection. For example, if selection A wins, a single bet is placed on selection B.
• Reverse Forecasts (optional): These are included when betting on races. You’re backing two horses to finish first and second in either order.

How Much Does a Flag Bet Cost?

Because you’re placing 23 individual bets, your total stake will be 23 times your unit stake. So, if your unit stake is £1, a full Flag bet will cost £23.

If you opt to do an each-way Flag, your total number of bets doubles to 46, because you’re placing both a win and place version of each bet.

• £1 Flag Bet = £23 total stake
• £1 Each-Way Flag Bet = £46 total stake

An Example of a Flag Bet

Let’s say you choose the following four horses across different races:

1. Horse A (Race 1) – 3/1
2. Horse B (Race 2) – 5/1
3. Horse C (Race 3) – 2/1
4. Horse D (Race 4) – 6/1

Your Flag bet would cover all combinations of doubles, trebles, the fourfold, and the SSA bets, so you’re not relying on all four winning to receive a return. Even if only two or three horses win, you could still get something back — depending on how the wins fall within the bet structure.

Advantages of a Flag Bet

• More Coverage, More Chances
  A Flag gives you numerous ways to win. Even if not all your selections come in, you can still turn a profit — particularly if your winning selections have decent odds.
• SSA Element
  The inclusion of Single Stakes About adds a strategic layer, enabling winnings from one selection to roll onto another in a smart way. This can boost profits if results go your way.
• Ideal for Confident Punters
  If you’ve got a shortlist of four strong selections in different events, a Flag can offer better returns than betting on them as isolated singles or even a straight accumulator.

Drawbacks to Consider

• Higher Cost
  At 23 bets (or 46 for each-way), the total stake required is significantly higher than a standard accumulator or even a Yankee.
• Complexity
  For beginners, understanding how the returns are calculated — especially with SSA bets involved — can be confusing. Using a Free Bet Calculator is highly recommended to help work out potential returns.
• Partial Wins May Not Cover Stake
  If only one of your four selections wins, your return is likely to be minimal — potentially less than your original stake.

When Should You Use a Flag Bet?

Flag bets are best used when:

• You have four strong selections you believe are all capable of winning.
• You want to protect against one or two results going against you.
• The odds are attractive, especially on a couple of the picks.
• You want to spread your risk while still aiming for a substantial payout.

They’re particularly popular among horse racing punters who want more sophisticated combinations than what a Yankee offers, especially on busy race days like the Grand National or Cheltenham Festival.

Each-Way Flag Bets

Adding an each-way element means you’re backing your horses (or other selections) to either win or place, which is useful in fields with lots of runners or when you want more safety.

If any of your selections place but do not win, you’ll still receive a return on the place part of the bet — though at reduced odds.

Final Thoughts: Is a Flag Bet Worth It?

For the right kind of punter, a Flag bet can be a very rewarding option. It offers good coverage, clever structure, and multiple paths to profit. However, it’s not a bet for the faint-hearted or those on a tight budget, given the number of bets involved.

If you’re someone who likes to back four selections in a day — particularly in horse racing or football — the Flag allows you to give yourself a fighting chance of a return, even if everything doesn’t go your way. Just be sure to use a Free Bet Calculator to keep track of your stakes and possible payouts, and consider trying it with small stakes first to get a feel for how it works.