BetVictor to reinstate Luckies

BetVictor has reversed its decision to remove Lucky bets for racing punters, instead removing the bonus concessions that made the bet type “unsustainable” for the firm.

The operator originally announced the decision to remove Luckies yesterday via a statement to The Racing Post, where sportsbook director Matt Scarrott said it was unsustainable to offer the bet type alongside all other concessions like BOG, and double odds for punters hitting one winning selection out of four.

However, following significant backlash to the decision, the operator has reversed course and today reinstated Luckies.

Scarrott said in a statement: “Following a review of the Lucky 15, Lucky 31 and Lucky 63 bets, we have established that it is unsustainable to continue to pay bonuses on these bets. As a result, for fairness and transparency we removed the bet type completely instead of simply eliminating its bonus element.

“After listening to customer feedback, we have decided to reinstate the Lucky 15, Lucky 31 and Lucky 63 bet types, however, these bets will no longer qualify for bonus payments and our terms and conditions have been amended to reflect that.”

Luckies with concessions can be positive expected value for customers who select prices close to Betfair, with one UK operator saying this week  it was losing 3% on the bet type over the long term.

The turn-off was also likely to alienate the type of recreational customers that most sportsbooks target.