A patent bet is a full-cover multiple bet on three selections, containing 7 individual bets: 3 singles, 3 doubles, and 1 treble. Because it includes singles, a patent returns something even if only one selection wins — making it a more conservative version of the Trixie and a popular choice among bettors who want insurance on their selections.

Cost: At £1 per line, a patent costs £7 (because there are 7 separate bets). At £5 per line, it costs £35. The stake multiplier is always 7, regardless of the odds.

Structure breakdown:

• Singles: A, B, C (3 bets)
• Doubles: AB, AC, BC (3 bets)
• Treble: ABC (1 bet)

The patent is particularly popular in horse racing, where bettors pick three races and want returns even from a single winner. It's also used in football accumulators and other sports betting strategies where the singles act as a partial hedge against disappointment.

What Is a Patent Bet? Definition & Core Concept

The Basic Definition

A patent bet is a type of full-cover multiple bet that covers all possible combinations of three selections. Unlike a simple accumulator, which requires all selections to win, a patent is structured to return profits even if only one of your three selections is successful.

The term "full-cover" means the bet covers every possible combination of your selections:

• Every selection individually (singles)
• Every pair of selections together (doubles)
• All three selections together (treble)

This comprehensive coverage is why the patent requires 7 separate bets — it leaves nothing to chance in terms of combinations. Whether you pick horses, football teams, tennis players, or any other sporting outcomes, the structure remains the same: 7 bets covering all possible winning scenarios from your 3 selections.

Why Is It Called a "Patent"?

The origin of the term "patent" in betting is rooted in the concept of protecting or covering your bets. The word "patent" comes from the Latin patens, meaning "open" or "laid bare" — the idea being that a patent bet "lays bare" or covers all possible winning combinations.

Historically, patent bets emerged in the early 20th century as British bookmakers developed betting systems to cater to different risk appetites. The patent was designed as a middle ground: more conservative than a treble (which requires all three to win) but more efficient than placing seven separate single bets manually. The system allowed bettors to cover their bases without having to calculate individual bets themselves.

The term has remained consistent in British and Irish betting culture for over a century, and it's now used internationally across all major betting platforms. Other full-cover betting systems emerged later — the Trixie (1930s), the Yankee (1940s), and the Lucky 15 (1960s) — but the patent remains one of the most straightforward and popular multiple bet types.

Key Advantage Over a Trixie

The primary advantage of a patent over a trixie is the inclusion of three single bets. This difference is crucial:

A Trixie (4 bets):

• 3 doubles: AB, AC, BC
• 1 treble: ABC
• Requires at least 2 winners to return anything

A Patent (7 bets):

• 3 singles: A, B, C
• 3 doubles: AB, AC, BC
• 1 treble: ABC
• Requires only 1 winner to return something

This means that with a patent, even if only one of your three selections wins, you break even or profit (depending on the odds). With a trixie, you lose your entire stake if fewer than two selections win. This makes the patent significantly safer for bettors who are less confident about their selections or who want insurance against a bad day.

However, this safety comes at a cost: the patent requires 7 bets instead of 4, so it costs 75% more to place. The choice between a patent and a trixie depends on your confidence level and risk tolerance.

How Does a Patent Bet Work? Mechanics & Structure

The Seven Bets Explained

A patent bet is built on the principle of combinatorics — the mathematical study of combinations. When you select three outcomes (let's call them A, B, and C), the patent automatically creates all possible combinations:

Each of these 7 bets is independent. If you place a £1 patent, you're placing:

• £1 on each single (£3 total)
• £1 on each double (£3 total)
• £1 on the treble (£1 total)
• Total stake: £7

The odds for each bet are calculated separately. For the singles, you use the odds of that individual selection. For the doubles and treble, you multiply the odds together.

Example with odds:

• Selection A: 2.0
• Selection B: 3.0
• Selection C: 4.0

Minimum Winners Required

One of the key features of a patent bet is that you don't need all three selections to win to see a return. Here's how the outcomes break down:

If only 1 selection wins:

• You win the single bet on that selection
• All doubles and the treble lose
• You still make a profit (or at least recover some stake)

If exactly 2 selections win:

• You win both relevant singles
• You win the one double covering those two selections
• The other double and treble lose
• You make a profit from the singles and double

If all 3 selections win:

• You win all three singles
• You win all three doubles
• You win the treble
• You make maximum profit

This flexibility is why the patent is so popular — it provides multiple ways to profit, not just one "all-or-nothing" outcome.

Cost Calculation

The cost of a patent is straightforward: your stake × 7.

Common patent costs:

• £1 patent = £7 total stake
• £2 patent = £14 total stake
• £5 patent = £35 total stake
• £10 patent = £70 total stake
• £20 patent = £140 total stake
• £50 patent = £350 total stake

When you place a patent bet, you're committing this total amount. You can't place individual bets at different stakes — all seven bets within a patent are at the same per-line stake.

Important note: The cost is the same regardless of the odds you select. Whether your three selections are at 1.5 odds or 10.0 odds, a £1 patent always costs £7. The odds only affect your potential return, not the stake.

How Do You Calculate Patent Bet Returns? Return Mechanics

Single Bet Returns

When one of your selections wins, the single bet on that selection pays out at its odds, minus your stake. This is the simplest part of a patent calculation.

Formula: Single return = (Odds × Stake) - Stake

Or more simply: Single return = Stake × (Odds - 1)

Example:

• You place a £1 patent on three football teams
• Team A wins at odds of 2.5
• Your single on Team A returns: £1 × 2.5 = £2.50
• Profit on that single: £2.50 - £1 = £1.50

Even if Teams B and C lose, you've made a £1.50 profit from Team A's win. This is the insurance that makes a patent valuable.

Double Bet Returns

A double combines two selections, and the return is calculated by multiplying the odds together.

Formula: Double return = (Odds A × Odds B × Stake) - Total Stake

Example:

• Team A wins at 2.5
• Team B wins at 3.0
• Your double on AB at £1 returns: £1 × 2.5 × 3.0 = £7.50
• Profit on that double: £7.50 - £1 = £6.50

Note that you've already counted the singles for A and B, so the double adds additional profit on top of those.

Treble Bet Returns

The treble multiplies the odds of all three selections together.

Formula: Treble return = (Odds A × Odds B × Odds C × Stake) - Total Stake

Example:

• Team A wins at 2.5
• Team B wins at 3.0
• Team C wins at 4.0
• Your treble at £1 returns: £1 × 2.5 × 3.0 × 4.0 = £30
• Profit on the treble: £30 - £1 = £29

Total Return Calculation

When all three selections win, you add up the returns from all seven bets. This is where the patent's value becomes apparent.

Full example with all three winners:

• Stake: £1 patent (£7 total)
• Selections: A at 2.5, B at 3.0, C at 4.0

With just a £7 stake, you've turned it into £68.50 — a return of nearly 10:1. This demonstrates why patents are attractive when you're confident in all three selections.

Example with only 2 winners (A and B):

• Single A: £2.50
• Single B: £3.00
• Double AB: £7.50
• Total Return: £13.00
• Profit: £6.00 (on a £7 stake)

Even with one loser, you've still made a profit because of the singles and double.

Patent vs Other Multiple Bets: Which Should You Use? Comparison

Patent vs Trixie

The patent and trixie are often compared because they both use three selections, but their structures are fundamentally different.

When to use a Patent: If you're moderately confident in your selections and want insurance. The single bets mean you'll get a return even if only one wins. Use this when you're hedging your bets or betting on uncertain outcomes.

When to use a Trixie: If you're fairly confident at least two of your three selections will win, and you want better value from fewer bets. The trixie is more efficient — it costs 43% less (£4 vs £7) but requires at least 2 winners. Use this when you have higher confidence.

Patent vs Yankee

A Yankee is a larger version of the patent concept, using four selections instead of three.

A Yankee doesn't include singles, so it requires at least 2 winners to return anything (like a Trixie). However, it covers more combinations because there are more selections.

When to use a Patent: When you have three strong selections and want single-bet insurance.

When to use a Yankee: When you have four selections and want to cover all combinations without singles. Yankees are popular in horse racing where bettors pick four races.

Patent vs Lucky 15

The Lucky 15 is the most comprehensive full-cover bet for four selections, including singles.

The Lucky 15 is essentially a patent with one additional selection. It provides maximum coverage and the safest option because singles are included. However, it costs more than double a patent.

When to use a Patent: When you have three selections and want the simplest full-cover bet with single-bet insurance.

When to use a Lucky 15: When you have four selections and want maximum coverage with single-bet insurance. The Lucky 15 often includes promotional bonuses (e.g., "3 winners = 50% bonus"), making it attractive despite the higher cost.

When Should You Use a Patent Bet? Strategy & Application

Ideal Betting Scenarios

Patents are ideal in several betting situations:

Horse Racing: The most common application. You select three races and pick a horse to win in each. Even if two horses lose, you've got a return from the one winner's single. Horse racing odds are often generous, making the potential returns significant.

Football Accumulators: You pick three football matches and select a likely outcome (e.g., home win, draw, away win). The patent protects you if one match doesn't go as expected. For example, if you pick three matches at 2.0 odds each, and only two win, you still profit from the singles and double.

When You Want Insurance: If you're unsure whether all three selections will win, a patent provides a safety net. You're essentially saying: "I'm fairly confident, but I want to be protected if one doesn't come through."

Mixed Odds: Patents work well when you're mixing different odds. If you have one strong favorite (1.5 odds) and two longer shots (5.0 and 6.0 odds), the singles on the favorite give you a guaranteed return, while the doubles and treble offer big payouts if the longer shots come in.

Patent Betting Strategy

Conservative Approach: Use patents when you're selecting odds-on favorites (odds less than 2.0). The singles ensure you'll break even or profit even if one selection loses. For example, three selections at 1.8, 1.9, and 2.0 odds. If two win, you're profitable from the singles and double. If all three win, the treble generates significant returns.

Aggressive Approach: Use patents with longer odds (4.0+) when you believe strongly in your selections. The potential returns from the doubles and treble are much higher. For example, three selections at 5.0, 6.0, and 7.0 odds. If all three win, your £7 patent returns over £1,000. Even if only one wins, the single bet profits.

Mixed Odds Approach: Combine a favorite with two longer shots. Back the favorite in all seven bets (through the singles, doubles, and treble), and the longer shots for higher returns. This balances risk and reward.

Hedging Strategy: Use patents when you've already placed a large accumulator bet. If your four-team accumulator is looking uncertain, place a patent on three of the teams to ensure you recover some stake if the accumulator fails.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overconfidence: Treating a patent like a treble and expecting all three selections to win. Remember, the value of a patent is in the single-bet insurance. If you're 99% sure all three will win, a treble or trixie offers better value.

Poor Odds Selection: Choosing three selections at very short odds (1.2, 1.3, 1.4). While the singles are safer, the doubles and treble return very little. If all three win, you might only double your stake. Better to mix odds or use a treble.

Ignoring the Singles: Some bettors focus only on the potential treble return and ignore the singles' value. The singles are the patent's greatest strength — they're what make it safer than a trixie. Use them strategically.

Not Using a Calculator: Patent calculations are complex, especially with mixed odds. Always use a betting calculator or write out all seven bets to avoid errors. A single miscalculation can lead to unexpected losses.

Betting Too Much: Because a patent costs 7× your per-line stake, it's easy to bet more than intended. A £5 patent costs £35 — make sure you're comfortable with that total stake.

Chasing Losses: Increasing your patent stakes to recover from a losing bet. This is a common mistake that leads to larger losses. Stick to a consistent staking plan.

What Is an Each Way Patent? Variation

Definition & Cost

An each way patent is a patent bet that covers both the win and the place parts of a bet. This means you're betting that your selections will either win or finish in the place positions (typically top 2 or top 3, depending on the event and bookmaker).

An each way patent is essentially two patents combined: one for the win part and one for the place part. This means it contains 14 bets total (7 for wins + 7 for places).

Cost calculation:

• Standard patent: £1 = £7 total stake
• Each way patent: £1 = £14 total stake (double the cost)

For example:

• £1 each way patent = £14 total (£7 for wins, £7 for places)
• £5 each way patent = £70 total (£35 for wins, £35 for places)
• £10 each way patent = £140 total (£70 for wins, £70 for places)

Each way patents are particularly popular in horse racing, where place odds are generous and the place part can generate significant returns even if your selection doesn't win.

Each Way Patent Returns

When calculating returns for an each way patent, you calculate the win part and place part separately, then add them together.

Example:

• £1 each way patent on three horses
• Horse A: 4.0 to win, 1.2 to place
• Horse B: 5.0 to win, 1.3 to place
• Horse C: 6.0 to win, 1.4 to place

If Horse A wins and the other two place:

• Win part: Single A wins at 4.0 = £4.00
• Place part: Single A places at 1.2 = £1.20, Single B places at 1.3 = £1.30, Single C places at 1.4 = £1.40, Double AB places at 1.2 × 1.3 = £1.56, Double AC places at 1.2 × 1.4 = £1.68, Double BC places at 1.3 × 1.4 = £1.82, Treble ABC places at 1.2 × 1.3 × 1.4 = £2.18

The place part returns are much smaller than the win part because place odds are lower. However, the place part ensures you have a return even if none of your selections win outright.

What Is a Permed Patent Bet? Advanced Variation

How Permed Patents Work

A permed patent (short for "permutation patent") uses four, five, or six selections to create multiple patent combinations. Rather than selecting just three outcomes, you select more, and the permutation automatically creates all possible three-selection patents from those selections.

Example with 4 selections (A, B, C, D):

The possible three-selection patents are:

1. Patent on A, B, C
2. Patent on A, B, D
3. Patent on A, C, D
4. Patent on B, C, D

That's 4 separate patents, each containing 7 bets = 28 bets total.

Example with 5 selections (A, B, C, D, E):

You can form 10 different three-selection combinations:

• ABC, ABD, ABE, ACD, ACE, ADE, BCD, BCE, BDE, CDE

That's 10 separate patents = 70 bets total.

Example with 6 selections:

You can form 20 different three-selection combinations = 140 bets total.

Cost & Complexity

The cost of a permed patent grows quickly as you add selections.

A £1 permed patent on 5 selections costs £70 — that's 10 separate £1 patents running simultaneously. A £5 permed patent on 5 selections costs £350.

When to use a permed patent: When you have four to six selections and want comprehensive coverage of all possible three-selection combinations. This is useful in horse racing when you're picking multiple races and want to ensure you're covered no matter which three horses win.

When NOT to use a permed patent: If cost is a concern. The bet size grows exponentially. A £10 permed patent on 6 selections costs £1,400. Most bettors stick to standard patents on just three selections.

Patent Bets on Different Sports: Application

Horse Racing Patents

Horse racing is the traditional home of patent betting. Bettors select three races and pick a horse to win in each, then place a patent covering all combinations.

Why patents work well in horse racing:

• Multiple races mean multiple independent selections
• Odds are often generous (3.0–10.0+), making potential returns large
• The single-bet insurance is valuable because horse racing is unpredictable
• Bettors often have strong opinions on three races but less certainty on more

Example:

• Race 1: Horse A at 3.5
• Race 2: Horse B at 4.0
• Race 3: Horse C at 5.0
• Patent stake: £5

If only Horse A wins, you return £5 × 3.5 = £17.50, a profit of £12.50 on your £35 stake. If all three win, your return is significantly higher.

Football & Soccer Patents

Football patents are popular for covering multiple matches in a single betting day.

Common scenarios:

• Three matches, three teams to win (e.g., Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea)
• Three matches, three draw predictions (useful for midweek fixtures)
• Three matches, three under/over predictions (e.g., under 2.5 goals)

Example:

• Match 1: Team A to win at 1.8
• Match 2: Team B to win at 2.0
• Match 3: Team C to win at 2.2
• Patent stake: £10

If two teams win, you profit from the singles and double. If all three win, the potential return is excellent given the odds.

Football patents are also used as accumulator hedges. If you've placed a £100 four-team accumulator and three of the teams have already won, you can place a patent on those three teams to guarantee a return even if the fourth team loses.

Other Sports (Tennis, Cricket, American Football)

Patents can be applied to any sport with multiple selections:

Tennis: Select three tennis matches and pick the winner in each. Odds vary widely depending on the players' rankings.

Cricket: Select three matches (or three innings outcomes) and create a patent. Useful in multi-match tournaments.

American Football: Select three NFL games and cover all combinations with a patent.

Esports: Select three esports matches and create a patent covering all possible outcomes.

The principle is the same across all sports: three selections, seven bets, one patent. The odds and potential returns vary, but the structure remains consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Patent Bets

What happens if one of my selections is a non-runner?

If one of your selections is a non-runner (e.g., a horse is withdrawn from a race), most bookmakers will void the bets involving that selection. Your patent would effectively become a double on the remaining two selections. Some bookmakers apply "rule 4" deductions, which slightly reduce odds. Check your bookmaker's specific terms.

Can I place a patent bet online?

Yes. All major online bookmakers (Betfair, Bet365, William Hill, Paddy Power, etc.) allow you to place patent bets. Most have a "bet builder" or "system bet" option where you select three outcomes, and the system automatically constructs the seven-bet patent.

Is a patent bet better than a treble?

It depends on your confidence. A treble (one bet on all three selections) costs less but requires all three to win. A patent costs more but guarantees a return from a single winner. If you're very confident all three will win, a treble offers better value. If you're less certain, a patent is safer.

What's the difference between a patent and a full cover bet?

"Full cover" is a general term for any bet that covers all possible combinations of your selections. A patent is a specific type of full cover bet for three selections. A Yankee and Lucky 15 are also full cover bets but for four selections.

Can I use a patent with live betting?

Yes, most bookmakers allow live patents. However, odds change rapidly during live events, so you need to act quickly. Some bookmakers may not accept live patents on all sports or all outcomes.

How do patent bets work with odds-on selections?

Odds-on selections (odds less than 2.0) work the same way in a patent. If you select three odds-on favorites, your potential returns are lower, but the risk is also lower. A patent with three 1.5 odds selections is very safe — you'll profit even if only one wins.

What's the best strategy for patent bets?

There's no single "best" strategy. It depends on your goals:

• Conservative: Use odds-on favorites for safety
• Balanced: Mix favorites with longer shots
• Aggressive: Use longer odds for higher potential returns
• Hedging: Use patents to protect larger accumulator bets

Are patent bets taxable?

In the UK, betting winnings are not subject to income tax. However, tax laws vary by country. Check your local tax regulations.

Can I combine different bet types with a patent?

Most bookmakers require all three selections in a patent to be the same bet type (all win bets, all place bets, all draw bets, etc.). However, some bookmakers allow "mixed patents" combining different bet types. Check your bookmaker's rules.

How do bookmakers calculate patent odds?

Bookmakers use the odds you provide for each selection and calculate the odds for doubles and the treble by multiplying them together. For example, if you select 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0, the treble odds are 2.0 × 3.0 × 4.0 = 24.0. The returns are then calculated based on your stake and these odds.