A Patent is the safety net version of a 3-selection system bet. By including singles, it guarantees a return whenever even one of your selections wins — making it the most conservative 3-selection multiple.
How a Patent Works
You choose 3 selections and the bookmaker generates 7 bets:
| Bet Type | Bets | Selections |
|---|---|---|
| Singles | 3 | A, B, C |
| Doubles | 3 | A+B, A+C, B+C |
| Treble | 1 | A+B+C |
Cost: £7 at £1 per bet.
Worked Example
Selections: A (2.50), B (3.00), C (4.00)
All 3 Win
- Singles: £2.50 + £3.00 + £4.00 = £9.50
- Doubles: £7.50 + £10.00 + £12.00 = £29.50
- Treble: £30.00
- Total: £69.00 | Profit: £62.00
1 of 3 Wins (A wins, B and C lose)
- Single A: £2.50
- All doubles and treble: £0
- Total: £2.50 | Net loss: £4.50
The single provides a partial refund, limiting your total loss.
Patent vs Trixie vs Treble
| Feature | Treble | Trixie | Patent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total bets | 1 | 4 | 7 |
| Cost at £1 | £1 | £4 | £7 |
| Min. winners needed | 3 | 2 | 1 (for partial return) |
| Protection level | None | Moderate | High |
When to Use a Patent
- You have 3 moderate-to-long-odds selections
- You want maximum protection against losers
- You are betting each-way in horse racing
- You accept lower returns for reduced risk