What is a Patent Bet?

Are you into horse races and other sports, and don’t want to miss out on all the major betting action? Then, we recommend playing the patent bet on your next visit to your favourite sportsbook.

A form of multiple method betting, a patent lets you pick and combine seven bets on three different selections. Similar to accas, a patent bet is safer and more flexible, fit for casual bettors and sports fans. Before you put your bet on, don’t forget to have a quick look at our guide below.

A patent bet works like accumulators (or accas), but it comes with seven bets placed on three different selections. Sports fans and punters use this bet to cover all possible outcomes, and offer a payout even if only one bet wins.

Of the seven bets, three are single bets, three are four double bets, then the last is a treble. Even if the double or treble doesn’t come through, the bettor can still get a return from the three singles.

How does a patent bet work?

When placing a patent bet, you’ll need three selections with seven bets. It’s a popular betting option among UK punters, especially among fans of football and horse races, since it offers better chances at payouts than the straight accumulators.

Here’s how to pick your patent bet:

Select three different selections, like three football teams to win. Your patent should cover the following:

Three singles, one for each selection
Three doubles, each combo of two selections
A treble, with all three selections

Here, you get: 3 singles + 3 doubles + 1 treble = 7 bets

Now, let’s use the following hypothetical wagers:

1. Team A wins

2. Team B wins

3. Team C wins

Your patent bet places will look like the following:

Single bets on A, B, and C
Doubles for A+B, B+C, and A+C
Treble for A+B+C

Assuming you wager £10 per bet, then your total stake is £70.

Here’s how you can collect a payout from your patent bet:

If 1 selection wins, you get a payout from 1 single.
If two selections win, you claim 2 singles and 1 double payout.
If all 3 wins, all 7 bets return a win – your biggest payout.

Patent bet calculator

Playing the patent bet can be quite confusing for beginners and casual punters, especially when computing the potential payout. Good thing, then, that you’ll be able to find a patent bet calculator to work out any potential payouts.

Using a patent bet calculator is easy, and it involves submitting a few information about your selection. Firstly, you’ll need to identify ‘patent’ as your type of bet. Secondly, decide on your odds format. Most UK sportsbooks support different odds formats, including fractional and decimal. Thirdly, you’ll need to pick your three events (with their respective odds). Finally, decide on your stake, and you’re done.

Like a regular bet slip, a bookie’s patent bet calculator automatically computes the bettor’s overall returns. Experienced punters use the calculator as part of their betting strategies, particularly in exploring win/lose scenarios. If used the right way, this tool can help bettors make informed betting decisions.

Reasons for making a patent bet

A patent bet is popular among UK sports fans and punters because it combines flexibility and better risk management with multiple bets. Here are a few specific reasons why it’s a popular option among casual and experienced UK punters:

Offers bettors more chances to win. With a patent bet, even with just one selection coming through, the bettor gets a return. It’s far better than your standard accumulator, which fails if just one leg loses.
Potential for huge profit. If all three selections win, all bets pay out, which can result in bigger returns. Unlike accas with its ‘all-or-nothing’, a patent bet features compound returns.
Safer than a trixie bet. A patent is a safer betting option since it covers three single bets – even if your two picks lose, the bet’s still active.

While using patent bets has its upsides, there are also a few downsides which every punter and sports fan must know:

Can be costly. Each patent bet features seven bets. So, if you’re betting £10 per line, then you’re looking at a £70 total. If you’re used to low-stakes acca or straight-up singles, total costs can pile up.
Just one winner. Yes, there’s a payout if one pick wins, but it’s often smaller than the total stake. Still, you can turn it around if it’s a long-odds winner.
Needs at least two winning picks for a decent profit. Often, bettors need to win two picks (at decent odds) to collect a profit with a patent bet.

Each-way patent bets

An each-way patent bet is a multiple bet consisting of 14 bets in total: seven placed on your win selections and the other seven for them to finish in different placements. Unlike the standard each-way bet, which usually involves one selection, an each-way patent covers three selections. This increases your chances of a payout even if your pick doesn’t secure first place.

An each-way patent bet is popularly used in horse racing, where the punter picks three horses, in different races. To play, just pick your horses, then select the patent bet option, and make sure to tick the EW box to indicate that it’s an each-way bet.

An each-way patent bet includes three singles, three doubles, and a treble, with a total of seven bets. In these bets, you’re not just betting on your picks to win, but their places, too. You’ll get payouts if your selection wins or just places in the top 2-3 (or sometimes 4) positions, depending on the size of the race. Let’s say you’re backing horses A, B, and C: If A wins, B comes second, and C is in the top 3, you’ll receive a full payout for the winning singles, while the other two contribute to payouts for doubles and trebles. Don’t expect returns if none of your picks win or place.

In football, each-way patent betting is also a popular betting type. Here, you select three football matches, and for each match, you’ll make a prediction such as "home team to win, "away team to win," or "draw." Each-way patent betting lets you place seven bets: three singles (one for each football match), three doubles (two matches combined), and one treble (all three matches). Even if some of your picks don’t win, you can still receive returns if they place.

Difference between a patent bet and a trixie bet

Patent bet includes singles, while a trixie bet doesn’t – that’s the key difference. A patent bet gives you seven bets in total, while a trixie bet only has four bets, including three doubles and one treble. The good thing about patent betting is that you can win even if only one of your selections wins, while trixie betting requires at least two selections to receive a payout. Simply, a trixie bet focuses on selecting the winner of an event, while patent betting lets you win whether your selection wins or places. Whether you’re into horse racing, football, or tennis, both types of bets can be used.

Just like in patent bets in football, you’ll also pick three teams from separate matches with trixie bets. However, it only covers doubles and trebles, such as a possible combo of two winners or all three winning.

Let’s say you’re backing three teams to win: Real Madrid, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, and after the completion of matches, Arsenal and Real Madrid came through. With a patent bet, you get a payout for your bets on Arsenal singles, Real Madrid singles, and the Arsenal and Real Madrid double. However, with the trixie bet, you’ll collect wins for Arsenal and Real Madrid doubles only and lose your treble bet since PSG did not win. If all three selections win, you’ll receive a payout for both the treble and the three doubles.

A trixie bet also works for other individual sports, including tennis. Regardless of the sport, the same formula applies – just pick three players, placing four bets. If at least two of your picks win, you’ll get a payout for the doubles. The more winning selections, the bigger the payout you collect.

Patent betting is a good choice as it offers more chances of winning. It’s friendlier than acca – bettors can still profit even if not all picks win. The trixie is better for punters who are more confident with their picks. Yes, it’s riskier than a patent bet, but it comes through it gives a better payout potential. Ultimately, the choice to play the patent bet depends on the bettor’s strategy and bankroll size. It’s best for casual bettors, too, especially those who are just starting with multiples, want to balance safety and profit, and don’t want to go ‘all-in’ with accas.

FAQs

What is a patent bet?

A patent bet is a type of multiple bet with seven individual bets, which include three singles, a double, and a treble. To earn a payout, a bettor must have at least one winner.

Is it worth it to place a patent bet in football, horse races, or other popular sports?

Yes, a patent bet is a highly recommended multiple bet option for punters looking for better returns and value. Compared to other betting options, the patent bet boasts more security since it combines multiple bets into one, and you just need at least one winning outcome to earn a return.

What is a double bet, and is it part of a patent bet?

Yes, each patent bet includes a double bet, in addition to a treble and three singles. A double bet offers the punter two selections under one bet. In this type of bet, both players or teams must win for the punter to secure a payout.

What is a treble, and is it part of a patent bet?

Yes, each patent bet includes a treble, in addition to the three singles. A treble lets a punter pick three selections under one bet. Here, all three selections must win for the punter to claim a return.

Is the patent bet similar to the each-way patent bet?

No, an each-way patent bet is different from the standard patent bet. An each-way patent bet is also a multiple bet option, but includes 14 bets: seven on win picks, and the other seven for the picks to place. Also, an each-way patent bet covers three selections, while the regular patent bet has one.

Responsible gambling with FIRST

You must be 18+ to gamble. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Our tips and advice help you enjoy gambling, but there is always a chance a bet or casino game can lose.

Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Stop betting if you are angry, emotional or under the influence of alcohol.

Warning signs of problem gambling: chasing losses, betting money needed for bills, or feeling unable to stop.

Need help? Visit our responsible sports betting page or our responsible casino gambling page, or contact the support organisations listed below if you're struggling to control your gambling:

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