The Patent bet has become incredibly popular over the past few years as online betting continues to offer more ways for players to wager on sporting events. Most bettors will be familiar with accumulators and how you can combine wagers to achieve much larger returns. However, patent betting is slightly different and offers more cover in case the worst should happen.
On the surface, patent bets look complex and difficult to understand, but they are a valuable tool to keep in your arsenal. Sometimes, having a different option to a traditional accumulator or making several straight-up bets is the way to go.
We already have guides on other wagers, such as Yankee bets, and we are dedicated to ensuring you can bet on sports as comfortably as possible. Below, we will outline the how and why of patent bets along with some tips you can use along the way!
What is a Patent bet?
A patent bet is a unique type of cover bet using three selections. Unlike accumulators, one losing selection doesn’t automatically cause your bet to fail. Only one selection needs to win for your Patent bet to see a return. It is very similar to a Trixie bet as it uses the same number of selections and is made up of a similar number of bets. However, a Patent bet includes three singles, similar to a Lucky 15.
To make a Patent bet, you must choose three selections from an online betting site. The system splits those three selections into seven bets: three singles, three doubles, and a treble. This is where a Patent differs from a Trixie bet, which does not include singles.
A Patent bet breaks down like this:
- Three Singles: Three separate bets on three single selections.
- Three Doubles: Three separate bets on three combinations (A/B, A/C, & B/C)
- One Treble: One bet on all three selections combined (A/B/C)
The three singles represent the straight-up wagers or predictions you are making. Let’s say you choose Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool to win in the Premier League this weekend. These three bets are independent of each other, as each team could win, lose, or draw. In this section, if one team fails to win, the other three bets can still be winners.
For the doubles, the Patent bet will combine these predictions into three more wagers. The first requires both Arsenal and City to win. The second needs Arsenal and Liverpool to emerge victorious, and the third relies on City and Liverpool winning. Two of these bets will fail if one team falls short of a victory.
Looking at the treble, it is best described as an accumulator. That means it’s a single bet that relies on three predictions all coming true. Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool must win for this bet to return any money. The wager is dead in the water if one team draws or loses.
How do you make a Patent bet?
It is easy to make a Patent bet, but there are some rules you need to know beforehand. You must ensure you have chosen the correct number of selections and be aware of how much you are wagering. Here are the steps you need to follow to place a Patent bet.
- Make your selections: All patent bets must comprise three selections. However, you can choose which sport you are betting on. You can even spread each selection across different sports. For example, you could include your rugby prediction along with a horse racing and soccer selection.
- Choose a patent bet: There will be several betting options after making your selections. Make sure you select a Patent bet. Choosing a patent bet will automatically sort your bet into the singles, doubles, and trebles that make up the wager. If the option for a Patent does not appear, you can place a double, treble, and three single bets of equal stakes for an identical wager.
- Choose your stake: Adjust the size of your stake for each bet. Seven wagers multiply your €1 stake to a €7 total bet. You can also choose each way if you are betting on horse racing, for example. That will double your stake, but your selections only need to place to see a return.
- Place your bet: Now, all that is left to do is place your bet and watch the results unfold. Remember, only one of your selections needs to win (or place if you are betting each way) for a payout. Your payout increases for each winning selection and if all selections win, you receive the maximum payout.
Patent Bet Example
We have provided an example below if you want to see more of how a Patent bet works. We have opted for horse racing, which is one of the most popular sports to make a patent bet on. Remember, when placing a patent bet on horse racing, all selections must be running in separate races. This example shows what your payout would be from a €1 stake (€7 in total).
Treble
- Selections: Horse A (4/1), B (7/1), and C (5/1) All Win
- Returns: €377.00
Doubles
- Selections: Horses A and B – €53.00
- Selections: Horses A and C – €41.00
- Selections: Horses B and C – €62.00
Singles
- Selection: Horse A – €5.00
- Selection: Horse B – €7.00
- Selection: Horse C – €5.00
Your maximum payout comes from all selections winning, but you will still receive something in return if just one of your predictions comes true. Whether you make a profit or not depends on the odds of your selections. A winning selection with odds greater than 7/1 guarantees profit from your patent bet.
Each Way Patent Bets
Betting each way on patents is very popular when wagering on horse racing. This means your horses need to place for you to see a return. It is often a great way to bet on horses with longer odds. Although your stake will be higher, you are extending your chances of a payout.
Place terms apply when making an each-way patent bet. These terms vary from race to race, but typically they are 1/5th of the original odds. The number of runners in a race, the track or promotions can all affect the terms of an each-way bet. Using our previous model, here is an example of a each-way patent on 1/5 terms.
Trebles
- Selections: Horses A, B and C all place – €27.56
- Selections: Horses A, B win, C places – €80.56
- Selections: Horses A, C win, B places – €68.56
- Selections: Horses B, C win, A places – €89.56
- Selections: Horse A wins, B and C place – €32.56
- Selections: Horse B wins, A and C place – €35.56
- Selections: Horse C wins, A and B place – €33.56
Doubles
- Selections: Horse A and B place, C loses – €8.52
- Selections: Horse A and C place, B loses – €7.40
- Selections: Horse B and C place, A loses – €9.20
Singles
- Selections: Horse A places – €1.80
- Selections: Horse B places – €2.40
- Selections: Horse C places – €2.00
As you can see, an each-way patent bet multiplies the number of winning combinations throughout doubles and trebles. However, you are wagering more money than you would on a straight-win patent, and the returns are significantly lower when your selection places rather than wins.
Why make a Patent bet?
A patent bet is a popular betting strategy for those looking to increase their chances of winning while managing risk. In essence, a patent bet offers a balanced combination of risk and reward, making it appealing for punters looking for more opportunities to profit without relying on all selections to win. This is why it is a popular option for horse racing, where predictions are much harder to make than on ball sports markets.
Pros and Cons of a Patent Bet
| Pros | Cons |
| Increased chances of winning | Higher total stakes |
| Reduced risk | Smaller payouts than other multiples |
| Flexible for multiple selections | Requires higher odds to be effective |
| Less Stressful than other multiple bets | Limited profit if fewer selections win |
Patent Bet vs Trixie Bet
Patents and Trixies are very similar. Both are cover bets requiring three selections and consist of three doubles and a treble. However, there is one glaring difference: a patent includes singles while Trixie bets do not. That means you only need one selection to win on your patent to see a return.
While a patent will require a higher stake because of the added single selections, it means you are covered for all winning possibilities where a Trixie doesn’t.
Tips for Making Patent Bets
- Research Your Patent: Take the time to research each of your three selections. Many factors can affect every bet, depending on which sport you are wagering on. Consider the form of teams, the conditions of the ground in horse racing, injuries to players, etc. These elements can influence the outcome of the event you’re betting on, and being clued in beforehand can help you make more informed decisions.
- Look for Value in Combinations: A well-structured patent bet includes high and low odds selections. This creates an opportunity for good returns while maintaining a reasonable chance of success. A Patent with three low odds selections represents poor value, and three high odds selections give you less chance of winning.
- Bet Where Your Knowledge Lies: It can be tempting to spread your Patent bet across several sports because of the possibility of winning from just one selection. This is okay if you are knowledgeable of all of those sports, but don’t be tempted to bet on sports you are not as clued up on. Stick with what you know and make informed decisions.
- Calculate Your Stake: The stake for a patent bet will be multiplied by seven because there are 7 individual bets. If you are betting each way, then that stake will be doubled. Ensure you’re comfortable with your total stake and only bet what you can afford to lose.
- Stay Within Your Budget: Because patent bets require a larger stake (7 individual bets), make sure it fits within your overall betting budget. If you’re unsure, consider placing smaller stakes. It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of a Patent bet, but always maintain discipline. Stick to your betting strategy and don’t chase losses.
Using Patent Bets on Different Sports
Patent bets can be applied to a variety of sports, with some being more commonly chosen than others. Horse racing stands out as the most popular sport for this type of bet, along with all cover bets. The inherent unpredictability of a race leads many punters to prefer cover bets over accumulators or trebles, as they offer broader coverage of selections.
Additionally, each-way betting is a key factor in the appeal of Patent bets in horse racing, as it allows a bet to succeed even if the selected horse doesn’t win, offering more flexibility when picking horses with longer odds.
Three-way bets in sports like soccer are also popular among people betting on Patents. Draws often present strong returns and are more frequent in soccer than many realise. The longer odds of draws compared to picking a team to win mean they are strong combinations for patent bets.
Conclusion
Patent bets offer an appealing option for those seeking a balanced approach to sports betting. By covering a range of outcomes with three selections, they allow bettors to reduce risk while maintaining the potential for a decent return. Whether you’re betting on horse racing, football, or other sports, the flexibility of Patent bets makes them a versatile tool in a punter’s arsenal.
Even with one successful selection, the ability to win makes these bets attractive to many people, despite higher stakes than other bet types. With careful research, strategic betting, and a disciplined approach, Patent bets can enhance your betting experience and offer a manageable yet rewarding way to wager on your favourite sports. Always remember to bet responsibly and within your means, ensuring your strategy aligns with your overall goals.
