Among the various bet types offered by bookmakers, one option you might come across is a patent bet. The term may sound a little unusual at first, but it describes a way of combining several smaller parts within one overall wager. It’s often chosen by those who like to include a few different outcomes together rather than relying on a single selection.
If you’ve heard of a patent bet but aren’t entirely sure what makes it different, this blog post explains how it is arranged, how each part connects, and how possible returns are worked out. By the end, you’ll see how its seven sections fit together and what to consider before deciding if this format suits your approach.
Read on to learn more.
What Is a Patent Bet and How Does It Work?
A patent bet is based on a small group of selections that are combined in several different ways. Altogether, it includes seven separate bets within one format. Each part plays a role in covering various combinations of those selections.
To make that clearer, imagine three picks. Each appears once on its own, then paired in twos, and finally all three together. This gives you three singles, three doubles, and one treble. Because the singles are included, a return is still possible even if only one of your selections wins.
For instance, if you placed a £1 unit stake, the total amount would be £7—£1 on each of the seven parts. The structure ensures that every combination is already included, without needing to arrange each one separately.
If you’re considering this kind of bet, make sure you understand the full total being staked and never go beyond your planned amount.
How Many Selections Are in a Patent Bet?
The patent format is built around three selections. These are usually chosen from separate events, such as different football matches or horse races, so that each outcome stands on its own. Keeping them distinct avoids cases where one result affects another.
The number three defines this bet type. A Trixie also uses three selections but excludes singles, while a Lucky 15 adds an extra selection and several more combinations. The patent remains fixed at three.
Understanding that number helps when working out how the seven parts interact, which becomes clearer once you look at how returns are calculated.
How Are Patent Bet Winnings Calculated?
Each of the seven parts in a patent is settled separately before the results are added together. Singles are paid if their individual pick wins, doubles pay if both succeed, and the treble pays if all three selections are successful. The combined total of these results forms the overall return.
For example, with a £1 unit stake (£7 in total), if just one selection won at 3/1, that single would return £4, while the rest would not produce a return. If two picks won, both singles and their connecting double would count. With all three winning, every section would pay out, with the treble usually contributing the largest share.
Many online platforms show an estimated return before you confirm your bet. Using a calculator might help you see how changes in odds or stake size affect the possible outcome. Always double-check the total amount before placing a bet and only proceed if it aligns with your chosen budget.
Pros and Cons of Using a Patent Bet
One potentially positive feature of this format is that it has the chance to still produce a return even if not every selection wins. Because singles are part of the format, one winning pick can bring back something. The seven-part design also means several combinations are automatically covered within a single bet.
On the other hand, the total cost is higher than placing a single or a treble, since you’re funding seven bets at once. If only a few selections succeed, or the prices are shorter, the return might be smaller than your total stake. Even with all three picks winning, the payout may sometimes be lower than placing the same amount on a treble alone, as the stake is divided between several parts.
Whether this layout suits you depends on your aims. If you prefer a format that includes multiple outcomes in one go, a patent may be of interest. If you’d rather focus entirely on one combined return from three selections, a treble might be more straightforward.
Whatever you decide, stay aware of your spending and take breaks so betting remains a balanced activity. It can help to set personal limits on both time and money before you start and to stick to them once set. If you ever find that gambling is no longer enjoyable, or you are spending more than planned, consider stepping back for a while or using available tools, such as deposit limits or time reminders.
Support is always available if you would like to speak with someone. Organisations such as GambleAware and GamCare offer free, confidential advice and resources for anyone who wants to talk about their gambling. Keeping gambling as an occasional leisure activity and knowing where to find help if needed are important parts of playing responsibly.
