What is a Patent Bet?
In the world of sports betting, punters often look for ways to spread risk while still giving themselves the chance of a decent return. One of the more popular and straightforward system bets in this category is the Patent bet. Combining the simplicity of singles with the potential of multiples, a Patent is an ideal next step for punters who want more coverage than a standard accumulator without entering the complexity of larger system bets like Yankees or Lucky 15s.
This article will explain exactly what a Patent bet is, how it works, how much it costs, and when you might want to consider placing one.
The Basics: What is a Patent Bet?
This is a type of system bet that consists of seven individual bets made from three selections in different events. These seven bets are:
- 3 Singles
- 3 Doubles
- 1 Treble
This means that even if only one of your selections wins, you’ll still receive a return – something that makes the Patent a more forgiving bet than a standard treble or accumulator, which require all selections to win for a payout.
How Does a Patent Bet Work?
Let’s say you choose three football teams to win their weekend matches:
Arsenal to beat Everton at 2/1
Liverpool to beat West Ham at 6/4
Man City to beat Tottenham at 1/1 (evens)
You place a £1 Patent, meaning you are betting £1 on each of the seven combinations, for a total stake of £7. Your Patent bet would be structured as follows:
£1 on Arsenal (single)
£1 on Liverpool (single)
£1 on Man City (single)
£1 on Arsenal + Liverpool (double)
£1 on Arsenal + Man City (double)
£1 on Liverpool + Man City (double)
£1 on Arsenal + Liverpool + Man City (treble)
Each of these bets is settled independently, so your total return will depend on how many and which of your selections win.
Example Outcomes
Scenario 1: Only One Wins
Let’s say only Liverpool wins. Your only return would be from the single on Liverpool at 6/4.
Return = £2.50 (£1.50 profit + £1 stake)
Loss = £7 total stake – £2.50 = £4.50 loss
Scenario 2: Two Win
Now suppose Arsenal and Liverpool both win. You’d win:
Singles on Arsenal and Liverpool
The double on Arsenal + Liverpool
Returns = £3 (Arsenal) + £2.50 (Liverpool) + £7 (double) = £12.50
Profit = £12.50 – £7 = £5.50
Scenario 3: All Three Win
Now, if all three teams win, you’d receive returns from:
All 3 singles
All 3 doubles
The treble
Depending on the odds, your total return could be in the region of £50+, for just a £7 stake
Advantages of a Patent Bet
1. Greater Coverage
With seven bets covering every possible combination of your three selections, a Patent gives you multiple chances to win — even if only one selection is successful.
2. Suitable for Beginners and Casual Punters
Patents are easy to understand and manage. You don’t need to do complex calculations to track your potential returns.
3. More Forgiving Than Accumulators
A treble or accumulator pays nothing unless all selections win. A Patent offers a return with just one winning selection.
4. Flexible Across Sports
Whether you’re betting on horse racing, football, tennis, or other sports, a Patent can be used across most markets involving independent events.
Disadvantages of a Patent Bet
1. Higher Total Stake
Because you are placing seven individual bets, your total stake is higher than placing a single treble or three singles. A £1 Patent will cost you £7.
2. Modest Returns with One Winner
While you do get a return if only one selection wins, it will usually be small and may not cover the full stake.
3. No Big Wins Without Multiple Winners
You need at least two winners to see a meaningful return, and all three to generate the kind of profit that makes the bet truly worthwhile.
Each-Way Patent Bets
In horse racing, an each-way Patent is a popular choice. This doubles the number of bets from 7 to 14 — as each bet is split into win and place parts. While this increases the cost, it also gives more chances for a return if horses place rather than win.
For example, a £1 each-way Patent would cost £14 in total (£1 x 14 bets).
When to Use a Patent Bet
A Patent is ideal when:
You’ve identified three selections you’re fairly confident in
You want to spread risk across multiple combinations
You want a return even if only one selection wins
You prefer a structured system bet over single or accumulator bets
It’s especially handy on a busy Saturday of football or a horse racing meeting where you’ve spotted three promising runners.
Summary
The Patent bet is one of the most balanced and accessible system bets available to punters. With the potential for returns from just one winning selection, it provides a safety net for those who want to bet on multiples without the all-or-nothing risk of an accumulator.
While it doesn’t guarantee big profits unless multiple selections win, the Patent offers excellent flexibility and is particularly useful for punters seeking both coverage and structure in their betting strategy.