Union Jack Patent

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	Tied position: Places paid: Number of runners:

Total Stake

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Total Profit

What is a Union Jack Patent Bet?

Sports betting in the UK has developed far beyond simple win or lose wagers. With a wide variety of system and combination bets available, punters can now create complex bets that offer broader coverage and increased flexibility. One such option is the Union Jack Patent bet — a structured, multi-selection system bet that combines the format of a Patent with a strategic grid layout designed to create multiple winning paths.

Although not as commonly used as a straight Patent or Yankee, the Union Jack Patent offers a unique and engaging approach to system betting. This article will explain what a Union Jack Patent bet is, how it works, and when it might be suitable for your betting strategy.

What is a Patent Bet?

To understand a Union Jack Patent, it’s important to first understand the Patent bet. A Patent consists of three selections and covers seven bets in total:

3 Singles (one on each selection)
3 Doubles (each possible pair)
1 Treble (all three combined)

A Patent gives you a return even if only one selection wins, and the more winners you have, the more combinations result in a payout.

What is a Union Jack Patent?

A Union Jack Patent is an expanded version of the Patent structure. It involves nine selections, arranged in a 3×3 grid, like a noughts and crosses (tic-tac-toe) board. From this grid, the bet creates eight individual Patent bets (eight sets of three selections), using all possible horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines on the board.

Each Patent within the Union Jack covers three selections from one of the eight lines, making a total of:

8 Patent bets × 7 bets per Patent = 56 bets

So, a Union Jack Patent is a 56-line system bet involving nine selections, and it’s constructed to increase your chances of a return based on how many of your chosen selections win and how they are positioned within the grid.

The 3×3 Grid Layout

Your nine selections are placed into a 3×3 layout like this:

1 | 2 | 3

4 | 5 | 6

7 | 8 | 9

From this layout, the eight Patent combinations are created as follows:

Row 1: 1, 2, 3
Row 2: 4, 5, 6
Row 3: 7, 8, 9
Column 1: 1, 4, 7
Column 2: 2, 5, 8
Column 3: 3, 6, 9
Diagonal 1: 1, 5, 9
Diagonal 2: 3, 5, 7

Each of these lines forms a separate Patent bet.

How Much Does a Union Jack Patent Cost?

Since there are 56 bets in total, your total stake is calculated as:

Unit stake × 56

For example:

A £1 Union Jack Patent = £56 total stake
A £2 Union Jack Patent = £112 total stake

You can also place an each-way Union Jack Patent, which doubles the number of bets to 112, as each bet has a win and place component:

A £1 each-way Union Jack Patent = £112

Advantages of a Union Jack Patent

1. Structured Coverage with Strategic Potential
The grid-based format adds an extra layer of strategy to your selections. If you’re confident in multiple outcomes, especially those that line up within the same row, column or diagonal, you can maximise the effectiveness of your bet.

2. Returns from a Single Winner
Since the underlying structure is based on Patents, a single winning selection can result in a return through one of the singles — something not possible with accumulators or some system bets.

3. Ideal for Busy Sporting Events
It’s particularly useful during events like horse racing festivals or packed football weekends, where there are plenty of strong selections to choose from.

4. Engaging Format
The visual layout and structure of the bet make it a fun and interactive option, especially for punters who enjoy betting with a bit more strategy and depth.

Disadvantages of a Union Jack Patent

1. Grid Positioning Matters
Because each Patent is based on a line, the success of the bet relies not just on how many selections win, but where they are placed in the grid. You could have four or five winners, but if they’re not aligned in any line, your returns could be minimal.

2. Higher Total Stake
With 56 bets (or 112 if placed each-way), the cost can be significant. This bet is best suited to punters who are comfortable placing larger stakes.

3. Complexity
For beginners, the structure might seem overwhelming at first, especially when trying to track which combinations are winning.

When Should You Use a Union Jack Patent?

A Union Jack Patent is ideal when:

You have nine confident selections and want to structure them efficiently
You’re betting during a busy racing or football day with plenty of options
You want multiple paths to profit — especially through strategically positioned combinations
You enjoy system bets but want something a bit more interactive than traditional multiples

Summary

The Union Jack Patent is a cleverly structured and engaging system bet that combines the accessibility of Patents with a strategic layout designed to enhance your chances of a return. While it requires a higher stake and some understanding of betting mechanics, it offers flexible coverage and exciting potential — particularly when your selections fall neatly into place.

For punters who like structure, variation, and strategy in their betting — and who are confident in multiple outcomes — the Union Jack Patent is a rewarding and entertaining option worth exploring.