A patent bet is a multiple bet on three selections that combines them into seven separate bets: three singles, three doubles and one treble. Because it includes singles, a patent pays something back with just one winner. This guide explains how a patent bet works, what it costs, and what it returns with one, two or three winners.
Patent bet in 30 seconds
- 3 selections, 7 bets: 3 singles, 3 doubles and 1 treble.
- A £1 patent costs £7, or £14 each way.
- One winner gives a return, but usually not your whole stake back.
- A Trixie uses the same three selections without the singles, so it is 4 bets.
How a patent bet works
You pick three selections in different events, often three horses in three races. The bookmaker then places every single, double and treble from those three picks, each at your unit stake.
| Bet type | How many | Cost at £1 a bet |
|---|---|---|
| Singles | 3 | £3 |
| Doubles | 3 | £3 |
| Treble | 1 | £1 |
| Total | 7 | £7 |
As with other full-cover bets, the bet slip asks for the stake per bet. A “£2 patent” means £2 on each of the seven bets, so £14 in total.
Patent bet returns: a worked example
Say you place a £1 patent on three horses at 2/1, 3/1 and 4/1 (3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 in decimal odds). Your total stake is £7.
| Winners | Winning bets | Return | Profit or loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | None | £0 | −£7 |
| 2/1 only | 1 single | £3 | −£4 |
| 4/1 only | 1 single | £5 | −£2 |
| 2/1 and 3/1 | 2 singles + 1 double | £19 | +£12 |
| All three | 3 singles + 3 doubles + 1 treble | £119 | +£112 |
With all three winning, the singles return £3 + £4 + £5 = £12, the doubles £12 + £15 + £20 = £47, and the treble £1 × 3.0 × 4.0 × 5.0 = £60, so £119 in total. To check the numbers for your own prices, use our acca calculator.
Each-way patent bets
An each-way patent doubles the bet: seven bets for your selections to win and seven for them to be placed, so a £1 each-way patent costs £14. The place half pays at a fraction of the odds, such as 1/4 or 1/5, depending on the race. Our guide to each-way betting explains how place terms work.
Patent vs Trixie, Yankee and Lucky 15
- Trixie: the same three selections without singles, so 4 bets (3 doubles and a treble). It is cheaper but needs two winners for any return.
- Yankee: four selections, 11 bets, no singles.
- Lucky 15: four selections, 15 bets, including four singles.
Adding singles gives you a return from one winner, but it also adds to the total stake. A full-cover bet does not change the odds on any selection. It only spreads your money across more combinations.
Non-runners and Rule 4
If one selection does not run, its single is void and the stake is returned. Doubles and the treble that include it carry on with the remaining selections, so a double becomes a single and the treble becomes a double. Late withdrawals in a race can also trigger Rule 4 deductions on your other horses.
Patent bets and racing offers
Some bookmakers pay bonuses or extra odds on full-cover bets, and some count multiples towards free bet offers. Always check the minimum odds and whether the offer applies to each part of the bet. Our guide to qualifying bets and minimum odds explains what to look for, and you can compare current offers here:
Free bet offers
Paddy Power Sports Easy Low risk
£30 in free bets
18+ · Code YSKAST · £5 bet at evens+ · £30 free bets · 30 days · Debit/Apple Pay/bank
Full T&Cs
18+ · New Customer offer - Use promo code YSKAST. Place a min £5 bet on the sportsbook at odds of min EVS (2.0) and get £30 in free bets. Free bet rewards valid for 30 days. Only deposits via Pay by Bank, Debit Cards & Apple Pay will qualify for this offer. T&Cs apply. Please Gamble Responsibly
Kwiff Sports Easy Very low risk
£40 in free bets
18+ · £10 bet at 2.0+ in 5 days · 4 x £10 free bets (3+ legs each) · 7-day expiry
Full T&Cs
New UK customers. £10 cash bet, min. odds 2.0, in 5 days of deposit. Get 4x £10 Free Bets: Single, 2 Accas & Bet Builder (3+ legs each). Excl. cashout, E/W, Multis, Ineligible Markets & Odds Boosts. 7-day expiry. T&Cs apply. 18+ | GambleAware
Unibet Sports Easy Very low risk
£40 in free bets
18+ · Opt in · Dep & bet £20 at 2.0+ in 7 days · £40 free bets · 7 days · Debit/bank only
Full T&Cs
18+ | GambleAware.org. New GB customers only. Opt in, deposit and Bet £20+ on sports at min odds of 2.0+ (1/1) for £40 in Free Bets within 7 days of registration. Debit cards or instant bank transfers only. Free bets expire within 7 days of issue. Geographical restrictions and T&C’s apply.
No offers match those filters — try clearing one.
Patent bet FAQ
Seven: three singles, three doubles and one treble, all on the same three selections. £7 win only, or £14 each way. Yes, the single on that selection pays out, but the return may be less than your total stake unless the winner is at decent odds. A Trixie has the same doubles and treble but no singles, so it costs £4 for £1 a bet instead of £7 and needs two winners to return anything. Yes, on three selections in different matches. Most bookmakers won’t accept selections from the same event in one patent.How many bets are in a patent?
How much does a £1 patent cost?
Do I win anything with one winner in a patent?
What is the difference between a patent and a Trixie?
Can I place a patent on football?
18+ only. Free bets and welcome offers are for new customers and T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun, visit our responsible gambling page or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Free advice is also available from BeGambleAware.org.
