What is a Patent bet?

A Patent bet is a form of multiple betting that involves three selections from any sport, with seven separate wagers placed on those selections. These include three single bets, three doubles, and one treble. The cost of the bet is determined by the stake placed per bet, so for a £1 Patent, the total cost would be £7. The Patent bet is considered a full coverage multiple bet because it covers all possible outcomes from the three selections, ensuring that if at least one selection wins, the bettor will receive a return.

One of the main benefits of a Patent bet is that only one winning selection is required to secure a return, as the bet covers both the single and multiple bet combinations. For example, if one of the three selections wins, the bettor will receive a return from that single wager, which corresponds to the odds of that selection. This makes the Patent bet a more flexible option compared to other bets like Trixie or Yankee, which typically require at least two winning selections.

The Patent bet can be particularly appealing for gamblers who are betting on outside chances, as the bet allows for returns with just one winner. It can also be placed as an each-way Patent, meaning it includes both win and place selections, doubling the number of wagers. However, returns are still dependent on the odds, and if only one selection wins, the return will likely be lower than the initial stake. But if all three selections win, the returns can be significantly higher, as all seven bets are successful.

If any of the selections are non-runners, the bettor will be refunded for one bet at the original stake. If there is one winner and one non-runner, three bets will be refunded: two singles and a double. This feature makes the Patent bet a safer option than some other accumulator bets, as it offers some protection in case of non-runners or unsuccessful selections. Overall, the Patent bet is a versatile and potentially rewarding option for bettors, especially in sports like horse racing.