Patent

A patent bet is one based on three selections in any sport or sports. It consists of seven different wagers: three single bets, three doubles and one treble. In some parts of the country, this form of bet is also known as a “Twist”.

The amount placed per bet is usually quoted as the definition, so the overall cost of a £1 patent would be £7. However, on your betting slip, your stake can be entered either as your per bet stake or the total amount.

A Patent bet is what is known as a full coverage multiple bet. This is due to the fact that it offers full coverage on all the different possible bet combinations from your three selections. So, if you have just one winning selection from your three choices, you will get a return from that single wager corresponding with the odds of that selection. In this way, the Patent is the same as a “Trixie” bet, but with the addition of the three single wagers.

Clearly, therefore, the Patent multiplies winnings significantly the more successful selections you have. Two out of three winning bets will yield three winning wagers (two singles and a double) whilst three out of three sees all seven bets winning, multiplying your returns considerably.

Of course, returns are dependent on odds as in all forms of gambling. This can make the Patent a better choice for gamblers looking for outside chances than the Trixie, Yankee or other bet forms which depend on two or more winners. Similarly, you may decide to go for an each-way Patent (selections to be placed) which simply means your Patent consists of twice the number of wagers: seven win selections and seven place selections.

Overall, the fact that the Patent requires just one winner from three to guarantee a return is its biggest selling point.

Non-runners

It’s worth covering the topic of non-runners in Patents as this can cause confusion amongst some gamblers. If there is a non-runner in your Patent, you’ll be refunded for one bet at your original unit stake. Similarly, if you have one winner and one non-runner, you’ll get three bets returned: two singles and a double. In practice, though, your double is effectively another single bet on your winning selection.