Patent bets are unfamiliar territory for many horse racing betting fans who are new to the sport. While you’re likely to be quickly accustomed with single and each way bets, the idea of jumping to a patent might feel a little daunting.
That’s why Paddy Power is here to help with our latest guide. We’ll break down the number of bets in a patent and show you how it’s possible to use the bet structure on more than just horse racing.
In fact, patents are fast becoming one of the most popular alternative bet structures to accas in football and darts!
Number of bets in a patent
Let’s dive straight into it. There are seven bets in a patent that emerge from three individual selections.
By choosing three outcomes to bet on you can create the following patent structure:
- 3x single bets
- 3x double bets
- 1x treble bet
If all three selections win then you win the full potential profit associated with your patent. However, if one bet fails to win then you still get paid out for 2x singles and 1x double. If only one selection wins then the only return you get is from that 1x single.
The beauty of patents compared to, say, accas is that you can withstand a losing selection and still reap a return. Whether that return puts you in profit depends on the size of the winning odds.
Patent bet horse racing example
Horse racing is the home of the patent bet. Punters love this structure because it enables them to squeeze extra value from their stake. After all, many horse racing betting fans already know who they are going to bet on in each race. So, rather than placing single bets or even a three-fold, there’s logic in creating a patent and being paid out seven times rather than three.
Here’s how a patent in horse racing looks:
- Prince Of Abington in the 18:00 @ 4.00
- Trishuli River in the 18:30 @ 5.00
- Not Forgotten in the 19:00 @ 6.00
As you can see, a £1 patent stake here means your overall risk is £7, while your potential return is as high as £209. Of course, all three selections need to win in order for your bet to pay out.
Patent bet football example
Football betting is still relatively new to the idea of patents but fans are quickly discovering its value. Like horse racing, many football punters head into a matchday knowing who they are going to bet on. So, rather than three single bets or a three-fold acca, why not lump it all in to a patent bet?
Here’s an example of a football patent bet:
- Georgia to beat Luxembourg @ 1.95
- Ukraine to beat Bosnia @ 1.95
- Greece to beat Kazakhstan @ 1.33
Backing these three teams in single bets wouldn’t reap much reward. However, a patent transforms a £7 total stake into £19.31 potential profit. Using the patent in football means you can back heavy favourites and push that profit further.
Patent bet darts example
Patent bets in darts are ideal in the early round of tournaments where the big seeds are likely to progress. Just like in tennis, you are trying on there being very few early upsets. Suddenly players who are priced 1.20 or 1.30 to win become worthwhile options because of the patent structure.
Here’s a darts patent bet in action:
- Smith to beat Cross @ 1.80
- MVG to beat Wright @ 1.17
- Humphries to beat Aspinall @ 1.36
All three players are favourites to win their respective matches but three single bets would earn you just £4.33 from a £3 outlay. A £1 patent results in a £7 total stake and £13.34 potential profit. You’re still backing the favourites to win but you now stand to win much more.
Remember, you don’t have to stick to match bets when using a patent. You can, for example, bet on one player to nail more 180s over a game, another to secure the highest checkout, and a third to win with a -2.5 handicap. Paddy’s bet slip allows you to create your ideal patent bet and gives you the flexibility to cash out whenever you like too.