Patent Bet Calculator (3 Selections, 7 Bets)
Patent Bet — All 7 Combinations
| Type | Count | Combinations |
|---|---|---|
| Singles | 3 | A, B, C |
| Doubles | 3 | AB, AC, BC |
| Treble | 1 | ABC |
What is a Patent bet?
A Patent bet covers 3 selections across 7 separate bets: 3 singles, 3 doubles and 1 treble. The name comes from its structure — every possible combination is covered. At a €1 unit stake, a Patent costs €7. The key advantage over a Trixie is the inclusion of 3 singles: even if only one of your selections wins, you get a return. This makes the Patent especially popular for horse racing, where even a hot favourite can be beaten and punters want some insurance against a bad day.
Patent vs Trixie: what's the difference?
Both use 3 selections. The difference is singles:
| Bet type | Selections | Total bets | Singles? | €1 unit costs | Return with 1 winner? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patent | 3 | 7 | ✅ Yes | €7 | ✅ Yes |
| Trixie | 3 | 4 | ❌ No | €4 | ❌ No |
A Trixie is cheaper (€4 vs €7 at €1 unit), but you need at least 2 winners to see any return. A Patent costs more but provides a safety net — one winner always pays something. If you are confident in at least 2 of your selections, the Trixie is better value. If you're less sure, the Patent is safer.
Patent bet example
Imagine a €1 Patent on three horse racing selections: Horse A at 3.00, Horse B at 4.00, Horse C at 2.50. Total outlay: €7. If only Horse A wins:
- Single A wins: 3.00 × €1 = €3.00
- Double AB, AC: both lost (B and C didn't win)
- Treble ABC: lost
- Total return: €3.00 — a loss of €4 on the €7 outlay, but not a wipe-out
If Horses A and B both win: Singles A (€3) + B (€4) + Double AB (3×4×€1 = €12) = €19 return, profit of €12 on a €7 stake. The calculator above computes all scenarios instantly.
When to use a Patent bet
A Patent suits bettors who have 3 selections they like but want coverage if one or two let them down. It's the go-to bet for many Irish horse racing fans on a card day — pick three fancies from the afternoon's races, place a Patent, and you have something riding on every race individually as well as the combinations. It works equally well for football, GAA or any sport where you have 3 credible selections. If your selections are short-priced (below 2.00 each), a Patent can still be profitable with 2 or 3 winners despite the lower individual returns.
Patent bet bonuses in Ireland
Some Irish bookmakers offer a one-winner consolation bonus on Patent bets — often double odds on the winning single, similar to the bonus available on Lucky 15 bets. This can materially improve returns when you only get one winner. Always read the bonus terms before placing: some bonuses apply only to horse racing, some require minimum odds, and they typically exclude each-way bets. Check the promotions page of your bookmaker before placing. Our free bet calculator can help you model the value of these bonus offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
7 bets — 3 singles, 3 doubles and 1 treble from 3 selections.
A Patent includes 3 singles — 7 bets total. A Trixie has no singles, just 3 doubles and 1 treble (4 bets). The Patent costs more but gives a return even with one winner; a Trixie needs at least 2 winners to pay anything.
Yes — the winning single pays out. The doubles and treble require 2 or 3 winners respectively, but the single always settles if your selection wins.
€7 — 7 bets at €1 each.
A Patent covers 3 selections (7 bets, €7 at €1 unit); a Lucky 15 covers 4 selections (15 bets, €15 at €1 unit). For 3 fancies, use a Patent; for 4 selections, use a Lucky 15.