What is a Trixie Bet?

Betting on horse racing doesn't get any better than using a Trixie bet. It's a way to guarantee returns with a fair stake. The popularity of Trixie bets has continued to grow among UK punters because they are ideal for placing bets on football and horse racing. They not only help reduce risks but also ensure that players don't have to stake too much to receive a payout.

If you're new to using a Trixie bet, you've come to the right place. We'll show you how it works, and if it's worth trying, as well as share the top 3 betting sites to place your Trixie bets in the UK. You'll also find a real Trixie bet example and the pros and cons of this combination bet type. 

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LiveScore logoBy LiveScore Desk, Editorial team for sports, betting and casino Last updated: 25 July 2025, 09:43AM

What is a Trixie Bet?

While you can use many system bet types in betting, Trixie bet stands out. It offers some safety, allowing you to cash out even if one of your picks loses. 

A Trixie bet is a type of cover bet that combines three selections to make four bets of three doubles and one treble. Rather than bet on a single accumulator, a Trixie bet uses the three picks to form four bets. It doesn't include single bets, differentiating it from a Patent bet.

It can be placed on all sports where odds are available for individual matches or races. However, it is more common for football and horse racing bets, making it popular among UK punters. You may also use it when betting on tennis, basketball, cricket, and rugby. 

A Trixie bet is perfect when you're sure at least two of your three selections will win. It helps you avoid going all out on an accumulator where all selections must win to receive a payout. However, you need to place equal amounts on each of the four bets, which could increase your stake amount. While it guarantees some sort of safety, it may require a larger bankroll than placing singles.


How Does a Trixie Bet Work?

Placing a Trixie bet is not complicated at all. You only need to combine three selections to place four bets. However, the selections must be chosen from three different events, not the same event. Some bookies may also allow you to combine events from different sports, while others may not.

Let's take a look at an example. Imagine you picked three horses, A, B, and C, from different horse racing events to form the following bets.

  • A+B (double)

  • A+C (double)

  • B+C (double)

  • A+B+C (treble)

If all three selections win, you'll pay out all four bets. However, if two of the bets win, you'll receive a payout of one double, as outlined below. 

  • Let's say selection “A” is a loss, but “B” and “C” win. You'll get paid out for B+C. 

  • If selection “B” is a loss but “A” and “C” won, you'll payout A+C.

  • If selection “C” ends up a loss but “A” and “B” win, you'll get paid out for A+B. 

On the other hand, if only one selection wins, you'll lose all four bets because there are no singles. Lastly, if none of the selections wins, you'll also not receive a payout.

Note that you must wager the same amount for each bet. So, if your bet size is £10 for this bet, you must wager £2.5 on each bet. 


Trixie Bet Example

To give you an overview of how it works, find a real-life example below! 

If you selected the following picks. 

  • Arsenal to win at 2/1

  • Real Madrid to win at 5/2

  • Atalanta to win at 3/1

The four bets will appear as follows.

  1. Double (Arsenal to win and Real Madrid to win) = 2/1 × 5/2

  2. Double (Real Madrid to win and Atalanta to win) = 5/2 × 3/1

  3. Double (Arsenal to win and Atalanta to win) = 2/1 × 3/1

  4. Treble (All three to win) = 2/1 × 5/2 × 3/1

Your returns for each bet will look like this if you place £1 on each bet.

  1. Arsenal and Real Madrid (Double) = £10.50 

  2. Real Madrid and Atalanta (Double) = £14

  3. Arsenal and Atalanta (Double) = £12

  4. Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Atalanta (Treble) = £42

Three different outcomes are possible.

  • If all three selections win, you'll get a total payout of £10.50 + £14 + £12 + £42 = £78.50. Your net winnings will be £78.50 - £4 = £74.50.

  • If two of the three selections win, only one double will pay out. You can pay out £10.5, £14, or £12.

  • You'll not get any return if only one or no selection wins.


Trixie Bet vs Patent Bet

A Trixie bet is not the only bet you can form using three selections. You can also make a Patent bet. It follows the same method, only that a Patent bet has more outcomes.

With a Patent bet, you'll combine three selections to make seven bets. This includes three singles, three doubles and one treble. The only difference from a Trixie bet is that it covers all outcomes. Therefore, even if one pick wins, you'll still get a return. 

Here is a simple representation of what you get with a Patent bet.

Let's say you make three picks, A, B, and C, from three different events. Your outcomes will be represented as follows.

  1. A (single)

  2. B (single)

  3. C (single)

  4. A+B (double)

  5. A+C (double)

  6. B+C (double)

  7. A+B+C (treble)

Here is what your payout will look like. 

  • If one selection wins, you can payout one bet.

  • If two selections win, you can payout three bets

  • If three selections win, you'll payout all seven bets.

If you're trying to choose between a Patent or Trixie, the ball is in your court. With a Patent, you get more chances of paying out with only one selection needed to win to pay out one of the seven bets. Whereas with Trixie bet, you need at least two selections to win to get one payout from four. 

However, since it's seven bets, you will need a higher bankroll for a Patent bet. Instead of betting 4x your unit stake as seen in Trixie, you'll wager 7x for Patent. So if your unit stake is £1, you'll need to get £7 instead of £4.


When to Use a Trixie Bet

We know you want to play that ACCA for bigger returns using a small stake. But how about playing it a little safe to ensure you can guarantee a return? 

With ACCA, all of your selections must win to get a return. On the other hand, a Trixie bet gives you a safer option. Even if one selection doesn't win, you'll still get a return. It's one of the strategies you can apply to spread the risk in UK sports betting.

A Trixie bet is perfect when you're certain two of your three selections will win. So, if you're sceptical about one of the selections, place a Trixie bet instead of a direct ACCA. We recommend splitting your stake into four parts to cover the four bets, rather than increasing the amount.

If you're trying to choose between Patent and Trixie, select Trixie for a higher return with less stake. A Trixie bet is also perfect when you're comfortable without any returns if only one selection wins. 


Pros and Cons of a Trixie Bet

Like every other strategy, a Trixie bet has its advantages and disadvantages. Before using it, it's best to analyse how it works from all angles to understand the risks and benefits. See the pros and cons below.

Pros

  1. IconBetter returns than single bets. A Trixie bet gives you a higher potential payout than placing three single bets.
  2. IconYou don't need all three selections to win before receiving a payout. With only two selections winning, you can get at least one return from the four bets.
  3. IconCan combine different sports and markets. You can combine a Trixie bet across markets from different sports.
  4. IconIt's a balance between risk and reward. It is safer than a single ACCA but riskier than a Patent.
  5. IconThe stake amount is less expensive compared to Lucky 15 and Yankee bets.

Cons

  1. IconNo returns if only one selection wins. Unlike Patent, you don't get anything if only one pick is in your favour. You need at least two wins to receive a payout.
  2. IconSmaller profit if the odds are small. Even two wins may not guarantee big returns.
  3. IconA higher stake amount is required than when betting on singles or a single ACCA. It is riskier because a larger stake amount is expected for bigger returns.

Where to Place a Trixie Bet in the UK

Most UK bookmakers allow you to place a Trixie bet. If you're into horse racing, you'll always find this betting type at top betting sites. Some also offer it for football and other sports. Find where to place a Trixie bet in the UK below!

bet365

To place a Trixie bet on bet365, add three selections from different events on your bet slip. Click your bet slip and tap on “Show More Multiple.” Input your stake amount in the box for Trixie and place your bet. Before you place your bet, you can use the bet365 bet calculator to estimate your potential returns. 

In addition, when you sign up with the bookie, you can claim £30 in bet credits. To receive this offer, you must deposit and wager £10.

William Hill

You can also open an account with William Hill to play a Trixie. The bookmaker has a bet calculator you can use to estimate your stake and returns. 

After signing up, you can get £30 as free bets when you place a bet of £10. Select three picks from different events in the sports section. Go to your bet slip and select Trixie to stake your bet.

Paddy Power 

Paddy Power is another bookie that allows a Trixie bet. To place your bet, make three selections from the sports section and go to your bet slip. Tap “Trixie” to add your stake. 

If you want, you can use the Paddy Power bet calculator to see how much you can pay out. Additionally, Paddy Power offers a more valuable welcome bonus than most betting sites. You will claim a £50 free bet builder when you wager £10.


Trixie Bet Calculator

A Trixie bet can be complicated for a beginner. It's different from the normal ACCA where you place only a single wager on all three selections. To avoid getting it all mixed up, we recommend using a bet calculator.

Gone are the days when you had to calculate your potential winnings manually. You can now calculate your potential returns for any kind of bets, including a Trixie bet, using a bet calculator. The aim is to help you estimate how much to wager for your targeted returns. You'll find out if it's worth your time or effort. 

Additionally, using a bet calculator helps you avoid costly mistakes. Manual calculations lead to error or misjudgement, which you want to avoid as much as possible.

Most UK bookmakers have their bet calculators to help you estimate in a flash. Input the odds for the three selections and you're good to go. 

Bet365, Paddy Power, and William Hill all have Trixie bet calculators you can use. If you find it more convenient, you may also use Oddschecker, AceOdds, or OddsMonkey.


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Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling is key to avoiding addictions. As you must already know, it's easy to fall off the cliff due to lack of proper bankroll management. Hence, we recommend setting deposit limits on your chosen bookmaker to control how you fund your account. Most bookmakers also allow you to set time limits to take timely breaks.

The UKGC ensures all licensed betting sites incorporate the GamStop self-exclusion programme. It helps you take an extended break when needed.

Additionally, before allowing you to play Trixie bet, all bookmakers will request your identification documents immediately after signing up. You must verify your identity and age if you're playing on UK-regulated platforms.


FAQs: What is Trixie Bet?

Do al 3 Sections need to win un a Trixie?
No, all three selections don't need to win in a Trixie. You need a minimum of 2 selections to win before paying out one double.
Is a Trixie a good bet?
Yes, Trixie bet is a good bet. It is a balance between risk and reward. It's safer than playing regular ACCA bets.
How much does a Trixie bet cost?
A Trixie bet is not too expensive. However, you must wager 4x your unit stake to use it. If your unit stake is £1, you must wager £4.
Can I use a free bet for a Trixie?
Yes, some betting sites allow you to use free bets to wager on a Trixie. Please check with your bookmaker.