Each way betting explained: How it works and when to use it

Backing a winner isn’t the only way when betting on horse racing. There’s a clever strategy that gives you a second chance if your pick comes close: each-way.

If you’re not too familiar with the option, then this guide on each way betting explained properly will help. The approach is also common, especially in horse racing and golf, so you can try it at most bookmakers. we’ll cover more about this bet type in this guide, so keep reading to learn more.

What Is Each-way Betting?

The idea of each-way betting is really straightforward. There are two components to an either way bet:

• Win: Your selection must finish first.
• Place: Your pick can finish within a designated range (e.g., top 3), and you still get paid, but at reduced odds.

You are basically doubling your stake by placing two bets. A £10 each-way bet costs £20: £10 on the win, £10 on the place. If your horse selection races home in front, you collect on both legs. But if it finishes 2nd or 3rd (within the place terms), the win portion loses, but the place portion pays out. If it finishes outside the places, both parts lose.

How to Place an Each Way Bet

Now that I’ve explained what an each-way bet is, let’s look at how they function and the requirements for placing one. This bet type is more common for placing wagers on horses, so I’ll provide an example using horse racing. Here are the steps involved:

1. Click on our banners to visit the online bookmaker where you wish to place your bets.
2. Open the sports categories and find horse racing. Then, locate the particular race you wish to bet on.
3. Check the terms for placing each-way bets on the race.
4. Select the horse you want to bet on.
5. Choose each way option to add it to your bet slip.
6. Put in your bet. Always keep in mind that your bet will be doubled to cover any wins and part of the each-way bets.
7. Cross-check all the details to be sure that everything is set. Then place your bet.

Now watch the race unfold and hope your chosen horse wins the race or finishes in the places specified by the market you selected.

What Can You Expect to Win from an Each-way Bet?

A few variables determine the return on an each-way bet. In the first place, was the selection a winner or a runner-up? Secondly, what are the bookmaker’s terms for the bets? There may be variations in the number of places covered and the percentage of the initial odds paid out. I’ll provide an illustration to show how an each-way bet works.

Let’s say you place a £10 each-way bet on a horse called Constitution Hill at odds of 12/1 in a big 16-runner handicap race. The each-way terms are 1/4 the odds for the first 4 places, which is standard for races with this many runners. Since it’s an each-way bet, you’re staking £20 total:

• £10 on the win
• £10 on the place

Scenario A: Constitution Hill Finishes 3rd

• The win part of the bet loses (because it didn’t finish first).
• The place part of the bet wins. Since the odds are 12/1 and the place terms are 1/4, the place odds are 3/1.
• So your £10 place bet wins at 3/1, which is a £30 return (£10 stake + £20 profit).

Total return: £30 Extra won: £10 (since you staked £20 in total)

Scenario B: Constitution Hill Wins the Race

Now both parts of the bet win.

• Win bet: £10 at 12/1 = £130 (£120 profit + £10 stake)
• Place bet: £10 at 3/1 = £40 (£30 profit + £10 stake)

Total return: £130 + £40 = £170 Extra won: £150 (on a £20 total stake)

However, if Constitution Hill finished fifth in the race, which is outside the each-way places, none of the bets would win. In that case, you’d lose your total stake of £20.

Which Places Count for Payouts in Each Way Horse Racing Bets?

Our online betting guide shows that each bookmaker has its own policy about the minimum number of places that will pay out on each-way bets. Most listings for the market will have the figure highlighted. You’ll also see the place odds and each-way bet terms displayed.

When betting on horse racing, a larger field means more each-way places in horse racing. In short, the bigger the races, the more places bookmakers offer. Here’s a general guide of the each-way terms:

When using a betting app or website, make sure to read the each-way rules thoroughly before placing your stake. Check out our guide on accumulator bets explained, as this can help you understand how to combine multiple selections for bigger potential returns.

When to Use an Each-way Bet

Here are the best scenarios when using each-way bet is ideal:

When Not to Use an Each-way Bet

There are cases where you should avoid betting each way. I’ve provided some of them below:

The Odds Are Too Short (Under 4/1)

The place part of a short-priced bet often returns less than your stake. For example, a 3/1 selection at 1/5 odds only pays 3/5 (0.6/1) on the place, so a £10 place stake returns just £16. That certainly doesn’t offer much protection. In these cases, you can opt for other options, like what you will find with straight betting explained properly.

There Are Too Few Runners

Races require a minimum field size. There’s no place betting in races with fewer than five runners. Even in the 5 to 7 category, only the top 2 positions count. This decreases the usefulness of each-way betting.

Bookies Offer Poor Each-way Terms

If the bookie sets restrictions of 1/6 or 1/7 paying places or does not provide enough places, the value certainly disappears. Make sure to look at offers from different sites. You can even read through my detailed guide on betting exchanges explained to find smarter ways to get better odds and more flexible betting options.

Pros and Cons of Each Way Betting

Below are the pros and cons of each way betting:

• Covers both win and place outcomes
• Reduces the risk of losing the entire bet
• Ideal for long-shot selections
• Profitable in large-field races

• Lower returns if only the place part wins
• It can be confusing for beginners

Each-way Betting in Summary

Now that you know the each-way betting definition, you can easily take advantage of the market. If you’re a regular bettor, you should think twice before clicking “win” on that 16/1 horse at Cheltenham or that 50/1 sleeper at the U.S. Open. Take into account the field size and placement terms, and do adequate research. If you know how to use each-way betting correctly, you can make better-informed decisions. If you want to give this betting type a try, start by choosing one of the best bookmakers from our banners.

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FAQs for Each-way Betting

• 🏇 How does each-way betting work?
  You wager twice as much, with half going toward a win and half toward a place. If your choice places in the top three, you will win both bets. If it does not, you will win only the place bet.
• ⏱️ When should I place an each-way bet?
  It’s best used for selections at higher odds (e.g. 8/1 or more) or in large-field events where placing is more likely than winning.
• ⚽ Can I use each-way betting on sports other than horse racing?
  Some bookies provide each-way options on football top scorer markets or outright tournament winners. Golf is another popular sport that includes this option.