How Does Each Way Betting Work? Step-by-Step Guide
This guide is designed to make understanding how each way betting works simple and clear. We will explain how these bets operate, when they make sense, and how they can improve your chances of a return even if your selection does not win outright.
Whether you are betting on horse racing, golf, or other sports, we will show you how to calculate your stake, understand place terms, and make confident decisions.
What Is Each-Way Betting?
Each-way betting (E/W) is a popular wager type used at online betting sites in the UK. It allows you to split your stake into two bets: one for your selection to win and another for it to place. This approach reduces risk and increases the chance of a return.
It is especially common in sports with many competitors, such as horse racing, golf, and greyhound racing. When wagering at UK betting sites, each-way bets are particularly useful for long-odds selections. This is because they increase the chance of a payout even if your pick does not finish first.
If you’re wondering how does each way betting work, here are the basics.
- Win Part: Your selection must finish first for you to win both portions of your each way bet.
- Place Part: Your selection must finish in a top position, usually top three or top four, depending on the bookie’s bet rules/field size. The place payout is a fraction of the win odds, usually one quarter or one fifth.
For example, if you place a £10 each-way bet, your total stake is £20. £10 goes on your selection to win and £10 on it to place. If your selection wins, both the win and place parts pay out. If it only places, you still get a return from the place bet.
When asking how does each way betting work, it is incumbent on the bettor to understand the rules of each individual bet.
When to Use an Each-Way Bet
Each-way betting works best in unpredictable events or when backing selections with longer betting odds on racing and other sport.
Knowing when to use this strategy can give you an edge.
Sports Best Suited to Each-Way Bets
Each-way bets are ideal for sports with multiple competitors or large fields where placing is likely. These include:
🏇 Horse Racing: Each way betting is popular on horse racing betting sites, particularly in big races with many runners
🏌 Golf: Major tournaments, especially with long odds and large fields, are often suitable for each way punts.
🐕 Greyhound Racing: Just like horse racing, greyhound betting is suitable for each ways, such as on underdogs.
🏁 Motor Racing: It’s also a good shout for the likes of F1, NASCAR, and MotoGP, where finishes can be unpredictable
🚴🏻♀️ Cycling and Athletics: We like each way betting for both, as podium finishes still offer returns in many cases.
These events usually offer multiple places for payouts, which makes each-way betting particularly effective.
When Each-Way Bets Make Sense
Each-way betting is most effective when you want to reduce risk but still back long shots. Typical situations include:
- Backing Long Odds: A selection may not win outright but could finish in the top three or four.
- Large Fields: Big events like the Grand National or major golf tournaments increase the value of place terms.
- Enhanced Place Terms: Bookmakers and horse racing betting apps sometimes offer extra places, making each-way bets more attractive.
- Minimising Risk: Even if your selection does not win, a place finish can still deliver a return.
Examples of Good Use Cases
✅ When the Odds Demand: Backing a 50/1 runner at the Cheltenham Festival on horse racing betting apps, where the nag is unlikely to win but has a good chance of placing in the top four.
✅ A Good Shot at Something: A 150/1 golfer in The Open Championship may not win outright, but could finish top five.
✅ When the Demand Isn’t There Yet: A debut greyhound in a crowded race is unlikely to win but could place in the top three.
Unsuitable Each Way Bets
❌ Odds too Short: Short-priced favourites like 5/2 in a race where the place return is often too small to justify the doubled stake.
❌Limited Potential: Small fields with limited payouts where a five-runner race paying only top two offers little value.
❌ Highly Unpredictable Events: You can get caught out without a clear strategy, and an each-way bet may not be worth it.
How Does an Each Way Bet Work? Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re still wondering how does each way betting work, rest assured. Placing an each-way bet may seem complicated, but it is simple when broken down.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand it better.
1. Choose a Market That Allows Each-Way Bets
Each-way betting is usually available in sports and events, such as tennis or the Eurovision Song Contest, among others. This is because there are multiple competitors where placing is possible.
Here are some other top sports for each way betting.
- Horse racing
- Greyhound Racing
- F1
- Athletics
- Golf
- TV and Film Events
As always, check that the bookmaker offers each-way betting for your chosen market.
2. Make Your Selections
Pick the competitor you think has a good chance of winning or finishing in a top position. This could be a horse, golfer, or athlete.
3. Tick the “Each Way” Option on Your Bet Slip
Most UK gambling sites and online platforms have a checkbox labelled “Each Way.” Selecting it splits your stake into two:
- One part goes to the win bet.
- The second part goes to the place bet.
For example, a £5 each-way bet becomes £10 in total: £5 on the win, £5 on the place.
4. Check the Place Terms
Place terms determine which finishing positions pay out and the fraction of the win odds for the place bet.
💡For example, “1/5 odds, 1-2-3-4 places” means finishing second pays 1/5 of the win odds.
Bookmakers have different terms, so always read the T&Cs before betting.
5. Confirm Your Stake and Place the Bet
It’s best to have an understanding of how each way betting works before you wager. At this stage, it’s time to review your selection and terms before confirming. For example:
- £5 each way at 20/1 odds
- Total stake: £10 (£5 win + £5 place)
6. Outcome Scenarios
Let’s say you have used horse racing form to make your wager and are ready to roll. Here are the three main scenarios for each way bets.
🥇 Your Selection Wins: Both win and place bets pay out.
🥈 The Selection Places: Win part loses, but place part pays at the reduced fraction of the odds.
🚫 Selection Finishes Outside Payout Places: Both parts lose.
Here’s an example horse racing bet:
- Selection: Thunderbolt
- Odds: 25/1
- Place terms: 1/5 for places 1-4
- Stake: £5 each way (£10 total)
Result Win Winnings Place Winnings Total Return Wins £125 £25 £160 3rd Place £0 £25 £30 6th Place+ £0 £0 £10 Loss If you’re wondering how does each way betting work in practice, this example will help. As you can see, a successful win bet is optimal but the place winnings offer something back in return.
Pros and Cons of Each Way Betting
If you don’t have the time to read a guide on how does each way betting work, these pros and cons sum up the advantages and disadvantages.
- Winnings without first place: You can still get a return if your selection places.
- Lower risk than a straight win bet: Two chances to see a return.
- Great for outsiders: Long shots can still deliver a profit.
- Higher stake required: Your total stake doubles.
- Small place returns: Low odds or poor place terms reduce profitability.
- Not ideal for favourites: Short-odds favourites give minimal place returns.
Top Tips for Successful Each-Way Betting
Each-way betting is hugely popular with UK punters because it reduces risk while keeping the chance of a solid return. If you have ever wondered how does each way betting work in practice, it simply gives you two chances to get paid: the win and the place.
With a bit of smart thinking and a good eye for value, you can make each-way betting far more effective. For example, in acca bets or even as part of Bet Builders.
Here are some clear and practical tips to help you get better results with each-way betting.
1. Do Your Homework
Preparation makes all the difference. Before placing a bet, take time to check:
📝 Form: Recent form, performance trends, and conditions.
🏇 Horse Racing: In horse racing, look at the jockey, trainer, and how the horse performs on similar ground.
🏌️♀️ Golf: In golf, check consistency, course suitability, and recent finishes.
A bit of research often highlights runners who may not be the favourite yet have a strong chance of placing.
2. Focus on Long Shots
Each-way betting works best when you use it on outsiders:
- Look for contenders at bigger prices who have a realistic chance of hitting the frame.
- A 25/1 runner placing at 1/5 odds can still return a healthy profit.
- Avoid each-way bets on short-price favourites unless you are very confident they will win. The place return is usually small.
If you are still getting used to how does each way betting work from a value point of view, remember that the bigger the odds, the more appealing the place return becomes.
3. Check Bookmakers’ Each-Way Terms
Whether you’re using UK or European betting sites, each bookmaker has different rules. So, always compare:
➗ Odds: The place fraction offered, such as 1/4 or 1/5.
🔢 Places: The number of places paid. Major events like the Grand National often pay five or six places.
Choosing the most generous terms can have a big impact on your overall return.
4. Experiment with Each-Way Multiples
When you feel more confident, you can try each-way multiples:
- Each-Way Doubles, Trebles, and Accumulators.
- If several selections place or win, the payout can rise quickly.
These bet types cost more and carry more risk, so only use them when you feel strongly about your selections.
Conclusion
Each-way betting suits UK punters who want a balanced approach with the chance to profit from both wins and placings. Once you understand place terms, odds, and how each-way accumulators work, you can make more informed decisions and boost your long-term value.
Use each-way betting when the terms suit you, only back selections you genuinely trust, and always keep betting enjoyable rather than a financial plan. Whether it is the Grand National or a quiet mid-week racecard, stay responsible and enjoy the thrill of the punt.
FAQs
How does each way betting work in events like the Grand National?Each way betting in major races such as the Grand National involves placing one bet split into two parts: a win and a place. If your horse wins, both parts pay out. If it only places, the place part still returns a profit. The number of places and the place odds depend on each bookmaker’s terms.Why should I bet each way instead of just to win?Each way betting offers more protection in unpredictable fields. You are backing a selection to win and also to finish within a set number of places. Even if it does not win, you can still get a return from the place part.What do each way bet offers usually include?Most each way bet offers include a win bet and a place bet, usually paid at a fraction of the win odds such as 1/4 or 1/5. Some bookmakers provide extra places or enhanced terms on major races, which can boost your potential return.How is each way betting explained for beginners in football markets?Each way betting can be used in football markets such as Premier League top goalscorer or outright winner. You might back a team or player to win or to finish in the top positions.Can each way betting be part of a long-term strategy?Yes. When used correctly, each way betting can reduce losses on outsiders with realistic place chances.What should I check before placing each way bets?Always check how many places are paid and what fraction of the win odds applies to the place part. Bookmaker terms vary, so understanding them helps you judge whether the bet offers real value.Resources:
This article has been Fact-checked by Darragh Harbinson
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