An Each-Way bet is a bet split into two parts, one part of your selection to win, and one part on it to place.
This means you can still get a return even if your selection doesn’t win, as long as it finishes in the places.
Most commonly used in horse racing and Golf.
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How Each-Way Bets Work
Your stake is divided into two equal bets:
- One bet on the selection to win.
- One bet on the selection to Place.
- €10 Each-Way = €20 total stake
- €10 goes on the win
- €10 goes on the place
If your selection wins, both bets pay out.
If it only places, you still get a return on the place bet.
What Counts as a Place
The number of places paid depends on the event:
- Horse racing (e.g. 2, 3, or 4)
- Golf (can be top 5, 8, or more)
- Big races often have more place spots
The place odds are usually a fraction of the win odds. (like 1/5 or 1/4)
BETTING 101: How Cash Out Works (And When NOT to Use It)
The Risk of Each-Way Bets
- You’re staking double your usual bet
- Returns are smaller if it only places
- Not always good value in small fields (Sometimes just two E/W places)
When Each-Way Bets Work Best
- You’re backing an outsider with a decent chance
- You want some safety if it doesn’t win
- There are extra place offers avaiable
How are the amount of E/W Places Decided?
In horse racing, there needs to be at least a field of five-runners to guarantee at least two each-way places.
A field consisting over eight or more runners will carry at least three each-way places.
If the race is a handicap, there must be at least 16 runners to ensure four each-way places.
However, bookmakers will often have daily “extra place races.” E.g. paying four E/W places on a race with only 12 runners. Extra place offers are also common for Golf tournaments with up to ten E/W places sometimes being paid on the likes of the majors.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how each-way betting works helps you get more from your bets, especially in races and tournaments. Once you know how the win and place parts are paid, you’ll be in a better position to spot value. Always gamble responsibly (Gamblingcare.ie).
