Not sure what an each way bet is, or how it fits into sports betting in the UK? You are definitely not alone, especially if you are just starting out or dipping your toe in for the first time. With plenty of bet types to choose from, it can seem a bit confusing at first.
Most bookmakers, whether online or on the high street, offer each way betting. The key is understanding what that actually means and how returns are worked out.
If you want a clear, straightforward guide to each way bets and how they compare with a standard win bet, you are in the right place. Read on to learn more.
What Does Each Way Mean in Betting?
An each way bet is two bets placed at the same time: one part backs your selection to win, and the other part backs it to finish within a set number of places, such as the top three or four. It is most common in UK horse racing, but you may also see it in sports like golf and sometimes in football outright markets.
Your stake is split evenly between the win and the place parts. The number of places that pay will depend on the event and the terms offered. UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)-licensed bookmakers set these out clearly before you confirm your bet.
Each way gives another route to a return. If your pick does not finish first but still ends up in a qualifying position, the place part can still pay. That is why many bettors like it for events with big fields.
If you do decide to try your hand at each way betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
When Does an Each Way Bet Pay Out?
An each way bet can return in two ways, depending on where your selection finishes. As explained above, there are two parts: the win and the place.
- If your selection wins, both parts can pay out, one at the full odds for the win and one at the reduced place terms.
- If it finishes in a qualifying place but not first, only the place part pays.
The qualifying places vary by event and the terms on offer. In horse racing, for example, you might see top three or top four for bigger fields, and some major meetings feature extra places. You might find it helpful to check the place terms before placing your bet so you know which positions count.
How to Read Each Way Odds and Payout Terms
Example: Understanding 1/5 Odds for Top 3 Places
If you see “1/5 odds for top 3 places” next to a selection, it tells you that the place part of your bet will be paid at one fifth of the win odds if your pick finishes in one of those three positions.
Take a horse priced at 20/1 with terms of “1/5 odds for top 3 places.” If it wins, both parts can pay. If it finishes second or third, only the place part pays at reduced odds.
One fifth of 20/1 is 4/1. So a place return in this example is calculated at 4/1, not 20/1, and only on the half of your stake that covered the place. The other half is the win part.
You might also see other fractions such as 1/4 or 1/3, and these vary by sport, event, and the offer at the time. The bet slip will show the exact terms before you confirm, and many sites include a quick explainer alongside them.
What Sports Can You Place Each Way Bets On?
Each way betting is most common in horse racing. It is offered in many races, especially those with larger fields or at major meetings like the Grand National, the Cheltenham Festival, and Royal Ascot.
Golf is another popular sport for each way. You can back a player to win a tournament, with the place part returning if they finish within the listed top positions. For big events, some bookmakers increase the number of places.
Greyhound racing can feature each way terms in certain races, particularly finals, and you may also see each way options in outright markets for sports such as tennis, snooker, or football. Markets like league winner or top scorer sometimes include place terms, but these vary.
Bookmakers make it clear which events and markets allow each way bets, along with the number of places and the fraction used for the place part.
Why Each Way Betting Is Popular in Horse Racing
Horse racing often involves large fields, sometimes with dozens of runners. With so many competitors, bettors may prefer an option that can still return something if their selection runs well but does not finish first. That is where each way comes into its own.
Big meetings and headline races frequently highlight each way opportunities, and you will often see extra places promoted around those events. This can draw attention to runners at longer prices as well as favourites, since a placed finish can still bring a return.
The key details are always the same: how many places count and what fraction of the odds applies to the place part.
Each Way vs Win Only Bets: What’s the Difference?
A win only bet is as direct as it sounds. Your selection must finish first for a return. If it finishes anywhere else, the bet does not pay out.
An each way bet divides your potential stake between the win and the place on the same selection. It can still return if your pick does not win, as long as it finishes in a qualifying position. Because there are two parts, the total outlay is doubled. A £5 each way bet costs £10 in total, with £5 on the win and £5 on the place.
Both options are clearly shown by bookmakers before you consider placing a bet, along with the place positions and any fractions that apply. In short, win only suits those who want a straight result, while each way adds another route to a return when the field is deep or the outcome is hard to call. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
