An each-way bet is two bets in one: half your stake on the horse to win, and half on it to place. It is one of the most useful tools in racing, particularly in big fields where the favourite is far from certain.
How it works
If you place a £10 each-way bet you are staking £20 in total: £10 to win and £10 to place. The win part pays at the full odds. The place part pays at a fraction of the odds, usually a quarter or a fifth, provided your horse finishes in the places the bookmaker offers for that race.
The number of places depends on the size of the field. A typical handicap might pay three places at a quarter of the odds, while the biggest fields can pay four, five or more. Always check the place terms before you bet, as they vary by race and by bookmaker. Our each-way calculator works out exactly what you stand to get back for any stake, odds and place terms.
When each-way makes sense
Each-way comes into its own at bigger prices and in competitive races. Backing a 10/1 runner each-way in a 16-runner handicap means you can still collect a place return even if it is just touched off. On a short-priced favourite the place part often pays very little, so a straight win bet usually makes more sense.
As a rough guide, each-way tends to suit prices from around 5/1 upwards in races with enough runners to earn the extra places. Below that, the place return rarely justifies doubling your stake.
Beyond the single
Each-way can also be applied to multiples and full-cover bets such as Lucky 15s and Yankees. If you are still getting to grips with the options, our guide to bet types explains each one in plain English.
Used in the right race, each-way is a sensible way to give a fancied outsider a longer rope. You will find each-way angles among our daily horse racing tips. Please gamble responsibly. 18+