what is a each way bet in horse racing

An each way bet in horse racing is a type of wager that covers two potential outcomes. A win part of the bet is placed on the horse to win the race, and a place part of the bet is placed on the horse to finish in one of the top positions (typically the top three or four). If the horse wins, the bettor collects both the win and place winnings. If the horse places but does not win, the bettor collects the place winnings only. Each way bets are popular because they offer a greater chance of winning than straight win bets, but they also pay out less if the horse wins.

Each Way Betting in Horse Racing

An each way bet in horse racing is a combination of a win bet and a place bet. A win bet is a bet that the selected horse will finish first in the race, while a place bet is a bet that the selected horse will finish in first or second place.

Each way betting gives you a chance to win more money than you would if you just placed a win or a place bet. However, it also comes with a higher risk, as you are essentially placing two bets on the same horse.

The amount you win on an each way bet depends on the odds of the horse you select and the number of places that are being paid out. Typically, the more places that are being paid out, the lower the odds will be for each place. For example, a horse that is paying $2.00 to win and $1.50 to place will usually have a higher payout for an each way bet than a horse that is paying $1.50 to win and $1.20 to place.

Win and Place Bets

  • Win bet: A win bet is a bet that the selected horse will finish first in the race.
  • Place bet: A place bet is a bet that the selected horse will finish in first or second place.

Each Way Betting Payouts

The table below shows the typical payouts for an each way bet in horse racing:

Number of places paid outWin bet payoutPlace bet payout
2$2.00$1.50
3$2.50$1.20
4$3.00$1.00

Each Way Bet in Horse Racing

In horse racing, an each way bet is a type of wager that combines two separate bets: a win bet and a place bet. It allows you to back a horse to either win the race or finish in the places (typically the top three or four positions).

Double Chance Betting

  • Each way bets are often referred to as “double chance” bets because they offer two chances to win.
  • As the payout for place bets is usually lower than for win bets, the overall payout for an each way bet is typically less than twice the payout for a win bet alone.

Advantages of Each Way Bets

  • Increased chances of winning
  • Lower risk than a straight win bet
  • Can be used to back horses that are considered outsiders

Disadvantages of Each Way Bets

  • Lower payout than a straight win bet
  • Can be more expensive than a straight win bet
  • Less flexibility than betting on a horse to win only
Bet TypePayoutRisk
Win betHighest payoutHighest risk
Place betLower payoutLower risk
Each way betCombination of win and place betsModerate risk

Each Way Betting in Horse Racing

An each way bet in horse racing is a wager that covers a horse to either win or place (finish in the top two). This type of bet is typically made when a punter has some confidence in a horse’s chances of winning but also wants to protect themselves if the horse doesn’t finish first.

Payout Structure

The payout for an each way bet is split into two parts:

  • Win: If the horse wins, the punter will receive the standard win odds.
  • Place: If the horse places, the punter will receive a smaller payout, which is typically around one-third of the win odds. Alternatively, if the horses finish 1st and 2nd and there is a dead heat the punter gets paid double the total stake (win and place) at the place odds

For example, if a horse is paying $4.00 to win and $2.00 to place, an each way bet of $10 would pay out as follows:

OutcomePayout
Horse wins$40.00
Horse places$20.00

What is an Each Way Bet?

An each way bet is a type of wager in horse racing that combines two bets: a win bet and a place bet. With an each way bet, you’re betting on a horse to both win and finish in one of the places (usually the top 2 or 3 finishers).

Each way bets are a way to increase your chances of winning by covering more outcomes. If your horse wins, you’ll collect on the win part of your bet. If your horse finishes in the places, you’ll collect on the place part of your bet.

Optimal Stakes

The optimal stakes for an each way bet depend on a number of factors, including the odds of your horse, the number of runners in the race, and your own risk tolerance.

As a general rule of thumb, you should bet more on the win part of your bet if you think your horse has a good chance of winning. You should bet more on the place part of your bet if you think your horse is more likely to finish in the places.

Avoid

  • Betting on horses that are unlikely to win or finish in the places.
  • Betting too much money on each way bets.
  • Chasing losses by betting on more horses each way.

Example

Let’s say you’re betting on a horse that is 5/1 to win and 2/1 to place.

If you bet $10 each way, you’ll be betting $5 on the win part of your bet and $5 on the place part of your bet.

If your horse wins, you’ll win $25 on the win part of your bet and $10 on the place part of your bet, for a total of $35.

If your horse finishes second, you’ll win $10 on the place part of your bet.

OutcomeWinPlaceProfit
Horse wins$25$10$35
Horse finishes second$0$10$10
Horse finishes third or worse$0$0-$10

Folks, that’s about all you need to know about each way betting. It’s a great option for those of you who want to give themselves a little extra cushion, and it can really pay off if you pick a horse that runs well. So next time you’re at the track, don’t be afraid to give each way betting a try. You might just be surprised at how much you enjoy it. Thanks for reading, and make sure to visit again soon for more tips and advice on all things horse racing!