Each Way Betting
Each Way betting gives you two chances to win on a single selection - if your runner wins OR places. It's a popular strategy for reducing risk while maintaining good potential returns.
Racing Only
Each Way betting is available for Horse Racing, Greyhound Racing, and Harness Racing only.
What is an Each Way Bet?
An Each Way (EW) bet is actually two bets in one:
- Win bet - Pays out if your selection wins the race
- Place bet - Pays out if your selection finishes in a placing position
Key Features
- Double the stake - You pay twice the amount (once for win, once for place)
- Two chances to win - Win if your runner wins OR places
- Lower risk - More likely to get a return than a straight win bet
- Different dividends - Win and place pay different amounts
How Each Way Bets Work
The Basics
When you place a $10 Each Way bet:
- $10 goes on the Win bet
- $10 goes on the Place bet
- Total stake: $20
Possible Outcomes
1. Your runner wins:
- You win BOTH the Win bet and Place bet
- You receive the win dividend + place dividend
2. Your runner places (but doesn't win):
- You lose the Win bet
- You win the Place bet
- You receive the place dividend only
3. Your runner finishes outside the placings:
- You lose both bets
- No return
Each Way Examples
| Scenario | Result | Win Return | Place Return | Total Return | Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runner Wins | Horse #5 wins | $60 | $22 | $82 | +$62 |
| Runner Places (2nd/3rd) | Horse #5 finishes 2nd | $0 | $22 | $22 | +$2 |
| Runner 4th or worse | Horse #5 finishes 4th | $0 | $0 | $0 | -$20 |
Place Positions
The number of placing positions depends on the number of runners:
| Number of Runners | Placing Positions |
|---|---|
| 1-4 runners | Win only (no place betting) |
| 5-7 runners | 1st and 2nd |
| 8+ runners | 1st, 2nd, and 3rd |
Field Size Matters
In races with 5-7 runners, only 1st and 2nd place count. In races with 8+ runners, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd all count as placing.
Each Way Dividends
How Place Dividends Are Calculated
Place dividends are typically:
- Lower than win dividends (usually 20-40% of the win dividend)
- Fixed at the time you place the bet (for fixed odds)
- Shown in your betslip before you confirm
Understanding Place Odds
When you select Each Way in your betslip, you'll see:
- Win dividend - The full odds if your runner wins
- Place dividend - The odds if your runner places
- Each Way description - Terms like '1/4 odds for 1-2-3'
Example:
- Win: $8.00
- Place: $2.50
- Terms: "1/4 odds for 1st, 2nd, 3rd"
When to Use Each Way Bets
Good Situations for Each Way
- Competitive races - When several runners have a chance
- Longer odds - Runners at $5.00+ odds where a place is likely
- Uncertain conditions - When you're not confident about a win but think a place is likely
- Large fields - More runners = more placing positions
- Risk reduction - When you want to hedge your bet
When NOT to Use Each Way
| Situation | Why Avoid Each Way |
|---|---|
| Short odds favorites ($2.00 or less) | Place dividend is too small to justify double stake |
| Small fields (5-7 runners) | Fewer placing positions reduce chances |
| Strong favorites you're confident about | Straight win bet offers better value |
| Very long odds ($51.00+) | Even a place finish is unlikely |
Each Way Strategy
Sweet Spot Odds
Each Way bets work best at moderate to longer odds:
- $4.00 - $10.00 - Good balance of place chance and decent place dividend
- $10.00 - $21.00 - Higher risk but good place returns if successful
- $21.00+ - High risk, but place bet provides insurance
Calculating Value
Is Each Way worth it?
Compare:
- Cost: Double the stake
- Benefit: Two chances to win
- Place dividend: Is it worth the extra stake?
Rule of thumb: If the place dividend is at least $2.00, Each Way can provide good value at longer odds.
Each Way vs Straight Bets
Comparison
| Feature | Win Bet | Each Way Bet |
|---|---|---|
| Stake | Single amount | Double amount |
| Win required | Must win | Win OR place |
| Risk level | Higher | Lower |
| Potential return | Higher (if wins) | Lower (split between win/place) |
| Best for | Confident picks | Hedging bets |
Example Comparison
Scenario: $20 to bet on Horse #5 at $6.00 win, $2.20 place
Option 1: $20 Win Bet
- If wins: $120 return ($100 profit)
- If places: $0 return ($20 loss)
Option 2: $10 Each Way ($20 total)
- If wins: $82 return ($62 profit)
- If places: $22 return ($2 profit)
Insurance Policy
Each Way betting is like insurance - you pay more (double stake) but have better chances of getting a return.
Each Way in Your Betslip
How to Place an Each Way Bet
- Select your runner - Click on the win odds as normal
- Open betslip - Your selection appears in the betslip
- Toggle Each Way - Click the 'Each Way' button or checkbox
- Check the dividends - Review both win and place dividends
- Enter your stake - Remember: this will be doubled
- Review total stake - Confirm you're happy with the total cost
- Place bet - Confirm your Each Way bet
What You'll See
- Win dividend - Payout if your runner wins
- Place dividend - Payout if your runner places
- Each Way terms - Which positions count as placing
- Total stake - Double your entered amount
- Potential returns - What you'll get if win or place
Each Way Availability
When Each Way is Available
- Field size - Usually requires 5+ runners
- Race type - Available on most thoroughbred, greyhound, and harness races
- Market type - Fixed odds racing markets
When Each Way is NOT Available
- Small fields - Races with 4 or fewer runners
- Exotic bets - Not available for Quinella, Exacta, Trifecta, etc.
- Some special markets - Certain promotional or special bets
- Sports betting - Each Way is racing-only
Check Availability
If Each Way is available for your selection, you'll see the option in your betslip. If it's greyed out or not shown, Each Way is not available for that race.
Tips for Each Way Betting
- Check the field size - More runners = more placing positions
- Look at place dividends - Make sure the place odds justify the extra stake
- Use on longer odds - Each Way works best at $4.00+ odds
- Avoid short-priced favorites - Place dividends are too small to be worthwhile
- Consider the competition - Competitive races suit Each Way betting
- Factor in the cost - Remember you're paying double
Common Questions
Does Each Way cost double?
Yes, an Each Way bet costs twice your stake amount because it's two bets: one for win and one for place.
Can I use bonus bets on Each Way?
Yes, bonus bets can be used on Each Way bets. The bonus bet covers the full Each Way stake (both win and place).
What if my runner wins?
You win both the win bet and place bet, receiving both dividends.
What if there's a dead heat?
In a dead heat for a placing position, place dividends are divided according to dead heat rules.
Can I do Each Way on exotic bets?
No, Each Way is only available for Win bets on individual runners, not for exotic bet types.
Is Each Way available on all races?
Each Way is available on most races with 5+ runners, but some races or markets may not offer it.