If you are betting on “outsiders” (horses with high odds) and you only bet on them to Win, you are likely throwing money away. You need a safety net.
Here is the detailed, step-by-step breakdown of how Each-Way works, without the headache of complex math.
1. The Secret: It is Two Bets Wrapped in One
When you tick the “E/W” box on your betting app, you aren’t placing one magical bet. You are placing two completely separate bets at the same time.
- Bet A (The Glory Bet): You are betting on the horse to finish 1st.
- Bet B (The Safety Bet): You are betting on the horse to finish in the “Places” (usually Top 3 or Top 4).
Why does this matter? Because it explains why the cost doubles.
- If you say, “I want ₹500 Each-Way,” the bookie takes ₹500 for Bet A and ₹500 for Bet B.
- Total Cost: ₹1,000.
- Tip: Always check your “Total Stake” before you click “Place Bet” so you aren’t surprised.
2. “How Many Places?” (The Number of Runners Rule)
This is the part that confuses most people. Sometimes you get paid for 2nd place, sometimes for 4th place. Why does it change?
It depends on how many horses are in the race.
- Less than 5 Horses: You generally cannot bet Each-Way. (It’s Win only).
- 5 to 7 Horses: The bookie pays for 1st and 2nd place only.
- 8 to 15 Horses: The bookie pays for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
- 16+ Horses (Handicaps): The bookie pays for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place.
The Pro Strategy: Always look for “Handicap” races with 8 or more runners. These are the sweet spots where you have 3 chances to win instead of just 2.
3. The “Profit” Scenario vs. The “Savings” Scenario
When you bet Each-Way, there are three possible outcomes. Let’s look at them simply.
Outcome 1: Your Horse Wins!
- Result: Jackpot.
- Bet A (Win) pays out big money.
- Bet B (Place) also pays out.
- You collect the maximum amount possible.
Outcome 2: Your Horse Finishes 2nd or 3rd
- Result: The Safety Net.
- Bet A (Win) loses. That money is gone.
- Bet B (Place) wins!
- The Magic: Because you picked a horse with high odds, the winnings from Bet B are usually enough to cover the loss of Bet A plus give you a nice profit on top. You walked away a winner even though your horse lost.
Outcome 3: Your Horse Finishes 10th
- Result: Loss.
- Both bets lose. You lose your full stake.
4. When Should You Use It? (The “5/1 Rule”)
You should not use Each-Way on every single bet. There is a simple rule to remember.
The Rule: Only bet Each-Way if the odds are 5/1 (6.0) or higher.
Why? If you bet Each-Way on a strong favorite (like 2/1 odds) and it finishes 2nd:
- You win the “Place” part, but the payout is tiny.
- It is so tiny that it won’t even cover the cost of the losing “Win” bet.
- You actually lose money despite winning the bet.
The Lesson: Keep Each-Way for the long shots the horses you hope will win, but aren’t 100% sure about.
5. The “Extra Place” Bonus
This is how you beat the bookies in big tournaments (like Cheltenham or the Grand National). Bookies want your business, so they offer “Extra Places.”
- Standard Rule: Pays Top 4.
- Bookie Offer: “We are paying 6 Places on this race!”
What to do: If you see this offer, bet your long-shots Each-Way immediately. If your 50/1 outsider finishes 6th, you get paid huge money, while people using other betting sites get nothing.
Summary Checklist
- Check the Odds: Is the horse over 5/1? (If yes, go Each-Way).
- Check the Runners: Are there at least 8 horses? (If yes, you get 3 places).
- Check the Stake: Remember it costs double.
- Check Offers: Is the bookie paying extra places?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does “1/5 odds” mean on my ticket?
Ans: It’s the math for the “Place” bet. It means if your horse Places, they will pay you one-fifth of the original odds.
Q2: Can I bet Each-Way on a football match?
Ans: Yes, but usually only on “Outrights” (betting on who will win the whole tournament). You can bet on Brazil to win the World Cup Each-Way. If they lose in the final (finish 2nd), your “Place” bet wins.
Q3: What happens if my horse doesn’t run (Non-Runner)?
Ans: You get your money back. Both the Win and Place stakes are refunded to your account.
Q4: Is Each-Way better than “Place Only” betting?
Ans: “Place Only” is safer because you win the same amount whether the horse comes 1st or 3rd. But Each-Way is more exciting because if the horse does win, you get a massive double payout. Use Each-Way if you think the horse actually has a chance to win.