Read how each-way betting works in football, horse racing and other sports.
What is an each-way bet?
Each-way is a term used to describe a type of bet that is split into two parts: a win bet and a place bet. Both bets are of equal value, so, for example, a £5 each-way bet will be split into a £2.50 win bet and a £2.50 place bet.
In horse racing, the win part of the bet is placed on a horse to win its race, while the place part of the bet is placed on the horse to place. A place is often considered to be second or third, though this can vary depending on the bookmaker.
The returns for the win part of the bet will be paid in full, but the returns for the place will be calculated at a fraction of the odds – this is usually 1/4 or 1/5.
The difference between a win and each-way bet
Perhaps you’re still unsure on the difference between placing a win bet versus an each-way bet? The main difference between the two is that an each-way bet is formed of two bets – a ‘win bet’ and a ‘place bet’.
Another difference is the potential for returns. With a win bet, you’ll only get a payout if your selection finishes first, whereas you’ll see some returns on an each-way bet as long as you place.
How to place an each-way bet
Placing an each-way bet is identical to placing a normal bet. Simply go to the sportsbook and make the selection that you would like to back. Before placing your bet, you just need to tick the box marked “E/W”, to turn it into an each-way bet.
Remember, when placing an each-way bet that your stake is doubled, as you have to cover your win bet and place bet. So, if you enter £2.50 as your stake, the total bet will actually cost you £5.
How to place an each-way accumulator bet
An each-way accumulator works in exactly the same way as a normal accumulator, except – as with the singles – that your stake is doubled to cover the win bet and the place bet. Simply head to the sportsbook and make the selections that you would like to include in your accumulator.
Before you place your bet, be sure to tick the box marked “E/W” that is placed next to your stake. Ticking that box will also double your stake in order to cover the win bet and the place bet – so if you enter £2.50 you will actually be staking £5.
How to calculate winnings from an each-way bet
To calculate each-way winnings, you need to distinguish between the win bet and place bet in your mind. Take this example:
In this case, £2.50 has been staked on Iroko to win the 2025 Grand National, and £2.50 has been staked on Iroko to place.
As you can see, the place bet is available at 1/4 odds and will pay out if Iroko finishes in the top four places. That means that the place bet odds for Iroko are 3/1 – a quarter of 12/1 – and you will be paid out £10 if he finishes in the top four.
If Iroko wins, you will be paid out £32.50 (the payout from the win bet) plus £10 (the payout from the place bet), which adds up to the £42.50 potential return that you can see.
Each-way accumulator bet explained
In an each-way accumulator bet, things will work exactly the same way. If all of your selections win, you will receive the win bet accumulator payout plus the place bet accumulator payout.
However, if any of them only place, the win bet accumulator will be a loser, and you will only receive the place bet accumulator payout. For quick and accurate calculations, you can use our betting calculator tool, which can work out all sorts of bet types, including each-way and accumulators.
In which sports is each-way betting popular?
Each-way betting is an option for sports with multiple participants where there is a possibility of finishing in different positions. The most popular sport for each-way betting has to be horse racing, but you can also place each-way bets on other sports like football.
With that final point in mind, if you still want to learn a bit more about the ins and outs of sports betting, explore how to bet on horse racing. Or if you’re just starting out in betting, it’s important to know how betting odds works – luckily, we’ve got a guide on that too!