Understand Each Way Bets! A Guide for Irish Punters

• WHAT IS AN EACH-WAY BET?
• HOW ARE EACH-WAY RETURNS CALCULATED?
• PLACE TERMS: HOW MANY PLACES ARE PAID IN AN EW BET?
• EACH-WAY BETTING AT CHELTENHAM
• EACH-WAY BETTING AT ROYAL ASCOT AND EPSOM
• THE GRAND NATIONAL: THE CLASSIC EACH-WAY RACE
• EACH-WAY BETTING BEYOND HORSE RACING
• YOUR EW BET CHECKLIST
• EACH WAY BETTING SUMMARY

WHAT IS AN EACH-WAY BET?

An each-way bet is two bets in one, placed simultaneously for the same stake: a win bet where your selection must finish first to return, and a place bet where your selection must finish within a defined number of places to return.

Because it is two bets, your total outlay is always double your unit stake. A €10 each-way bet costs €20 in total: €10 on the win, €10 on the place.

The place part of the bet pays out at a fraction of the win odds, typically 1/4 or 1/5, depending on the race and the number of runners. On Lottoland's  Irish sports betting site, the place terms will be clearly displayed before you confirm your bet.

HOW ARE EACH-WAY RETURNS CALCULATED?

The return on each part of the bet is calculated separately. Here's an example of how it works in Irish horse betting.

Consider this: You place a €10 each-way bet on a horse at 16/1, with place terms of 1/4 odds for the first three places. Total stake: €20.

Even if your horse finishes second or third, the place return of €50 on a €20 total stake means you come out ahead. In other races and at different odds, the return from a place-only win can be less than your total stake - meaning you lose overall - so it's important to understand the terms and potential outcomes before you bet.

PLACE TERMS: HOW MANY PLACES ARE PAID IN AN EW BET?

The number of places paid varies depending on the type of race and the size of the field. As a general guide:

Always check the specific place terms for the race you are betting on, as these can vary between race types. Lottoland may also offer enhanced place terms on selected races.

EACH-WAY BETTING AT CHELTENHAM

The Cheltenham Festival is one of the highlights of the  racing calendar and one of the racing occasions where many bettors choose to use each-way bets. With large fields across four days of Grade 1 action, many of the most competitive races are run with 20 or more runners, meaning four places are typically paid.

The Gold Cup, for example, regularly attracts a field of 20-plus horses. Backing a 25/1 shot each-way at 1/4 odds for four places means a top-four finish still generates a meaningful return, even if the outright win looks unlikely. This is why each-way betting is particularly popular at the Festival, where upsets and close finishes are common.

EACH-WAY BETTING AT ROYAL ASCOT AND EPSOM

Royal Ascot and the Epsom Derby meeting offer a different each-way proposition. Both festivals include flat races with varied field sizes, and the big handicaps at Ascot, often run with 20 or more runners, are classic each-way races.

The Derby at Epsom is another opportunity. As one of the Classic races, it typically draws a field of 12-18 runners and carries significant ante-post markets throughout the spring. Backing an each-way runner ante-post at inflated early odds, with place terms covering the first three or four positions, can appeal to some bettors.

THE GRAND NATIONAL: THE CLASSIC EACH-WAY RACE

Few events in the sporting calendar are as suited to each-way betting as the British Grand National at Aintree. With a field of up to 40 runners and five places typically paid each-way, the race is where many bettors choose an each-way bet for runners that are not among the shortest-priced favourites.

Backing a 33/1 or 40/1 runner each-way means a top-five finish at 1/4 odds can still return a healthy return. Many punters exclusively bet the National each-way for the simple reason that the race is notoriously unpredictable, and the place terms reflect the size of the field.

EACH-WAY BETTING BEYOND HORSE RACING

While horse racing is where each-way bets are most commonly used, the format applies to other sports with large fields or outright markets.

In golf betting, major tournaments such as The US Open or Ryder Cup have individual markets that regularly feature each-way betting, often covering the top 5 or top 8 finishers. With 150-plus players in a field, each-way golf bets are an option some bettors may wish to explore.

Football betting offers outright markets such as betting on the Premier League winner, or even a group winner in World Cup betting, which can offer each-way terms, giving a return if your selection finishes as a runner-up or within a defined position.

YOUR EW BET CHECKLIST

Now you should be well informed about what an each-way bet is, and how it can affect your stake and possible payout. Before you take your newfound knowledge to the rugby or dog racing markets, keep in mind the following if you choose to use an E/W bet:

• Place terms: How many places are paid, and at what fraction of the win odds?
• Number of runners: Fewer runners often means fewer places paid.
• Total stake: Your stake is doubled, so plan your budget accordingly.
• Ante-post vs day-of-race: Ante-post markets often offer bigger odds but may not include non-runner no-bet protection. Check the terms.

EACH WAY BETTING IN SUMMARY

Each-way betting is a practical, flexible way to structure your racing bets. Whether you are watching the Grand National, following the Cheltenham Gold Cup, or picking a long shot for the Derby, an each-way bet combines a win bet and a place bet on the same selection - but be careful with place terms and remember that you can win less than your total stake or lose the entire amount.