Looking to the different betting options available at the bookies or on a betting site but stumbled across terms like "each way" that leave you scratching your head? Well, you're not alone.
Betting terminology can be a bit of a mystery at first, but understanding what the different terms mean is vital for making informed decisions.
In this post, we'll break down what "each way" means in the simplest terms possible.
Whether you're a newcomer curious to learn the ropes or someone looking for a quick refresh, we've got you covered. Continue reading to discover how "each way" betting works and why it is a popular option among punters across different sports and events.
What Does Each Way Mean In Betting?
Each way betting can seem a bit confusing initially, but it’s quite simple once you get the hang of it. Essentially, an each way bet is two bets wrapped into one. You are placing one bet on your chosen selection to win and another bet on it to place.
The "win" part of the bet works just as you'd expect: you win if your selection finishes first.
The "place" part means your bet can still get a return even if your selection doesn't come first, as long as it finishes within the top places. These places can vary, usually depending on how many competitors there are. For example, in a horse race with many runners, you might get paid if your horse finishes in the top three or four.
If you place an each way bet, you’re effectively doubling your stake, as you bet on both the win and the place parts. So, if you bet £5 each way, you’re actually staking £10 in total.
How Does Each Way Betting Work?
Each way betting allows you to cover more bases with one wager because you are placing a bet that covers a number of potential outcomes. Here's how it works:
If you place an each way bet, you're essentially making two separate bets. The first part is a bet on your selection to win outright.
The second part is on it to "place". This means you can still win if your selection doesn't finish first as long as it lands in one of the top positions. These placing positions can vary depending on the event and the number of participants, such as the top two, three, or four.
Because you're placing two bets, your stake is effectively doubled. For instance, if you bet £5 each way, you're putting £5 on the win portion of the bet and £5 on the place portion, totalling £10.
Your returns depend on the odds and whether your selection wins or places. If it wins outright, you win both bets because it has still placed if it wins. If it simply places but does not win (i.e. comes in 2nd or 3rd), you only win the place part of the bet.
Each way betting can be a helpful strategy, especially in competitive events where there isn’t a clear and obvious winner. This approach gives you a chance to see a potential return even if your selection isn’t the outright winner but still performs well.
What Does Each Way Mean In Football Betting?
Each way betting isn’t just for horse racing; it can apply to football, too. While it’s not as common, understanding how it works can expand your options if you are looking to place a bet.
In football, each way betting is typically used for bets on longer-term markets, like tournament winners, league winners, or the top goal scorer. This allows you to back your selection while also covering the possibility they just miss out on the top spot.
The "win" part of your bet is straightforward: you're betting on your chosen team or player to come first.
The "place" part usually means your selection needs to finish in one of the top positions, which is determined by the bookie. For example, backing a team in a tournament but they fall in the semi-finals could result in a place win since they would be in the top four teams. However, this depends on what the bookie determines as placing.
Just like with other each way bets, placing one in football involves doubling your stake. So, if you bet £5 each way, you're staking £10 in total.
What Does Each Way Mean In Horse Racing Betting?
In horse racing, each way betting is a popular choice for those who want a bit more security. It’s especially useful if you’re unsure about whether your chosen horse will win.
With an each way bet, you're placing two bets: one for your horse to win and one for it to finish in a top position. These positions, often the top two, three, or four places, often depend on the total number of horses in the race.
If your horse wins, you receive a payout on both the win and place bets since both are satisfied. If your horse places but does not win, then only the place bet returns a payout, and the win bet is lost.
Each way betting can provide somewhat of a safety net for if your chosen horse doesn’t win but still performs well, making it a popular option in competitive and larger fields. Selecting an each way bet over a standard win bet can add extra excitement with the chance to win both parts of the bet if it wins but also with the increased number of potential outcomes covered by the bet.
In any case, it is still important to gamble responsibly. Stick to a budget and remember that anything can happen on the day of the event, so winning bets are never guaranteed.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.