Each way betting is very straightforward and a term you are likely to have heard bandied around when it comes to horse racing terminology. Put simply, an each-way bet is made up of two bets - a win bet and a place bet.
A place usually refers to 2nd, 3rd and 4th, depending on how many horses are in the race and the terms of your chosen betting sites.
Betting each way increases your chances of making a return, however your stake is higher.
Once you have chosen your selection for a race, check its current odds and consider whether the price is big enough to warrant an each-way bet.
If you place an each-way bet and the horse wins you can calculate your return in the following way.
The number of places paid out is determined by the bookmaker. For example 1/2,1/3, 1/4, or 1/5 of the odds.
Make sure you check with the bookmaker what fraction of the odds they are paying as it differs between operators. Look out for Irish and UK Grand National extra place specials as bookies may add 7 places.
If you believe your selection in a race has a good chance of finishing in the places and the odds merit an each-way bet then it may be worth placing an each-way bet, for example if the odds are around 6-1 or higher. It is not worth placing an each way bet if the odds are short as returns are so low for the place part of the bet.
If you have more than one fancy in a number of races then you may want to place an each-way multiple bet. This means you will receive a payout if any of your horses are placed.
Below are a few options:
The Cheltenham Festival is all about winning bets and there is plenty of value to be unearthed as all the stars head into battle in the season's biggest and highest quality contests. The fiercely competitive nature of the races means you can get very attractive prices and there is plenty of opportunity to place each-way bets.
See below two each-way tips for the 2025 Cheltenham Festival:
If there's a Donnelly-owned dark horse, then maybe it could prove to be Shanagh Bob at current odds of 20-1.
He was fourth behind Dancing City in a Grade 1 at Aintree last season and, though things haven't gone to plan novice chasing this time around in two runs, his Huntingdon effort back over hurdles in late January off a mark of 129 in first-time cheekpieces was a reminder that he has ability as a stayer over timber.
He could turn up the Pertemps Final and with winning course-and-distance form at Cheltenham, shouldn't be forgotten.
This strapping big mare, trained by Henry de Bromhead, was last seen winning the Grade Two Lyons Of Limerick Jaguar Land Rover Novice Hurdle when she was staying on well to prevail by four and a quarter lengths, despite a less than fluent jump at the last. Currently best-priced at 7-1 for this contest, Darragh O'Keefe who was on board enthused:
"I'd say she will be more competitive in a race with more competition up front but she is a classy mare and shows plenty gears. She is a lovely big mare, has plenty scope and is quick at her hurdles as well."
Read our guide pages below for more information on types of bets and betting terminology:
