What Is an Each-Way Double?
An each-way double is a bet on two selections, each backed each-way, combined into a double. It costs double a standard double stake because each-way betting is two bets (win and place). An each-way double on two selections at €5 each-way costs €20 total: €5 on the win double, €5 on the place double, repeated for both selections.
For the win portion to pay out, both selections must win. For the place portion, both must be placed (finish in a specified top number). Partial returns are possible if one selection wins and the other places, or both place but neither wins.
How Returns Are Calculated
Calculate an each-way double in two parts. Win double: Stake × Win Odds 1 × Win Odds 2. Place double: Stake × Place Odds 1 × Place Odds 2. Place odds are typically the win odds at 1/4 or 1/5 (depending on the race type and terms). For example: two selections at 5/1 (6.0 decimal) with 1/4 place terms: Win double: €5 × 6.0 × 6.0 = €180. Place double (place odds = 2.25 each): €5 × 2.25 × 2.25 = €25.31. If both win, total return = €205.31. If both place but neither wins: €25.31.
When Each-Way Doubles Make Sense
Each-way doubles offer the most value when both selections are at high enough odds for the place portion to generate meaningful returns. At very short prices, the place portion adds little value. For horses at 5/1 or higher in fields with 8+ runners (where 1/4 odds places terms apply), the each-way double’s place component provides useful insurance against one or both selections narrowly missing the win.
Each-Way Double vs Two Separate Each-Way Bets
Betting each-way separately on two horses gives guaranteed place return if either places, regardless of the other. An each-way double requires both to place for the place component to pay. The double provides higher potential return if both win, but no return at all if either loses without placing. The separate each-way approach is safer; the each-way double is higher variance for a similar total stake. 18+ — Gambling Awareness Trust: 1800 753 753, gamblingcare.ie.
Frequently Asked Questions
An each-way double on two selections costs four times the unit stake: win double (1 unit) + place double (1 unit) = 2 units, multiplied by €X unit stake. A €5 each-way double costs €20.
Place terms are set by the bookmaker for each race. Common terms are 1/4 odds for the first 3 places in fields of 8+, or 1/5 odds for the first 4 places in certain race types. Each-way double place terms follow the individual race rules.
Each-way is not standard on football match markets. Each-way doubles are mainly used in horse racing and golf where each-way terms are standard.
18+ only. Gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly. Gambling Awareness Trust — 1800 753 753 — gamblingcare.ie. GRAI licence: GRAI-0191-RB-26-0001.