If you are new to betting in Ireland, the phrase "each-way" can seem confusing at first. But it is actually a simple concept once you break it down — and it is one of the most common bet types in Irish betting shops and online. Here is everything you need to know, explained clearly from the beginning.
The Simple Explanation
An each-way bet is two bets in one. When you place an each-way bet, you are placing:
- A win bet — your selection must finish first to win this part.
- A place bet — your selection must finish within a certain number of positions (1st, 2nd, 3rd, sometimes 4th) to win this part.
Because it is two bets, your stake is doubled. If you say "€5 each-way", you are actually spending €10 — €5 on each part.
If your horse wins, both parts pay out: you receive the full win odds plus the place odds. If your horse finishes second, third or fourth (depending on the number of runners and the race type), only the place part pays out. If it finishes outside the places, both parts lose.
Place Terms: The Key Detail
The "place part" does not always cover the same number of positions — it depends on how many runners are in the race and the type of race. The standard terms in Ireland are:
- 5–7 runners: 2 places paid, at 1/4 of the win odds
- 8–11 runners: 3 places paid, at 1/5 of the win odds
- 12–15 runners: 3 places paid, at 1/4 of the win odds
- 16+ runners (handicaps): 4 places paid, at 1/4 of the win odds
The "fraction" (1/4 or 1/5) is applied to the win odds to calculate the place payout. If your horse is 8/1 and you bet on a race where the place terms are 1/4 odds: 8 ÷ 4 = 2/1. The place part pays at 2/1.
A Worked Example
Say you back a horse at 10/1 each-way for €2 (total cost: €4). It is a 12-runner race, so the terms are 3 places at 1/4 odds.
Horse wins: Win part: €2 × 10 = €20 profit + €2 stake = €22. Place part: 10 ÷ 4 = 2.5/1. €2 × 2.5 = €5 profit + €2 stake = €7. Total return: €29.
Horse finishes second or third: Win part loses (€2 gone). Place part: €7. Total return: €7 — a €3 net profit from a €4 stake.
Horse finishes fourth or worse: Both parts lose. Total loss: €4.
When Is Each-Way a Good Idea?
Each-way betting is most popular and most valuable in big-field horse racing events — the Grand National, Cheltenham Festival races, the Irish Derby — where there are many runners and each-way terms cover four places. Backing a 20/1 shot each-way in a 25-runner handicap means you get paid 5/1 (20 ÷ 4) even if your horse runs fourth. That is genuine insurance in a race where picking the winner is very hard.
Each-way betting makes less sense in small fields (5–6 runners) with short-priced horses. If a 4/5 favourite runs in a 6-runner race with 2 places at 1/4 odds, the place return is tiny: 4/5 ÷ 4 = 1/5. You are essentially laying out extra money for a minimal return. For short-priced horses in small fields, a straight win bet is usually better value.
Each-Way on Other Sports
Some bookmakers extend each-way to golf (top 5 or top 8 in tournaments), occasionally to football (finishing top of a league group) and snooker/darts finals. The concept is identical: a win part and a place part at a fraction of win odds. Always check the specific terms when betting each-way on non-racing markets.
18+ — no bet is a guaranteed return. Gambling Awareness Trust: 1800 753 753, gamblingcare.ie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each-way means two bets in one: a win bet and a place bet. You pay double the stated stake. The win part requires your selection to finish first; the place part pays at a fraction of win odds if it finishes in a specified number of positions.
Yes. The place part of your each-way bet pays out at a fraction of the win odds if your horse finishes in the places. The win part loses, but you still receive a return.
No, though it is most common in horse and greyhound racing. Some bookmakers offer each-way on golf tournaments and occasionally other sports.
Tell the cashier your selection, stake and the words 'each-way'. For example: 'Five euro each-way on [horse name] in the 2.30 at Leopardstown.' Your total cost will be €10.
A win-only bet requires your selection to finish first. An each-way bet also pays out at reduced odds if your selection finishes in the places. The each-way bet costs twice as much.