Each Way Explained: What Does EW Mean in Horse Racing?
If you’ve spotted the letters EW or each way while looking at horse racing bets, you might be wondering what it actually means. The term appears both online and in shops, yet it isn’t always explained clearly.
Racing has its own language, but once you get the hang of each way betting, the rest might start to make more sense.
Bookmakers may offer slightly different place terms from race to race. In the UK, sites are expected to present these clearly, so you can see what counts before you decide. Read on to learn more.
What Does Each Way Mean in Horse Racing?
Each way, often shortened to EW, splits your bet into two parts: one on the horse to win and one on the horse to finish in a place. A place means a top finishing position, usually second or third, and sometimes fourth or fifth in bigger fields.
Because you are theoretically making two bets at once, your stake is doubled. A £1 each way bet costs £2 in total. One pound goes on the win, and one pound goes on the place. The number of places that count varies by race type and field size, and you’ll see the terms on the race card or your bet slip.
If you do decide to try your hand at horse racing betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
What Are Win and Place Parts of an Each Way Bet?
An each way bet has two parts. The win part pays out if your horse finishes first. The odds for this are the same as a standard win bet.
The place part gives a return if your horse finishes in one of the stated places for that race. How many places are paid, and at what fraction of the odds, depends on the race. In smaller fields, it is often two places. In bigger handicaps, you may see three or four places. The fraction used for the place part is commonly 1/4 or 1/5 of the win odds, and you will see this shown alongside the market.
Your total stake is doubled for an each way bet, with half on the win and half on the place. If the horse wins, both parts are settled. If it finishes in a place but not first, only the place part is settled.
How Are Each Way Odds Calculated?
The win part uses the full advertised odds. The place part is paid at a fraction of those odds, usually 1/4 or 1/5, as stated in the place terms for that race.
For example, let’s imagine that your selection is 8/1 and the place terms are 1/5 for three places. The place odds are worked out as 8 divided by 5, which gives 1.6/1. A £1 place stake at 1.6/1 would return £2.60 in total if the horse finishes in the places. That is £1.60 profit plus your £1 place stake back. Rounding policies can differ slightly, and most sites show the calculation on the bet slip so you can check before confirming.
When Should You Place an Each Way Bet?
Each way betting might appeal when a horse is not a short-priced favourite but has a realistic chance of finishing in the frame. Larger fields often mean more places are paid, which changes how the place part looks. For instance, big handicap races may pay three or four places, while smaller fields tend to offer fewer.
Race type matters too. Handicaps with many runners commonly show extra places, while non-handicaps with fewer runners might not. Prices are also a factor. With very short odds, the place part tends to pay relatively little, so the bet can behave much like a win-only wager. With longer odds, the place part may feel more meaningful, as the fraction of a bigger price can still provide a return if the horse runs well without winning.
There is no single right moment to go each way, but understanding field size, race conditions, and the stated place terms could make it easier to decide if it suits your approach.
How Do Each Way Payouts Work?
Payouts are based on the two parts of your potential bet. If your horse wins, the win part is settled at the full odds and the place part is also settled at the place fraction. If your horse finishes in a place but not first, only the place part returns. If it finishes outside the places, neither part returns.
For example, take a £2 each way bet (£4 total). Suppose the odds are 10/1 with 1/4 place terms paying the first three home. If your horse wins, the win part pays at 10/1 and the place part pays at 10/1 multiplied by 1/4, which is 2.5/1. If your horse finishes second or third, only the place part pays at 2.5/1, and you get that place stake back too.
If the number of runners changes or the race has special conditions, the place terms shown at the time of betting explain how your bet will be settled.
Bet On Horse Racing Online
If you want to explore online horse racing, Bet442 offers racecards, prices, and each way options in one place. You can check the place terms on the market itself and see the potential return on your slip before you confirm, which makes the process clear from the start.
Bet442 is licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). That means information such as how many places are paid and the fraction used for the place part is presented in plain view, with help guides available if you want to read more.
Whether you prefer to browse on mobile or desktop, you can follow UK and international meetings and choose from win or each way markets with the terms set out alongside the odds. If each way betting suits how you like to follow a race, you can compare the place terms on our site and make your choice with everything laid out clearly. Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind.
**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.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
