What Does EW Mean in Horse Racing? Each Way Bets Guide
Ever looked at a horse racing bet and wondered what EW actually means? You’re not the only one. It is a small abbreviation that raises big questions when punters first see it.
Each Way (EW) betting can seem confusing at first glance, especially with different race types and field sizes to consider. The basics are relatively simple once you know what to look for.
If you’re curious about how it works and when it can make sense, this guide walks through the essentials in clear, everyday terms. Read on to learn more.
What Does Each Way Mean in Horse Racing?
If you place an EW bet, you are placing two bets of equal stake on the same horse. One part is for the horse to win. The other part is for the horse to finish in a place position. The total stake is doubled, because you are covering both outcomes.
Most races pay places for the top two, three or four finishers. The number of places depends on the size and type of the race. The place part of an EW bet pays at a set fraction of the win odds, usually one quarter or one fifth.
For example, a £1 EW bet costs £2 in total. If the horse wins, both parts settle. If it finishes in a paid place without winning, only the place part returns. That way you have two ways to get a potential return from the same selection.
If you do decide to try your hand at EW betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Each Way Place Terms Explained
Place terms tell you two things: how many finishing positions qualify for a payout on the place part, and the fraction of the win odds used for that payout. These terms are set per race and can vary, but there are common patterns.
Smaller fields tend to pay fewer places, while larger fields and some handicaps pay more. For instance, a race with five to seven runners often pays two places. Races with eight or more runners typically pay three places, and big handicaps with 16 or more runners can pay four. High-profile meetings sometimes advertise extra places as part of their offers, which can change the value of an EW bet.
The place odds are a fraction of the win odds. Common fractions are one quarter or one fifth. If a horse is 12/1 and the place terms are one quarter, the place part pays at 3/1 for a qualifying finish. If non-runners reduce the field, place terms can change, so it might be worth checking the race card or bet slip before you confirm.
How Do Bookies Calculate Each Way Payouts?
An EW bet is settled in two parts. The win part pays at the full odds if the horse wins. The place part pays at the specified fraction if the horse finishes in a paid position. If it wins, both parts return. If it only places, only the place part returns.
Let’s look at a simple example. Imagine a £2 EW bet, which is £1 on the win and £1 on the place. The horse is 10/1, and the place terms are one fifth.
- If the horse wins: the win part returns £11 (£1 x 10/1 plus stake) and the place part returns £3 (£1 at 2/1 plus stake), for a total return of £14. Your total stake was £2.
- If the horse places without winning: only the place part returns £3. Your total stake was £2, so you receive £3 back.
Displays on race pages and bet slips show the current place terms and the fraction used for settlement. If anything changes, such as a reduction in runners, the slip will reflect it.
Should You Use EW on Outsiders?
EW may be appealing on bigger-priced runners because the place part can still return a meaningful amount if the horse runs well without winning. The trade-off is that the horse is less likely to finish in the frame, so the risk remains.
A few pointers help when weighing it up. Field size and race type matter because they affect how many places are paid and which fraction applies. Enhanced place terms in major races can make the place part more valuable than usual. On the other hand, if a horse is a short price, the place part at one fifth or one quarter may be too small to justify the extra stake compared with a simple win bet.
There is no single right answer. It comes down to how you value the price, the number of places on offer and the shape of the race. Keeping an eye on the declared runners and confirmed place terms could help you make a clearer call. Ultimately, there is no ‘best’ option as all gambling involves an element of chance, meaning there is no way to guarantee an outcome. If you do decide to place bets, make sure that they are in line with your preferences and budget.
Place Bets On Horse Racing Online
If you want to explore horse racing markets from home, Mr Luck makes it easy to browse races, check the latest odds and see EW terms before you consider placing a bet. Every race page shows how many places are paid and the fraction used, so you can see at a glance how an EW bet would settle.
We are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). You will find clear rules, transparent settlement and access to practical safer gambling tools such as deposit limits and time-outs. If anything on a market page looks unclear, our help section and customer support team are on hand to assist.
Feel free to take a look at today’s cards, compare the place terms across races and see where an EW bet fits your preferred betting style. 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.
