What Is a Goliath Bet? Goliath Each Way Explained for Beginners
A Goliath bet is a large multiple that spreads your stake across eight different selections. It can look complex at first glance, but once you see how the parts fit together, the structure is straightforward.
This blog post explains how a Goliath works, what changes with the each way version, how returns are settled, what it costs, and how to place one online. There is also a simple example and a balanced look at the pros and cons so you can judge whether it fits your approach.
As always, keep stakes affordable and treat this as information to help you make clear, considered choices.
How Does A Goliath Bet Work?
A Goliath bet covers 247 individual bets built from 8 selections, usually drawn from different events such as horse races or football matches. Those selections are combined in every possible way to create doubles, trebles and accumulators right up to one eight-fold.
You do not need all eight selections to win to receive a return. Because the bet includes many combinations, returns can be generated if at least two selections win. The more winning selections you have, the more combinations land, which increases the potential return.
So how many of each type are there exactly, and how does that affect your stake?
How Many Selections And Bets Are In A Goliath?
A Goliath uses 8 different selections that are combined in every possible way to make 247 bets. These are grouped by size as follows. Seeing the breakdown helps explain why the total stake can add up.
- 28 doubles
- 56 trebles
- 70 four-folds
- 56 five-folds
- 28 six-folds
- 8 seven-folds
- 1 eight-fold accumulator
This coverage spreads risk across many outcomes, but it also means a higher overall outlay than simpler multiples.
What Is A Goliath Each Way And How Does It Differ?
A Goliath each way is the same structure, but each line has two parts: one for the selection to win and one for it to place. In horse racing, for example, a place could mean finishing in the top two, three or four, depending on the event and terms offered.
Because every line is duplicated into a win and a place part, the total number of bets doubles from 247 to 494. The place part pays at a fraction of the win odds, commonly 1/4 or 1/5, again depending on the event terms.
This tweak can increase the chance of some return when selections do not all win, although it also doubles the total stake.
That difference becomes clearer when you look at how returns are calculated.
How Are Returns Calculated On A Goliath Each Way?
Returns are settled separately for the win side and the place side.
For the win portion, only those combinations where every selection in that line wins will pay out. For the place portion, a combination pays if every selection in that line finishes within the place terms set for the event.
Winning lines on the win side are paid at the full odds. Winning lines on the place side are paid at the place fraction, such as 1/4 or 1/5 of the win odds. Your total return is the sum of all successful doubles, trebles and accumulators across both sides.
Before staking, it helps to check the place terms for each event, as they can vary.
How Much Does A Goliath Each Way Cost?
The total cost is the number of bets multiplied by your stake per bet. A Goliath each way has 494 bets, so at £0.10 per bet the outlay would be £49.40. At £0.50 per bet, it would be £247.00. Because the lines add up quickly, it is sensible to decide on a stake that keeps the full cost within your budget.
If you are unsure, use a bet calculator to see how different stakes affect the total outlay before you commit.
Let’s bring those numbers to life with a quick example.
Example Calculation For A Goliath Each Way
Suppose you choose 8 horses in different races with a £0.10 each way stake per bet. With 494 bets in total, the outlay is £49.40.
Imagine 3 of those horses win and another 2 finish in the places. With these results:
- Combinations that contain only the winning horses can generate returns on the win side, and they also count on the place side because winners are considered to have placed as well.
- Combinations that include the placed, non-winning horses contribute to the place side only. Those returns are paid at the stated place fraction for each race.
The final return depends on how many specific combinations land and at what odds. A bet calculator can show the breakdown for your exact selections and terms.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Goliath Bet?
A Goliath offers breadth. With so many combinations, you can receive a return even when not every selection wins. That spread may suit someone who prefers coverage across a set of picks rather than relying on a single accumulator.
The trade-off is cost and the number of winners typically needed for profit. Because there are 247 lines, or 494 for each way, the total stake is higher than simpler bets. If only a small number of selections win, the return may not cover the outlay.
If that balance still sounds right for you, here is what placing one looks like online.
How To Place A Goliath Each Way On A Betting Site?
On most betting sites, a Goliath each way is built from the bet slip. After adding eight selections from different events, the slip will show the full range of multiples available, including Goliath. Selecting each way applies a win and a place part to every line, turning 247 lines into 494. The stake you enter is per line, and the slip usually displays the full cost before you confirm.
It is worth checking the place terms for each selection and reading the settlement rules so you know how your bet will be paid. Keep the total outlay within a limit that suits you, and take a moment to review everything before placing the bet.
If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, seek support early. Organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware provide free, confidential help. Handled carefully, a Goliath each way can be an organised way to cover eight selections with clear, upfront costs and settlement rules.
**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.
