Betway What Does Each Way Mean: A Simple Guide to Each-Way Betting

Learn how Betway’s each-way bets work, when to use them, and how payouts are split to give you a safety net on close finishes.

Betway horse racing schedule showing UK and Ireland race times for today — guide for beginners asking Betway what does each way mean.

An each-way bet is simply two bets in one: one part goes on your selection to win, and the other part goes on it to finish in a top position, such as second or third, depending on the event.

This structure makes it a popular choice for sports like horse racing or golf, where predicting the outright winner can be tricky but a strong finish is realistic.

When exploring betting options, including Betway what does each way mean, it’s helpful to know exactly how your stake is split and how payouts are calculated.

In this guide, we’ll break down how each-way betting works on Betway, when it makes sense to use it, and the key details that can help you get the most value from your wagers.

Betway what does each way mean for your bets

On Betway, placing an each-way bet means you’re effectively making two bets of equal stake.

Half your stake goes on your chosen player or horse to win outright, and the other half goes on them to finish in one of the place positions. So, if you stake £10 each way, you’re really placing £20 in total: £10 on the win and £10 on the place.

The beauty of this is that you can still get a return even if your selection doesn’t win but finishes high enough in the standings.

For example, if you bet each way on a horse that finishes third in a race paying out to the top three places, you’ll still receive a payout on the place part of your bet. It’s less than the win return, but it softens the blow of not taking the outright win.

How Betway calculates each way payouts

Betway typically uses fractional odds to calculate each way returns, though you’ll also see decimal options if you prefer — and it’s useful to understand does Betway return include stake to know exactly how your payout is calculated.

The “place” portion of your each-way bet pays out at a fraction of the win odds—often 1/4 or 1/5, depending on the size of the field and the sport.

Here’s a quick example I’ve seen in action: Say you back a golfer at 20/1 each way with a £5 each-way stake (so £10 total).

If your golfer wins, you’ll receive the full payout for the win (£5 at 20/1) plus the place payout (£5 at 1/4 of the odds, or 5/1). If they finish second, you’ll only get the place payout at the reduced odds, but you won’t lose everything.

Betway always shows the place terms (like “1/5 odds for the first 5 places”) before you confirm your bet. It’s worth double-checking those details, as they vary depending on the sport and the number of participants.

Betway horse racing betting odds for Killarney race — example of runners and prices explained in Betway what does each way mean article.

When it makes sense to bet each way on Betway

In my experience, each-way betting is best suited for events with larger fields where there’s genuine uncertainty about who will win outright.

Horse racing is the classic example, but you’ll also find it useful in golf tournaments, major football competitions, and even some eSports markets.

I often recommend it when you’ve got a strong outsider you believe has a solid chance to finish near the top but not necessarily win.

Betting each way gives you a safety net—you might not hit the jackpot, but you can still make a respectable profit if your pick performs well.

On the other hand, if you’re backing a heavy favorite with short odds, an each-way bet rarely makes sense. The place part of the bet won’t return much, and you’re effectively doubling your stake without increasing your expected value by much.

How to place an each way bet on Betway

Placing an each-way bet on Betway is straightforward. Once you’ve selected your market—say, a horse race or golf tournament—add your pick to the bet slip.

You’ll then see a small checkbox or toggle labeled “E/W” or “Each Way.” Simply tick that box, and Betway automatically doubles your stake to cover both parts of the bet.

I like that Betway’s bet slip updates instantly, showing you the total stake and potential returns for both parts. It’s a clean setup that helps you understand exactly how much you’re risking before confirming.

You can also combine each-way bets into multiples, like doubles or trebles, but if you’re curious about what happens when a selection doesn’t play, you can check what happens if a player doesn’t start on Betway for clarity on void and non-starter rules.

For beginners, I suggest starting with single each-way bets to get a feel for how the payouts work.

Common mistakes with each way betting on Betway

One mistake I often see new bettors make is assuming that an each-way bet doubles the potential winnings—it doesn’t.

It doubles the stake, but the “place” part pays out at reduced odds. Another common error is forgetting to check how many places Betway is paying.

Some big events offer enhanced terms—like paying out to the top 8 in a golf major—but others might only pay to 4 or 5.

It’s also important to remember that not every market supports each-way betting. For example, many football match markets like “first goalscorer” or “correct score” are win-only. You’ll only see the each-way option on markets where it’s relevant.

Final thoughts on what each way means on Betway

So, when you see the term “each way” on Betway, think of it as two linked bets—one to win and one to place.

It’s a clever strategy that offers a safety cushion when betting on unpredictable outcomes. In my experience, it’s particularly satisfying when your underdog doesn’t quite win but still nets you a decent return.

Understanding how each-way betting works on Betway can make your wagers more strategic and enjoyable.

Whether you’re backing a dark horse at long odds or taking a chance on an outsider, using the each-way option is one of the smartest ways to stay in the game a little longer.

FAQs

What does each way mean on Betway?

An each-way bet on Betway is two bets in one — one for your selection to win and another for it to finish in a top position, such as second or third, depending on the event.

How does Betway calculate each way payouts?

Betway pays the “place” part of an each-way bet at a fraction of the win odds, often 1/4 or 1/5, depending on the sport and number of participants.

When should I place an each way bet on Betway?

Each-way bets make the most sense when backing an outsider or in events with large fields, where finishing near the top is realistic even if winning outright isn’t.

How do I place an each way bet on Betway?

Select your market, add your pick to the bet slip, and tick the “E/W” or “Each Way” box — Betway will automatically double your stake to cover both parts of the bet.

What happens if a player doesn’t start on Betway?

If a player doesn’t start and the event rules specify it, Betway will usually void that part of the bet and refund the stake, depending on the market terms.