Each-Way Betting Explained: Complete Guide for South African Punters (2026)

If you've ever looked at a horse racing bet slip and seen "each-way" (or "EW"), you might've wondered what the hell it means. An each-way bet is essentially two bets in one: one on your selection to win, and one on your selection to place (finish in the top positions).

It's a popular betting strategy in South Africa, especially for horse racing (Durban July, Met, Kenilworth), golf tournaments, and even some long-odds football bets. The beauty of each-way betting is that you can still win money even if your selection doesn't come first – as long as it places.

In this guide, I'll explain exactly how each-way bets work, when to use them, how payouts are calculated, and which SA bookmakers offer the best each-way terms. Let's get into it.

What is an Each-Way Bet?

An each-way bet is two separate bets combined:

1. Win bet: Your selection must finish first.
2. Place bet: Your selection must finish in a predetermined "placing" position (usually top 2, 3, or 4, depending on the event).

Because you're making two bets, your total stake is doubled. So if you bet R50 each-way, you're actually staking R100 total (R50 on the win, R50 on the place).

How Each-Way Payouts Work

The place portion of an each-way bet pays out at a fraction of the win odds. The standard fractions in South Africa are:

• 1/4 odds (most common for horse racing)
• 1/5 odds (sometimes used for big fields)
• 1/3 odds (rare, usually golf/outright bets)

Let's break down what "1/4 odds" actually means:

Here's a quick reference table:

Each-Way Terms: What You Need to Know

Before placing an each-way bet, check the terms. They vary by event and bookmaker. The two key things to look for:

1. Place fraction: 1/4, 1/5, or 1/3 odds?
2. Number of places paid: Top 2, 3, 4, or more?

Horse Racing Each-Way Terms

Golf Tournament Each-Way Terms

Golf is another popular sport for each-way betting. Typical terms:

• Standard tournaments: 1/4 odds, top 5 places
• Major championships: 1/4 odds, top 8 places
• Small field events: 1/5 odds, top 4 places

Bookmakers like Betway, Hollywoodbets, and Sportingbet often offer "extra place" promos for big golf tournaments (e.g., pay top 10 instead of top 5).

When Should You Place an Each-Way Bet?

Each-way betting isn't always the best strategy. Here's when it makes sense:

✅ Use Each-Way When:

• Backing an outsider (8/1 or longer) – gives you a safety net if they place
• Competitive fields (e.g., 20+ horse race, golf major) – harder to predict the winner
• Enhanced each-way terms – bookmakers offering extra places or better fractions
• Big events like Durban July, Met, Presidents Cup – more unpredictable

❌ Avoid Each-Way When:

• Short odds (under 4/1) – the place return is too small to justify doubling your stake
• Small fields (under 8 runners) – fewer placing positions, less value
• You're confident of a win – just back the horse to win and save the extra stake

Each-Way Betting Calculator: Do the Math

Calculating each-way returns manually can be confusing, especially with fractional odds. That's why we built a free each-way betting calculator at BetSorted.

Here's what our calculator does:

• Enter your stake, odds, and each-way terms
• See potential returns if your selection wins OR places
• Compare each-way vs. win-only scenarios
• Works for horse racing, golf, and any each-way market

Best SA Bookmakers for Each-Way Betting

Not all bookmakers offer the same each-way terms. Here's how the major SA bookies compare:

Best overall: Betway and Hollywoodbets consistently offer the best each-way terms, especially for big events. They also run "extra place" promotions regularly.

Common Each-Way Betting Mistakes

1. Forgetting to Double Your Stake

When you bet R50 each-way, you're spending R100. Make sure your bankroll can handle it.

2. Backing Short-Odds Favorites Each-Way

If a horse is 2/1 to win, the place portion (at 1/4 odds) pays just 1/2 (0.50). Betting R50 each-way only wins you R25 if it places – hardly worth it.

3. Not Checking Each-Way Terms

Always check how many places are paid and at what fraction. A 1/5 odds place bet is much less valuable than 1/4.

4. Using Each-Way on Small Fields

If there are only 6 horses, places 1-2 are paid. Your selection has to finish in the top 2 to get any return on the place bet – not great odds.

Each-Way vs. Win-Only: Which is Better?

There's no universal answer – it depends on the situation.

Advanced Each-Way Strategies

1. Shop for Enhanced Each-Way Terms

Before big races (Durban July, Met), bookmakers compete with better each-way terms. Hollywoodbets might offer "1/5 odds, top 5 places" while Betway offers "1/4 odds, top 6." Compare and choose the best value.

2. Use Each-Way for Accumulators

Some bookies allow each-way accumulators (also called "lucky 15/31/63"). Every selection is each-way, giving you multiple chances to win. It's expensive (doubles your stake per selection), but can pay out even if not all your picks win.

3. Dutching with Each-Way Bets

"Dutching" means backing multiple selections in the same race to guarantee a profit if any of them place. This works well with each-way bets in big fields – you cover several outsiders and hope one sneaks into the top 4.

4. Back Consistent Placers

Some horses/golfers are known for placing regularly but rarely winning. Check form guides – if a horse has finished 2nd-4th in 5 of its last 6 races, an each-way bet might be smarter than a win-only bet.

Each-Way Betting on Football?

Each-way betting is rare in football, but some bookmakers offer it for outright markets (e.g., "Who will win the PSL title?" or "Top goalscorer?"). Terms are usually 1/3 odds, places 1-2 or 1-3.

Example: You back Mamelodi Sundowns to win the PSL at 3/1 each-way (1/3 odds, places 1-2). If Sundowns finish 2nd, you get a small return on the place portion.

Honestly, each-way football bets are niche. Stick to horse racing and golf for the best each-way value.

FAQs: Each-Way Betting

What does "1/4 odds" mean?

It means the place portion of your bet pays at one-quarter of the win odds. So if a horse is 8/1 to win, the place portion pays at 2/1 (8 ÷ 4).

How many places are paid in a 10-runner race?

Usually top 3 places at 1/4 odds. Check your bookmaker's terms – some vary.

Can I cash out an each-way bet?

Yes, most SA bookmakers (Betway, Hollywoodbets, Sportingbet) allow cash-out on each-way bets. The cash-out value factors in both the win and place portions.

Is each-way betting profitable?

It can be, especially on long-odds selections in big fields. But because you're doubling your stake, you need a solid strategy and bankroll management.

Can I do each-way accumulators?

Yes, some bookmakers offer "Lucky 15/31/63" bets where every selection is backed each-way. It's expensive but offers more safety.

Final Thoughts

Each-way betting is a powerful tool when used correctly. It gives you a safety net on outsiders, lets you profit from consistent placers, and makes watching big races more exciting (you're still in the game even if your horse doesn't win).

But it's not a magic formula. You're doubling your stake, so you need to be selective. Use each-way bets for competitive fields, long-odds selections, and events with enhanced terms. Avoid it on short-priced favorites or small fields where the place payout is minimal.

Before you place your next each-way bet, use our calculator to see exactly what you could win in different scenarios. And remember – bet smart, bru. Only stake what you can afford to lose.

Related Reading

• Durban July 2026 Betting Guide
• Best Horse Racing Betting Sites in SA
• Accumulator Betting Guide for SA Punters
• Best Golf Betting Sites in South Africa
• How to Use Betting Calculators