Navigating the world of betting can be overwhelming, especially when faced with various betting terms and jargon. One term that frequently arises is “EW,” or “each-way.” In this article, we’ll explain what EW means in betting, how each-way bets work, and when to consider placing them.

What is an Each-Way (EW) Bet?

An each-way (EW) bet is a wager that consists of two separate bets – a “win” bet and a “place” bet. The win bet is a bet on a selection to win an event, while the place bet is a bet on the same selection to finish within a specified range of positions, usually the top two, three, or four spots, depending on the event and the bookmaker’s terms.

How Each-Way Betting Works

When placing an each-way bet, your total stake is split equally between the win and place bets. For example, a £10 each-way bet would involve a £5 bet on the win and a £5 bet on the place, for a total stake of £10. If your selection wins, both parts of the bet are successful, and you’ll receive a payout for each. If your selection only places, you’ll receive a payout for the place bet, while the win bet will be lost.

Calculating Each-Way Payouts

Each-way payouts are calculated based on the odds for both the win and place bets. The place odds are typically a fraction (e.g., 1/4 or 1/5) of the win odds. To calculate your potential payout, follow these steps:

  1. Win bet payout: Multiply your win stake by the win odds.
  2. Place bet payout: Multiply your place stake by the place odds (the win odds multiplied by the place fraction).

Add the win and place payouts together to find your total potential payout.

When to Consider Each-Way Betting

Each-way betting is particularly useful in specific situations, such as:

  • Competitive fields: In events with many closely-matched competitors, each-way bets can provide a safety net in case your selection doesn’t win but still places.
  • Longshots: When betting on selections with long odds, each-way bets can offer a more conservative approach, providing some return even if the selection only places.
  • Extra places: Bookmakers may offer additional place positions for specific events, increasing the potential for your selection to place and generate a return.

Pros and Cons of Each-Way Betting

Before placing an each-way bet, consider the following advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

Increased chance of a return: Each-way bets provide a higher probability of receiving a payout, even if your selection doesn’t win.

Lower risk: By covering both the win and place outcomes, each-way bets can help mitigate risk and reduce potential losses.

Cons:

  • Reduced returns: The place portion of an each-way bet pays out at a fraction of the win odds, resulting in lower returns than a straight win bet.
  • Increased stake: Each-way bets require double the stake of a single win bet, which can impact your overall betting bankroll.

Conclusion

Understanding each-way (EW) betting is essential for anyone looking to expand their betting options and develop a well-rounded wagering strategy. By learning how each-way bets work and when to consider placing them, you can make more informed decisions and potentially increase your chances of generating a return from your bets.