Each Way 1/5 Odds Explained (Beginner-Friendly Guide)
If you bet on horse racing, you have definitely seen “each way 1/5 odds” on the race card, boosts, or promos. It looks simple, but once you try to work out the exact returns, the maths starts to get messy.
This guide is each way 1/5 odds explained from scratch. You will learn:
What an each way bet actually is
What “1/5 odds” means in practice
How to calculate your returns step by step
When each way odds make sense, and when they are a waste of stake
How VivatBet compares on each way odds and why their offers, including free spins, are worth a look
We will keep it clear, honest, and realistic. No fake “guaranteed systems,” no nonsense. Just straight talk on each way odds so you can make better decisions with your own betting.
What Is an Each Way Bet?
Before we get into each way 1/5 odds, you need the basic structure of an each way bet locked in.
Two bets in one
An each way bet is really two separate bets on the same selection:
Win part – your horse (or golfer, etc.) must win the event.
Place part – your selection must finish in one of the “place” positions.
For horse racing, this is usually top 2, 3, 4, or more, depending on the race type and the bookmaker’s terms.
If you stake €10 each way, your total stake is €20:
€10 on the win
€10 on the place
Bookmakers and education sites all describe it this way: a single each way bet is “a win bet plus a place bet of equal stake.”
What Does Each Way 1/5 Odds Mean?
Now the key bit: each way 1/5 odds.
When a race card says, “Each Way: 1/5 odds, 1–2–3–4 places,” it is telling you how the place part of your bet is priced:
“1/5 odds” means the place part is paid at one-fifth of the win odds.
“1–2–3–4 places” shows which finishing positions count as a place.
Example:
Your horse is 10/1 (fractional odds).
Each way place terms: 1/5 odds, 1–2–3–4 places.
You place a €10 each way bet (total €20).
We will walk through the maths next.
How to Calculate Each Way 1/5 Odds (Step-by-Step)
Let’s keep this very simple.
Example 1: 10/1 at 1/5 odds, €10 each way
Odds: 10/1
Each way terms: 1/5 odds, 4 places
Stake: €10 each way = €10 win + €10 place = €20 total
If your horse wins:
Win part
Profit = stake × odds = €10 × 10 = €100
Return = €100 profit + €10 stake = €110
Place part
Place odds = 10/1 × 1/5
10 × 1/5 = 2, so place odds = 2/1
Profit = €10 × 2 = €20
Return = €20 profit + €10 stake = €30
Total return
€110 (win) + €30 (place) = €140
Net profit = €140 – €20 total stake = €120
If your horse places but does not win (finishes 2nd–4th):
Win part loses (-€10)
Place part still pays out at 2/1:
Return = €30
Net profit = €30 – €20 total stake = €10
So, with each way 1/5 odds at 10/1:
Win: €120 net profit
Place only: €10 net profit
Unplaced: lose the full €20 stake
Example 2: 7/2 at 1/5 odds, €10 each way
Some guides use 7/2 to show the maths.
Odds: 7/2 (which is 3.5 in decimal)
Place odds at 1/5: 3.5 × 1/5 = 0.7, which is 7/10
With €10 on the place:
Profit = €10 × 0.7 = €7
Return = €7 + €10 stake = €17
The key takeaway: each way odds on the place part are just the main odds reduced by the fraction (here 1/5).
1/5 vs 1/4 Each Way Odds: Why It Matters
Not all each way odds are the same. Common place fractions are:
1/5 odds
1/4 odds
A 1/4 place term pays more on the place part than 1/5, for the same starting price.
Quick comparison at 8/1, €10 place stake
At 1/5 odds:
Place odds = 8 × 1/5 = 1.6/1
Profit = €10 × 1.6 = €16
Return = €26
At 1/4 odds:
Place odds = 8 × 1/4 = 2/1
Profit = €10 × 2 = €20
Return = €30
Difference: €4 extra on the place part alone.
So, when you compare bookmakers, look at:
Place fraction (1/5 vs 1/4)
Number of places paid (3 vs 4 vs 5, etc.)
Odds on the selection itself
Golf and big racing events are classic examples where bookies compete with extra each way places and 1/5 odds.
When Each Way 1/5 Odds Makes Sense (And When It Doesn’t)
Each way is not “always safer.” Sometimes it is just a more expensive way to back a favourite.
Good spots to use each way odds
Each way 1/5 odds often makes sense when:
Your selection is double-figure odds (10/1, 12/1, 16/1, etc.).
The race has plenty of runners (so place terms cover more positions).
The bookmaker is paying extra places (e.g. 5 or 6 places at 1/5 odds).
You think the horse is very likely to run well but might find one too good.
Here, the place part has realistic value. You are not just paying extra for nothing.
Bad spots to use each way odds
Each way 1/5 odds is usually poor value when:
The selection is a short-priced favourite (e.g. 2/1, 6/4).
The race has few runners and standard terms (e.g. 7 runners, 1/5 odds 1–2).
You only really care about the horse winning.
In those cases, you may be better off with a straight win bet, or no bet at all.
How Bookmakers Set Each Way Place Terms
Each way 1/5 odds is not always automatic. The place terms depend on:
Race type (handicap or non-handicap)
Number of runners
Event size (big festivals often have enhanced places)
Industry guides for major races like the Grand National and big meetings explain this clearly: standard each way terms increase with more runners, while some bookmakers offer extra places as promotions.
Typical horse racing examples:
8–11 runners, non-handicap: 1/5 odds, 1–2–3 places
12–15 runners: 1/4 odds, 1–2–3
16+ runner handicap: 1/4 or 1/5 odds, 1–2–3–4
Always check the race card and the each way line before confirming your bet.
Each Way Odds in Other Sports (Golf, etc.)
Each way is huge in golf betting:
You back a player each way.
Win part: player must win the tournament.
Place part: player must finish in any of the paid places.
For the Majors, bookies often pay 1/5 odds across 8, 10, or even 12 places to attract punters.
The maths is the same as horse racing. The only difference is how many places are paid.
Common Mistakes with Each Way 1/5 Odds
A lot of punters misunderstand each way odds. Here are the big errors to avoid.
1. Thinking each way “doubles your chances” for free
No. It doubles your stake, not your chances. You pay for the extra safety via the second bet.
2. Ignoring the place fraction
If you do not look at the fraction (1/5 vs 1/4), you may miss value or overpay for the place.
3. Forgetting the total stake
A “€10 each way” bet is €20 total. For serious staking, this matters.
4. Using each way on very short prices
On horses under, say, 3/1, the place part is usually poor value and ties up extra stake for a tiny return, especially at 1/5 odds.
Bankroll Management with Each Way Odds
Because an each way bet doubles your stake, it needs to fit into a sensible staking plan.
Some simple approaches:
Fixed stake per race
Example: never risk more than 1–2% of your total bankroll per race.
If you go each way, that full risk is split between win and place.
Fixed each way amount
Example: always €5 each way when you play bigger prices, and no more.
Stop losses and daily limits
Decide your max loss for the day and stick to it, whether you play win only or each way.
Matched betting and education blogs regularly highlight that each way betting can be powerful, but only when combined with strict bankroll rules.
How VivatBet Compares on Each Way Odds and Offers
Different bookmakers compete using:
Extra each way places
Enhanced each way odds (consistent 1/5 odds in more races)
Odds boosts and promotions
Reviews and bonus roundups show that VivatBet runs competitive casino and sportsbook offers, including free spins bonuses and welcome packages for new players.
While exact offers change over time, you can generally expect:
Solid each way pricing across major Irish and UK racing
Regular enhanced place races on big meetings and festivals
Casino offers like free spins that complement your sports betting balance
To stay compliant and safe:
Always read the terms and conditions on VivatBet’s promotions page before opting in.
Check the each way line for the race (fraction and places).
Never chase offers just for the sake of it. Use them when they genuinely add value to your normal staking.
Worked Example: Comparing Each Way 1/5 Odds Across Bookies
If two bookmakers offer:
Bookie A: 10/1, each way 1/4 odds, 3 places
Bookie B: 10/1, each way 1/5 odds, 4 places
Which is better depends on your view:
If you think the horse is likely to win or run very close, 1/4 odds with fewer places may be better (higher place returns).
If you think the horse is more likely to sneak into 4th, 1/5 odds with extra place is more useful.
Golf and big handicaps show exactly this trade-off: more places vs better place fraction.
Use that thinking when you see VivatBet running extra-place offers or specials on major racing cards.
Responsible Gambling and Each Way Odds
Because betting content is a YMYL-adjacent topic (it can affect someone’s financial stability), it is important to emphasise this clearly.
Each way 1/5 odds does not remove risk. It spreads risk between win and place.
Even with each way odds, you can still lose your entire stake.
No staking system (Martingale, level stakes, “each way thief” strategies) can remove the house edge over the long term.
If you feel pressure to recover losses, or you are betting with money you need for bills, pause and seek help. Many Irish charities and helplines support people with gambling harm.
Quick FAQ: Each Way 1/5 Odds Explained
What does “each way 1/5 odds” mean?
It means your bet is split into a win bet and a place bet. The place part pays out at one-fifth of the win odds if your selection finishes in a place position.
What are “each way odds”?
“Each way odds” are simply the odds used for the win part and the reduced odds used for the place part (for example, win at 10/1, place at 2/1 if the terms are 1/5 odds).
Is each way always better than a win bet?
No. Each way 1/5 odds makes sense mainly at bigger prices and in races with solid place terms. On short favourites, a straight win bet usually makes more sense.
Do all bookies offer the same each way terms?
No. Place fractions and the number of places vary. Some bookmakers offer more places at big festivals or in golf events to attract punters. Always check the race terms and the each way line.
Why does this matter for my betting?
Because the difference between 1/4 and 1/5 odds, or 3 places versus 5 places, directly affects your returns and long-term edge. Small numbers add up over a season.
Final Thoughts: Using Each Way 1/5 Odds Smartly
If you remember nothing else from this guide, keep these points in your back pocket:
An each way bet is two bets: win plus place.
Each way 1/5 odds means the place part pays at one-fifth of the win odds.
It works best on bigger-priced selections in decent-sized fields with fair place terms.
Compare odds, place fraction, and number of places across bookies before you stake.
Use VivatBet’s competitive offers, including free spins and enhanced terms, to support a disciplined betting strategy, not to chase losses.
Play within limits, treat betting as entertainment, and use guides like this to understand the numbers before you click “Confirm”.
