What Is an Each Way Double? Explained for Beginners

An each way double is most common in horse racing and greyhound racing. It’s basically two each-way selections linked together, which means you’re betting on both to win, and also betting on both to place. That’s why it can feel like “one bet”, but it behaves like multiple bets under the hood.

What Does an Each Way Double Mean?

An each-way bet is two bets in one:

• Win part: your selection must win.

• Place part: your selection must finish in the paid places (the number of places depends on the race and the bookmaker’s place terms).

An each way double combines two selections into a double on:

• the win side (both must win), and

• the place side (both must place).

Straight double vs each-way double

• Straight double: win-only. Both selections must win.

• Each-way double: win + place. You’re effectively running a win double and a place double at the same time.

How Does an Each Way Double Work?

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Choose two selections (usually two horses in two races, or two greyhounds in two races).

2. Select Each-Way Double on the bet slip.

3. Your stake is split into win stake and place stake for each selection (each-way bets are two bets in one).

4. The bookmaker applies place terms (example: “1/5 odds, 1–3 places” for a race, or different terms in golf events).

Practical point: an each-way double is commonly treated as four linked bets (two win bets and two place bets) when calculating the final return.

Example Outcomes

Assume two selections: Horse A and Horse B.

• Both win:

  • Win double pays, and place double pays. Best-case outcome.

• One wins, one places:

  • Win double loses (because both didn’t win).

  • Place double can still pay if both are in the places (a winner counts as “placed” in standard each-way settlement).

• Both place (neither wins):

  • Win double loses.

  • Place double pays (often smaller returns, depends heavily on odds and terms).

• One loses:

  • Win double loses.

  • Place double also loses (because both must place).

Each Way Double in Simple Terms

It’s two each-way bets linked together, so you’re doubling up on both the risk and the potential payout.

How to Calculate Winnings on an Each Way Double

Manual Calculation Explained

You calculate two separate doubles:

1. Win Double return

2. Place Double return (using reduced place odds, e.g., 1/5 or 1/4 of the win odds)

Then you add them together.

Worked example (fractional odds)

• Stake: €5 each-way double

  • This is usually €5 win + €5 place (total stake €10)

• Horse A odds: 10/1

• Horse B odds: 6/1

• Place terms: 1/5 odds, 1–3 places (example terms, always check the slip)

Step 1: Convert place odds

• Horse A place odds: 10/1 × 1/5 = 2/1

• Horse B place odds: 6/1 × 1/5 = 6/5

Step 2: Calculate win double

• Win double odds: 10/1 × 6/1

• In decimal terms: (11.0) × (7.0) = 77.0

• Win return = €5 × 77.0 = €385.00

Step 3: Calculate place double

• Place decimals:

  • 2/1 = 3.0

  • 6/5 = 2.2

• Place double decimal = 3.0 × 2.2 = 6.6

• Place return = €5 × 6.6 = €33.00

Total return (if both win) = €385.00 + €33.00 = €418.00
Total stake was €10, so profit would be €408.00 (before any rule adjustments like dead heats).

Important: place terms vary by event and bookmaker, and golf often has place terms like “top X places” at a fraction of odds.

Using an Each Way Double Calculator

A calculator is useful because it can account for:

• Different place terms (1/4, 1/5, extra places, etc.)

• Stake splits

• Decimal vs fractional conversions

Some bookmakers also offer built-in bet calculators for doubles.

Each Way Double vs Other Bet Types

Each Way Double vs Single Each Way Bet

• Single each-way: one selection, win + place.

• Each-way double: two selections, both linked, higher variance.

Each Way Double vs Straight Double

• Straight double: win-only, simpler, usually higher “all-or-nothing”.

• Each-way double: gives a second way to return money (place side), but both legs still need to place for that part to pay.

Each Way vs Win Betting

Each-way can make sense when:

• You’re taking bigger prices and want a “finish in the places” cushion.

• The place terms are strong (more places, better fraction).

When Should You Use Each Way Doubles?

Each-way doubles usually make more sense when:

• Both selections are medium to bigger odds (short odds can make the place part feel underwhelming).

• Both have a realistic chance to hit the frame, not just a “needs everything to go perfect” win-only profile.

• The race type offers decent place terms (bigger fields often pay more places, and promotions may add extra places).

They also show up in golf where place terms are often expanded (top 5, top 8, top 10 depending on market).

Tips and Strategies for Each Way Double Betting

Key Situations to Use Each Way Doubles

• Two solid place chances, not two “all-or-nothing” outsiders.

• Competitive races where the market may overprice a consistent placer.

• Clear reasoning per leg (form, course fit, draw, going, pace angle), not just vibes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring place terms: the fraction and number of places change everything.

• Using short-priced favourites each-way: you often don’t get much back for a place.

• Forgetting it’s compounding risk: one weak leg can sink both the win and place doubles.

Bankroll and Risk Management

• Keep stakes modest. Doubles amplify variance.

• If you’re testing the bet type, start with tiny stakes and treat it like paying for learning, not paying for rent.

Each Way Doubles Across Different Sports

Horse Racing

This is the classic home of each-way doubles. Place terms depend on runners and race type, and are shown on the market/betslip.

Greyhound Racing

Each-way betting exists, but place terms can be tighter (often fewer places). It’s still typically structured as win + place.

Golf and Other Sports

Golf each-way markets commonly pay on “top X places” at a fraction of odds, which can make each-way doubles appealing, but also more complex.

Pros and Cons of Each Way Doubles

Advantages

• More ways to return than a straight double (place side exists).

• Can be good value when both picks are proper each-way profiles (price + place chance).

• Works well in some formats like golf with expanded places.

Disadvantages

• If one selection fails to place, the place double is dead.

• Payouts can be confusing because you’re combining win and place doubles (effectively multiple bets).

• Rule edge cases matter more (dead heats, non-runners, deductions).

Frequently Asked Questions about Each Way Doubles

What happens if one horse doesn’t run?
It depends on the market and rules (and whether “non-runner no bet” applies). In many setups, the leg may be treated as void and the bet recalculated, but rules vary by operator and bet type. Some bookmakers explicitly offer “non-runner money back” on selected markets.

Can I place an each-way double online?
Yes. Most online sportsbooks that offer each-way betting also allow each-way doubles through the bet slip.

Do bookmakers offer each-way doubles on all races?
Not always. It depends on whether an each-way market is offered for that event (and whether place terms are available).

Are there restrictions for bonus or free bets?
Often, yes. Bonus eligibility and settlement rules can differ for each-way, multiples, and specific payment methods. Always check promo terms on the operator.

How are dead heats handled in each-way doubles?
Dead heats can reduce returns because the stake can be split across tied positions depending on the rules. Operators describe dead heat settlement as joint winners and apply a dead heat factor.

Final Thoughts – Are Each Way Doubles Worth It?

When Each Way Doubles Make Sense

They can make sense when you’ve got two strong place candidates at sensible prices, and the place terms are fair. They’re usually not a great fit for tiny odds or for “two wild swings and hope”.

Quick Summary of Pros and Cons

Responsible Gambling Reminder

Keep stakes small, don’t chase losses, and take breaks. If it stops feeling fun, press pause and get support.