Each way betting

[Wheat]

Mods, not sure if this belongs in the Lounge or in Sport.. I'll place it in Lounge, so apologies if it needs moved..

I don't often bet but a friend and I were having a flutter on Cheltenham races yesterday. I always play safe and bet each way. But he reckons that the rule of thumb is anything less than a 5/1 shot and it's not worth putting it on each way, only worth to bet on the win.

Is this common practice in the betting world? Surely it's better to get some of your money back for a second or third place? Even if it is not the full amount. And I know you don't get as much for a win but at least the risks are a lot less.

[Frenchda]

I rarely bet as well, when I go to the races the money I take I have already written off. I only bet on nags 10/1 and above, the reasoning being that if I win it is a nice big win. Never works though

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Wheat said:

Mods, not sure if this belongs in the Lounge or in Sport.. I'll place it in Lounge, so apologies if it needs moved..

I don't often bet but a friend and I were having a flutter on Cheltenham races yesterday. I always play safe and bet each way. But he reckons that the rule of thumb is anything less than a 5/1 shot and it's not worth putting it on each way, only worth to bet on the win.

Is this common practice in the betting world? Surely it's better to get some of your money back for a second or third place? Even if it is not the full amount. And I know you don't get as much for a win but at least the risks are a lot less.

If you're that concerned about level of risk and minimising losses, then perhaps you shouldn't be betting on the geegees at all.

I don't bet often, but when I do, it's with money that I assume I am going to spend to have a good time. Like going out for a meal. I don't stare at the menu picking the cheapest dishes to mitigate my financial loss, I just want to have a nice time.

When I go horseracing or the dogs (about once every couple of years) I take a some of money, usually about £50, and that is to be spent. If I come home with more than £50 or with any money, then great. If not, then I'm not sticking my head in the oven. But I've had a good time.

[FredClogs]

Every gambler has a system and their own little rules and rituals, it's a means if rationalising their addiction.

[Vaud]

FredClogs said:

Every gambler has a system and their own little rules and rituals, it's a means if rationalising their addiction.

Not always. I gamble once a year at the Boxing day races. Take £20, bet on the nags or the name and don't re-bet any winnings. Its fool proof - I lose £20 every year.

[ben5732]

pretty much anything less than a 5/1 is worthless as each way. You need to find out if the race itself is a 1/4 or a 1/5 of the odds each way... so say you have £1 EW on a 5/1 shot... lets say it's second so it doesn't win but is placed. So you'd do 5 divided by 1 then if it's a 1/5 of the odds you'd divide the result of thr first equation by 5 so that equals 1.. add your stake back onto it that equals 2... paid for your bet overall. anything less than 5/1 therefor even if its placed won't get you your money back therein is a waste of time. (bit long winded but I'm on my phone!)

[M888SXY]

Short priced each way can be useful in patents, Lucky 15 etc.