# Ten checks before you place an each-way bet

> Ten checks before you place an each-way bet on a UK horse race: age, licence, GAMSTOP, limits, places, fraction, price, Rule 4 and total cost.

Source: https://eachwayatlas.uk/each-way/before-you-bet-each-way-checklist/
Updated: 2026-11-07

Check ten things before you confirm an each-way bet: your age, the operator's licence record, its domain, GAMSTOP, your limits, the places and fraction, the runner count, the price, Rule 4 and dead-heat wording, and the total cost. If any of the first five fails, do not deposit or bet.

## How do you use the list?

Go through the checks from top to bottom. Each row names the place to look and what counts as a fail, so you can answer yes or no without guessing.

The first five concern safety and are worth doing once per bookmaker. The last five concern the bet itself and should be repeated for every race.

**The short version:** checks 1 to 5 are done once per bookmaker, and checks 6 to 10 are done for every bet.

## What are the ten checks?

**Ten checks before an each-way bet · sources: Gambling Commission public register, GAMSTOP, operator rules · checked 7 November 2026**

| Check | Where to look | Treat it as a fail if |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Age and identity | Operator sign-up and verification page | You are under 18, or you cannot complete identity verification |
| 2. Licence record | Gambling Commission public register, business search | The status is anything other than Active, or the activity is not General Betting Standard – Real Event Remote |
| 3. Domain on the register | The licensee's domain names page on the register | The address you use is missing, Inactive, or listed as White Label without a named operator |
| 4. GAMSTOP | GAMSTOP list of participating companies | The operator does not appear on the list |
| 5. Limits | Account settings, deposit limit | You cannot set a deposit limit before you bet |
| 6. Places and fraction | Racecard and bet slip each-way line | The slip does not show the places and fraction for this race |
| 7. Runners and race type | Racecard header | You have not counted the runners or noted whether it is a handicap |
| 8. Price | Odds at one or more other bookmakers | You have not compared the win price as well as the places |
| 9. Non-runner, Rule 4 and dead heat | Operator rules page | You cannot find how deductions and shared finishes are settled |
| 10. Total cost and free-bet conditions | Bet slip total; offer terms | The total is not twice the unit stake, or a free bet's conditions are unclear |

The register is at [gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register/businesses](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register/businesses). The scheme is at [gamstop.co.uk](https://www.gamstop.co.uk).

**The short version:** each check has a named source and a clear fail condition.

## Which red flags should stop you?

Stop if you see any of these, whatever the offer says.

- A site that asks for money before it has checked your age or identity.
- A site that cannot be found on the Gambling Commission register for betting.
- Language that promises a result, such as a claim that a bet cannot lose.
- Pressure to bet quickly, or a timer attached to an offer.

None of these is a normal part of a licensed betting service. Walk away and do not enter payment details.

**The short version:** a missing licence record or a promise of results is a reason to leave, not to compare.

## What should you do if a check fails?

If any of checks 1 to 5 fails, do not deposit and do not place the bet. If a check from 6 to 10 fails, fix it before you confirm: re-read the slip, open the rules, or compare the price.

For the sums behind check 10, see [how to work out each-way returns](https://eachwayatlas.uk/each-way/how-to-work-out-each-way-returns/) and the [each-way returns calculator](https://eachwayatlas.uk/each-way/each-way-returns-calculator/). To read terms on the slip, follow [how to find place terms](https://eachwayatlas.uk/each-way/read-place-terms-on-a-racecard/).

**The short version:** fail any early check and the bet does not happen.

## Where can you get help?

18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Only bet what you can afford to lose and set limits.

National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 is free and open 24/7. You can also read [GambleAware](https://www.gambleaware.org) or block your betting accounts with [GAMSTOP](https://www.gamstop.co.uk).

**The short version:** free, confidential help is available at any hour on 0808 8020 133.