# Can you use a free bet on an each-way bet? > Whether a free bet can be used each way is set by the operator's terms. How the return splits into win and place parts, and which conditions to read first. Source: https://eachwayatlas.uk/extra-places/free-bets-and-each-way/ Updated: 2026-11-07 Whether a free bet can be used on an each-way bet is decided by the operator's terms for that offer, so it is Not verified on 7 November 2026 for any named bookmaker. If it is allowed, the return divides into a win part and a place part, and the stake is normally not paid back with the winnings. ## Facts to record Free bet terms change quickly, so we recheck them every seven days and mark an old row as out of date. **Free bets used each way, UK racing: operators' offer terms · status on 7 November 2026** | Condition | What we record | Value on 7 November 2026 | |---|---|---| | Each-way allowed | Yes or no, in the operator's words | Not verified | | Stake returned | Whether the return includes the free stake | Not verified | | Time limit | Days to use the free bet | Not verified | | Minimum odds | The lowest price that qualifies | Not verified | **The short version:** each condition is recorded for at least three operators before we describe any of them. ## How the return is split An each-way bet is two bets of equal size. The win part pays on the full odds if the horse wins. The place part pays on a fraction of the odds if the horse finishes in a paying position. A free bet that is allowed each way is divided into the same two parts, but the way it is divided is a point in the terms. For the basic arithmetic, see [how to work out each-way returns](https://eachwayatlas.uk/each-way/how-to-work-out-each-way-returns/). **The short version:** the free stake funds both parts, and only the profit comes back. ## Why the stake does not come back With cash, a winning bet returns your stake and the profit. A free bet is a stake the operator pays for you, so the return is the profit alone. The difference is explained in [what a free bet is](https://eachwayatlas.uk/extra-places/what-is-a-free-bet/). It matters most on short odds, where the stake is a large share of a normal return. **The short version:** the same winning bet returns less with a free stake than with cash. ## Example You use a £10 free bet each way, assumed here to be split into two £5 parts, on a horse at 8/1. The place fraction is 1/4, and the stake is not returned. - Horse wins: win part profit is £5 × 8 = £40. Place odds are 8/1 × 1/4 = 2/1, so place profit is £5 × 2 = £10. Total return £50. - Horse places only: the win part returns £0, and the place part returns £10. - Horse unplaced: £0. **The short version:** a winning each-way free bet returns £50 here, and a placed one returns £10. ## Conditions to read Read the whole list on [ten things to read in an offer](https://eachwayatlas.uk/extra-places/offer-conditions-checklist/). Adverts must show significant conditions beside the offer, which [the rule on significant conditions](https://eachwayatlas.uk/extra-places/significant-conditions-rule/) sets out. If the offer has a turnover requirement, the [offer turnover calculator](https://eachwayatlas.uk/extra-places/offer-turnover-calculator/) shows the sum. ## Before you bet 18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7). More on [responsible gambling](https://eachwayatlas.uk/responsible-gambling/). ## How we checked No operator's free bet terms have been read yet, and the example is our own arithmetic on an assumed split. Terms are reread every seven days. If a row is older, it shows Data out of date. ## What changed 7 November 2026: page created with mechanism and example; operator conditions pending. ## FAQ **Is my free bet stake paid back if I win?** Normally a free bet is a stake paid for you, so only the profit is returned. The operator's terms confirm this for each offer. **Is the free bet split into two equal parts?** An each-way bet has a win part and a place part of equal size. How a free bet of a set value is divided between them is a condition to read in the offer. **Which conditions should I read first?** Whether each-way is allowed, whether the stake is returned, the time limit and any minimum odds.