What is Extra Places?

How Extra Places Work

In a standard each-way bet, the number of places paid and the place fraction (for example, one-quarter of the win odds) are set by the bookmaker's standard terms, which are usually tied to the size of the field. Extra places is a promotion where a bookmaker voluntarily extends the number of qualifying places beyond those standard terms, typically to attract business on a high-profile or competitive race such as the Grand National or a big handicap.

Because it is a concession, the terms vary between bookmakers and between races. One firm might offer five places at one-fifth the win odds on a handicap where standard terms would be four places at one-quarter. Another might offer the same number of extra places but keep the fraction at one-quarter. Rule 4 deductions still apply to extra-place offers just as they do to any each-way bet, so a late non-runner can reduce your return even if your selection finishes in one of the extra-place positions.

Worked Example

Suppose a bookmaker offers five places at one-fifth the win odds on a 20-runner handicap, where standard terms would be four places at one-quarter. You place a £5 each-way bet (£10 total) on a horse at 20-1. Your selection finishes fifth. Under standard terms, fifth place would not be paid. Under the extra-place promotion, it qualifies. Your place return is calculated as: 20 divided by 5 equals 4-1, so £5 at 4-1 returns £25 (£20 profit plus £5 stake). The win part of the bet is lost.

Notice that the place fraction here is one-fifth rather than the more generous one-quarter that standard four-place terms would have used for finishing positions one to four. That means a horse finishing second, third, or fourth actually returns slightly less under this promotion than it would under standard terms with the higher fraction. This trade-off — more places but a smaller fraction — is common and worth understanding before assuming an extra-place offer always improves your position.

Why Extra Places Matter When Judging a Tipster

When a tipster advises an each-way bet, the profit or loss recorded in their results should reflect the odds and terms actually available at the time the tip was issued. If a tipster routinely targets races where extra-place promotions are available and factors those into their staking or selection strategy, that is legitimate, provided it is clearly disclosed. Problems arise when results are recorded at enhanced each-way terms that were not widely available, or when advised odds cannot be replicated by a follower using standard bookmaker terms.

From a follower's perspective, extra-place promotions require action: you need to identify which bookmaker is offering them, check whether the fraction has changed, and place the bet before the promotion closes or the race fills up. Tipsters who rely heavily on these offers without flagging them clearly create a gap between their published results and what a follower can realistically achieve. When reviewing a tipster's track record on TipsterCheck, look at whether each-way results are proofed to standard terms or to enhanced each-way terms, as this can materially affect the apparent yield.

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