Grand National Each Way Offers & Extra Places 2026

The Grand National is unlike any other race on the calendar. With its famously huge field, unpredictable fences, and marathon distance, it creates the perfect environment for each-way betting to shine. Bookmakers know this too, which is why the Grand National is the one event where you’ll regularly see enhanced place terms, extra places, and special promotions designed to attract punters.

This page will give you a clear, straightforward introduction to how each way betting works for the Grand National, highlight the best offers available for 2026, and help you spot where the strongest value can be found.

Best Grand National Each Way Offers

Before we get into specific bookie each-way terms, let’s take a look at the most competitive free bet offers for the Grand National:

What Is an Each Way Offer?

An each-way offer is a bookmaker promotion that improves the standard place terms on an each-way bet. This usually means either paying out on more finishing places than normal or boosting the odds fraction used for the place part of the bet. These enhanced terms give bettors a better chance of getting a return, making each-way betting more appealing, especially in big‑field races like the Grand National.

How We Rank Grand National Each Way Offers

At oddschecker, we make sure we are providing all the details when it comes to important promotions such as each-way extra places. We compare each-way offers by focusing on the factors that genuinely affect your potential returns, ensuring you are able to find the best offers that are most suited to your needs. The key elements include:

• Number of Places Paid – More places mean a higher chance your horse qualifies for a payout.
• Odds Fraction – A stronger fraction (e.g., 1/4 instead of 1/5) increases the value of the place part of your bet.
• Overall Value – We look at how the offer performs relative to the market, ensuring it isn’t offset by reduced win odds or other limitations.
• Consistency and Fairness – Bookmakers that regularly provide clear, reliable terms score higher, helping bettors feel confident in what they’re getting.

This approach keeps the ranking transparent and helps bettors quickly identify which offers provide the strongest real‑world value.

Grand National Each Way Places Comparison

Bookmakers can vary widely in how many places they pay out for the Grand National, and these differences can have a big impact on your potential returns. Some stick to standard terms, while others offer extended place payouts to attract bettors during major racing events like the Grand National.

This comparison gives you a quick, at‑a‑glance view of which bookmakers are offering the most places, so you don’t need to dig through each individual promotion.

Grand National Extra Places Table

Below is a table showcasing how many places each bookmaker is offering for the Grand National. We will keep this updated if anything changes as we get closer to the race:

This table was last updated 09/04/2026

Which Bookmaker Is Paying the Most Places for Grand National?

As things stand, Sky Bet is paying the most places for the 2026 Grand National with 7. They are the only bookmaker to be offering this number of places, and we expect them to top this table on raceday.

There are multiple bookmakers offering 5 or 6 places for the Grand National. The following bookies are each paying 6 places at 1/5 of the odds:

• Bet365
• Betfair
• Unibet
• Betfred
• BetVictor
• Spreadex
• BetMGM
• Star Sports
• Paddy Power
• Sporting Index
• Virgin Bet
• PricedUp
• QuinnBet
• Betway
• Bresbet

Grand National Extra Places Explained

Extra places are bookmaker promotions that increase the number of finishing positions paid out on an each-way bet. Instead of sticking to the standard place terms, bookmakers expand the number of places for major races like the Grand National, where large fields make it harder to pick a winner.

By offering extra places, bookmakers give bettors more chances to get a return, even if their horse doesn’t finish near the very top. This makes each-way betting especially appealing during big events.

How Many Places Are Paid in the Grand National?

Standard each-way terms for a race the size of the Grand National typically pay four places, but this is usually enhanced by most bookies. Weeks before the race, most bookies will offer 4 or 5 places, but this will normally increase during Grand National week.

During Grand National week, we may see some bookies offering even more places, often 6, 7, or even 8. This is why shopping around is so key, as you will often find increased value with some bookmakers.

Extra Places vs Standard Each Way Terms

Extra place offers give bettors a noticeably stronger safety net compared to standard each way terms. In big field races like the Grand National, where up to 40 runners take part, it can make it far harder to land a top four finish, so these enhanced terms can make a real difference.

By increasing the number of places paid, bookmakers effectively widen the margin for a successful bet, allowing more selections to return a profit or at least reduce losses. This added flexibility is especially valuable for those backing outsiders or looking for consistent each-way value across the field.

How Each Way Betting Works (Grand National)

Each-way betting is one of the most popular ways to bet on the Grand National because it offers a balance of risk and reward. Instead of placing a single bet on your horse to win, an each-way bet splits your stake into two separate bets.

1. The Win Bet: Your horse must finish 1st for this part to pay out.
2. The Place Bet: Your horse only needs to finish within a certain number of places (e.g., top 5) for this part to return a profit.

Because the Grand National features up to 40 runners, the chance of picking the outright winner is relatively low. Each way betting gives you a safety net by allowing you to earn a return even if your horse doesn’t win but still performs well. This is why bookmakers often enhance place terms for this race, as it’s a perfect fit for each-way bettors looking for value and reduced risk.

Each Way Betting Example (Grand National)

To make things clear, here’s a step by step example showing how an each-way bet is settled:

Bet: £10 each way (£20 total stake)
Horse Odds: 20/1
Place Terms: 1/5 odds, 5 places

If the horse wins the Grand National:

• Win Part:
  £10 at 20/1 returns £200 profit
• Place Part:
  £10 at 20/1 × 1/5 = £40 profit
• Total Return:
  £200 + £40 + £20 stake = £260

You get paid for both the win and the place because the horse finished 1st.

If the horse finishes 2nd–5th:

• Win Part:
  Loses
• Place Part:
  £10 at 20/1 × 1/5 = £40 profit
• Total Return:
  £40 profit + £10 place stake = £50

Even though the horse didn’t win, you still make a profit on the place part of the bet.

If the horse finishes outside the places:

• Both parts lose
• Total loss = £20 stake

This example shows why each way betting is so popular for the Grand National, you don’t need to pick the winner to walk away with money.

What Does 1/5 Odds 5 Places Mean?

When bookmakers advertise terms like 1/5 odds, 5 places, they’re describing exactly how the place part of your each way bet will be settled.

1/5 Odds (the odds fraction)

This tells you the fraction of the win odds used to calculate the place payout.

• If your horse is 25/1, the place odds become 5/1 (because 25 ÷ 5 = 5).
• If your horse is 10/1, the place odds become 2/1.

The lower the fraction (e.g., 1/5 instead of 1/4), the smaller the place payout, but bookmakers often use 1/5 when offering extra places.

5 Places (the number of finishing positions paid)

This tells you how far down the finishing order your horse can finish and still return a profit on the place part of your bet.

• With 5 places, finishing 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th counts as a place.

These terms are crucial in big races like the Grand National, where the number of places paid can vary dramatically between bookmakers, and that variation can significantly affect your potential returns.

Grand National Each Way Strategy & Tips

Each way betting on the Grand National is all about balancing risk and reward in a race where unpredictability is the norm. With 40 runners, challenging fences, and a long distance, even favourites can struggle, which is why a smart each way approach can make a big difference. The key is to look for value, whether that’s understanding when extra places matter, when bigger odds are worth taking, or which types of horses are most likely to deliver a return.

A good approach blends form analysis with bookmaker comparison. Look for horses that are likely to complete the race, compare how many places each bookmaker is paying, and decide whether you want the security of extra places or the upside of bigger odds. The goal isn’t to overcomplicate things — it’s to put yourself in the best position to profit from a race where chaos is part of the appeal.

Here are some core strategic principles bettors can rely on:

• Prioritise value, not just price — a slightly shorter price with more places can be worth far more.
• Back horses that stay the trip — stamina and jumping reliability matter more than raw speed in the Grand National.
• Use extra places wisely — they’re often the difference between a winning and losing day.
• Don’t chase longshots blindly — big odds are tempting, but consistency is key for each way bets.
• Compare bookmakers every time — place terms can vary massively for this race.

Extra Places vs Bigger Odds

One of the biggest decisions Grand National bettors face is whether to take more places or bigger odds. Bookmakers often force this trade off, as those offering extra places may reduce the odds slightly, while those offering standout odds may stick to fewer places. Here’s how to think about the trade off:

When Extra Places Offer More Value

• You’re backing a horse at mid range or bigger odds (e.g., 20/1–50/1)
• You believe the horse is consistent, stays the trip, or is likely to complete the race
• You want a safer, more conservative bet with a higher chance of a return
• The bookmaker is offering 6, 7, or 8 places, significantly improving your chances

Extra places are especially valuable in the Grand National because so many horses fall, fade, or get blocked — finishing 6th or 7th can still be a strong run.

When Bigger Odds Offer More Value

• You’re backing a horse you genuinely think can win, not just place
• You’re taking a shorter place structure (e.g., 4 or 5 places) but getting much higher odds
• You’re betting on a horse with strong winning potential but perhaps less consistency
• The difference in odds is significant enough to outweigh the extra places

For example, if one bookmaker offers 33/1 with 5 places and another offers 20/1 with 8 places, the choice depends on whether you want maximum upside (33/1) or maximum safety (8 places).

Best Horses for Each Way Betting

Not every horse is suited to an each-way bet in the Grand National. The best each-way selections tend to fall into a few clear categories:

1. Mid Range Odds Horses (14/1–33/1)
   These runners often offer the perfect balance of value and reliability. They’re usually strong enough to compete but not so short in price that the place return becomes small.
2. Consistent Performers
   Look for horses that regularly finish their races, jump well, and stay on strongly. In the Grand National, simply completing the course puts a horse in contention for a place.
3. Proven Stayers
   Horses that perform well over long distances (3 miles or more) are ideal each-way picks. The Grand National’s extreme trip exposes weak stamina quickly.
4. Course Specialists or Previous National Runners
   Horses that have run well at Aintree or in previous Nationals often repeat the performance. Course experience is a major advantage.
5. Solid Outsiders With Strong Profiles
   Occasionally, a horse at 40/1+ has the right mix of stamina, jumping ability, and form to sneak into the places. These are great each way opportunities, especially with extra places available.

Grand National Each Way Offers vs Free Bets

Each way offers and free bets both add value to your Grand National betting, but they work in very different ways, and knowing when to use each one can make a real difference to your returns.

Each way offers improve the terms of your bet by increasing the number of places paid or boosting the odds fraction. They’re most useful when you want to maximise your chance of getting a return on a horse you already plan to back. In a 40 runner race like the Grand National, extra places can turn a near miss into a winning bet.

Free bets, on the other hand, reduce your risk entirely because you’re betting with the bookmaker’s money. They’re ideal for taking a shot at bigger odds or trying a horse you wouldn’t normally back. Free bets don’t improve the place terms — but they do protect your own bankroll.

A simple way to think about it:

• Each way offers improve the bet you’re making
• Free bets reduce the cost of making it

For even more ways to boost your returns, you can explore additional promotions on our Grand National Free Bets page.

Can You Use Free Bets on Each Way Bets?

Yes, unless stated otherwise in the terms and conditions, you can use free bets on each way bets. Most bookmakers allow this without any issue, however, there are a couple of important limitations to keep in mind:

• Your stake isn’t returned if the bet wins. Only the profit from the win or place part is paid out.
• Some free bets must be used as a single stake, meaning you can’t split them into separate win and place amounts unless the bookmaker explicitly allows it.
• Enhanced terms may not apply if the free bet is restricted to standard markets.

In short, free bets work perfectly well for each way betting, but the returns will always be based on profit only, not the value of the free bet itself.

Why Bookmakers Offer Extra Places on the Grand National

The Grand National is one of the biggest betting events of the year, attracting millions of bets from casual punters and seasoned bettors. With so much competition for customers, bookmakers use extra place offers as a way to stand out. By paying more places than usual, they make their each-way terms look more appealing and increase the chances of bettors choosing their platform over a rival.

These enhanced place terms aren’t just generosity, they’re a strategic marketing tool. The Grand National’s huge field and unpredictable nature mean bettors are actively looking for value and security, and extra places provide exactly that. Bookmakers know that offering 6, 7, or even 8 places can be the deciding factor for someone choosing where to place their bet, especially when comparing multiple promotions.

In short, extra places help bookmakers attract more customers during the busiest betting weekend of the year, while giving punters a stronger chance of getting a return on their each-way bets.

Grand National Each Way Offers FAQs

What is an each way bet in the Grand National?

An each way bet is two bets in one, a win bet and a place bet. Your horse must win for the win part to pay out, but it only needs to finish within the bookmaker’s stated places (e.g., top 5, top 6, top 8) for the place part to return a profit. This makes each way betting especially popular in the Grand National, where the large field makes picking the winner difficult.

How many places do bookmakers pay on the Grand National?

Standard terms are usually 4 or 5 places, but for the Grand National many bookmakers can offer 6, 7, or even 8 places as part of special promotions. These enhanced terms vary widely, so comparing offers is essential if you want the best value.

What is the best each way offer for the Grand National?

The best offer depends on your strategy. If you want more security, the best offer is usually the bookmaker paying the most places. If you want maximum potential profit, the best offer may be the one with bigger odds, even if it pays fewer places. The strongest offers typically combine extra places with fair odds, but this changes every year.

Are extra places worth it?

Yes, in a race with up to 40 runners, extra places significantly increase your chance of getting a return. Even if the odds fraction is reduced (e.g., 1/5 instead of 1/4), the added places often outweigh the difference, especially for mid priced or outsider selections.

Can you lose money on an each way bet?

Yes. If your horse finishes outside the paid places, both the win and place parts lose. You can also lose money even if your horse places, depending on the odds and stake, for example, very short priced horses may return less profit than your total stake. Each way betting reduces risk but doesn’t eliminate it.

Do all bookmakers offer the same place terms?

No, place terms vary significantly. Some bookmakers stick to standard terms (4 or 5 places), while others offer enhanced terms such as 6, 7, or 8 places. Odds fractions can also differ. This is why comparing each way offers is one of the most important steps before placing a Grand National bet.