Each-way goalscorer

Q: What if my player scores the 4th goal?

If this happens your bet loses. Only the first three goals count - unless the bookie is offering more places on the match in question.

each-way goalscorer ~
In football, an each-way goalscorer bet involves two wagers - that a player will score the first goal in a match, and that the player will score the second or third goal in the match. This is sometimes called an each-way first scorer bet.

In an each-way goalscorer bet, half your stake is placed on a standard first goalscorer bet. This is the bet that a player you’ve selected will score the first goal of a match. The second half of your stake is wagered on the same player scoring either the second or third goal of the match.

Either result guarantees a return, but the return is higher if the player scores the first goal.

Typically the potential return for the second part of the bet is about a quarter of the return you can win on the first part.

Table of Contents

How each-way goalscorer odds and payouts work

Each-way goalscorer odds are calculated by splitting your stake into two bets:

First goalscorer – for example 12/1
Place odds on first goalscorer – 3/1 (1/4 of the first goalscorer odds)

The ‘place’ bet is easier to win, because it will pay out even if the player you selected as first goalscorer is one of the first three people to score in the match. Because the place part of the bet is easier to win it pays out at a fraction of the first goalscorer odds – usually 1/4 to 1/5 of these odds.

So, If you bet £10 each way (£5 per part):

❌ If they score later: both bets lose.

✅ If your player scores first: £5 × 12 + £5 stake + £5 × 3 + £5 stake = £85 total return

✅ If they only score 2nd or 3rd: £5 × 3 + £5 stake = £20 return

When to use each-way goalscorer bets

Because first goalscorer odds are typically quite high, this means that each-way first goalscorer bets are inherently a better option than regular first goalscorer bets. As the example above demonstrates, you not only have a better chance of winning your bet, but will also earn a profitable payout even if the first part of the bet is not successful.

However, goalscorer bets should only be used in scenarios where they are likely to be effective, whether placed as each-way or single bets.

Typical scenarios for using each-way goalscorer bets include:

The player you are betting in is in form and has a high goals/game ratio
The match they are playing in is expected to be high scoring and/or the opposition has a leaky defence
The player is typically used to take penalties and or free kicks, increasing the number of opportunities they have to score.

Avoid placing goalscorer bets when:

The match is likely to be low scoring
The opposition has a very strong defensive record over the season
Your player does not play in a strike role or is moved into an unaccustomed role deeper in the field
Your player is carrying an injury or is typically substituted during the course of a game.

Common mistakes to avoid

While each-way goalscorer bets are a tempting option due to the high odds on offer, you should avoid the following common mistakes:

❌ Chasing long odds without understanding that high odds translate into low probability.
❌ Ignoring player roles — strikers and set-piece takers have much higher chances.
❌ Overlooking substitutions — a subbed-off player can’t win you the bet.

Comparison: Each-Way vs Other Goalscorer Markets

Bet Type	Pays If…	Odds	Risk	Best For
First Goalscorer	Player scores first	High	High	Confident in early impact
Anytime Goalscorer	Player scores at any time	Low	Low	Conservative bettors
Each-Way Goalscorer	Player scores 1st or 2nd/3rd	Medium	Medium	Balanced approach

Final tips for success

Each-way goalscorer betting is most useful to punters who have an excellent, in-depth understanding of football and the specific league, team and player they are betting on.

To get the best results from this market:

✅ Research form and tactics — know which players are likely to score early.
✅ Compare odds across bookmakers to maximise returns.
✅ Check penalty and free-kick duties as they greatly improve scoring chances.
✅ Look out for enhanced odds or extra place specials on this market.