There’s no shortage of buzz around “extra places” in the racing world, and rightly so. When used properly, they give punters a rare edge. The bookies offer them to stand out, but if you’ve got your head screwed on, you’ll use them to quietly tip the odds in your favour.
I’ve been around long enough to see every gimmick in the book, but extra place races are no gimmick. They’re one of the few times when the maths lines up in your favour, especially when the market hasn’t caught up.
Here’s the key: you need discipline and timing. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re just betting for the sake of it. Let me show you how to treat this like a pro.
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What Is an Extra Place Promotion?
An extra place is when a bookmaker pays out on more finishing places than usual in each-way markets. So instead of the standard top three, they might pay out on the top four, five or even six in big-field handicaps.
It’s mostly seen in horse racing, but it shows up in golf and other events too. For punters who know how to value an each-way bet properly, this shift in place terms can be a serious opportunity.
It means you can back a horse at bigger odds and still land a return without needing it to win or finish top three. That extra spot can be the difference between a losing bet and a tidy profit.
Why Bookies Offer Extra Places
Bookies aren’t daft. They use extra places to attract punters and boost turnover, especially on big meetings like Cheltenham or Royal Ascot. It’s a marketing tool, but they know most punters won’t make the most of it.
The average bettor sees “extra places” and thinks it’s a freebie. But without the right approach, it’s not. Bookies still win unless you’re backing value each-way bets with the maths behind you.
This is where sharp punters clean up. If you can identify horses that are overpriced on the place part of the bet, you can use extra places to shift the edge your way. That’s how this becomes a long-term strategy, not a one-off punt.
The Right Way to Use Extra Places
It starts with understanding the market. You’re not just picking a horse you like; you’re looking for place value. That means comparing the place terms with the implied odds and spotting where the bookie has left the door open.
Look for races with big fields and volatile markets. That’s where the pricing errors sneak in. And always compare standard each-way terms to the boosted ones. Sometimes the odds are trimmed to cover the offer, so don’t get sucked in blindly.
Matched betting and arbing come into play too, but even if you’re just backing outright, you need to treat this like a business. Bet small, be patient, and never bet just because there’s an offer. You’re here to make money, not get involved in a raffle.
FAQs About Extra Places Promotions
Do All Bookies Offer Extra Places?
No, and those that do often limit them to selected races. Some firms are consistent, others pick and choose. Always check the racecard on the morning of the event.
Can I Use Extra Places for Matched Betting?
It’s a staple for matched bettors. You can lock in profits by exploiting differences between the win and place markets across bookies and exchanges.
Are Extra Places Always Worth It?
Sometimes the bookies cut the odds so much that the extra place adds no real value. You have to run the numbers. If the each-way terms don’t stack up, move on.
Summary
Extra places can be one of the sharpest tools in your betting kit, but only if you use them properly. They’re not a shortcut to riches, they’re a subtle shift in the odds that lets clued-up punters squeeze out value in races where others are just guessing.
Don’t chase every extra place you see. Be selective, run the numbers, and stay disciplined. That’s how you turn a good offer into long-term profit.
You don’t need luck if you’ve got logic. That’s how I play it, and that’s how you should too. Stick with David Dooley, and you won’t go far wrong.
