If you’ve ever looked at horse or greyhound racing markets in the UK, you’ve probably seen the term BOG next to certain odds. It can look technical, but it’s actually a straightforward concept once explained.
This guide will help you better understand what BOG means, how it works, and why many bookmakers offer it. You’ll also learn where it usually applies, what to look out for before placing a bet, and how to stay informed and responsible when betting.
What Does BOG Mean in Betting?
BOG stands for Best Odds Guaranteed. It’s an offer from many UK bookmakers that applies mainly to horse racing and sometimes greyhound racing.
To understand BOG, you first need to know what the Starting Price (SP) is. The SP is the official price of each runner at the moment the race begins, based on odds available across bookmakers. These prices can change throughout the day as bets are placed and market opinions shift.
Best Odds Guaranteed means that if you take an early price on a horse or greyhound and the SP later turns out to be higher, your bet will be paid out at the higher odds if your selection wins. If the SP is lower, your payout stays at the odds you originally took.
Example:
You place a £5 bet on a horse at early odds of 4/1 under a Best Odds Guaranteed offer. When the race begins, the Starting Price (SP) is confirmed at 6/1, and your horse wins. Because BOG applies, your bet is settled at the higher SP, giving you £35 back (£30 profit plus your £5 stake). If the SP had shortened to 3/1, your payout would still be based on the original 4/1 odds, returning £25 in total.
BOG is designed to protect bettors who take an early price in case the odds drift higher before the race starts. It doesn’t guarantee a win — it only affects how a winning bet is settled.
How Does Best Odds Guaranteed Work?
When you bet on a race, you have two possible types of odds:
- Early or fixed odds, which you choose when placing your bet.
- Starting Price (SP), which is finalised when the race begins.
BOG compares these two numbers and pays whichever gives you the better return if your bet wins.
Example:
If you back a horse at 3/1 and it wins with an SP of 5/1, your bet is paid at 5/1. If the SP is 2/1, you’re paid at 3/1.
BOG applies only to winning bets. If the horse loses, the outcome remains the same regardless of odds.
Bookmakers have their own rules about when BOG starts. Some may activate it once markets open, while others might only activate from a specific time, such as 8am or 9am on race day. Bets placed before this cut-off time may not qualify. Certain bet types, like multiples or ante-post bets (made long before a race is confirmed), are often excluded.
To avoid confusion, it may be a good idea to check the bookmaker’s terms before placing a bet, as eligibility can vary.
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Why Do Bookmakers Offer BOG?
Many bookmakers use Best Odds Guaranteed to try and make early betting more appealing. Racing odds can change frequently due to factors such as:
- Non-runners being withdrawn
- Track condition changes
- Shifts in betting activity
Without BOG, bettors who placed early could feel disadvantaged if the price moves higher later. With BOG, bookmakers show they’re willing to pay the higher possible return if the market drifts, potentially giving bettors added confidence in placing early bets.
However, BOG isn’t offered on every race or bet type. Some bookmakers may apply daily limits, exclude certain events, or reserve BOG for selected customers. This is because paying higher odds on winning bets can affect the bookmaker’s profit margin.
It’s important to remember that BOG only influences potential payout amounts — it doesn’t improve your chance of winning. The final result still depends on unpredictable elements such as form, conditions, and competition.
Which Sports and Markets Use BOG?
BOG is mainly found in UK and Irish horse racing, covering both flat and jump races. Some bookmakers may also offer it on greyhound racing, although this is less common. A few might extend BOG to certain international races, but this varies depending on the site.
The offer generally applies to:
- Win bets, where you back a single horse or greyhound to win.
- Each-way bets, which split your stake between a potential win and a place (e.g., finishing in the top three).
If BOG applies and your selection wins at higher SP odds, both parts of an each-way bet are settled at those improved odds.
BOG does not usually cover:
- Ante-post bet
- In-play bets
- Multiple bets (like doubles or accumulators)
- Enhanced or special odds markets
Each bookmaker sets its own conditions. For example, one may include Irish races, but not greyhounds; another might cap any BOG winnings at a set amount per day. Checking the race details or the bookmaker’s promotions page before betting can help ensure you know when, or if, it applies.
How to Know if a Bet Is Covered by BOG?
Most bookmakers clearly display “Best Odds Guaranteed” beside eligible races or on the race page itself. If it isn’t shown, the bet probably doesn’t qualify.
Bookmaker websites usually explain:
- The time of day BOG begins
- Which bet types qualify
- Any payout limits or exclusions
You can also contact customer support to confirm. Keeping a note of your bet details — odds, time placed, and the race — can help make it easier to check later if needed.
While BOG has the potential to improve returns if you win, it doesn’t change the uncertainty of racing outcomes. Betting involves an element of chance. There’s no guaranteed method or “best” strategy that ensures profit, as race results depend on performance factors beyond anyone’s control.
Betting should be seen as entertainment. Set an amount you’re comfortable spending and stick to it, without chasing losses. If it ever stops feeling enjoyable or starts to cause concern, take a break or seek guidance from professional gambling support services.
