What are “best odds” in betting?
Best odds, also known as Best Odds Guaranteed or BOG, is a bookmaker promotion that ensures players receive the highest available price on their horse racing bet.
If they lock in a fixed early price and the official Starting Price (SP) is higher when the race begins, the bookmaker pays out at the larger SP rather than the odds player originally took.
The promotion is available at most major UK and Irish bookmakers and applies primarily to UK and Irish horse racing, as well as greyhound racing at some operators. It removes the risk of missing out on a better price after players have placed their bet.
How does best odds guaranteed (BOG) work?
When a player places a horse racing bet at a fixed early price, that price is locked in on their bet slip. The market continues to move until the race begins, at which point the official SP is declared.
BOG compares two prices: the price the player took when placing the bet, and the official SP at the start of the race. Bet settles at whichever is higher.
- Example: Player back a horse at 5.00 (4/1) in the morning. By race time, the market drifts and the SP is declared at 7.00 (6/1). With BOG active, player bet settles at 7.00.
- Reverse scenario: Player back the same horse at 5.00 (4/1) but the market shortens it to 3.00 (2/1) by race time. With BOG, player bet still settles at the original 5.00, keeping them protected.
In both cases, BOG ensures a player never loses out as a result of price movement after placing their bet.
How best odds guaranteed payouts are calculated
Payouts follow the standard formula: Stake × Odds = Total Return. BOG simply determines which odds figure is used in that calculation.
Example: You place a £10 bet on a horse at 6.00 (5/1).
- Without BOG: The SP is 8.00 (7/1). Your bet settles at 6.00. Return = £10 × 6.00 = £60.00. Profit = £50.00.
- With BOG: The SP is 8.00 (7/1). Your bet settles at 8.00. Return = £10 × 8.00 = £80.00. Profit = £70.00.
BOG adds £20.00 to the return at no extra cost. The improvement compounds with larger stakes and bigger price drifts, making BOG especially valuable on competitive handicap races where markets move significantly before the off.
Key rules and exclusions
BOG terms vary between bookmakers, but the following restrictions apply across most major UK operators:
- Timing: BOG applies to bets placed from a set time on race day, typically from 8am. Bets placed before this window or after the race starts do not qualify.
- Ante-post bets: BOG does not apply to ante-post wagers. These settle at the odds taken regardless of SP.
- Free bets: Most bookmakers exclude free bets and bonus bets. Only real-money bets placed within the qualifying window are eligible.
- Tote and pool bets: BOG does not apply to Tote or pari-mutuel markets.
- In-running bets: Bets placed after the race has started are excluded.
- Rule 4 deductions: If a non-runner triggers a Rule 4 deduction, the deduction is applied first. Bookmakers then compare the adjusted prices and pay whichever is higher.
Always check your bookmaker's specific terms before placing a bet.
Best odds guaranteed vs. taking the starting price
Some bettors choose to take the SP outright rather than a fixed early price, leaving the final price open until the off. This is not the same as BOG and does not provide the same protection.
- Taking SP: You receive whatever price is declared at the off. If the horse shortens sharply due to market support, you receive the shorter price with no protection.
- BOG: You receive your fixed early price or the SP; whichever is higher. You are fully protected if the market moves against you, and you benefit in full if the price drifts upward.
On qualifying races, taking a fixed early price with BOG active is almost always preferable to taking SP outright.
Conclusion
Best odds guaranteed ensures you are paid at the highest available price between your early fixed odds and the official SP. It applies primarily to UK and Irish horse racing markets, is automatic with most bookmakers, and protects you against losing out if prices move after you place your bet.
For more betting definitions, visit The Advantage blog.
Frequently asked questions
Does best odds guaranteed apply to each-way bets?
BOG applies to the win part of an each-way bet with most bookmakers. Whether it also applies to the place part varies by operator. Confirm whether the place portion qualifies before placing your each-way wager.
Does best odds guaranteed apply to accumulator bets?
This varies by bookmaker. Some operators extend BOG to multiples such as doubles, trebles, and Lucky 15s. Others restrict it to singles only. Check the terms before building an accumulator on qualifying races.
Can I use best odds guaranteed with a free bet?
No. Almost all bookmakers exclude free bets, bonus bets, and bet credits from BOG. The promotion applies only to real-money bets placed within the qualifying time window.
Does best odds guaranteed apply to races outside the UK and Ireland?
Generally no. BOG is almost exclusively limited to UK and Irish horse racing and greyhound markets, with international racing typically excluded. Check place betting terms carefully for overseas markets, as conditions differ significantly between operators.
What happens to my best odds guaranteed bet if my horse is a non-runner?
If your selection becomes a non-runner, the bet voids and your stake is refunded. BOG does not apply in this case. If a different horse is withdrawn and triggers a Rule 4 deduction, your bet remains active and BOG still applies after the Rule 4 adjustment.