What is Best Odds Guaranteed?
Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) is one of the most valuable promotions in horse racing betting. It's a promise from your bookmaker that if you take a price on a horse and the Starting Price (SP) is higher, they'll pay you out at the better odds.
For example: You back a horse at 8/1 in the morning. By the time the race starts, the SP has drifted to 12/1. With BOG, you get paid at 12/1 instead of your original 8/1 - giving you a 50% bigger return for the same stake.
"In my 40 years of racing, BOG has been the single most beneficial offer for serious punters. Back in my day, we had to physically be at the track to get SP - now you get the best of both worlds from your armchair. Remarkable, really."
- Prof. Gerry Pemberton, Racing Expert
How Best Odds Guaranteed Works
Place Your Bet Early
Find a horse you fancy and place your bet at the advertised odds. This could be hours or even days before the race. The earlier you bet, the more chance for the price to move in your favour.
The Price Moves
Market conditions change - perhaps heavy money comes for another horse, or late news affects the betting. Your selection's price drifts (gets longer) to a bigger SP than you took.
Your Horse Wins
Congratulations! Your selection crosses the line first. Now comes the BOG magic - you get paid at the higher SP rather than your original price.
Get Paid More
Your winnings are automatically calculated at the better odds. No need to claim anything - it's applied instantly to your returns. If your price was better than SP, you keep your original odds.
Best Bookmakers for BOG
Not all BOG offers are equal. Here's how the major bookmakers compare on their Best Odds Guaranteed terms:
| Bookmaker | UK Racing | Irish Racing | Max Payout | Ante-Post | Each-Way |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | Yes | Yes | No limit stated | No | Yes |
| Paddy Power | Yes | Yes | No limit stated | No | Yes |
| Betfair Sportsbook | Yes | Yes | £500 extra | No | Yes |
| William Hill | Yes | Yes | Varies | No | Yes |
| Ladbrokes | Yes | Yes | Varies | No | Yes |
| Coral | Yes | Yes | Varies | No | Yes |
| Sky Bet | Yes | Yes | £10,000 | No | Yes |
| BetVictor | Yes | Yes | £10,000 | No | Yes |
Important Notes
- BOG typically only applies to UK and Irish horse racing
- Bets must be placed on the day of the race (not ante-post)
- Some bookies have maximum payout limits on BOG extras
- The offer usually applies to both win and each-way bets
- Terms can change - always check the specific bookmaker's T&Cs
When Does BOG Apply?
BOG Applies
- UK horse racing (all meetings)
- Irish horse racing (most bookies)
- Day-of-race bets only
- Win singles and each-way bets
- Online and mobile bets
- In-shop bets (at most bookies)
BOG Does NOT Apply
- Ante-post bets (placed days/weeks ahead)
- International racing (France, USA, etc.)
- Greyhound racing
- Tote/pool bets
- Enhanced odds promotions
- Cashed out bets
Why BOG Matters for Punters
Average Extra Returns
Studies show BOG adds around 15% to average racing returns over time when prices drift
No Downside
If your price is better than SP, you keep it. You can only benefit, never lose
No Claim Needed
The better price is applied automatically - no extra steps or claims required
Real World Example
You bet £50 on a horse at 6/1. The SP is 9/1. Without BOG, you'd win £300 (£50 x 6). With BOG, you win £450 (£50 x 9). That's an extra £150 in your pocket for exactly the same winning bet.
Other Horse Racing Offers
BOG isn't the only valuable racing promotion. Here are other offers to look out for:
Extra Places Each-Way
Bookmakers often pay out on more places than standard for big races. Instead of the usual 3 places, you might get paid on 4th, 5th, or even 6th place finishers.
Where to Find:
- Major festival races (Cheltenham, Ascot)
- Big handicaps (Grand National, Ebor)
- Large field races (16+ runners)
Money Back Specials
Get your stake back (usually as a free bet) if certain conditions are met. Common triggers include 2nd place finishes, fallers, or beaten favourites.
Common Types:
- Money back if 2nd to the favourite
- Refund if horse falls or unseats
- Free bet if beaten by a nose
Live Streaming
Watch UK and Irish racing live through your betting account. Usually requires a funded account or a bet placed on the race.
Best For Streaming:
- Bet365 - Most comprehensive coverage
- Paddy Power - Good quality streams
- William Hill - Reliable service
Early Bird Prices
Enhanced odds available in the morning before the market adjusts. Combine with BOG to potentially get even better returns.
Pro Tips:
- Check prices from 8am for UK racing
- Compare across multiple bookmakers
- Track price movements with odds comparison tools