Best Odds Guaranteed Explained:
How BOG Works in UK Racing
Best odds guaranteed explained: how BOG pays the bigger of your early price and the starting price, a worked 5/1 example, where it applies and the catches.
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About this video: Best Odds Guaranteed Explained
Best Odds Guaranteed Explained shows how this UK racing concession can pay you more. When you back a horse before the off, you can take the early price or bet at the starting price. However, the starting price is only set when the race starts, so you never know it in advance.
First, the video explains the rule itself. You take the early price, and if the starting price turns out bigger, the bookmaker pays you at the starting price instead. Next, it gives an example. You back a horse at 5/1 with £10, and it drifts to 8/1 and wins. So your profit rises from £50 to £80.
Then the video covers where it applies. Most bookmakers use it on win and each-way singles on UK and Irish racing. However, it often excludes multiples, and some only start it at a set time, such as 8am. Also, some cap the extra payout or exclude free bet stakes.
Finally, it explains why the concession is worth looking for. It costs you nothing, so if two bookmakers offer the same price, pick the one with best odds guaranteed. However, it is not a reason to bet more often or to stake more than you planned.
However, rules and offers change. For that reason, we check every video against the Gambling Commission and other official sources. In fact, we last checked this one on 8 November 2026.
Read the transcript
Best odds guaranteed can pay you more when a horse wins at a bigger starting price. Here’s how it works, and the catches to check.
When you back a horse before the off, you can take the early price on offer, or bet at the starting price, known as the SP. The market sets the starting price when the race starts.
With best odds guaranteed, you take the early price. Then, if the starting price turns out to be bigger, the bookmaker pays your winnings at the starting price instead.
For example, you back a horse at 5/1 with £10. It drifts to 8/1, then wins. Without best odds guaranteed, that’s £50 profit. With it, you get £80. If it shortens instead, you keep your 5/1.
Most bookmakers apply it to win and each-way singles on UK and Irish racing. However, it often doesn’t cover multiples, and some only switch it on from a set time on race day, such as 8am.
There are other catches to check. Some bookmakers cap the extra amount it can pay. They can also remove it from individual accounts, and some exclude free bet stakes.
So if two bookmakers offer the same price and only one offers best odds guaranteed, that’s the better place to bet. However, it’s not a reason to bet more often or to stake more.
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