Ever come across the letters “BOG” while browsing betting sites or listening to friends talk about their recent bets? If you’re unsure what it stands for, you’re not alone.
With a wide range of terms used in UK online betting, it can sometimes feel confusing, particularly if you’re new to sports betting.
This guide explains BOG without any confusing jargon, helping you understand what it refers to when it appears on a betting site. Read on to learn more.
What Does BOG Mean in Betting?
BOG stands for “Best Odds Guaranteed.” It’s an offer used by bookmakers on horse racing and greyhound markets. If BOG applies to your bet, the bookmaker will settle your winning bet at the better of two prices: the odds you took when placing the bet or the official starting price at the off.
Availability can vary by bookmaker, race and time of day. Licensed sites in Britain must present the offer’s terms clearly under UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) rules, so you should be able to see where and when BOG applies.
If you do decide to try your hand at sports betting, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Does Best Odds Guaranteed Work?
Best Odds Guaranteed compares two figures on a winning bet: the price you took and the starting price when the race begins. Your bet is then settled at whichever is higher. If the bookmaker offers BOG, you’ll normally see it flagged on the race page or on your betslip.
There are a few practical wrinkles that are potentially worth knowing. Some bookmakers switch BOG on from a set time on the day of the race rather than the night before. Others exclude certain meetings or restrict BOG on very short prices. Limits can also apply to the size of the payout. All of this should be explained in the offer terms, which is why a quick check before you place any bets might be a wise idea.
Why Do Bookmakers Offer BOG?
BOG is mainly about competition. With plenty of places to bet, bookmakers use it to add value and give customers confidence that they will not miss out if the starting price drifts. It has become a familiar part of horse and greyhound betting, and many punters now look for it as a sign of a fair deal.
It also signals transparency. When the rules are clear and the enhancement is automatic on qualifying bets, people can compare sites more easily and choose where to place their bets. Bookmakers may cap returns, set daily limits or exclude specific races, and they are expected to make those details straightforward to find.
You will see BOG most often where starting prices are central to how markets move. So how far does that reach beyond racing?
Which Sports Are Covered by BOG?
Best Odds Guaranteed is almost always tied to horse racing and greyhound racing in the UK and Ireland. These sports publish an official starting price, which gives bookmakers a clear reference point to compare against the odds you took earlier.
You will rarely see BOG on sports like football, tennis or cricket because there is no equivalent starting price at kick-off or first serve. Those odds are typically fixed at the time you place the bet. Occasionally, a bookmaker might run a short-term promotion that resembles BOG on another sport, but it will be clearly labelled and limited.
If in doubt, it might be helpful to check the promotions page or help section to see which races and markets are included.
Best Odds Guaranteed Example
Let’s say you pick a runner at 8/1 and place a £5 bet a couple of hours before the off. By the time the horses go to post, the official starting price for your selection is 12/1. Your horse goes on to win.
With Best Odds Guaranteed in place, the bookmaker settles the bet at 12/1 rather than the 8/1 you took earlier. That means £60 in winnings plus your £5 stake back, for a total return of £65. If the starting price had been 6/1 instead and your pick still won, your return would be calculated at the original 8/1 because that was the higher price.
Always keep responsible gambling practices in mind, and never wager more than you can afford to lose.
