Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG)
Punting is a tricky enough business. So when those Bentley-driving bookmakers start bombarding the betting public with offers, tempting us to part with our cash, it can become a puzzle just to work out what is a good deal or a damp squib.
But occasionally those lovely layers come up with promotions that are absolute no- brainers and one of them is Best Odds Guaranteed. You might have heard or seen this phrase but what does it actually mean?
Betting firms offering Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) on UK and Irish horse racing and greyhounds means that if the starting price (SP) is higher than the fixed odds you take, the bookmakers will pay out at the larger price.
For example, if you take the fixed price of 10/1 about a horse on the morning of a race and it wins at an SP of 14/1, you will be paid out at 14/1. Told you it was a no brainer...
Better than BOG standard
Best Odds Guaranteed is a fast-growing promotion that has more or less become a standard offering by every leading bookie. Initially, firms offered a few select qualifying BOG races each day but now almost every horse race in the UK and Ireland comes with the BOG promo and it applies to both win and each-way singles and multiple bets. What it offers is that extra bit of value to punters.
One of punters’ biggest fears is missing out on the best price. If you fancy a horse and are unsure whether to take the price on offer at the time or gamble that the SP will be bigger, then it is always a conundrum whether to stick or twist. Best Odds Guaranteed takes away the risk. You take the price in the safe knowledge that if your tip goes for a walk in the market before the off you will collect at the SP if the nag wins. Equally, if you take the fixed price and the horse is smashed up in the ring and wins at a shorter SP, then you’ve got the bigger price in the bag.
The key is to take the price. However, if you take the SP when placing a bet on a BOG race then you will, of course, be paid out at the SP.
Multiple reasons not to BOG off
Best Odds Guaranteed is not exclusive to single bets. It is particularly useful when having a multiple, whether it is a Lucky 15, Heinz or a Super Heinz. Just make sure your selections definitely qualify for Best Odds Guaranteed. You will have to check the individual bookmaker’s T&Cs, which can vary from firm to firm.
For example, at present Stan James offers BOG from 10am each day, so you could lose out if you place a bet earlier than that. Ditto Ladbrokes, which offers BOG from 9am each day. And Coral only offers BOG, or Best Price Guaranteed (BPG) as it refers to it, for bets struck online or on mobile on the day of the race.
Ante-post bets don’t usually qualify for Best Odds Guaranteed. Equally, BOG does not usually apply to international races, tote pools or special markets.
And all bookmakers state in their Ts and Cs that they reserve the right to decline certain clients the right to use Best Odds Guaranteed. Again, consult the Ts and Cs.
Be lucky!
