If you’ve ever glanced at a betting slip, you might have noticed numbers shown next to each selection. These figures represent the odds for your chosen outcomes. It’s common to wonder what these odds mean, why they’re listed, or whether they matter when placing a bet.
Here’s a look at what betting slip odds are, what purpose they serve, and how they relate to any potential bets you place.
What Happens If Odds Are Missing?
If you see a betting slip without any odds, this means you’re missing the information needed to calculate potential returns. Without the odds, it isn’t possible to know how much a successful bet might pay.
Odds allow comparisons between different selections and help you understand the possible return based on the stake. If odds aren’t visible, it’s not possible to properly assess the options.
This may happen if there’s a delay in updating the market or when a betting market is suspended. In those cases, the slip might appear greyed out or display a note that odds are currently unavailable.
In the UK, licensed betting shops and online platforms must display odds clearly before a bet is accepted. This is part of the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP 4.2.6). If odds aren’t shown, it might be worth asking a member of staff in a shop or waiting for the market to update online.
How Bookies Process Bets Without Odds
UK-licensed operators are required to ensure customers see the odds for a bet before it’s accepted. If odds are missing, this could potentially be due to a brief technical issue or temporary suspension of the market.
In a betting shop, staff won’t usually process slips without odds. They may hold the slip or hand it back so you can decide whether to wait or choose another selection. Online, if you try to place a bet without odds being available, a message may appear preventing you from continuing.
Bets are not usually accepted until odds are displayed and agreed to. This supports fair betting practices and provides clarity over potential returns. Checking that odds appear on the slip before submitting it might help reduce any confusion.
How To Fill Out A Betting Slip
To use a paper betting slip in a licensed shop, you can pick one up from a stand or ask a member of staff for help locating one.
Start by writing the event or match you want to bet on. This could be a football match, a horse race, or another event. Be as specific as possible.
Next, enter the number or name of your selection. If similar event names appear on the day, checking this part again can avoid errors.
Then add the stake – the amount you want to place on the bet. Many shops accept low-stake bets, including £1 or less, depending on shop policy.
Include the odds if they are available. These are typically shown in fractional format such as 5/1 or 6/4. Write in the type of bet you are placing, such as win, each-way, or accumulator, if relevant.
Once completed, hand the slip to the cashier and pay your stake. You’ll receive a printed receipt confirming your bet. This includes key information such as your selection, stake, odds, and potential return.
When betting online, these fields are completed automatically. You can review your choices and confirm once you’re happy with the details shown.
Understanding SP and BOG Choices
In horse racing, SP (Starting Price) and BOG (Best Odds Guaranteed) are common terms. These can influence how your bet is settled depending on the bookmaker and the time your bet is placed.
SP (Starting Price)
SP stands for Starting Price, which is the official odds when the race begins. If you select SP, your bet is settled at those odds, even if the price changes before the start.
BOG (Best Odds Guaranteed)
BOG is offered by some bookmakers as a promotional feature. If you place a bet and the SP is higher than the odds you accepted, the payout is based on the better price, if BOG applies- not every bookmaker offers this. BOG is most often used in horse racing, though it may be offered in other markets at times.
What To Do If Your Bet Settles Wrong
Occasionally, a bet may be settled differently from what you expected. Start by checking your betting slip or online bet history to confirm the details of your selection, odds, and stake.
If something looks incorrect, you can speak to staff in a shop or contact customer support online. It helps to have the receipt, reference number, or screenshots available when raising the issue.
If you don’t receive a satisfactory response, you can raise the matter with an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service. UK operators are required to provide access to an ADR scheme. Most use the Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS) for this purpose, but others may use a different approved provider. This information must be included in the operator’s terms and conditions.
ADR schemes review the case and aim to resolve disputes fairly. Keeping a copy of your bet confirmation may support this process.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.