SP Meaning in Greyhound Racing: Guide for Beginners
If you have just started looking into greyhound racing, you might have come across the term SP and wondered what it actually means. It appears both at the track and online, though it is not always explained.
A little clarity goes a long way. Understanding how odds are presented may help to make race cards and betting pages feel far less intimidating.
The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) sets standards for transparency, so it could be worth getting familiar with key terms before you consider getting involved. Read on to learn more.
What Does SP Mean In Greyhound Racing?
SP stands for Starting Price. It is the official odds recorded at the moment a race begins. Rather than taking a fixed price earlier in the day, you can choose to have your bet settled at SP. In that case, your return is based on the price confirmed at the off.
The SP is not chosen by a single bookmaker. It is compiled from a sample of prices offered by bookmakers in the lead-up to the start. An agreed method is used to reflect the market as a whole, which helps keep settlement consistent and fair.
Online, you may often see both fixed odds and SP listed side by side. The labels are usually clear, but layouts can vary, so it might be a good idea to check how your chosen site shows these options before potentially placing a bet.
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.
Why Is SP Important For Bettors?
SP gives you a way to place a bet without tracking price movements right up to the start. If you pick SP, your bet is settled at the official odds announced as the traps open, not at any earlier price that may have caught your eye.
Prices in greyhound racing can shift as money comes in for different runners. SP can be useful when you do not want to follow every change or you prefer to let the market settle. For example, if a dog was 3/1 in the morning but there is late support elsewhere, the SP might end up at 7/2 or 5/2. Choosing SP means you accept whichever official figure is confirmed at the start.
There is no promise that SP will be higher than a price you saw earlier. It is simply the final, industry-recognised price used for settlement. Most betting sites let you choose between fixed odds and SP at the checkout, so you can pick the approach that suits how you prefer to bet.
Can SP Change After The Race Starts?
No. The Starting Price is locked in as the race gets underway. Odds can move right up to the off as betting shifts, but once the race starts, the SP is set and recorded.
Bookmakers use the prices available just before the start to confirm the official figure, and that is the number used to settle SP bets. You may often see it listed with the result on race pages. It does not change after the first stride.
Differences Between SP And Fixed Odds
The difference is all about when your odds are set. Fixed odds are the price you take at the time you place your bet. SP is the price confirmed at the start.
With fixed odds, your potential return is based on the number you locked in. Even if the market moves later, your bet does not. With SP, you do not know the exact price until the off. It could be a touch bigger or shorter than the fixed quote available earlier.
Here is a simple example. Let’s say you back a runner with a £10 stake:
- Fixed odds at 3/1 would return £40 in total if it wins.
- If you choose SP and the official SP is 7/2, the return would be £45. If the SP is 5/2, it would be £35.
Both options are valid. Fixed odds offer certainty. SP ties your return to where the market settles at the start. Most sites explain how they display and settle each type, so a quick look at the rules page could potentially clear up any small differences in presentation.
Place Sports Bets Online
If you want a straightforward way to explore sports betting, Mr Luck keeps things simple. Markets are easy to navigate, with clear displays of both fixed odds and SP, so you can choose the option that suits you for each bet.
You will find coverage of greyhound racing alongside other sports, with guides that explain common terms and bet types in plain language. Payments use secure methods, account settings are simple to manage, and there is our helpful customer support team if you ever need a hand.
Here at Mr Luck, we also provide tools to set limits and manage your activity in a way that suits you. Before you get started, it might be helpful to take a moment to read the full terms and key rules. When you are ready, feel free to explore the latest races and see what is on the cards. Always keep responsible gambling practises in mind.
**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.
