Current operator example
Betfair's Starting Price page distinguishes taking the displayed price from requesting SP and explains projected SP for its exchange product. Its exchange rules describe how Betfair SP is reconciled. This page uses that product as an example, not as a universal definition.
Comparison table
| Criterion | Fixed accepted price | Starting Price request |
|---|---|---|
| Price known at placement | Yes | No |
| Price determination | Accepted quote | Product method at the off |
| Cancellation | Product-specific | May be restricted after request |
| Price limit | Accepted quote is the limit | Some products allow an SP limit |
| Main evidence | Receipt | Receipt plus returned SP and rules |
Worked payoff
A 10-unit fixed bet accepted at 4.00 has potential gross return of 10 x 4.00 = 40 units. If an otherwise comparable SP request returns at 5.20, gross return is 10 x 5.20 = 52 units. If SP returns at 3.50, gross return is 10 x 3.50 = 35 units.
The unknown SP creates price uncertainty at placement. It does not imply that SP will be better or worse on average without a maintained dataset and method.
Sportsbook and exchange SP are not interchangeable
Betfair's sportsbook rules govern a different product from the exchange. Industry SP, exchange SP and operator-specific last-price conventions can use different formation and settlement rules. Record the product name rather than writing only "SP".
Evaluate without selecting the better price afterwards
A fair comparison needs a predeclared rule. Record the fixed price available when the decision was made, whether an SP request could be cancelled, any SP limit and the final returned SP. Then compare every eligible receipt over a defined period. Looking only at events where SP beat fixed odds creates a one-sided sample.
For a 25-unit stake, fixed odds of 3.80 imply potential gross return of 95 units. If SP returns at 4.10, gross return is 102.50, a difference of 7.50. If SP returns at 3.40, gross return is 85, ten units below the fixed-price return. Both outcomes belong in an evaluation of the same decision rule.
Product record
- Product and market name, not only the letters SP.
- Request time and event start time.
- Fixed quote available for the intended stake.
- SP limit or minimum, where supported.
- Final SP, matched stake and settlement adjustment.
- Deductions, commission and void treatment.
Betfair's Starting Price documentation describes one current exchange implementation. Industry, sportsbook and exchange starting prices should remain separate datasets unless their formation and settlement rules are genuinely comparable. Preserve the original receipt and rule version with every observation.
Related resources
Use Best Odds Guaranteed for a feature that compares eligible accepted and starting prices, or ante-post odds for early fixed prices.
Continue learning
- Next guide: Fair Odds vs Bookmaker Odds
- Related guide: How Correct Score Odds Can Be Modelled
Assumptions and limitations
This page is dated 14 July 2026 and is primarily relevant to racing products, not ordinary football match odds. Product rules, minimums and availability can change. The calculation ignores deductions, dead heats and commission.
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