Contents
Arbitrage Betting Guide: How to Guarantee Profit
Arbitrage betting (arbing) is a strategy that exploits odds differences between bookmakers to guarantee profit regardless of the outcome. This guide explains everything you need to know.
What is Arbitrage Betting?
The Basic Concept
When bookmakers disagree on probabilities, opportunities arise:
- Bookmaker A: Team X to win at 2.10 (47.6% implied)
- Bookmaker B: Team Y to win at 2.10 (47.6% implied)
- Combined: 95.2% — 4.8% guaranteed profit
How to Calculate Arbitrage
Step 1: Check for Arbitrage
Formula: (1/Odds1 + 1/Odds2) × 100
If result < 100%, arbitrage exists.
Step 2: Calculate Stakes
Stake on Outcome 1: Total × (1/Odds1) / SumStake on Outcome 2: Total × (1/Odds2) / Sum
Where Sum = 1/Odds1 + 1/Odds2
Example Calculation
- Total budget: $1,000
- Team A odds: 2.10
- Team B odds: 2.10
- Sum: 1/2.10 + 1/2.10 = 0.952
Stakes:
- Team A: $1000 × (0.476/0.952) = $500
- Team B: $1000 × (0.476/0.952) = $500
Profit: $1050 - $1000 = $50 (5%)
Use our
Finding Arbitrage Opportunities
Manual Method
- Compare odds across 5-10 bookmakers
- Focus on major events with high liquidity
- Act quickly — opportunities disappear fast
Automated Tools
Sure Bet Scanner - Oddschecker and similar comparison sites
- Dedicated arbing software
Risks and Challenges
Account Restrictions
Bookmakers don't like arbers. Expect:
- Stake limits
- Account closures
- Delayed withdrawals
Odds Changes
Odds can change between placing bets. Solutions:
- Use exchanges like
Betfair - Place larger stake first
- Work with bookmakers that don't limit (
Pinnacle )
Best Bookmakers for Arbitrage
| Bookmaker | Arb-Friendly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | Never limits winners | |
| Excellent | Exchange model | |
| Moderate | May limit over time |
FAQ
Is arbitrage betting legal?
Yes, it's completely legal. However, bookmakers may close accounts.
How much can I make?
Typical profit: 1-5% per arb. Volume is key — $10,000+ monthly turnover for meaningful income.
Do I need multiple bookmaker accounts?
Yes, at least 5-10 accounts recommended.
Conclusion
Arbitrage betting offers risk-free profit but requires:
- Multiple bookmaker accounts
- Fast execution
- Acceptance of account limitations
Start with our
Pro tip: bankroll discipline beats edge alone — feed your win rate, odds, and stake size into our
Evgeniy Volkov
Fullstack developer with a background in mathematics. I build the calculators and game-style tools on ToolsGambling with Pixi.js and modern web tech, and every result uses transparent probability formulas you can verify yourself.