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?

Arbitrage occurs when the combined implied probability of all outcomes is less than 100%. This means you can bet on all outcomes across different bookmakers and guarantee a profit.

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 Arbitrage Calculator for instant calculations.

Finding Arbitrage Opportunities

Manual Method

1. Compare odds across 5-10 bookmakers
2. Focus on major events with high liquidity
3. 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

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 Arbitrage Calculator and Sure Bet Scanner.

Pro tip: bankroll discipline beats edge alone, feed your win rate, odds, and stake size into our bankroll sizing calculator to keep ruin risk under 5% before you place your next bet.