An arbitrage bet is really the holy grail for any sport punter, guaranteed profit without any risk. However arbitrage bets are an elusive beast, not only do most bookmakers know the odds available throughout the world and adjust accordingly, but it can be difficult to place enough money on an outcome to really make the search between bookmakers worth the effort. However that’s not to say that opportunities don’t exist, and aren’t easy to find if you’re willing to wait for opportunities.
Contents
When bookmakers offer special bonus odds on events it can be tempting to simply take the odds as providing value and riding out the result. Assuming the market you are betting into is reasonably efficient and accurate this would generally be considered a positive expected value bet. But why put any of your bankroll at risk at all if you don’t need to? By the way, if you want to get football match prediction, we recommend that you follow the link provided and subscribe to the blog section updates.
In this case study we will show you how you can use arbitrage betting to lock in up to 33% profit on your turnover simply by taking advantage of special bonus odds offered by bookmakers.
As you would have learnt in our review, one of the world’s biggest sports bookmakers 1xBet regularly offer special odds across a number of sports as an incentive to new and existing members. One such promotion which has run for the past two weekends is offering $2 favourites on all AFL matches played on Saturdays. While there are some conditions attached such as a maximum bet of $20, this is a promotion simply to good to pass up as an arbitrage opportunity.
Read also: The Most Widespread Mistakes of Newcomers.
For our arbitrage bets to be successful we need the winning outcome for both bets in the match to be greater than the total amount of money outlaid. To do this we will need to shop for the best odds available on the underdog in each match (as the favourite will be the bonus bet). For this case study we have used the odds available from Crown Bet as they had the best available odds at the time of writing, however in general it is recommended that you compare odds with our other recommended bookmakers before placing any bets. By the way, if you want to get betwinner promo code, follow the provided link. Victory will be yours!
Once you have the bonus bet odds, and the best odds available for the underdog, put these odds into an arbitrage calculator along with the stake you wish to place on the bonus bet. The calculator will not only tell you if there is an arbitrage opportunity available, but also the exact amount you should be on the underdog.
It is also worth noting here that even if the bookmaker offering the bonus odds has the best available odds for the underdog, you should never place the underdog bet with them. Bookmakers do not like arbitrage punters, and may ban you or limit your bet sizes if they notice this kind of activity.
By using the above method to bet the maximum $20 on each of the 6 favourites in the AFL matches with 1xBet, and the underdog prices it is possible to lock in a profit for the day regardless of how many favourites or underdogs win during the day.
Read also: Sports Gambling Glossary.
As the below table shows, by using the arbitrage calculator to ensure that the total amount bet on each match doesn’t exceed $40 (the payout of the $2 favourite), a profit of between 15% and 48% can be guaranteed for each match.
Home | Odds | Stake | Win | Away | Odds | Stake | Win | Profit | ROI |
Kangaroos | 2.00 | 20.00 | 40.00 | Tigers | 2.75 | 14.55 | 40.01 | 5.45 | 15.79% |
Bulldogs | 2.00 | 20.00 | 40.00 | Saints | 3.80 | 10.53 | 40.00 | 9.47 | 31.03% |
Giants | 4.25 | 9.41 | 39.99 | Hawks | 2.00 | 20.00 | 40.00 | 10.59 | 36.00% |
Suns | 5.75 | 6.96 | 40.02 | Crows | 2.00 | 20.00 | 40.00 | 13.04 | 48.39% |
Demons | 5.00 | 8.00 | 40.00 | Swans | 2.00 | 20.00 | 40.00 | 12.00 | 42.86% |
Dockers | 2.00 | 20.00 | 40.00 | Bombers | 4.00 | 10.00 | 40.00 | 10.00 | 33.33% |
Total | x | 84.37 | x | x | x | 95.08 | x | 60.55 | 33.74% |
With a total of $179.34 bet for the day, and a profit of $60.55, a return of investment of 33.74% is guaranteed using the currently available odds regardless of the results in each match. While a $60 profit may not be a lot for some, for many it is a healthy boost to the bankroll for little effort and without tying up a large chunk of your bankroll.
For those with accounts with multiple bookmakers who are willing to shop for and find even better prices this profit can increase even further.
Of course these arbitrage opportunities are not just limited to AFL betting. We recommend keeping an eye on the “promotions” page at 1xBet to see all the current opportunities available. It is also worth following any bookmaker you have an account with on Twitter to be kept up to date on any promotions they may be running as these may also present arbitrage opportunities.
A well-documented case study offers more than just numbers; it reveals how arbitrage operates under real-world conditions. It can show how odds shift during the decision-making process and how timing affects outcomes. These insights allow bettors to understand what happens between identifying an opportunity and actually placing the bets. The study might also highlight small operational challenges that theory often overlooks, such as interface delays or verification issues. When presented clearly, a case study demonstrates how the slightest hesitation can turn a profitable situation into a neutral or even losing one. Understanding these scenarios through lived experience is crucial for building confidence. It transforms abstract models into realistic expectations.
Although arbitrage betting is designed around the concept of risk-free returns, case studies often expose subtle vulnerabilities. Odds may change after the first bet is placed, leaving the bettor exposed. Bookmakers might block access, reduce stakes, or even void bets due to sudden policy changes or suspicion of abuse. These risks don’t negate the strategy itself but stress the importance of flawless timing and execution. A real case can show how one missed step—such as confirming both odds simultaneously—can lead to unbalanced stakes. This helps readers understand that the “guarantee” depends on conditions staying stable long enough to act. It’s a crucial lesson in operational discipline rather than just calculation.
Case studies often include examples where the theoretical margin wasn’t realized due to execution errors or unforeseen changes. A frequent issue is that one bookmaker changes their odds before both bets are confirmed, creating an imbalance. Sometimes technical problems arise, such as delayed site loading or payment processing that causes time loss. In other cases, user inexperience leads to incorrect stake calculations or selection of the wrong market. By reviewing these failures, readers can identify weaknesses in their preparation and processes. It’s also a reminder that market conditions are dynamic and even precise math can’t account for every variable. Learning from failed attempts is often more instructive than studying successful ones.
Arbitrage often involves placing bets with different bookmakers, so account management is critical. A case study can show how bettors keep track of balances across platforms, manage withdrawal limits, and avoid triggering suspicion. It may also explain how they alternate between different types of bets to mask arbitrage behavior. In doing so, the study illustrates the importance of being organized and strategic in the way accounts are used. Tracking which bookmakers are tolerant or restrictive becomes part of the workflow. These insights are rarely found in theoretical guides but appear clearly in applied case examples. Such case studies help bettors stay operational over the long term without losing access to key platforms.
Case studies offer a grounded look at how small margins compound into meaningful profits when managed correctly. They typically show that even margins of 1–3% can be valuable with sufficient volume and precision. However, they also demonstrate how minor missteps can wipe out these gains. By following a single example, readers can see the full profit after accounting for currency conversion, fees, or delays. This creates a realistic perspective on what arbitrage can offer when executed with discipline. It’s not about a single big win but rather a repeated process of many small, secure profits. Understanding the actual scale of return is key to setting expectations and goals.
Timing is one of the most crucial elements emphasized in any serious case study on arbitrage. The window between spotting an opportunity and locking in both bets is often extremely short. A case may show that just 10 seconds of delay caused one side of the arbitrage to become unprofitable. It also explains how tools like odds alert software or browser automation can reduce reaction time. In live betting situations, the importance of fast execution becomes even more pronounced. Timing isn’t just about speed—it’s also about readiness and knowing exactly what to do the moment the numbers align. Case studies help visualize this by documenting events down to the second.
Losing examples provide a deeper understanding of the limitations of arbitrage. While success stories show what to aim for, failure stories highlight what can go wrong and how to prevent it. Case studies that include losses typically reveal where assumptions failed, whether through odds volatility, platform errors, or human mistakes. They also show how experienced bettors respond to these setbacks and adjust their systems. Learning from these moments helps others build safeguards into their approach. It’s this transparency in showing both sides of the strategy that makes a case study truly valuable. Losses, when dissected, often teach more than wins.
Even in scenarios where the odds suggest profit, hidden costs like transaction fees or conversion rates can erode margins. A detailed case study usually accounts for these expenses and shows their effect on the final outcome. Bettors who don’t consider fees might believe they’re profitable when in fact they’re breaking even or worse. The study might compare different payment methods and how they influence real returns. It also reinforces the idea that profitability depends on clean execution, not just theoretical odds. These operational realities are often the deciding factor between long-term gains and slow financial leakage.
Case studies provide a step-by-step roadmap that beginners can follow to avoid common mistakes. They show how experienced bettors select events, calculate stakes, and handle execution across multiple platforms. This level of detail helps new users understand what tools are needed and how to use them effectively. Beginners also gain awareness of red flags, such as fast-changing odds or unusually high margins that may indicate error. The case format builds practical confidence by translating abstract strategies into relatable action. Instead of diving in blindly, beginners can replicate proven steps and refine them over time with fewer surprises.
Most profitable arbitrage case studies share a few key traits: clear planning, fast execution, precise calculations, and use of reliable platforms. They often show consistent attention to detail and a methodical approach to every opportunity. Even when profits are modest per bet, the compounded results over time demonstrate the power of discipline. Successful examples rarely rely on luck; instead, they showcase how preparation and process lead to results. These studies highlight how efficiency and accuracy matter more than chasing large wins. For those seeking a sustainable edge, these shared patterns offer a blueprint worth emulating.