Imagine a situation, when you bet on all possible outcomes on the market and gain a profit. Sounds crazy but the funniest thing is that it’s possible. It’s possible with arbitrage betting, which is also called surebets, surewinbets. Probably the most used term for arbitrage situation in betting is arb. And players who use this approach are arbers or arbusers. Arbs in betting happens because of the differences in odds at the same markets at different bookmakers. This discrepancy between odds leads to a situation when simultaneously placed bets on different outcomes at one market (at different bookies) secures a profit for bettor (regardless of the final result).
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Arbs are usually two-way (two different outcomes), but also can three-way (football with 1, X, 2), four-way and so on. By the way, if you want to get accurate soccer predictions, we recommend that you follow the link provided and subscribe to the blog section updates.
Different odds at different bookies don’t create an arbitrage situation automatically. The differences have to meet the mathematical requirements. And this mathematical requirement is “negative margin”.
The term we used earlier (negative margin) has no sense gambling-wise. But you’ll understand what we mean by using it after our example. We have a tennis match between R. Federer and R. Nadal and two different bookmakers with different odds for it.
Bookmaker A offers:
We have 62.5% + 43.5% = 106% or 6% margin at this bookie.
Bookmaker B offers:
Margin at this bookie is 3%: 66.66% + 36.36% – 100%.
But now we combine R. Nadal odds at bookmaker A and R. Federer odds at bookmaker B. We add the probabilities:
62.5% + 36.36% = 98.86% and with that we got our “negative margin”: 98.86 – 100 = 1.14%.
With this kind of odds, we have a mathematical edge (1.14%) over the bookmaker. We just need to calculate stakes to secure profit. Let’s say we put 100$ on Rafael Nadal at 1.60. How much we have to bet on R. Federer to guarantee a profit? Here is the formula:
Bet size: (Back odds x Back stake)/lay odds = 160/2.75 = 58.18$.
If Rafael Nadal wins:
100 x 1.6 – 100 – 58.18 = 1.82$
If Federer wins:
58.18 x 2.75 – 100 – 58.18 = 1.81$.
The 1.81$ is guaranteed no matter who will win the match in the end.
You don’t have to calculate odds and stake by yourself. Just use an arbitrage betting calculator for it, especially if it’s a three-way. And finding arb could be very tiresome too. But there are plenty of websites and software (paid and free), which are designed for this type of betting. They are scanning hundreds of bookies and automatically find opportunities for arbs.
Bookmakers are rarely saying anything in their rules about arbitrage betting. It will be a hard time to find a rule which prohibits players from it. At the same time, all betting companies have a rule by which they can restrict (reduce limits, odds, ban account) any player on their will. And this is bookmaker’s tool in the war against arbers. They just cut maxes at the account, or even block players.
And companies have a special department for monitoring players’ activity. There is even a theory that bookies creating some juicy situations for abrs on purpose to catch those, who decide to take advantage of it.
Read also: Finding Value in Lines: The Theory.
First of all, you need to accept that arbitrage betting can be very tiresome and requires pretty big investments of time and money. To gain decent money arber needs a good turnover of money. Even with 10000$ bankroll and 1% arb your profit will be 100$ at max. Here are some tips, which could be helpful:
Be smart with your deposits, style and bets size. If a player deposits a huge amount of money, and bet them all in a second on ITF match on tennis, then it’s a wake-up call. Put nice round numbers (100$ instead of 100.67$) even if you lose some of your profits. By the way, if you want to get betwinner promo code, follow the provided link. Victory will be yours!
Arbitrage betting is a strategy that involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of a sporting event using different bookmakers. The aim is to secure a guaranteed profit regardless of the final result due to differences in odds across the market. These discrepancies occur when bookmakers assess probabilities differently or react slowly to changes in betting activity. By calculating the stake proportions accurately, bettors can ensure that the return exceeds the total amount wagered. The profit margin is typically small but consistent if the method is executed correctly. It’s not based on predicting winners, but on exploiting market inefficiencies. Over time, this disciplined approach can yield stable, low-risk gains.
To identify an arbitrage situation, one must first monitor odds from multiple bookmakers for the same event. Specialized software or odds comparison tools can assist in spotting mismatched prices that open a profit window. Once such a mismatch is found, it’s crucial to calculate the implied probabilities and ensure they add up to less than 100%. This is the core signal that an arbitrage bet is mathematically viable. Timing is essential, as these opportunities often disappear within minutes. Manual identification is possible but requires speed and precision. With the right tools and quick execution, arbitrage chances can be turned into actionable bets.
Bookmakers design their odds to ensure long-term profitability, not to allow guaranteed returns for bettors. When someone consistently exploits price differences to lock in profit, it undermines the bookmaker’s business model. As a result, accounts suspected of arbing may be limited, restricted, or even banned. Bookmakers track betting patterns, stake sizes, and odd timings to detect suspicious activity. Some even share information across networks to identify habitual arbitrage users. While arbitrage betting is legal, it’s generally unwelcome in the eyes of betting operators. To succeed, arbers must stay discreet and avoid triggering detection systems.
While the theory behind arbitrage betting promises risk-free profit, real-world execution carries several challenges. Odds can change rapidly between bet placements, which may leave one side unbalanced or void the entire strategy. Some bookmakers may cancel bets, delay settlement, or reject high-stake wagers if the market shifts suddenly. Currency exchange fluctuations and withdrawal fees also affect the final margin. Account limitations can restrict access to future opportunities, reducing long-term sustainability. Technical errors or miscalculations can lead to financial losses if not immediately corrected. Therefore, arbitrage betting is low-risk—but only under precise, controlled conditions.
Most professional arbitrage bettors rely on advanced software that scans thousands of odds in real time. These tools highlight opportunities, calculate optimal stakes, and provide alerts to act quickly. Multi-account management systems help streamline access to various bookmakers while maintaining operational efficiency. VPNs or proxy servers are often used to bypass regional restrictions or avoid detection. Some arbers also use spreadsheets to track performance, margins, and bookmaker behavior over time. Automation enhances speed, but human verification remains essential to avoid critical mistakes. A solid tech stack is indispensable in sustaining a profitable arbitrage strategy.
Sports with large betting volumes and frequent line changes offer the best chances for arbitrage. Football, tennis, basketball, and baseball are commonly targeted due to their global popularity and deep bookmaker coverage. Events with two possible outcomes, like tennis matches, are easier to manage and calculate. Niche sports can also present opportunities because odds are less accurate due to lower data availability. Live betting markets occasionally open short-term arbitrage windows, though they require even faster execution. The more bookmakers offer odds on an event, the higher the chance of price divergence. Sport selection depends on your familiarity and the efficiency of the markets.
Stakes are calculated to ensure that, regardless of the outcome, the return remains the same across all bets. First, convert the decimal odds of each outcome into implied probabilities. Then, use a formula to determine how much to stake on each selection so that the payout equals or exceeds the total investment. Many arbitrage calculators automate this process to minimize errors. Precision is key, especially when margins are tight and bookmaker limits vary. Always double-check stake size before confirming, as even small rounding errors can negate profit. Proper calculation ensures the integrity of the arbitrage plan.
While arbitrage betting can produce consistent returns, scaling it into a full-time income is complex. The profit margins per bet are typically low, requiring high volume and capital to reach substantial earnings. Managing multiple bookmaker accounts, currency transfers, and withdrawal timing adds operational overhead. Bookmaker restrictions often force arbers to rotate platforms or open new accounts, increasing complexity. Some full-time arbers use team-based setups or operate across several devices and regions. Legal and tax considerations must also be addressed when profits grow. It’s possible—but only with advanced systems, time commitment, and strategic planning.
Pre-match markets are generally more stable, making them suitable for planning and executing arbitrage bets with less urgency. Odds are published earlier, and there’s more time to analyze and prepare. However, live betting can offer higher frequency of arbitrage due to rapid fluctuations caused by real-time events. These live opportunities are fleeting and demand near-instant reactions. The risk is higher in live arbing due to volatile pricing and possible delays in bet acceptance. Most professionals use a mix of both, depending on their risk tolerance and toolset. Flexibility allows bettors to adapt and take advantage of shifting market conditions.
Arbitrage betting is legal in most jurisdictions, as it doesn’t involve manipulation or deception. Bettors are simply using publicly available odds and basic mathematics to structure their wagers. However, it operates in a grey zone when it comes to bookmaker terms and conditions. Many operators explicitly reserve the right to limit or suspend accounts suspected of non-recreational activity. Regulations vary by country, so it’s important to understand the legal landscape and tax obligations where you reside. Using arbitrage as a professional income source may require declaring profits and ensuring compliance. Legality isn’t the issue—bookmaker policy and regulation enforcement are.