Understanding Arbitrage Betting: A Beginner's Guide

Arbitrage betting, also known as "arbing," is a betting strategy that allows you to profit from differences in odds offered by different bookmakers. This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of arbitrage betting and how to identify opportunities.

What is Arbitrage Betting?

Arbitrage betting involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event across different bookmakers, ensuring a profit regardless of the result. This is possible when bookmakers have different opinions on the likelihood of outcomes, creating a discrepancy in odds.

How Does It Work?

The basic principle is simple:

1. Find an event where different bookmakers offer significantly different odds
2. Calculate if the combined odds create an arbitrage opportunity
3. Place bets on all outcomes in the right proportions
4. Guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome

Example

Let's say Team A vs Team B has the following odds:

• Bookmaker 1: Team A wins at 2.10
• Bookmaker 2: Team B wins at 2.10

If you bet $100 on each outcome, you'll spend $200 total. The winner returns $210, giving you a $10 profit (5% return) no matter which team wins.

Key Considerations

• Speed: Odds change quickly, so you need to act fast
• Account Limits: Bookmakers may limit or close accounts of consistent arbitrage bettors
• Stake Limits: Some bookmakers have maximum bet amounts
• Verification: Account verification can delay withdrawals

Tools and Calculators

Use our Arbitrage Calculator to quickly determine if an opportunity exists and how much to bet on each outcome.

Conclusion

Arbitrage betting can be a low-risk way to profit from sports betting, but it requires dedication, quick action, and proper bankroll management. Always verify calculations before placing bets and be aware of bookmaker terms and conditions.