What is Arbitrage Betting? The Complete 2025 Guide
Arbitrage betting, also known as "arbing" or "surebetting," is a betting strategy that guarantees profit regardless of the outcome. It's not gambling—it's mathematics.
Table of Contents
- What is Arbitrage Betting?
- How Does Arbitrage Betting Work?
- Real-World Example
- Types of Arbitrage Bets
- Pros and Cons
- How to Get Started
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage betting is a strategy where you place bets on all possible outcomes of a sporting event at different bookmakers to guarantee a profit, regardless of which outcome occurs.
This is possible because different bookmakers often set different odds for the same event. When the odds differ enough, you can cover all outcomes and still make money.
Think of it like currency exchange arbitrage—buying low in one market and selling high in another. Except with sports betting, you're exploiting odds discrepancies between bookmakers.
How Does Arbitrage Betting Work?
For an arbitrage opportunity to exist, the combined implied probability of all outcomes must be less than 100%. This happens when bookmakers have different opinions on the likely outcome of an event.
Here's the formula to check if an arbitrage opportunity exists:
Arbitrage % = (1/Odds1) + (1/Odds2) + (1/Odds3)...If the result is less than 1 (or 100%), an arbitrage opportunity exists.
Real-World Example
Let's say Manchester United is playing Liverpool. Here are the odds at different bookmakers:
| Bookmaker | Outcome | Odds | Stake | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | Man Utd Win | 3.20 | €312.50 | €1,000 |
| DraftKings | Draw | 3.50 | €285.71 | €1,000 |
| FanDuel | Liverpool Win | 2.30 | €434.78 | €1,000 |
Types of Arbitrage Bets
- 2-Way Arbitrage: Used for events with two outcomes (tennis, basketball spread)
- 3-Way Arbitrage: Common in soccer with win/draw/lose markets
- Cross-Market Arbitrage: Exploiting odds between different bet types
- Live Arbitrage: Finding opportunities during live events (higher risk, higher reward)
Pros and Cons of Arbitrage Betting
Pros
- ✓ Guaranteed profit on every bet
- ✓ Zero risk when executed correctly
- ✓ Consistent returns (2-10% per bet)
- ✓ Works in any sports market
- ✓ Scalable with larger bankrolls
Cons
- ✗ Requires accounts at multiple bookmakers
- ✗ Opportunities can disappear quickly
- ✗ Bookmakers may limit successful arbers
- ✗ Requires significant starting bankroll
- ✗ Time-sensitive execution needed
How to Get Started with Arbitrage Betting
- 1. Create accounts at multiple bookmakers - You'll need 5-10 accounts to find consistent opportunities.
- 2. Fund your accounts - Start with at least €1,000-2,000 split across accounts.
- 3. Use an arbitrage scanner - Tools like ArbitrageBets24 find opportunities automatically.
- 4. Act quickly - Arbs can disappear within seconds, so speed matters.
- 5. Track your bets - Keep records of all bets for analysis and tax purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is arbitrage betting legal?
Yes, arbitrage betting is completely legal. You're simply placing bets at different bookmakers—there's nothing illegal about that. However, bookmakers don't like arbers and may limit your accounts.
How much money do I need to start?
We recommend starting with at least €1,000-2,000 to see meaningful returns. With 3% profit per bet and multiple bets per day, this can compound quickly.
Can I really make money with arbitrage betting?
Absolutely. Professional arbers make €1,000-10,000+ per month. The key is having enough capital, acting quickly, and using the right tools to find opportunities.
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