Arbitrage Calculator





What is Sports Arbitrage

Sports arbitrage, also known as sure betting or miracle bets, is a technique that allows astute bettors to take advantage of discrepancies in odds offered by different bookmakers to guarantee a profit, regardless of the outcome of a sporting event. By strategically placing bets on all possible outcomes across various bookmakers, sports arbitrage enthusiasts can exploit these disparities and create a risk-free opportunity for financial gain. In this article, we will explore the concept of sports arbitrage in-depth, discuss its legality, assess its profitability, and shed light on the best sports for arbitrage trading.

Sports Betting Arbitrage Theory

To fully understand the mechanics of sports arbitrage, let's consider an example. Suppose there is a tennis match between Player A and Player B. Bookmaker X offers odds of 2.1 for Player A to win, while Bookmaker Y offers odds of 2.3 for Player B to win. By carefully calculating the appropriate amounts to bet on each outcome, it is possible to ensure a profit regardless of who actually wins the match. This is achieved by distributing the total stake across both bets in a way that guarantees a positive return, regardless of the outcome.

Arbitrage Bet Example

Let me give you an example of how you can use our arbitrage calculator to cover all possible outcomes in different sportsbooks while taking advantage of the different odds in separate bookmakers.

Which Sports are Best for Arbitrage

All sports are feasible for betting arbitrage, yet football is the most popular simply as the liquidity there is highest. Contrary to the point that you have to find smaller events. in my opinion, you can get away with not getting caught if you bet on the biggest leagues. To ensure a guaranteed profit you can use our arbitrage calculator which currently works only in decimal odds to calculate arbitrage in different betting companies.

I will start with a two-way arbitrage and call Sportsbook A and Sportsbook B.

The game in consideration is Arsenal vs. Tottenham and the bookmakers set the following odds:

Sportsbook A: Over 2.5 Goals - 1.95

Sportsbook B: Under 2.5 Goals - 2.16

The best way to exploit this is to use our arbitrage calculator and calculate your total investment and profit for each possible outcome. In the picture below you can see that a total stake of 100 GBP gets distributed so the profit is equal irrespective of the outcome.

My advice is, however, to round up the stakes as several bookmakers have already started banning accounts and you won't have to limit the risks of losing money.

Arbitrage Image

Is Sports Arbitrage Worth It

The answer depends on various factors. While sports arbitrage presents a unique opportunity for risk-free profits, it requires substantial effort, time, and research. Identifying and capitalizing on arbitrage opportunities can be challenging, especially in highly competitive markets. Additionally, the potential profit margins are relatively low compared to other forms of investment. However, for dedicated arbitrage traders who are willing to invest the necessary resources, it can be a lucrative venture. To maximise your arbitrage profit you may utilise bonus bets, free bets and any gifts you get from the casino.

Can Arbitrage be Illegal

No, sports betting arbitrage is legal as long as the betting is not prohibited in the jurisdiction you reside, bear in mind that while legal, bookmakers are losing money from that so they will try to limit your accounts if they suspect it.

Arbitrage Betting Opportunities

When it comes to determining which sports are best for arbitrage, it's essential to consider the liquidity and efficiency of the betting market. Sports with a high volume of betting activity, such as football (soccer), basketball, tennis, and American football, often present more opportunities for arbitrage. These sports attract a wide range of bettors and, consequently, lead to more diverse odds across bookmakers. However, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and monitor the market carefully to ensure accurate odds comparisons and avoid potential pitfalls.

Is Sports Arbitrage Legal

Now, let's address the legal aspects of sports arbitrage. In most jurisdictions, arbitrage betting itself is entirely legal. It is essentially a form of exploiting discrepancies in odds, which does not involve any form of manipulation or cheating. However, some bookmakers have specific rules and policies against arbitrage betting and may restrict or close the accounts of individuals suspected of engaging in such practices. Therefore, it's important to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of each bookmaker before pursuing arbitrage trading.

Is Bet365 Arbitrage Friendly

As for Bet365, one of the prominent online bookmakers, their stance on arbitrage betting is rather complex. While they do not explicitly accept arbitrage, they do not have a specific policy against it either. Bet365 has been known to limit or suspend the accounts of customers who consistently win or engage in arbitrage trading. It's recommended to be careful and not depend only on Bet365 for making arbitrage bets. Pinnacle is a bookmaker that welcomes sports arbitrage.

Can You Still Make Money with Arbitrage

Yes, you can definitely earn a side income with sports arbitrage as many bookmakers such as Pinnacle are welcoming winners, bear in mind however that while it is profitable it is no longer risk-free as the highest odds you found may suddenly drop, before you are able to execute both bets, some bookies are also voiding bets if they suspect arbitrage so that may cause to lose money, in case the winning outcome gets void.

How do Bookies Detect Arbitrage

Arbitrage bettors have to be careful to stay undetected, as the betting industry is quickly catching up on arbitrageurs. Bookmakers have, employees, searching for bad customers, like match-fixers, sports arbitrageurs, value bettors and generally winning players. They will then investigate your betting activity and quickly find that you are exploiting the juice and betting only on their sharpest markets. Usually, your account will get limited so you will have to prepare with multiple accounts in both bookies and betting exchanges.

How to avoid being limited

Avoiding or delaying being limited by bookmakers can be a challenging task, as they employ various measures to protect themselves from arbitrage traders and consistently winning bettors. However, there are some strategies you can employ to minimize the risk of being limited. Here are a few

  1. Diversify Your Betting Activity: Instead of focusing solely on arbitrage betting, engage in a broader range of betting activities. Place bets on different sports, events, and markets. By demonstrating a diverse betting pattern, you may appear less like a professional bettor and reduce the likelihood of being flagged for limitation.

  2. Bet on Lesser-Known Markets: Bookmakers tend to closely monitor popular markets with high liquidity, such as major football leagues or tennis Grand Slam events. By exploring lesser-known sports or niche markets, you may encounter less scrutiny and reduce the risk of being limited.

  3. Avoid Maximum Stake Limits: Bookmakers often impose maximum stake limits on specific events or markets, especially when they suspect arbitrage activity. Try to avoid placing bets close to these limits, as it may draw unwanted attention and result in limitations.

  4. Be Mindful of Bet Timing: Timing is crucial in arbitrage betting. Placing bets too quickly after odds are released or when there is a significant movement across bookmakers can raise suspicions. Aim to place your bets closer to the start of an event or when the odds have stabilized to minimize detection.

  5. Use Multiple Bookmakers: Instead of relying on a single bookmaker, open accounts with multiple reputable bookmakers. This allows you to spread your bets across different platforms and diversify your betting activity. It also reduces the risk of arousing suspicion from a single bookmaker.

  6. Manage Your Profits: Bookmakers often pay attention to customers who consistently generate high profits. While it's essential to capitalize on arbitrage opportunities, it's equally important to manage your profits wisely. Consider withdrawing funds regularly or reinvesting them in non-arbitrage bets to maintain a balanced betting profile.

  7. Maintain a Low Profile: Avoid discussing your arbitrage activities on public forums or social media platforms. Bookmakers may actively monitor these channels to identify and track professional bettors. By keeping a low profile, you reduce the chances of being targeted for limitation.

  8. Stay Informed: Be aware of bookmakers' terms and conditions regarding arbitrage betting. Some bookmakers explicitly state in their policies that they do not accept arbitrage traders. By understanding their rules, you can adjust your betting strategies accordingly to avoid bookmakers who are more likely to limit your account.

Rounding up Stakes in Sports Arbitrage

Rounding up the stakes is an additional technique that can be used to further disguise your arbitrage activity and minimize the risk of being limited. Here's how it works:

  1. Round Up Stake Amounts: Instead of placing exact stake amounts, consider rounding them up to the nearest reasonable increment. For example, if the calculated stake for an arbitrage opportunity is $95.43, round it up to $100. By rounding up the stakes, you appear more like a casual bettor who is not meticulously calculating arbitrage opportunities.

  2. Adjust Stake Distribution: When distributing your stakes across different outcomes, round up or down the stake amounts strategically. For instance, if you have calculated a stake of $75.60 for one outcome and $83.20 for another, consider rounding them up or down to more rounded figures, such as $70 and $80, respectively. This subtle adjustment helps to create a more natural betting pattern.

  3. Vary Stake Amounts: Avoid consistently using the same stake amount for all your bets. Varying your stake sizes across different bets makes it harder for bookmakers to detect your arbitrage activity. For example, if you frequently bet $100 on each arbitrage opportunity, try using a range of stake amounts, such as $80, $100, or $120, depending on the specific opportunity.

  4. Blend in with Regular Bettors: Emulate the betting behaviour of regular bettors by occasionally placing non-arbitrage bets on popular events or outcomes. This helps to create a more balanced betting profile and reduces the focus on your arbitrage activity. Remember to research and analyze these non-arbitrage bets carefully to ensure they have a reasonable chance of winning.

  5. Consider Betting on Accumulators: Instead of exclusively focusing on individual bets, incorporate accumulator bets (parlays) into your strategy. Accumulators involve placing bets on multiple outcomes, and they often attract recreational bettors. By occasionally including accumulators in your betting portfolio, you can appear more like a casual bettor while still maintaining the potential for profit.

Remember, while rounding up stakes can help disguise your arbitrage activity, it's crucial to strike a balance between blending in and maintaining profitability. Rounded stakes should still align with your calculated arbitrage opportunities and ensure a positive return. Be mindful not to deviate too far from the original calculations, as this could impact your overall profitability.

By combining the practice of rounding up stakes with other strategies for avoiding limitations, you increase your chances of prolonging your arbitrage betting activity and maximizing your potential profits.

Is Sports Arbitrage Risky

Despite the potential for risk-free profits, it is important to acknowledge that sports arbitrage is not entirely without risk. Several factors can contribute to potential losses, including human error in calculations, sudden changes in odds, or account limitations imposed by bookmakers. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a meticulous approach, use reliable arbitrage software or calculators, and stay updated with real-time odds to minimize the risk associated with arbitrage trading.

Is Arbitrage Free Money

In theory yes, you make a riskless profit by exploiting differences in the odds in two different bookies, essentially betting on both sides of an event, covering all possible outcomes and locking a profit. In reality, however, there are certain risks associated with arbitrage betting such as sudden changes in the odds in one of the bookmakers. In that case, you may end up betting on one side, and be unable to bet on the expected odds on the opposite side, so you will have to face a choice whether to take the risk of losing the whole amount by not placing an opposite bet, or to place a bet on the opposite side and realize a loss.

Can you Lose with Arbitrage Bets

Yes, in case you don't calculate the correct stakes, or you fail to identify arbitrage opportunities, you risk making a loss. Loss can be financial, or in the form of opportunity cost, where you lost time searching for sure bets, which could have been utilised in a more efficient manner, for example, real job hunting.

How to Reduce the Risk of Odds Change

Odds tend to change more regularly, as the kick-off time gets nearby, so to avoid disappointments, try to bet on games that are starting at least a few hours down the line. To help you in finding arbitrage betting opportunities you can use odds comparison sites, bear in mind that not all tools are free so you will have to add that cost to the book when calculating the profit. Our arb calculator is completely free so you don't risk losing money before you have even started.

Is Online Betting Arbitrage Hard

While online arbitrage can be challenging, it is not insurmountable. With the proliferation of online bookmakers and the availability of sophisticated tools and software, identifying and executing arbitrage opportunities has become more accessible than ever before. However, it requires dedication, discipline, and continuous learning to stay ahead in the dynamic world of sports betting.

Calculate Arbitrage for Guaranteed Profit

Sports arbitrage presents a unique opportunity for individuals with a keen eye for odds differentials and a willingness to invest time and effort. While it may not be as easy or risk-free as some proponents claim, it can still be a profitable endeavour for those who approach it with caution and diligence. By understanding the intricacies of arbitrage trading, choosing the right sports markets, and staying informed about the policies of bookmakers, one can unlock the hidden potential of sports betting and pave the way for consistent financial gains.

In conclusion, sports arbitrage, also known as sure bets, presents an intriguing opportunity for bettors to generate a profit regardless of the outcome of a sporting event. By capitalizing on different odds offered by bookmakers and utilizing betting exchanges, astute arbitrage traders can identify and exploit arbitrage betting opportunities.

The key to successful sports arbitrage lies in carefully calculating the arbitrage profit and strategically placing bets on both back and lay odds. By distributing stakes across various outcomes, bettors can ensure a guaranteed profit regardless of which side prevails. This risk-free approach to sports betting has attracted many enthusiasts seeking to capitalize on the discrepancies in odds across bookmakers.

To find arbitrage betting opportunities, it's essential to closely monitor the odds offered by different bookmakers and utilize specialized software or calculators that can quickly identify potential arbitrage situations. These tools help analyze the odds and calculate the precise stakes required to achieve a profitable arbitrage trade.

Back Odds vs. Lay Odds

Betting exchanges, such as Betfair, play a crucial role in sports arbitrage, as they allow bettors to both back and lay bets. By utilizing these platforms, arbitrage traders can match their opposing bets with other individuals in the exchange, ensuring that all possible outcomes are covered.

The concept of sports arbitrage revolves around the principle of different odds offered by bookmakers, which creates an opportunity to guarantee a profit regardless of the final outcome. It offers a unique way to leverage disparities in the betting market and tap into the potential for risk-free profits.

Conclusion: Calculate Arbitrage Carefully

However, it's important to note that while sports arbitrage can be a lucrative strategy, it requires diligence, careful research, and ongoing monitoring of the betting market. Additionally, some bookmakers have policies against arbitrage betting and may limit or close the accounts of individuals suspected of engaging in such practices. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of each bookmaker and exercise caution when pursuing arbitrage trading.

In the dynamic world of sports arbitrage, where different odds, betting exchanges, and the calculation of arbitrage profit are vital, diligent research, strategic betting, and a comprehensive understanding of the arbitrage process are the keys to success. By staying informed, utilizing the right tools, and adhering to sound risk management principles, arbitrage traders can unlock the potential for consistent profits in the realm of sports betting.