Arbitrage Betting Explained 2026: Find Risk-Free Profits

Introduction

Arbitrage betting — commonly known as "arbing" — is one of the few betting strategies that can genuinely guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome of a sporting event. It is not a scam, not a get-rich-quick scheme, and not illegal. It is a mathematically sound method of exploiting price differences between bookmakers to lock in a profit before a ball is even kicked.

The concept is identical to arbitrage in finance: when two markets price the same asset differently, a trader can buy in the cheaper market and sell in the more expensive one to pocket the difference. In betting, the "asset" is the outcome of an event, and the "markets" are different bookmakers offering different odds.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn exactly how arbitrage betting works, how to calculate your stakes, where to find opportunities, and how to manage your bookmaker accounts to sustain long-term profits. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced bettor looking to diversify your strategy, this guide covers everything you need to know.

If you are new to betting altogether, we recommend starting with our beginner's guide and how betting odds work before diving into arbitrage. Understanding implied probability and decimal odds is essential for what follows.

What is Arbitrage Betting?

Arbitrage betting is the practice of backing all possible outcomes of a sporting event across different bookmakers at odds that, when combined, have a total implied probability of less than 100%. When this condition is met, you can distribute your total stake across the outcomes in precise proportions and guarantee a profit no matter what happens.

A Simple Analogy

Think of it like this: imagine two shops selling and buying the same item at different prices. Shop A will sell you a widget for £9, and Shop B will buy that same widget from you for £10. You buy from Shop A, sell to Shop B, and pocket £1 profit with zero risk. That is arbitrage — and it works the same way with betting odds.

Why Do Arbitrage Opportunities Exist?

Bookmakers do not all agree on the probability of outcomes. Each bookmaker uses its own models, data sources, and risk management strategies to set odds. When one bookmaker rates a team's chances significantly differently from another, a gap opens up.

Several factors create these gaps:

• Different analytical models: Bookmakers use proprietary algorithms that weigh factors differently
• Slow odds updates: Some bookmakers are slower to react to news (injuries, team announcements, line-up changes)
• Regional bias: Bookmakers in different countries may favour local teams
• Promotional odds: Boosted odds on special markets create temporary imbalances
• Market volume differences: Less popular markets receive less attention and may be mispriced

The Role of Bookmaker Margins

Normally, bookmakers build in a margin (also called overround or "vig") that ensures the combined implied probability of all outcomes exceeds 100%. This margin is their profit. For example, in a two-outcome market, instead of offering true 50/50 odds of 2.00 on each side, a bookmaker might offer 1.90 on each — creating an implied probability of 105.26% and guaranteeing themselves a 5.26% edge.

You can check any bookmaker's margin using our vig calculator. Understanding margins is fundamental to understanding why arbitrage works — you can also read our detailed guide on bookmaker margins.

When the combined implied probability across multiple bookmakers dips below 100%, an arbitrage opportunity exists. Instead of the bookmakers collectively holding an edge over you, you hold an edge over them.

How Arbitrage Betting Works (Worked Examples)

Let us walk through the mathematics with concrete examples so you can see exactly how the numbers work.

2-Way Market Example (Tennis)

Tennis is the simplest market for arbitrage because there are only two possible outcomes (no draws).

Scenario: A tennis match between Player A and Player B.

Outcome	Bookmaker	Odds	Implied Probability
Player A wins	Bookmaker X	2.10	1/2.10 = 47.62%
Player B wins	Bookmaker Y	2.05	1/2.05 = 48.78%

Step 1: Calculate total implied probability

Total = 47.62% + 48.78% = 96.40%

Since 96.40% is less than 100%, an arbitrage opportunity exists.

Step 2: Calculate the arb percentage (your guaranteed profit margin)

Arb percentage = 100% - 96.40% = 3.60%

This means for every £100 you stake in total, you are guaranteed approximately £3.60 profit.

Step 3: Calculate individual stakes

With a total stake of £100:

• Stake on Player A = £100 x (1/2.10) / 0.9640 = £100 x 0.4762 / 0.9640 = £49.40
• Stake on Player B = £100 x (1/2.05) / 0.9640 = £100 x 0.4878 / 0.9640 = £50.60

Step 4: Verify the profit

• If Player A wins: £49.40 x 2.10 = £103.74 return. Profit = £103.74 - £100.00 = £3.74
• If Player B wins: £50.60 x 2.05 = £103.73 return. Profit = £103.73 - £100.00 = £3.73

Regardless of who wins, you make approximately £3.73-£3.74 profit on your £100 total stake. That is a guaranteed 3.7% return with zero risk.

3-Way Market Example (Football)

Football matches have three possible outcomes: Home Win, Draw, or Away Win. This makes the calculation slightly more complex but the principle is identical.

Scenario: A Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea.

Outcome	Bookmaker	Odds	Implied Probability
Arsenal Win (Home)	Bookmaker A	2.50	1/2.50 = 40.00%
Draw	Bookmaker B	3.60	1/3.60 = 27.78%
Chelsea Win (Away)	Bookmaker C	3.20	1/3.20 = 31.25%

Step 1: Calculate total implied probability

Total = 40.00% + 27.78% + 31.25% = 99.03%

Since 99.03% < 100%, this is an arb. The margin is thin (0.97%), but it is still a guaranteed profit.

Step 2: Calculate individual stakes with a £500 total stake

• Stake on Arsenal Win = £500 x (0.4000 / 0.9903) = £202.00
• Stake on Draw = £500 x (0.2778 / 0.9903) = £140.27
• Stake on Chelsea Win = £500 x (0.3125 / 0.9903) = £157.73

Total staked: £202.00 + £140.27 + £157.73 = £500.00

Step 3: Verify the profit

• If Arsenal wins: £202.00 x 2.50 = £505.00. Profit = £5.00
• If Draw: £140.27 x 3.60 = £504.97. Profit = £4.97
• If Chelsea wins: £157.73 x 3.20 = £504.74. Profit = £4.74

You can see that even with a thin 0.97% margin, a £500 total stake delivers roughly £5 guaranteed profit. Scale this up with larger stakes or find more opportunities per day, and the profits accumulate.

You do not have to calculate all of this by hand. Use our arbitrage calculator to instantly compute stakes and profits for any set of odds.

The Arbitrage Formula

Here is the core mathematics behind every arbitrage bet, laid out clearly so you can apply it to any market.

Checking for an Arbitrage Opportunity

Total Implied Probability = (1/Odds_1) + (1/Odds_2) + ... + (1/Odds_n)

• If the total is less than 1.0 (or < 100% when expressed as a percentage), an arbitrage opportunity exists
• If the total is equal to or greater than 1.0 (or > 100%), no arbitrage exists

Calculating the Arb Percentage

Arb Percentage = (1 - Total Implied Probability) x 100

This tells you your guaranteed profit as a percentage of your total stake.

Calculating Individual Stakes

For each outcome:

Stake_i = Total_Stake x (1/Odds_i) / Total_Implied_Probability

This formula ensures that the return from every outcome is equal (or as close to equal as rounding allows), guaranteeing the same profit regardless of what happens.

Quick Reference Table

Total Implied Probability	Arb Exists?	Profit Margin	Profit on £1,000 Stake
95.00%	Yes	5.00%	£50.00
97.00%	Yes	3.00%	£30.00
98.50%	Yes	1.50%	£15.00
99.50%	Yes	0.50%	£5.00
100.00%	No	0.00%	£0.00
102.00%	No	-2.00%	-£20.00 (loss)
105.00%	No	-5.00%	-£50.00 (loss)

For a deeper understanding of how odds translate to probabilities, check our odds converter tool and our guide on how betting odds work.

Types of Arbitrage Bets

Not all arbitrage opportunities are the same. Understanding the different types helps you focus your efforts where the returns are best for your situation.

Pre-Match Arbitrage

Pre-match arbs are found before events start. This is the most common and beginner-friendly type.

Advantages:

• More time to identify opportunities and place bets
• Less pressure — you can double-check calculations
• Odds are relatively stable (less risk of changes between bets)

Disadvantages:

• Smaller margins (typically 1-3%)
• More people competing for the same opportunities
• Odds comparison sites make these easy to spot, so bookmakers are aware

Best for: Beginners and those who prefer a systematic, low-stress approach.

Live/In-Play Arbitrage

During a match, odds fluctuate rapidly as events unfold (goals, red cards, injuries). These fluctuations can create larger arbitrage gaps.

Advantages:

• Larger margins possible (3-10% or even higher)
• More frequent opportunities
• Harder for bookmakers to detect (in-play betting is expected to be erratic)

Disadvantages:

• Extremely time-sensitive — odds can change within seconds
• Risk of partial execution (you place one bet, but the odds change before you place the second)
• Requires fast internet and multiple browser tabs open simultaneously
• Higher stress and concentration required

Best for: Experienced arbers with fast execution capabilities and dedicated software.

Exchange vs Bookmaker Arbitrage

This involves using a betting exchange (like Betfair or Smarkets) for the lay side and a traditional bookmaker for the back side. This is similar to matched betting, but without relying on free bet promotions.

How it works:

• Back an outcome at a bookmaker at high odds
• Lay the same outcome on an exchange at lower odds
• The difference between back and lay odds creates the profit

Advantages:

• More consistent opportunities than bookmaker-only arbs
• Exchanges rarely restrict accounts
• You can find opportunities on virtually any market

Disadvantages:

• Exchange commission (typically 2-5%) reduces margins — use our vig calculator to factor this in
• Requires understanding of lay betting mechanics
• Exchange liquidity can be an issue in smaller markets

Best for: Those comfortable with betting exchanges and looking for consistent, if smaller, returns.

Cross-Market Arbitrage

This advanced technique exploits price differences across different but related markets within the same event.

Examples:

• Backing Over 2.5 Goals with one bookmaker while backing Under 2.5 Goals with another
• Combining BTTS Yes at one bookmaker with BTTS No at another
• Using Asian Handicap lines across different bookmakers

Advantages:

• More opportunities since you are scanning multiple markets per event
• Less obvious to bookmakers (bets look like normal activity)
• Can find larger margins in niche markets

Disadvantages:

• More complex calculations
• Must understand market correlations to avoid errors
• Some market combinations are not perfectly correlated (e.g., BTTS and Over/Under goals)

Best for: Advanced arbers who understand multiple market types deeply.

Finding Arbitrage Opportunities

Knowing the theory is one thing — actually finding arbs in the wild is another. Here are the practical methods.

Manual Methods

The old-fashioned approach involves comparing odds across multiple bookmakers yourself.

Steps:

1. Open 5-10 bookmaker websites for the same event
2. Record the best odds for each outcome across all bookmakers
3. Calculate the total implied probability
4. If it is < 100%, you have found an arb

Tools for manual comparison:

• Oddschecker (compares odds across UK bookmakers)
• OddsPortal (historical and live odds comparison)
• Spreadsheet templates for calculating implied probability

Manual searching is time-consuming (expect to spend 1-2 hours to find a single arb), but it is an excellent way to learn and develop your eye for value. It also helps you understand which bookmakers and markets tend to produce the most opportunities.

Automated Tools

Professional arbers almost universally use automated scanning software.

What arb scanners do:

• Monitor odds across dozens of bookmakers in real-time
• Alert you instantly when an arb appears
• Calculate optimal stakes for you
• Track your bets and profits

Popular arb scanning services include:

• BetBurger — one of the most comprehensive scanners
• RebelBetting — beginner-friendly with good educational resources
• OddsJam — strong coverage of US and European markets
• ArbMate — affordable option for those starting out

Important note: These services require a monthly subscription, typically £30-£100+ per month. Make sure the subscription cost is justified by your expected profits before committing.

Best Sports and Markets for Arbs

Not all sports and markets offer equal arbitrage potential.

Top sports for arbing:

• Football (soccer): The most liquid market globally with the most bookmakers covering it. Three-way markets (Home/Draw/Away) create more opportunities than two-way markets
• Tennis: Two-way markets are simpler to calculate and execute. Fast odds movements create frequent short-lived arbs
• Basketball: High-scoring nature means frequent line movements, especially in live markets
• American Football and NFL: Large betting volumes and numerous bookmakers create pricing discrepancies

Best market types:

• Match Winner (1X2): The most commonly arbed market
• Over/Under Goals: Popular with clear two-outcome structure
• Asian Handicaps: Often mispriced due to their complexity
• BTTS (Both Teams to Score): Simple two-outcome market with good arb potential

For more on different market types, explore our guides on over/under goals, BTTS betting, and Asian handicap betting.

Bookmaker Account Management

This is arguably the most important section of this guide. Finding arbs is the easy part — keeping your bookmaker accounts active and unrestricted is the real challenge.

The Gubbing Problem

"Gubbing" is the industry term for when a bookmaker restricts your account. This can mean reduced maximum stakes (sometimes as low as £0.01), exclusion from promotions, or in extreme cases, account closure.

Bookmakers are private businesses and reserve the right to restrict any customer. They specifically target arbers because arbers consistently take value from the bookmaker rather than contributing to their profits.

Signs your account is being monitored:

• Bets are being referred to a trader instead of being accepted instantly
• Maximum stake limits are lower than advertised
• You are excluded from promotional offers
• Withdrawal requests are being scrutinised more closely
• You receive emails about "terms and conditions reviews"

Staying Under the Radar

The key to longevity in arbitrage betting is making your betting activity look like that of a regular recreational punter.

Essential strategies:

1. Place "mug bets": Regularly place small bets on popular outcomes — favourites, accumulators, popular markets. These are bets a typical punter would make. Aim for a ratio of at least 3 mug bets for every 1 arb bet.

2. Never take maximum stakes consistently: If the maximum is £500, vary your stakes. Bet £200 one time, £350 another, £175 another. Round numbers like £100 and £500 look suspicious.

3. Avoid unusual bet amounts: Staking £147.32 on an obscure tennis match is a red flag. Where possible, round your arb stakes to the nearest £5 or £10, accepting a tiny reduction in profit.

4. Spread bets across markets: Do not always bet on the underdog or always take the highest odds. Mix your betting patterns.

5. Withdraw profits gradually: Do not deposit £500, turn it into £520, and immediately withdraw everything. Keep a working balance and withdraw modest amounts periodically.

6. Use the bookmaker's features: Log in regularly, check your bet history, browse markets. Active account engagement makes you look like a genuine customer.

7. Bet on popular events: Placing arb bets on Premier League or Champions League matches is far less suspicious than betting on obscure lower-league fixtures.

How Many Accounts Do You Need?

The more accounts, the better. Each additional bookmaker account increases the pool of odds you can compare and the number of arb opportunities you can exploit.

Recommended minimum:

• 10-15 bookmaker accounts: Major UK and European bookmakers (Bet365, William Hill, Betfair Sportsbook, Unibet, Betway, 888sport, Betfred, Coral, Ladbrokes, Paddy Power, etc.)
• 1-2 exchange accounts: Betfair Exchange and Smarkets are the two main options
• Bonus: Access to bookmakers in other jurisdictions can open up more opportunities

Account management tips:

• Keep each account funded with a working balance (£100-£500 per account depending on your bankroll)
• Track which accounts are restricted and which are healthy
• Prioritise mug bets on accounts you want to protect long-term
• Consider which accounts you are willing to "burn through" (get restricted) for high-value arbs

Realistic Expectations

Before you commit to arbitrage betting, it is important to understand what you can realistically achieve.

Profit Potential

Typical arb margins: 1-3% per bet for pre-match, occasionally up to 5-10% for live arbs.

Monthly returns on bankroll:

Bankroll	Monthly Arbs Found	Average Margin	Estimated Monthly Profit
£1,000	30	2.0%	£60 - £100
£5,000	30	2.0%	£300 - £500
£10,000	30	2.0%	£600 - £1,000

Key factors affecting your returns:

• Capital: More capital means more meaningful profits from thin margins
• Number of bookmaker accounts: More accounts = more opportunities
• Time invested: Expect 1-3 hours daily for manual arbing, less with automated tools
• Speed of execution: Faster execution means fewer missed arbs
• Market coverage: Covering more sports and markets increases opportunity count

Risks and Limitations

While arbitrage is often described as "risk-free," there are practical risks you should be aware of:

1. Odds changes (palpable errors): Between placing your first bet and your second bet, the odds may change. If you have already committed money on one outcome, you may not be able to complete the arb at a profit. This is the single biggest operational risk.

2. Account restrictions: As discussed above, bookmakers will eventually restrict profitable arbers. This limits the lifespan of your strategy with any given bookmaker.

3. Capital lock-up: Your money is spread across 10-15 bookmaker accounts. It is not earning interest, and withdrawals can take days. This opportunity cost is real.

4. Exchange commission: If you are using exchange-based arbs, commission (typically 2-5%) eats into your margins and can turn a marginal arb into a loss.

5. Void bets and rule variations: Different bookmakers have different rules about void bets, postponed matches, and walkovers. If one leg of your arb is voided while the other stands, you may end up with an unhedged position.

6. Time investment: Arbitrage is not passive income. It requires active daily engagement, monitoring, and account management.

7. Psychological factors: Thin margins and occasional setbacks can be frustrating. It is not as exciting as traditional betting, and the grind can wear you down.

Arbitrage vs Other Strategies

How does arbitrage compare to other systematic betting approaches? Here is an honest comparison.

Strategy	Risk Level	Skill Required	Profit Potential	Sustainability	Time Investment
Arbitrage Betting	Very Low	Medium	Low-Medium (1-3% per bet)	Medium (accounts get restricted)	High (1-3 hrs/day)
Matched Betting	None	Low	Medium (depends on offers)	Low (offers dry up)	Medium (1-2 hrs/day)
Dutching	Medium	Medium	Medium	High	Medium
Value Betting	Medium-High	High	High (if done correctly)	High	Medium-High

Arbitrage vs Matched Betting: Matched betting uses free bet promotions to guarantee profits, while arbitrage uses odds differences. Matched betting is simpler but depends on new customer offers that eventually run out. Arbitrage can be done indefinitely (as long as accounts remain active). For a full breakdown, see our matched betting guide.

Arbitrage vs Dutching: Dutching involves backing multiple outcomes with a single bookmaker to spread risk, but it does not guarantee a profit — it reduces variance. Arbitrage across multiple bookmakers does guarantee a profit. Learn more in our dutching guide.

Arbitrage vs Value Betting: Value betting seeks odds that are higher than the true probability, accepting short-term variance for long-term profit. It has higher profit potential than arbing but carries real risk on any individual bet. Arbing is lower risk but also lower reward. For those interested in value betting, our value betting guide is essential reading.

Common Arbitrage Mistakes

Even experienced arbers make mistakes. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not Accounting for Exchange Commission

The Problem: You find an arb using a betting exchange for one leg but calculate your stakes based on the gross odds, forgetting that the exchange takes 2-5% commission on your winnings.

The Solution: Always factor in commission when calculating exchange-based arbs. Your effective lay odds are higher than the displayed odds once commission is deducted. Use our arbitrage calculator which includes commission settings.

Mistake 2: Slow Execution

The Problem: You spot an arb with a 2% margin, place your first bet, and by the time you navigate to the second bookmaker, the odds have shifted and the arb has vanished — or worse, reversed into a loss.

The Solution: Have all relevant bookmaker accounts logged in simultaneously. Use separate browser tabs (or even separate browsers). Place the leg with the least liquid or most volatile odds first, then lock in the second leg immediately.

Mistake 3: Betting Suspicious Amounts

The Problem: Your arb calculator says to stake £237.48 on an outcome. You place that exact amount. The bookmaker's fraud team immediately flags this as an arber because no recreational bettor stakes £237.48.

The Solution: Round your stakes to the nearest £5 or £10. Yes, you lose a tiny fraction of profit, but you dramatically extend the life of your bookmaker accounts. £240 looks far more natural than £237.48.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Bookmaker Terms and Conditions

The Problem: You place a bet expecting a normal settlement, but the bookmaker has specific rules about maximum payouts, dead heat rules, or void bet conditions that affect your arb.

The Solution: Read the terms for each bookmaker, especially regarding maximum payouts, rule 4 deductions (when a runner withdraws), and void bet policies. Ensure both legs of your arb would be settled consistently.

Mistake 5: Over-Relying on a Single Method

The Problem: You only look for pre-match 1X2 arbs and ignore every other market and method. Your opportunities are limited, and your betting pattern becomes obvious.

The Solution: Diversify across markets (1X2, Over/Under, BTTS, Asian Handicaps), methods (bookmaker-to-bookmaker, bookmaker-to-exchange), and sports (football, tennis, basketball). This increases your opportunities and makes your activity harder to flag.

Mistake 6: Poor Bankroll Management

The Problem: You put 80% of your bankroll into a single arb because the margin is good, leaving you unable to exploit other opportunities that arise. Or you spread your bankroll too thin across 20 bookmakers and cannot place meaningful stakes anywhere.

The Solution: Follow sound bankroll management principles. Keep enough in each active account to place your typical arb stake, maintain a reserve for topping up accounts, and never over-commit to a single opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is arbitrage betting legal?

Yes, arbitrage betting is completely legal in the UK, Europe, and most jurisdictions worldwide. You are simply placing bets with licensed bookmakers at odds they have chosen to offer. There is no fraud, manipulation, or deception involved. However, bookmakers can and do restrict accounts of customers they deem unprofitable — this is also legal and within their terms of service.

How much money do I need to start arbitrage betting?

A minimum of £500-£1,000 is recommended to get started, though £2,000-£5,000 is more practical. Since typical arb margins are 1-3%, you need sufficient capital to make the returns worthwhile. With a £500 bankroll and a 2% arb, your profit on a single bet is just £10. You also need to spread your bankroll across multiple bookmaker accounts, so starting capital needs to be large enough to fund at least 5-10 accounts simultaneously.

What percentage profit can I expect from arbitrage betting?

Per individual bet, typical pre-match arb margins are 1-3%. In-play arbs can be larger (3-10%), but they carry more execution risk. On a monthly basis, consistent arbers report returns of 5-15% on their total bankroll, depending on how many opportunities they find and execute. This means a £5,000 bankroll could generate £250-£750 per month, though results vary significantly.

Will bookmakers close my account for arbitrage betting?

Bookmakers will not typically close your account entirely, but they may restrict it significantly. Restrictions include reduced maximum stakes (sometimes to as little as £0.01), exclusion from promotions and bonuses, and delays on bet acceptance. The speed at which this happens depends on how well you disguise your activity. Some accounts last months; others may be restricted within weeks.

How do I find arbitrage opportunities?

There are three main approaches: manual comparison using odds comparison websites like Oddschecker, automated arb scanning software like BetBurger or RebelBetting, and building your own comparison tools using odds APIs. Most successful arbers use automated tools because the speed advantage is critical — arbs often exist for only minutes before odds adjust.

What is the best sport for arbitrage betting?

Football (soccer) offers the most opportunities due to the sheer volume of matches, markets, and bookmakers covering the sport. Tennis is the easiest for beginners because it is a two-outcome market (no draws). Basketball and American football are also popular among arbers due to their high liquidity and frequent line movements.

Do I need a betting exchange for arbitrage betting?

No, you do not strictly need an exchange. Bookmaker-to-bookmaker arbs (where you back different outcomes at different bookmakers) work perfectly well. However, having an exchange account (Betfair, Smarkets) opens up additional opportunities through back-lay arbs and generally provides more consistent pricing. Exchange accounts also have the advantage of rarely being restricted.

Can I do arbitrage betting on my phone?

Technically yes, as most bookmakers have mobile apps and mobile-optimised websites. However, arbing on a phone is significantly harder than on a desktop. You need multiple bookmaker accounts open simultaneously, speed is critical, and the smaller screen makes it harder to navigate quickly. Most serious arbers use a desktop or laptop with multiple browser tabs.

How long does it take per day?

With manual methods, expect to spend 2-3 hours per day searching for and executing arbs. With automated scanning software, the search time drops dramatically — you might spend 30-60 minutes per day placing bets and managing accounts. Account management (topping up balances, placing mug bets, withdrawing profits) adds additional time. Overall, plan for 1-3 hours of daily engagement.

What is a "sure bet"?

"Sure bet" is simply another term for an arbitrage bet. It is called a sure bet because the profit is guaranteed (or "sure") regardless of the outcome. Other synonyms include "arb," "surebet," "miraclebet," and "risk-free bet." They all refer to the same concept: betting on all outcomes at odds that collectively imply a probability of < 100%.

Is arbitrage betting truly risk-free?

In theory, a completed arb is risk-free — the mathematics guarantee a profit. In practice, there are operational risks: odds can change between placing your first and second bet, bookmakers can void bets due to palpable errors, different settlement rules can cause unexpected outcomes, and account restrictions limit your long-term earning potential. It is more accurate to say arbitrage is "very low risk" rather than "zero risk."

How does exchange commission affect arbs?

Exchange commission (typically 2-5% on net winnings) reduces the effective odds you receive on exchange bets. For example, if the lay odds on an exchange are 2.00 and the commission is 5%, your effective return is reduced by that commission rate. This means an arb that looks profitable before commission might be break-even or even unprofitable after commission. Always calculate arbs using effective odds (after commission). Our vig calculator can help you understand how commission impacts your margins.

Can I combine arbitrage with other strategies?

Absolutely. Many experienced bettors use arbitrage as one component of a broader strategy. You might combine arbing with matched betting (using free bets alongside arbs), value betting (when arbs are scarce, pivot to value bets), or dutching (when full arbs are not available but you can reduce risk across outcomes). Diversifying your approach maximizes your opportunities and reduces dependence on any single method.

What happens if one bookmaker voids my bet?

This is one of the real risks of arbitrage. If one leg of your arb is voided (for example, due to a palpable error rule or match postponement) while the other leg stands, you are left with an unhedged single bet. This can result in a loss. To mitigate this risk, check the void bet and palpable error policies of each bookmaker before placing arb bets. You can also read our detailed explanation of void bets.

Conclusion

Arbitrage betting is a legitimate, mathematically sound strategy for generating guaranteed profits from sports betting markets. Here are the key takeaways:

• Arbitrage works when combined implied probability across bookmakers is < 100% — the gap between bookmaker opinions is your profit
• The formula is straightforward: check total implied probability, calculate your arb percentage, and distribute stakes proportionally
• Pre-match arbs offer 1-3% margins, while live arbs can be larger but carry execution risk
• Account management is the real challenge — bookmakers will restrict you, so disguise your activity and maintain many accounts
• Realistic monthly returns are 5-15% on your bankroll with dedicated daily effort
• Combine arbing with other strategies for maximum long-term profitability
• Automated tools make arbing practical — manual searching is educational but not efficient for serious returns

Ready to start calculating your arbs? Use our arbitrage calculator to instantly compute stakes and profits for any set of odds. Check bookmaker margins with our vig calculator, and convert between odds formats with our odds converter.

For further reading, explore our guides on value betting, matched betting, dutching, how betting odds work, and best bookmakers for value betting.

Responsible Gambling Reminder: While arbitrage betting minimises risk compared to traditional gambling, it still involves real money and bookmaker accounts. Never bet with money you cannot afford to lose, keep detailed records of all your bets and profits, and take regular breaks from the screen. If you feel that your betting activity is becoming problematic, visit GambleAware for support and advice.