Arbitrage betting—often called "arbing"—is one of the only betting strategies that can guarantee a profit, no matter the outcome of the match.

It sounds too good to be true… and for casual bettors, it usually is. But the strategy is real, and professional bettors have been using it for years to beat the bookies.

This blog breaks down exactly what arbitrage betting is, how it works, how to find arbs, and the risks that come with it—even though it's "risk-free" on paper.

🧠 What Is Arbitrage Betting?

Arbitrage betting is when you place bets on all possible outcomes of a match across different bookmakers, and because of differences in odds, you're guaranteed to make a profit—no matter who wins.

This happens when bookies disagree on the true probability of an event, or one book reacts slower to market movement than another.

📊 Real Example: Arbitrage on a 2-Way Market

Let's say two bookmakers offer different odds on a Premier League match:

Outcome Bookmaker A Bookmaker B
Liverpool win 2.10 1.88
Chelsea win 1.80 2.05

✅ You place:

  • €100 on Liverpool to win at 2.10 with Bookmaker A
  • €100 on Chelsea to win at 2.05 with Bookmaker B

Now look at both outcomes:

  • If Liverpool wins: You get €210 from Bookmaker A – €200 total stake = €10 profit
  • If Chelsea wins: You get €205 from Bookmaker B – €200 total stake = €5 profit

📈 Guaranteed profit, no matter who wins.

(Note: This assumes it's a 2-way market like a cup match with extra time/pens included, or you're using the "To Qualify" or "Draw No Bet" market. In 3-way markets, you'd need to include a third outcome—more complex, but doable.)

🧮 How to Calculate an Arbitrage Opportunity

Use this simple formula to check if an arb exists:

Formula:
(1 / Odds A) + (1 / Odds B) < 1

Example:
(1 / 2.10) + (1 / 2.05) = 0.476 + 0.487 = 0.963

✅ Since 0.963 < 1, this is a profitable arb.
The smaller the result, the bigger your margin.

🛠️ How to Find Arbitrage Bets

1. Use Arbing Tools & Software

There are platforms built to scan thousands of markets and find arbs for you in real time:

  • OddsJam
  • BetBurger
  • RebelBetting
  • ArbMate

Many offer free trials. Paid versions are faster and more precise.

2. Manually Compare Bookmakers

If you're experienced, you can spot slow-moving odds manually by:

  • Watching line movement
  • Comparing odds across different books
  • Targeting low-liquidity markets or smaller leagues

Slower bookies often leave arbs open for longer.

🔐 Common Markets for Arbitrage Opportunities

  • Tennis (2 outcomes)
  • Basketball Moneyline
  • Football (Match Result, Double Chance, Asian Handicap)
  • Over/Under Goals (especially when totals differ slightly)

Note: Arbing is harder in 3-way markets (Win/Draw/Win), but still possible.

⚠️ Important Risks & Realities

❌ 1. Bookmaker Limits & Bans

Bookies hate arbers. If they spot it, they can:

  • Limit your stakes
  • Void bets
  • Suspend or ban your account

Tip: Use smaller stakes, vary your bet types, and avoid arbing too often at one book.

❌ 2. Odds Change Fast

Arbs don't last long. If one odds line shifts before you place both bets, you could end up:

  • Losing money
  • Getting stuck on one side of the bet

Tip: Use fast tools, work during low-traffic hours, and double-check before confirming.

❌ 3. Stake Balancing Can Be Tricky

You need to adjust your stake size based on the odds to ensure equal profit.

Stake formula:
Let's say you want to stake €200 total:

  • Odds A: 2.10 → (1 / 2.10) ÷ total implied % = % of total stake
  • Odds B: 2.05 → (1 / 2.05) ÷ total implied %

Use an arb calculator to do this easily.

📈 Is Arbitrage Betting Worth It?

✅ Yes, if you:

  • Have access to multiple bookmakers
  • Can act quickly
  • Are organized and disciplined
  • Accept the grind (profit is slow and steady)

❌ No, if you:

  • Only bet casually
  • Want big wins, fast
  • Can't manage stake sizing or multiple accounts
  • Don't want to deal with limits and admin work

✅ Final Word

Arbitrage betting isn't a get-rich-quick scheme—it's a slow, steady grind that exploits inefficiencies in the market.

If you're sharp, fast, and willing to put in the work, arbing is one of the few truly +EV betting strategies out there.

But remember:

  • The profit is small
  • The process is time-sensitive
  • And the bookies are watching

Treat it like a side hustle, not a shortcut—and you'll come out ahead.