Introduction to Arbitrage Betting
Sports betting has become a global phenomenon, and with it comes strategies designed to give bettors an advantage. One of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—methods is Arbitrage Betting (also called “arbing or sure betting”). This approach allows you to secure a profit no matter which team wins.
This guide will explain what arbing is, how it works, and how you can use it effectively to make consistent returns. These opportunities exist every day in the betting market, but you need the right tools and discipline to find them.
What is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbing is a sports wagering strategy that guarantees a profit by taking advantage of different odds across multiple sportsbooks. By betting on all possible outcomes at the right prices, bettors can lock in a return regardless of the result.
For example, if one sportsbook has Team A at +110 and another has Team B at +110, you can stake correctly on both sides and secure profit.
How Does It Work?
These opportunities exist because sportsbooks don’t always agree on the correct line. Market inefficiencies can happen due to:
Delays in updating numbers
Different bookmaker models
Variations in betting volume
Steps to Execute an Arb:
Find an opportunity using a tool like Pick The Odds.
Use a calculator to balance stakes for guaranteed return. (Pick The Odds does this automatically.)
Place wagers quickly before lines shift.
Collect winnings once the event finishes.
Arbitrage Betting Example
Let's say you're betting on the NFL.
Bet365 Has Tolbert Over 0.5 catches at -280. You'd place $161.81 on this side. If this side hits your return would be $219.
ESPNBet has Tolbert Under 0.5 catches at +475. You'd place $38.19 on this side. If this side hits your return would be $219.
Total Invested: $200.
Total Return: $219.
No matter the outcome, you’ve guaranteed profit.
Notice how the stake sizes are different? That’s because the odds are different, and you need to balance them perfectly. That’s where an arbing calculator (or a site like Pick The Odds that calculates automatically) is essential.
Types of Arb Betting
Arbitrage betting can appear in different forms depending on the sports.
1) Two-Way Arbitrage: Common in sports like tennis or basketball where only two outcomes exist.
2) Three-Way Arbitrage: Seen in soccer matches with three outcomes (home, draw, away) good profits, good for account health.
3) Cross-Market Arbitrage: Involves betting on related markets, such as betting Over 2.5 goals at one sportsbook and Under 2.5 goals at another.
Is This Legal?
Yes — arbitrage betting is legal in most countries. You’re simply betting on published odds. However, sportsbooks dislike arbing because it exploits inefficiencies. As a result, accounts may be restricted, limited, or even banned if you are flagged as an arbitrage bettor.
This is where three-way arbs, rounding amounts, and disguising your betting pattern come into play. Successful arbers learn to fly under the radar.
Benefits
✅ Guaranteed profit when executed correctly
✅ Mathematical approach with no reliance on predictions
✅ Works across sports and markets worldwide
✅ Consistent income potential for disciplined bettors
Early Challenges of Arbitrage Betting
⚡ Fast-moving odds require speed and precision
⛔ Sportsbook limits can reduce long-term viability
💸 Small profit margins (1–5%) mean you need volume or larger stakes
😬 Human error (placing the wrong amount or missing a bet) can wipe out your edge
Essential Tools for Arbitrage Betting
📊 Odds comparison websites (scan hundreds of sportsbooks for arbs) → Pick The Odds
🔢 Arbitrage Calculator (to split stakes correctly) → Pick The Odds has a free one and auto-calculates stakes for you
🎯 Multiple sportsbook accounts → More accounts = more opportunities = more profit
📝 Bet Tracker → Keep detailed records for organization and tax purposes
Arbitrage Betting Strategies
Here are proven strategies to avoid detection and maximize profits:
Start with small stakes until you’re comfortable.
Spread your bets across multiple sports and markets.
Don’t always wager max amounts—stay under the radar.
Keep detailed records of bets and profits. (Bet Tracker)
Target niche sports or leagues where odd discrepancies are more common.
Arbitrage Betting vs. Matched Betting
Many confuse the two, but they’re different strategies:Arbitrage Betting: Exploits differences in odds between sportsbooks.
Matched Betting: Uses bookmaker bonuses and free bets to guarantee profit.
Both are effective, but arbitrage betting requires more speed and precision.
Why Sportsbooks Restrict Arbitrage Bettors
Sportsbooks want recreational bettors who gamble for entertainment, not professionals who guarantee profit. Here’s how they detect arbers:
Betting patterns: Always hitting odds that are about to move.
Uneven stakes: Rounding weird numbers like $161.81 instead of $160.
Market targeting: Only betting niche props or odd lines.
To avoid detection:
Mix in “normal” bets occasionally.
Round your stakes to look casual.
Use multiple sportsbooks and spread your action.
Final Thoughts: Is Arbitrage Betting Worth It?
Arbitrage betting isn’t a path to overnight riches, but it is one of the few guaranteed profit methods in sports betting. With discipline, proper tools, and smart account management, you can build a steady income stream from arbing.
That said, you must accept challenges: small profit margins, quick execution, and potential account restrictions. If you’re willing to put in the time, arbitrage betting is a powerful way to beat the sportsbooks at their own game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can you make a living from this?
Yes, but it requires significant bankroll, discipline, and multiple sportsbook accounts. Most people treat it as a side income rather than a full-time job.
2. How much profit can I expect per arb?
Most arbitrage opportunities return 1–5% profit. Live Arbs in which the game is being played can have higher profits 10, 15, 20% etc. With enough volume, this compounds into meaningful returns.
3. How do sportsbooks catch arbitrage bettors?
Through unusual betting patterns, odd stake sizes, and targeting lines just before they move.
4. What tool do I use?
Pick The Odds is beginner-friendly because it finds the arbs and calculates the stakes for you automatically. Also with any plan you get access to live arbs.
