Arbitrage Betting Calculator
Calculate guaranteed profit opportunities across multiple bookmakers
Enter Odds & Stake
ℹ️ Arbitrage requires 2-10 outcomes. Add all possible outcomes for the event.
What is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage betting (also called "arbing" or "sure betting") is a strategy where you place bets on all possible outcomes of an event across different bookmakers, exploiting odds differences to guarantee a profit regardless of the result.
Simple Example
Tennis Match: Player A vs Player B
- Bookmaker 1: Player A at 2.10 odds
- Bookmaker 2: Player B at 2.10 odds
By betting $476.19 on Player A and $476.19 on Player B (total $952.38), you're guaranteed a $1,000 payout no matter who wins.
Profit: $1,000 - $952.38 = $47.62 (5% ROI)
How Arbitrage Betting Works
Find Odds Differences
Different bookmakers offer different odds for the same event due to varying opinions, market inefficiencies, or promotional offers.
Identify Opportunity
Calculate if the combined implied probabilities are less than 100%. If 1/odds₁ + 1/odds₂ + ... < 1, an arbitrage exists.
Calculate Stakes
Use this calculator to determine how much to bet on each outcome to guarantee equal profit regardless of result.
Place Bets Quickly
Odds change rapidly. You must place all bets before odds move against you, or the arbitrage disappears.
The Mathematics Behind Arbitrage
Arbitrage Formula
Arbitrage Percentage = (1 / Odds₁) + (1 / Odds₂) + ... + (1 / Oddsₙ)
If result < 1.00 (100%), arbitrage exists
If result = 1.00, break-even only
If result > 1.00, no arbitrage (bookmaker edge)
Individual Stake Calculation
Stake for Outcome X = (Total Stake) / (Odds_X × Arbitrage %)
Example: $1,000 total, 2.10 odds, 95.24% arb %
Stake = $1,000 / (2.10 × 0.9524) = $500
Profit Calculation
Profit = (Total Stake / Arbitrage %) - Total Stake
ROI = (Profit / Total Stake) × 100
Types of Arbitrage Opportunities
⚽ Pre-Match Arbitrage
Most common type. Odds differences between bookmakers before an event starts. Easier to execute but smaller margins (0.5-3%).
⚡ Live Betting Arbitrage
Exploits rapidly changing in-play odds. Higher margins possible (3-10%) but requires speed and automation. Very time-sensitive.
🎁 Bonus Arbitrage
Uses free bets or promotional offers to create arbitrage. Can yield 70-90% profit on the bonus amount. One-time opportunities.
📈 Exchange Arbitrage
Betting FOR an outcome at a bookmaker and AGAINST it (laying) on a betting exchange. Requires understanding exchange mechanics.
⚠️ Risks & Limitations of Arbitrage Betting
🕐 Time Sensitivity
Odds change constantly. You might place one bet, then find odds have moved on the second, eliminating the arbitrage or even creating a loss.
🚫 Account Restrictions
Bookmakers don't like consistent winners. Your account may be limited (max bet reduced) or closed entirely if they identify arbitrage betting.
💰 Capital Requirements
You need significant capital across multiple bookmakers. A 2% ROI on $100 is only $2 profit - you need volume to make meaningful money.
📋 Bet Cancellation
If one bookmaker voids your bet (e.g., for a suspended market or palpable error), you're exposed to the other side with no hedge.
⚖️ Different Rules
Bookmakers may have different settlement rules (e.g., dead heat, abandoned match). What looks like arbitrage might not be due to rule differences.
💵 Transaction Costs
Deposits, withdrawals, currency conversion, and payment processor fees can eat into slim arbitrage margins.
Arbitrage Betting Strategies
✅ Best Practices
- Use multiple bookmaker accounts (10+ recommended)
- Keep funds pre-loaded in all accounts for quick execution
- Use odds comparison sites to find opportunities faster
- Start with 2-way bets (tennis, basketball) - simpler math
- Round stakes to avoid suspicious precision ($476.43 → $475)
- Bet on liquid markets with high limits
- Calculate before every bet - odds change constantly
- Keep detailed records for tax purposes
❌ Common Mistakes
- Placing bets too slowly - odds move and arbitrage disappears
- Not verifying bookmaker rules are identical
- Ignoring withdrawal fees and payment processing costs
- Using the same IP/device for all bookmakers (pattern detection)
- Betting at suspicious times (e.g., only during arbitrage windows)
- Going all-in on a single arbitrage - diversify
- Assuming 0% arbitrage is break-even (fees exist)
- Not understanding the legal status in your jurisdiction
Finding Arbitrage Opportunities
Manual Method
- Open 5-10 bookmaker sites side by side
- Pick a popular event (e.g., Premier League match)
- Compare odds for each outcome across all bookmakers
- Use this calculator to check if arbitrage exists
- If profitable, calculate stakes and place bets immediately
Automated Tools (Software)
Professional arbers use odds-scraping software that:
- Scans thousands of events across dozens of bookmakers
- Alerts you instantly when arbitrage appears
- Some even auto-place bets (requires API access)
- Cost: $50-$500/month depending on features
Betting Exchanges
Platforms like Betfair allow you to "lay" bets (bet against outcomes). Combining traditional bookmaker "back" bets with exchange "lay" bets creates arbitrage.
⚖️ Legal & Ethical Considerations
Is arbitrage betting legal? In most jurisdictions, yes. You're simply placing bets at different bookmakers. However:
- Some countries restrict or ban online gambling entirely
- Bookmakers have Terms of Service that may prohibit arbitrage (though enforcement varies)
- Profits may be taxable income in your jurisdiction
- Using bots or automated tools may violate TOS
Disclaimer: This tool is for educational purposes. Always verify legality in your location and comply with bookmaker terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is arbitrage betting?
Arbitrage betting (also called "arbing" or "sure betting") is a strategy where you place bets on all possible outcomes of an event across different bookmakers, exploiting odds differences to guarantee a profit regardless of the result. When the combined implied probabilities of all outcomes are less than 100%, you can distribute your stake proportionally to lock in risk-free profit.
How do I know if an arbitrage opportunity exists?
An arbitrage opportunity exists when the sum of implied probabilities across all outcomes is less than 100%. Calculate this by adding 1/odds for each outcome. If the total is below 1.00 (100%), you have a valid arbitrage. Our calculator automatically detects this and shows you the arbitrage percentage and potential profit.
What is a good arbitrage percentage?
Typical pre-match arbitrage opportunities range from 0.5% to 3% ROI. Anything above 3% is considered strong but rare. Live betting arbitrage can yield 3-10% but requires speed. Be cautious of margins below 1% as transaction costs (deposits, withdrawals, currency conversion) can eliminate your profit.
How much capital do I need for arbitrage betting?
You need significant capital across multiple bookmaker accounts to make meaningful profits. With 2% average ROI, a $1,000 total stake yields only $20 profit. Professional arbers typically work with $10,000+ spread across 10-20 bookmaker accounts. You also need funds readily available for quick execution before odds move.
Will bookmakers ban me for arbitrage betting?
Many bookmakers limit or close accounts of consistent winners, including arbitrage bettors. Signs that may get you flagged include: only betting on arbitrage opportunities, betting unusual stake amounts (e.g., $476.43), withdrawing frequently, and winning consistently. To reduce detection risk, round your stakes, place occasional recreational bets, and avoid suspicious patterns.
What are the main risks of arbitrage betting?
Key risks include: odds changing before you place all bets, bookmakers voiding bets (leaving you exposed on one side), account restrictions or closures, different settlement rules between bookmakers, and transaction costs eating into slim margins. Always verify rules are identical and place bets quickly to minimize exposure.
Can I use this calculator for 3-way or multi-outcome events?
Yes! This calculator supports 2 to 10 outcomes, making it perfect for 3-way markets (win/draw/lose in soccer), multi-runner horse races, or any event with multiple possible outcomes. Simply add all outcomes using the "Add Outcome" button and enter the best odds available from different bookmakers for each.
What's the difference between arbitrage and hedging?
Arbitrage involves placing all bets simultaneously to lock in guaranteed profit from odds discrepancies. Hedging is placing additional bets after your initial bet to reduce risk or lock in profit when circumstances change (e.g., your team takes a lead). Arbitrage is planned from the start; hedging is reactive to changing situations.