What Is Arbitrage in Sports Betting?

Curious about consistent betting profits? Arbitrage betting exploits odds differences to secure guaranteed wins. In this guide, learn how it works and how to use it to elevate your betting strategy. Let’s get started!

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Understand what arbitrage betting is.
• Learn how to use arbitrage betting to win, no matter what happens.

Understanding Arbitrage Betting

Arbitrage betting ensures profit by leveraging odds differences across sportsbooks.

Example: If one sportsbook offers better odds for Team A and another for Team B, you can bet on both outcomes to guarantee a win.

Using an arbitrage formula, you calculate how much to wager on each outcome to ensure total winnings exceed your combined bets.

Pros and Cons of Arbitrage Betting

Pros	Cons
Guaranteed profits regardless of outcome	Sportsbooks may detect and restrict or ban accounts
Exploits different odds across sportsbooks	Odds can change quickly, challenging timely betting
Low-risk method praised by professional bettors	Requires careful monitoring and quick bet placement
Increases winnings and enhances betting portfolio	Potential for financial losses if not cautious
Opportunity for consistent profits with proper execution	Even seasoned bettors face account restrictions

How to Calculate Arbitrage Betting 

Arbitrage betting needs careful calculations and quick action. To calculate potential arbitrage opportunities, follow these steps:

1. Find the odds: Look for different odds on the same event from various sportsbooks.
   • Example: If one site offers Team A at +200 and another offers Team B at +150, note these odds.
2. Convert odds to probability: Convert these odds to implied probabilities.
   • Example: Odds of +200 give an implied probability of 33.33% (100 / (100 + 200)
     Odds of +150 give an implied probability of 40% (100 / (100 + 150).
3. Calculate the total probability: Add the implied probabilities together.
   • In this case, 33.33% + 40% = 73.33%.
4. Determine the arbitrage percentage: Subtract the total probability from 100%.
   • Here, 100% – 73.33% = 26.67%. This is your potential profit margin.

To simplify this process, use a sports betting arbitrage calculator. It helps quickly calculate potential profits and determine the best bets to place.

Strategies for Successful Arbitrage Betting

Arbitrage betting is an effective game plan that will help you boost your sports bet winnings. Let’s discover two expert tips for making the most out of this method:

1. Get the best sports betting odds by shopping at different bookies: Regularly check for the same event.
2. Act quickly: Arbitrage opportunities can vanish as fast as the odds change. So, be ready to place your bets as soon as you spot an opportunity.

Example with an NFL game:

• BetMGM offers +200 odds for the New England Patriots to win.
• FanDuel offers +150 odds for the Buffalo Bills.

For this match, check both bookmakers, compare, and use an arbitrage calculator for a fast calculation.

Arbitrage Betting: Practical Examples

Here are two examples of how arbitrage betting works in real life:

Example 1 — Soccer Betting, Manchester City vs Liverpool:

• BetMGM offers odds of +150 for Manchester City to win.
• DraftKings offers odds of +200 for Liverpool to win.

→ If you bet $100 on Manchester City at +150 and $75 on Liverpool at +200, you’ll ensure a profit regardless of which team wins.

Example 2 — Tennis Betting, Rafael Nadal vs Novak Djokovic:

• FanDuel offers odds of -110 for Nadal to win.
• BetRivers offers odds of +120 for Djokovic to win.

→ You can place bets on both players with the correct amounts to guarantee a profit, no matter who wins.

Ready to Master Arbitrage Betting?

Arbitrage betting offers a low-risk way to secure consistent profits. Use our shared strategy wisely, act quickly, and monitor sportsbook updates to stay ahead. For more insider insights, explore our comprehensive Betting 101 section to sharpen your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions