Ever wished you could guarantee a profit from sports betting, no matter who wins? That’s exactly what arbitrage betting (or “arbing”) is, it provides a near-risk-free way to make money by exploiting differences in odds across bookmakers. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not, but it does require patience, discipline, and the right strategy.
I remember when I first stumbled upon arbitrage betting. Skeptical but curious, I dug deeper and realized it’s a legitimate (though often overlooked) method to turn the tables in your favor. Unlike traditional betting, where luck plays a huge role, arbing is about math, speed, and smart execution.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the basics of how arbitrage works to advanced strategies for maximizing profits. We’ll cover finding the best arbs, managing multiple accounts, avoiding bookmaker restrictions, and even the tools that can make your life easier.
What Is Arbitrage Betting And How It Works
Ever heard of a betting strategy where you can’t lose? That’s arbitrage betting or “arbing” for short. It’s a clever way to lock in profits by placing opposing bets on the same event at different bookmakers, thanks to differences in their odds. No gut feelings, no emotional rollercoasters; just pure math ensuring you win no matter the outcome.
Here’s how it works in simple terms: Imagine a tennis match where Bookmaker A offers higher odds on Player 1, while Bookmaker B favors Player 2. By calculating the right stakes on both sides, you can guarantee a profit regardless of who wins. That’s the magic of arbing!
When I first tried it, I was amazed at how straightforward (yet slightly tedious) the process was. The key is finding those price discrepancies before bookmakers adjust their odds. You’ll need accounts with multiple betting sites, a sharp eye for value, and sometimes, specialized software to spot arbs quickly.
Of course, it’s not all easy money; bookies don’t love arbers and may limit your accounts if they catch on. But with smart bankroll management and a low-profile approach, arbitrage betting can be a reliable way to make consistent, low-risk profits.
How To Find Arbitrage Opportunities
Arbitrage betting is one of the few ways to lock in a profit no matter what happens in a game. But finding these opportunities takes work. Here’s how I do it:
First, you need multiple sportsbooks. Not all books price games the same, and the differences in odds are where arbs appear. The more books you have accounts with, the better your chances.
Next, look for big odds discrepancies. If Book A has Team X at +150 and Book B has Team Y at +140 in the same game, that’s a potential arb. You’ll need to calculate the implied probabilities to see if there’s a gap.
Use an arb calculator (or the formula) to check if the combined odds guarantee profit. If the total implied probability is under 100%, you’ve got an arb. For example, if one side is at 1.90 (52.63%) and the other at 2.10 (47.62%), that’s 100.25%—no arb. But if one book offers 2.20 (45.45%) and another has 1.95 (51.28%), now you’re at 96.73%, meaning free money if you bet the right amounts.
Move fast, because odds change quickly. Some books limit or ban arbers, so don’t hammer the same markets repeatedly.
Finally, watch for hidden costs—withdrawal fees, account restrictions, or human errors in calculations. Arbing isn’t a goldmine, but done right, it’s a steady way to grind out profit.
The Math Calculation Stakes For Arbitrage
Arbitrage betting is about locking in a profit no matter the outcome, but the key is getting your stake sizes right. Here’s how I do it:
First, find an arb opportunity—two books offering odds that guarantee a profit when you bet both sides. Let’s say Team A is at 2.10 (implied 47.6% chance) on Bookie X, and Team B is at 2.10 (also 47.6%) on Bookie Y. That’s a 100% total implied probability, meaning no arb. But if Bookie Y offers Team B at 2.20 (45.5%), now the total is 93.1%—that’s an arb.
To calculate stakes:
- Total Investment – Decide how much you want to risk across both bets (e.g., KSH1000).
- Stake on Team A (Bookie X) = (Total Investment / (1 + (Odds A / Odds B)))
= (KSH 1000 / (1 + (2.10 / 2.20))) ≈ KSH 512 - Stake on Team B (Bookie Y) = Total Investment – Stake on Team A
= KSH1000 – KSH512 ≈ KSH488
Now, check the payouts:
- If Team A wins: KSH512 × 2.10 = KSH1,075.20
- If Team B wins: KSH488 × 2.20 = KSH1,073.60
Either way, you make KSH73–KSH75 profit on a KSH1000 outlay (7.3–7.5% ROI).
Key Tips:
- Always double-check odds and stake math before placing bets.
- Account for bookie limits—sometimes you can’t get full stakes matched.
- Watch for bookies limiting your account if they catch on.
Best Sports And Markets For Arbitrage
If you’re looking for arbitrage opportunities, where you can lock in a profit no matter the outcome, some sports and markets work way better than others. Here’s what I’ve found after years of doing this:
Best Sports for Arbitrage
- Tennis – Huge liquidity, fast-moving odds, and tons of matches. Bookies often disagree on underdogs.
- Football – Especially niche leagues (like lower divisions or Asian markets) where odds vary wildly between books.
- Basketball (NBA & Int’l) – Player props and live betting create mismatches. Smaller markets like EuroLeague can be goldmines.
- Baseball (MLB) – Moneyline odds shift a lot with pitching changes, creating arbs.
- Golf – Outright winner markets have big discrepancies between books.
BestMarkets for Arbing
- Moneyline (2-way markets) – Soccer, tennis, and hockey give clean arb chances.
- Point Spreads – Sometimes books adjust lines differently, creating middles or arbs.
- Player Props – If one book has a higher strikeout line than another, you can exploit it.
- Live Betting – Odds move fast, and soft books lag behind sharp ones.
How To Stay Under The Radar
Arbitrage betting is a grind, and the biggest threat isn’t losing—it’s getting limited or banned by bookies. Here’s how I’ve stayed under the radar:
- Don’t Bet Like a Robot – Bookies flag sharp, consistent action. Mix in some small “dumb” bets (low-value parlays, live bets) to look like a recreational bettor.
- Avoid Max Bets – Even if the arb is juicy, slamming the max bet is a red flag. Stick to reasonable stakes that don’t scream “arber.”
- Use Multiple Books – Spread your action. No single book should see only your +EV bets. Rotate where you place your arbs.
- Vary Bet Sizes – Don’t bet the same amount every time. Randomize slightly—KSH1000 one time, KSH 500 the next—so it’s less predictable.
- Don’t Cash Out Immediately – Bookies hate winners who withdraw fast. Leave some money in, play a few small bets, then pull out.
- Limit Live Betting Arbs – These get spotted quick. If you do them, don’t hammer every opportunity—pick your spots.
- Avoid Obvious Moves – If a line is way off, assume other arbers are hitting it too. Bookies will adjust fast and flag accounts.
- No Bonus Abuse – Taking every reload bonus and matched bet offer will get you limited faster than anything. Be selective.
Arbitrage betting isn’t some get-rich-quick scheme, it’s a grind. The math works, but the real challenge is staying under the radar long enough to make it worth it. I’ve seen too many guys get greedy, hammer every arb they find, and end up banned from every decent bookie in weeks. The smart ones? They play the long game.
You won’t get rich overnight, but you can make steady, low-risk profit if you’re disciplined. The key is patience: small bets, varied action, and never drawing too much attention. It’s not glamorous, and you’ll spend more time line-shopping than celebrating wins. But if you treat it like a side hustle instead of a gold rush, you’ll last.At the end of the day, arbing is about outsmarting the books without letting them know you’re doing it.
