Arbitrage Betting

Arbitrage ("arbing") is betting every outcome of a market at different sportsbooks so that you profit no matter what happens. When two books disagree enough on a price, the combined odds can guarantee a return - a rare situation where the vig works in your favor instead of the book's.

How it works

If Book A offers Team X at +110 and Book B offers Team Y at +105, backing both sides with the right stakes returns a profit regardless of who wins. The two prices together imply *less* than 100%, which is the signature of an arbitrage opportunity.

Finding the stakes

You split your total stake between the two sides in proportion to their implied probabilities so that each outcome pays the exact same amount. Our Arbitrage Calculator handles the exact stake split and displays your guaranteed profit percentage.

The catch - it's not free money

• Margins are thin. Most arbs return 1-4%, so you need real bankroll and volume to make it worthwhile.
• Lines move fast. A price can change before you place the second leg, turning a lock into a loss ("getting middled the wrong way").
• Limits and bans. Books quickly limit accounts that only ever arb, because it's obvious and unprofitable for them.
• Mistakes are costly. Bet the wrong side, stake, or amount and the guaranteed profit evaporates.
• Bonuses/voids. A voided leg (e.g., a scratched player) can leave you exposed on the other side.

Arbitrage vs +EV

Arbitrage is lower-variance (guaranteed small wins) but capped in size and quick to get you limited. +EV betting is higher-variance but scales further and can be more profitable long-term. Many bettors do both, starting with arbs to build discipline and bankroll.