Ultimate Arbitrage Betting Guide - Surebets and Arbs Explained Cover

Ultimate Arbitrage Betting Guide - Surebets and Arbs Explained

by Oddspedia Experts
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Betting is a game of numbers which uses probability to narrow down to an outcome. As technology improves and bookmakers increase gambling latitude, bettors can use arbitrage betting to ascertain their bets. Bet arbing allows the online bettor to recoup their stakes irrespective of the outcome of the bet. Although most sportsbooks and online casinos do not support arbing, players still use the opportunity to make money from betting sites.

This article explains what bet arbing is, what to look for when betting and sure bet opportunities. It also highlights odds creation and why any discrepancy can result in arbing.

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What is Arbitrage Betting

It is a technique progressive gamblers use to bet on the same markets in different gambling sites. The method covers all markets available, which assures the bettor of returns at the end of the exercise.

Every bookmaker has algorithms that calculate odds value based on predetermined conditions. If the interpretation differs, the margin between the odds value creates an arbing opportunity.

It is a technique used by progressive gamblers to bet on the same markets in different gambling sites.

Odds comparison sites that feature all betting sites on one platform are the best place for arbing. They showcase odds value in real-time across all gaming platforms, making Sure Bets more accessible to identify.

Arbitrage Betting Explained

The bettor picks one common market among bookies and stakes on different outcomes. Of all the outcomes listed, at least one will turn out correctly. However, it only works well if possible outcomes are two, giving the better a 50% chance of winning.

How Is Arbitrage Betting Possible?

In an event where betting companies differ on the odds value of a market or an outcome, the variance increases. A bigger variant gives a significant margin on earnings, which makes betting earnings considerably higher. Games, such as tennis, have markets with two outcomes, which reduces the chance of losing.

If a punter notices such discrepancies and bets on all outcomes in a market, they are sure of good earnings compared to other betting sites. Although most betting sites do not condone arbing, some allow conditional arbing. However, it is good to know that arbitrage increases the chances of winning but does not guarantee you winnings.

Market Efficiency and Arbitrage Opportunities

Odds value comes from a series of algorithmic coding that pre-supposes outcomes if the predicted outcome comes to pass. The most likely outcome has the lowest odds and vice versa. However, the prospects might change over time, which affects the odds valuation. Odds update in real-time, and bookies respond to the change in valuation immediately. If one of the betting sites shows a different value with a significant margin from others, it gives a perfect arbing opportunity.

However, such instances are minimal, and if they occur in retrospect, progressive players have a field day. Odds comparison sites make the work easier as they rank bookies based on the odds value in a specific market.

What Do You Need For Arbitrage Bets?

First, you need multiple betting accounts from different trusted bookmakers. They help you to switch to the best alternative available easily.

Secondly, an odds comparison site is essential as it gives you the front seat to any notable change in odds value.

Thirdly, look for a platform that has arbitrage formulae. It will help you calculate the opportunity cost for selecting a betting outcome. It will also show you the amount to invest and the possible outcome.

Lastly, the margins might be relatively small, and you will need a good amount to return your investment.

Arbitrage Betting Formula - Calculating Stakes for Guaranteed Profits

First, look out for the individual arbitrage percentage for each outcome. After that, compare it with the total percentage arbitrage. However, note that the fewer possible outcomes, the smaller the stakes.

Add the total number of individual arbitrage on the intended markets. If the total percentage arbitrage exceeds 100%, it is a perfect arbing opportunity.

Arbitrage and Betting Exchanges

Arbitrage allows the bettor to predict the take-home amount if they utilise odds calculation loopholes. It does not guarantee returns but increases the chances of take-home to a certain percentage. The practice is not common among bookies as they view it as canvassing.

Betting exchange happens between bettors. The bookie acts as an intermediary to facilitate the process. Individuals set and request odds from their opponents. It instils person-to-person gaming, which is increasingly becoming popular among progressive gamblers. The bookie only retains the administrative fee from the process.

Sports Arbitrage Betting - Detailed Example

Sports betting offers the right scenarios for arbing since the number of options is minimal. Games or events with fewer markets are the best since the outcome probability is fair compared to other gambling markets. Ball games are the commonly used markets for betting, as seen below.

Football

Football markets such as goal-goal or goal-no goal offer the best scenarios for arbing. In such a market, only two options exist, making the win/lose probability 50/50. If you have multiple bookies and place a stake in either market, you will win. Take-home for such bets is guaranteed.

Tennis

Tennis is also another possible arbing game. Markets such as the game-winner in a tennis match only have two outcomes: player A or B. If you have multiple sportsbooks and bet on either outcome, you win half of the bets. If your analysis is good, you can walk away with good returns.

Esports

Most e-sports have two-option markets for a win or lose. If you apply the same concept to either outcome on the same market, you have an excellent take-home amount. If the margin on the winning outcome is considerably high, you can recoup your investment in the failed outcome. Consider your best outcome when placing the stakes for a better result.

Basketball

Basketball markets like over/under bets give the bettor two options, which perfectly fit the arbing criteria. If the bettor utilises the chance and bets on both outcomes, they can recoup their investment, considering the most favourable outcome. Also, basketball has many arbing markets, giving the game multiple opportunities for more returns.

Arbitrage Betting Software

Oddspedia has a sure bet calculator that gives the punter risk-free betting. The odds comparison site gathers, rates and ranks bookmakers' odds from the top. It locates odds payout whose total percentage is above 100 (sure bet opportunity.) The calculator then gives you the percentage chance of winning, which you decide and stake. The site also has a calculator for every arbing opportunity, which the bettor can validate. It is free, reliable and easy to use.

The Most Reliable Bookmakers For Arbitrage Betting

Regarding arbitrage betting, finding the most reliable bookmakers is crucial for maximising profits and minimising risks. These bookmakers play a pivotal role in ensuring that arbitrage opportunities can be effectively capitalised upon. Look for bookmakers with a track record of reliability, fast and accurate payouts, and a wide range of sports markets. Reputable bookmakers offer competitive odds and maintain a user-friendly interface to enhance the betting experience. Remember, the key to successful arbitrage betting lies in identifying trustworthy bookmakers who consistently provide fair and transparent services, ensuring you can easily navigate the world of sports arbitrage.

Our Recommendation - Pinnacle Sportsbook

Pinnacle stands out as one of the best bookmakers for arbitrage betting for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, it is renowned for offering some of the industry's lowest margins, ensuring bettors receive highly competitive odds on various sports events. This low-margin approach is particularly advantageous for arbitrage bettors, as it maximises potential profits. Furthermore, Pinnacle welcomes winning players, which means successful arbitrage bettors will not face restrictions or limitations on their accounts. Other Highlights for punters are

  • 98% Payouts On The Main Markets
  • Reputation For Swift And Hassle-Free Payouts
  • Vast Selection Of Sports Markets
  • User-Friendly Platform 

Pinnacle undoubtedly provides an exceptional environment for arbitrage bettors to thrive and succeed in their betting endeavours.

What Are the Risks Behind Arbitrage Betting

Human Error

Bookmakers might make unforeseen mistakes, which can hurt your betting patterns. They can cancel the bet if they notice it early and return the stake. However, others can confiscate the stake and claim fraud.

Change in Odds

Odds updates happen in real-time. If you take time before placing your bet, the bookie can change the odds, which might mess up the arbing expectation. Only bet when you are sure of the odds margin.

Bet Not Accepted

Sometimes, the bookie can notice the discrepancy in odds value and disable the bet slip before the customer bets. In such cases, the bettor misses the marginal expectation and might be blacklisted. This is common in betting sites that do not condone arbitrage betting.

Rules Differences

As arbing gains traction in sports betting, bookies define gaming rules as regulating usage. Each bookie has its own methods, which do not conform to the general understanding of arbitrage betting. Any other approach other than the set rules amounts to infringement.

The Bet Being Void or Cancelled

The bookie can cancel the bet wherever they note any abnormal practices. It mainly applies to bookies who have not embraced arbing. If they do so, they can suspend, blacklist and even deregister the customer's account, citing infringement of terms of service.

False Abs

Not all marginal odd values are valid arbing opportunities. Some might be plots to raise false hopes, which can lead to loss of money. Confirm from reputable odds comparison sites the validity of the arbs before staking.

Stake Limitation

A stake ceiling can limit perfect arbing opportunities, especially if the winning percentage is high. Although it is a policy agreement between the bookie and the customer, it can restrict winnings from the bet.

Account Closure

If the sportsbook notices a consistent winning streak from certain games, they can invoke the canvassing clause. It allows them to close down and ban the account from affiliate bookmakers.

Tips and Advice for Arbitrage Betting

Stick to Events with Two Possible Outcomes

Two-outcome markets in a game or event give the perfect scenario for arbing. They provide the best probabilities for winning, increasing the win percentage. Stick to them and benefit from their advantage.

Use The Oddspedia Sure Bets Tool

Using the Oddspedia Sure Bets tool is easy to use. So, no matter who wins the game, you will get money if you bet on all outcomes at different bookmakers.

The highest odds are listed in the outcome columns. You can use filters to pick your favourite bookmakers, percentage levels or how many outcomes you need for a sure bet. Click the calculator symbol at the top of the Sure Bets part. Put in how much you want to bet. The calculator will tell you how much to bet on the different game results.

Not only does it give you the actual win percentage, but it is tried and tested.

Find Your Own Arbs

The system might pre-suppose some arbing opportunities, but be looking for more options. This applies to bookies that have embraced arbing. Look for odds comparison sites to give you all possible arbing opportunities. Explore and get the best returns.

Always Check Your Calculations

If you decide to do it yourself, confirm you have the correct figures, formula and outcome. Countercheck it against automated arbing software. If you use the arbing software, understand the procedure and figures before using the outcome to bet.

Keep Your Betting Accounts Funded

Ensure all your betting accounts have funds ready for the opportunity. With odds comparison, the bookies also monitor their market performance and update the system in case of a significant difference. Therefore, grab any opportunity arising before the bookies rectify it.

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Conclusion

Arbing, like most other betting strategies & systems, gives the bettor a chance to win back their investment. Also, no law inhibits arbitrage betting, making it legal. Therefore, use the opportunity to improve earnings. Above all, the arbing process introduces certainty in betting, which increases the winnings. Although a good number do not support it, they risk mass exodus. Therefore, they have to shape in or shape out.

However, arbitrage betting does not guarantee winnings. It only increases the chance of winning. Moreover, bookmakers that don't support arbitrage betting can close the account if they notice arbing tendencies.

Pros vs Cons
Thumb Up
Thumb Down
  • You Can Earn Guaranteed Profits
  • You Don't Have to Be a Great Bettor to Win
  • Plenty of Arbing Opportunities Are Available
  • Arbing Profit Margins Are Slim
  • You Have to Put a Lot of Work Into Finding Arbs
  • You Need a Large Bankroll

Arbitrage Betting FAQ

Is Arbitrage Betting Legal?

There is no legal document with the gaming law that inhibits arbing or any related activity. The absence of such guidelines does not criminalise the activity. Therefore, until the day such legislation comes into effect, arbing is legal. However, bookmakers can prohibit its use on their platforms, which is still within their mandate.

🏆 How to Recognise Sure Bets Opportunities?

The most convenient way to not the odds valuation on markets is using an odds comparison site. It gives you an overview of the odds value among the listed bookmakers. Using the sure bet formula, find the total odds calculation that exceeds 100%. That is a sure bet opportunity.

💶 Is Oddspedia Offering Sure Bets?

Yes, Oddspedia has a page dedicated to sure bets. It lists some sure bet opportunities bettors can try out within the listed markets. Moreover, there is a sure bet calculator where the bettor can understand the concept and find other sure bet opportunities not listed on the platform.

💳 How Much Profit Can You Make via Arbing?

It depends on the odds value of the outcome. However, most arbing opportunities give the gambler a 2-5% profit range. The number of stakes you make influences the take-home amount. Summing all these marginal profits can give you good returns. However, arbing doesn't guarantee profits; it increases the chances of getting returns.

🤔 Why Bookmakers Do Not Like Arbers?

Betting always favours bookmakers. The more outcomes there are in one market, the more the bookie benefits. However, arbing helps gamblers increase their chances of winning, effectively reducing bookmakers' earnings. It makes them dislike Arbers and even blocks them from using their platform.

How Much Money Do I Need to Get Started?

The actual amount is a derivative of the number of accounts you have and the minimum amount per account. However, ensure you have a good amount in the account to benefit from the opportunity. The more you wager on a potential arber, the more profitable it becomes.

🏆 What Sports Can I Bet On?

Sportsbook games are the best to arber on. They have many markets on which you can wager and get significant returns. Top of the list are tennis, basketball, football, and selected e-sport games. Of these sports, select markets with two outcomes as they increase the chances of winning.

💶 What Is an Arbitrage Bet?

It is when a bettor places simultaneous stakes on the same market but on different bookmakers. It involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of the same bets but on other bookmakers. The aim is to get returns on at least one market, which translates to a sure bet.

💳 What Happens if You Get Caught?

Some progressive bookmakers have instituted arbing on their platforms but under guidelines. However, those who still don't recognise the practice can close down the account and block it on their affiliate platforms. However, do it sparingly to avoid attracting the betting sites' attention.

🤔 Does Arbing Take a Lot of Time and Effort?

Doing it manually takes time since it needs understanding the concept, looking for arbing opportunities and trying them out. However, there are odds comparison platforms like Oddspedia with the arbing software that helps in calculations. It also has arbing markets which bettors can try out.
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This article was written by our team of betting experts, any contributing references are noted below.
Last updated 23/02/2024
References
  1. Wikipedia contributors. (2022b, February 1). Arbitrage betting. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbitrage_betting
  2. What is Arbitrage betting? (2022). Https://Help.Smarkets.Com. https://help.smarkets.com/hc/en-gb/articles/115001145392-What-is-arbitrage-betting-
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