ARBITRAGE BETTING GUIDE

FOR PROFESSIONAL BETTING

Arbitrage betting, also known as “arbing,” is a risk-free betting strategy that takes advantage of differences in odds offered by various bookmakers and exchanges. By placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event with different bookmakers, bettors can guarantee a profit regardless of the result.

This MadMarket guide will explain the fundamentals of arbitrage betting, different types of arbitrage opportunities, and how to use the Edge Sports Trading Platform to maximize your betting strategy.

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ARBITRAGE BETTING: MEANING, CALCULATION, EXAMPLE

First, let’s kick off with the basics of arbitrage betting – the meaning, the calculation, and an example.

  • Meaning: the meaning of arbitrage betting is placing a wager on each possible outcome with different bookmakers.
  • When arbing, it is important to understand the difference between back and lay betting. Back betting is placing money on an outcome to happen – e.g. a horse to win a certain race. Lay betting is placing money on an outcome not to happen – e.g. a horse not to win a certain race. Both are key to understanding arbitrage betting.
  • Calculation: to check if an arbitrage opportunity exists, compare the odds from different bookmakers and betting exchanges. Using an arbitrage betting calculator can be very useful in this scenario.

Convert each odd into a probability by dividing 1 by the odds. For example, if the back odds are 2.10, the probability is 1/2.10 = 47.6%, and if the lay odds are 2.00, the probability is 1/2.00 = 50%. Add these probabilities together — if the total is less than 100%, an arbitrage opportunity exists, meaning you can place bets on both outcomes to secure a guaranteed profit.

Arbitrage betting guide

Arbitrage Betting Example

Imagine there is an upcoming Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool. You find the following odds on different betting exchanges:

  • ‘Back’ bet on Manchester United to win: 2.10
  • ‘Lay’ bet against Manchester United winning (effectively betting on a Liverpool win or a draw): 2.00

Now, convert these odds into probabilities:

  1. Back probability = 1 / 2.10 = 47.6%
  2. Lay probability = 1 / 2.00 = 50.0%

Now, add these probabilities together:

  • 47.6% + 50.0% = 97.6%

Since the total is less than 100%, an arbitrage opportunity exists. This means you can strategically place bets on both outcomes (backing Manchester United and laying them) to guarantee a profit, regardless of the match result.

WHAT IS AN ARBITRAGE BET?

Arbitrage bets occur when there is a discrepancy in odds between different bookmakers or exchanges. These opportunities arise due to market inefficiencies, differences in opinion between bookmakers, or delays in odds updating. Arbitrage betting is commonly used in sports betting, where odds fluctuate frequently.

TYPES OF ARBITRAGE BETS

01

Two-Way Arbitrage

Occurs in markets with two possible outcomes, for example, a tennis match. By placing a back bet on one outcome with one bookmaker and a lay bet with another, you can secure a profit.

02

Three-Way Arbitrage

Used in markets with three outcomes, for example, a Premier League football match, which can be won, drawn, or lost. You place bets on all three outcomes with different bookmakers.

03

Dutching

A strategy where you spread your stake across multiple selections to ensure the same profit regardless of which selection wins.

HOW TO PLACE AN ARBITRAGE BET AT EDGE

When betting arbitrage efficiently, you can use Edge, an advanced sports trading betting product designed to provide the best odds from over 10 bookmakers and popular exchanges. Here is how to use Edge for arbitrage betting:

  • Compare the Odds: Edge allows real-time odds comparison across multiple platforms, helping you find the best arbitrage opportunities.
  • Select the Right Bet: Choose the back and lay bets with the highest discrepancies.
  • Calculate Stakes: Use an arbitrage betting calculator to determine how much to bet on each outcome to guarantee a profit.
  • Place Your Bets: Execute your bets across different bookmakers and exchanges.
  • Monitor the Market: Stay updated on odds movements to ensure your arbitrage bet remains profitable.

PROS & CONS

There are many pros and cons to arbitrage betting – here are a few.

Pros:

  • Guaranteed Profit – As long as odds are calculated correctly, arbitrage betting eliminates risk.
  • No Sports Knowledge Needed – Success depends on odds discrepancies rather than understanding the sport.
  • Low Risk – Unlike traditional betting, you are not relying on luck but on market inefficiencies.

Cons:

  • Account Limitations – Bookmakers may limit or ban accounts that engage in consistent arbitrage betting.
  • Requires Fast Execution – Odds change rapidly, so quick action is needed to secure arbitrage bets.
  • Low Margins – Profit per bet is usually small, requiring large stakes or frequent betting to make significant money.

Probet42 is a sportsbook to consider for arbitrage betting. Probet42 has a state-of-the-art in-play platform, which can prove particularly useful as part of a successful arbitrage betting strategy. Use Probet42 to keep on top of changing odds, and spot ways to use arbitrage betting to your benefit. You can also use the Mystic Mac tipster on our Telegram channel for expert betting tips before placing your bets.

CONCLUSION

Arbitrage betting is a low-risk strategy that guarantees profit by taking advantage of odds differences across multiple platforms. However, success depends on quick execution, careful stake calculation, and access to the best odds. To get the best results, always compare odds across multiple platforms like Edge, where you can find the best prices for arbitrage betting.