What is Arbitrage Betting and how does it work?
What is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage betting (also called arb betting or “sure betting”) is a strategy that lets you lock in a profit by covering every possible outcome of a sporting event across different betting sites. You’re not guessing—you’re exploiting odds discrepancies to create guaranteed edges.
These opportunities appear when bookmakers price the same market differently. If the combined implied probabilities across two (or more) sites add up to less than 100%, a risk-free margin exists. Smart bettors use an arbitrage betting calculator to split stakes precisely and a live arbitrage betting finder to discover opportunities before they vanish.
Example
Over 5.5 rebounds vs Under 5.5 rebounds priced differently on two bookmakers. By staking $100 split according to the calculator, you guarantee a $3.73 profit regardless of the result. Margins can be small, but consistent arbs compound quickly—especially in busy codes like NBA, soccer, and tennis.
How does arbitrage betting work?
Bookmakers don’t copy each other’s prices perfectly. News, promotions, trading models, and liquidity differences cause prices to diverge. When those divergences are wide enough, covering both sides yields a guaranteed return.
- Find mispriced markets with an arbitrage betting finder.
- Use an arbitrage betting calculator to compute exact stakes.
- Place both bets quickly, confirm odds haven’t moved, and record your result.
Is arbitrage betting legal in Australia?
Yes—arbitrage betting is legal in Australia. You’re simply placing lawful wagers with licensed operators. Note: betting sites may limit or close accounts they believe are arbing. That’s a platform policy issue, not a legal one.
General information only, not legal advice. Check the terms of each betting site you use.
Why use an arbitrage betting calculator?
Manually estimating stakes risks error. An arbitrage calculator removes guesswork, factoring in odds, stake size, and (if relevant) commission, so your positions perfectly hedge. Try our free arbitrage betting calculator.
How an arbitrage betting finder saves time
Arbs are fleeting. A real-time arbitrage betting finder scans thousands of markets, flags qualified opportunities, and helps you act faster than manual hunting ever could. Our WagerWise Arbitrage Finder is built for speed, filters, and ease.
Bankroll & staking for arb betting
Consistency beats aggression. Many arbers cap mainstream markets (moneyline/totals/handicap) around the $100–$200 range and use smaller amounts for niche player props. Keep stakes proportional to your bankroll and diversify across events and sites.
- Track every arb and ROI—treat this like a process, not a punt.
- Record odds, stake splits, limits hit, and settlement results.
- Respect site rules; sudden stakes on only mispriced markets can attract attention.
Risks, limits, and practical realities
While arbitrage betting is low-risk when executed correctly, there are practical concerns:
- Odds movement: prices can shift mid-entry—recalc with the calculator if they do.
- Stake/withdrawal limits: betting sites may limit max stakes or apply withdrawal checks.
- Account restrictions: consistent arb patterns can trigger stake limits or market bans.
- Timing: live markets move fast; focus on pre-match if you’re new.
Where do arbitrage opportunities come from?
Price drift, promotions, model differences, and latency in updates all create arbitrage betting opportunities. You’ll often see them in high-liquidity sports like soccer, tennis, basketball (NBA), and in Aussie codes (AFL/NRL), especially around totals and handicaps.
Quick Answers (FAQs)
What is arbitrage betting?
Covering all outcomes across different betting sites at prices that guarantee a profit.
Is arbitrage betting legal?
Yes. It’s legal in Australia and many other regions. Sites may restrict accounts—read their terms.
Is arbitrage betting illegal anywhere?
Laws vary by country. In Australia, arbing itself isn’t illegal, but always follow local regulations.
Is arbitrage betting legal in Australia?
Yes. You’re allowed to place lawful wagers with licensed operators. Site policies may still limit activity.
How does arbitrage betting work?
Find odds discrepancies, split stakes using an arbitrage betting calculator, and place both sides quickly.
What tools do I need?
An arbitrage betting finder to discover opportunities and a calculator to stake precisely.
Start with the right tools
If you’re serious about arbitrage, let the software do the heavy lifting. Scan the markets with our Arbitrage Betting Finder and stake perfectly with the Arbitrage Betting Calculator.