Sports Betting Arbitrage Explained
Arbitrage betting (aka “arbing” or “sure betting”) happens when sportsbooks disagree on odds. What if you could bet on both sides of a game and still make money? Well, there are times when you can cover all possible outcomes by placing bets at different books to lock in a small but guaranteed profit.
It’s not gambling—it’s math. And when done right, it guarantees a profit no matter who wins. Sports betting arbitrage is a strategy sharp bettors have been using for years. If you’re looking for a way to profit with less risk, this is a method worth exploring.
On this page, you’ll learn how arbitrage betting works, how to find the best opportunities, and the risks you need to watch out for. We’ll also cover the tools that help make arbing easier and whether this strategy is sustainable in the long term.
What is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage betting works by exploiting differences in odds between sportsbooks. When two or more books offer different prices on the same event, you can bet on all possible outcomes and guarantee a profit.
Specifically, you’re looking for large differences in lines where the odds present an opportunity where you can’t lose if you place your bets correctly.
How It Works – Example of a Basic Arbitrage Opportunity
Let’s say two sportsbooks have different odds for a tennis match between Player A and Player B. Both sites have the same favorite and underdog, but the lines are quite different:
- Sportsbook 1: Player A (-110), Player B (+130)
- Sportsbook 2: Player A (-105), Player B (+110)
If you bet $120 on Player A at -105 (Sportsbook 2) and $100 on Player B at +130 (Sportsbook 1), you’re guaranteed a profit no matter who wins. Here’s why:
- If Player A wins: You win $114.29 from Sportsbook 2, and lose $100 at Sportsbook 1 → Net profit: $14.29
- If Player B wins: You win $130 from Sportsbook 1, lose $120 at Sportsbook 2 → Net profit: $10
No matter how you cut it, you’re walking away with a little bit of extra cash in your bankroll. It is a small gain, but with larger bets or multiple arbs, profits add up over time.
Is Arbitrage Betting Legal?
Yes, arbitrage betting is legal and safe. However, sportsbooks have the right to refuse service if they suspect you’re exploiting pricing inefficiencies. Always check the terms of service, as some books explicitly state they will limit or ban arbers if they detect suspicious activity.
How to Find Arbitrage Opportunities and Sure Bets
Once you know what you’re looking for, you might be surprised at how many winning arbitrage betting opportunities exist. Finding these opportunities requires accounts with several sportsbooks, a little leg work, and maybe a few extra tools if you want to get really serious.
Here’s how you can identify arbitrage opportunities and sure bets:
Compare Odds Manually Across Multiple Sportsbooks
This is the old-school way, but it still works and has its perks. Open multiple sportsbook accounts and check the odds for the same event. Some books are slower to adjust than others, especially in niche markets.Use an Arbitrage Betting Calculator
If you see a price discrepancy, plug it into an arbitrage betting calculator to see if there’s profit to be had. Simply enter the odds for each bet and the total amount you want to wager between the two bets and press calculate. The tool will tell you the optimal amount to wager on each side and the profit margin you can expect.Target Lesser-Known or Slow-Reacting Sportsbooks
Big-name sportsbooks adjust odds quickly, but smaller or region-specific books can lag behind. Offshore sportsbooks are great for this. These books cover a ton of markets internationally and often present arbitrage opportunities before catching up with market prices.Utilize Free and Paid Arbitrage Software
There are both free and premium software options designed to find arbitrage bets. Free services can be a good starting point, but they often come with limitations like delayed data. Paid services, such as RebelBetting, offer more comprehensive and timely information, increasing your chances of securing profitable bets.Leverage Odds Comparison Sites
Odds comparison websites display odds from various bookmakers side by side, making it easier to spot differences. You can use these sites to get an idea of the baseline that some books are offering at the moment.Look for Opportunities in Props and Alternate Markets
Arbitrage isn’t just for spreads and moneylines. Player props, alternate lines, and niche sports often have the biggest discrepancies. These markets are softer because sportsbooks don’t put as much effort into setting perfect odds.
A Note of Caution: While arbitrage betting is generally safe and profitable, it’s vital to be aware of all of the outcomes of an event before you place your bets. Some sports and events have the possibility for a tie. If this third outcome happens, it can result in the costly loss of both of your bets.
3 Arbitrage Betting Tips to Beat the Sportsbooks
The whole point of this betting strategy is to win based on the math. Even small gaps and inefficiencies can mean big profits over time, but knowing exactly what to look for is key. Here are five specific strategies to improve your arbitrage betting.
Tip #1Move Fast Because Arbitrage Windows Are Short
Betting at 2 sportsbooks at once takes some coordination. Odds shift quickly, and books adjust all the time. If you find an opportunity, place both bets within seconds to avoid getting stuck with only one side. To do this, you’ll want to have open accounts with funds at both sites.
Example: Let’s say you place the first bet on Team A at Sportsbook 1. Then you head over to Sportsbook 2 to place the bet on Team B, only to realize you need to wait for a payment to clear. The 2nd book could move the line while you’re waiting, deleting your chance at the sure bet. Now you’re holding a bet on Team A and hoping the wager wins or hedging your losses with the less beneficial new line on Team B.
Tip #2Look for Moneyline Discrepancies of 15+ Points
When betting moneylines, look for at least a 15-point difference between sportsbooks. Anything smaller might not be profitable after factoring in bet sizing.
Example:
- Sportsbook A: Team A +120
- Sportsbook B: Team B -105
- The gap here is 25 points, which creates about a 3.5% winning opportunity.
Tip #3Watch for Opposing Plus-Moneylines
It’s rare, but when both sides of a bet are offered at plus-money (+100 or better) across different sportsbooks, it’s a clear arb opportunity. This happens when one book favors one side while another leans the opposite way.
Example:
- Sportsbook A: Team A +110
- Sportsbook B: Team B +105
- Betting $100 on Team A at +110 and $100 on Team B at +105 guarantees a profit.
Start Your Quest to Lock in Profits, Not Just Bets
Arbitrage betting isn’t about guessing winners—it’s about locking in guaranteed profits with math. If you know where to look and how to move quickly, you can beat the books without taking on risk. But success in arbing isn’t just about spotting a gap—it’s about execution.
Odds move fast, sportsbooks adjust, and limits get cut if you’re too obvious. That’s why sharp bettors use multiple accounts, mix in regular bets, and avoid drawing attention. The best opportunities won’t last long, and hesitation can turn a sure profit into a missed chance.
The bottom line? Arbitrage betting isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, but it’s a safe betting strategy where you can win over time without relying on luck. If you stay disciplined, use the right tools, and act fast, you’ll be one step ahead. The sportsbooks make the rules—but arbing lets you beat them at their own game.
FAQs
A few commonly asked questions from our readers.
Can sportsbooks ban or limit me for arbitrage betting?
Yes, sportsbooks don’t like arbers because they aren’t taking risks—they’re just taking profits. If a book notices you consistently betting on sharp odds or only placing arbs, they may limit your bet sizes or ban you. To avoid detection, mix in normal bets, avoid round numbers, and don’t always bet max limits.
Why do some sportsbooks offer better arbitrage opportunities than others?
Different sportsbooks cater to different bettors. Some adjust odds based on sharp action, while others are slower to react. Books that take more recreational money (like DraftKings or BetMGM) may lag behind sharp books (like Pinnacle or Circa), creating arbitrage spots.
How much money do I need to start arbitrage betting?
It depends on the profit margins you’re aiming for. Since most arbitrage bets offer 2-5% returns, a bankroll of $1,000-$5,000 gives you meaningful profits. The key is having funds spread across multiple sportsbooks so you can act quickly.
Do I have to place both sides of an arbitrage bet at the exact same time?
Ideally, yes. Odds can change fast, and if one side moves before you place the second bet, you could be stuck with a bad number. Some arbers place the first bet at the book they think is least likely to move, then immediately place the second bet.
