Arbitrage betting (or “arbing”) promises risk-free profits by exploiting odds discrepancies across sportsbooks. But is it too good to be true?
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How arbitrage betting works (with examples)
- The pros and cons of arbing
- A real bettor’s story (and lessons learned)
- Tools to find arbitrage opportunities
What Is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage betting involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event at different sportsbooks to guarantee profit, regardless of the result.
Example:
- Sportsbook A: Lakers to win (+150)
- Sportsbook B: Celtics to win (+120)
- By betting both sides strategically, you could lock in a 5% profit.
Pros of Arbitrage Betting
- Guaranteed Profits:
When done correctly, arbing offers near-zero risk returns. - No Sports Knowledge Needed:
You’re betting on math, not teams. - Legal (in Most Regions):
Unlike match-fixing, arbing exploits odds—not the game. - Scalable:
Start small (10)orgobig(10)orgobig(10,000) with proper bankroll management.
Cons of Arbitrage Betting
- Account Restrictions:
Sportsbooks ban arbers. One user shared:“I made $2k in 3 months, but 5 accounts got limited. Now I’m stuck using my mom’s ID.” – Reddit user u/ArbGrind - High Capital Requirements:
Profits are often 1-5%, requiring large stakes for meaningful gains. - Time-Consuming:
Manually scanning odds across 10+ sportsbooks isn’t sustainable. - Human Error Risks:
Miscalculations or odds changes mid-bet can turn profits into losses.
How to Find Arbitrage Opportunities
- Use Scanners:
Tools like RebelBetting or OddsMonitor automate odds comparisons. - Focus on “Sharps”:
Track Pinnacle—their odds influence arbitrage windows. - Target Niche Markets:
Smaller leagues (e.g., table tennis, eSports) have slower odds corrections.
Is Arbitrage Betting Sustainable?
While profitable short-term, sustainability depends on:
- Bankroll Size: You need 5k+ to earn $50-250/month consistently.
- Bookmaker Tolerance: Rotate accounts and avoid obvious patterns.
- Legal Compliance: Check local laws via GamblingCommission.
FAQ
Q: Is this type of betting illegal?
A: No—it’s legal but frowned upon. Sportsbooks may ban you.
Q: Can I arb with crypto sportsbooks?
A: Yes! Sites like Stake and Cloudbet offer softer limits.
Q: What’s the difference between arbitrage and matched betting?
A: Matched betting uses free bets; arbing uses pure odds discrepancies.
Conclusion
Arbitrage betting can be profitable, but it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. With shrinking margins and aggressive bookmaker limits, treat it as a side hustle—not a career.
Ready to take the next step? Join VIP Today.