Arbitrage Betting Explained: Strategies for Risk-Free Profits

Arbitrage betting, also known as arbing, is a powerful strategy that allows bettors to make risk-free profits by exploiting price differences across sportsbooks. This technique involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event using different bookmakers to guarantee a profit—no matter the result.

In this guide, we’ll break down what arbitrage betting is, how it works, and the best strategies to use in 2025. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned bettor, understanding arbitrage betting can elevate your sports betting game.

What Is Arbitrage Betting?

Arbitrage betting is when you place opposing bets on the same event at different sportsbooks to lock in a guaranteed profit. This happens when odds discrepancies occur between bookmakers. It’s a popular technique among value-focused bettors and traders who seek consistent returns.

How Arbitrage Works

Here’s a simplified example:

• Bookmaker A offers 2.10 on Team A
• Bookmaker B offers 2.10 on Team B

If you bet $100 on both sides, your total outlay is $200. No matter who wins, you’ll get $210 back—netting you a $10 profit.

Why Does Arbitrage Betting Exist?

Bookmakers set odds independently. Because they use different algorithms, market views, or receive different volumes of bets, discrepancies arise. These are the windows of opportunity for arbitrage bettors.

Important: Odds change quickly, so timing and precision are critical.

Best Arbitrage Betting Strategies

1. Use Arbitrage Betting Software

Manually spotting arbs is difficult. Use tools like:

• RebelBetting
• OddsJam
• BetBurger

These services scan hundreds of markets in real time and show you profitable opportunities instantly.

2. Stick to Major Markets

Betting on popular sports (football, tennis, basketball) provides more liquidity and reduces the risk of bookmakers voiding or limiting your bets.

3. Maintain Multiple Bookmaker Accounts

Have verified accounts with several trusted sportsbooks. This allows you to access the best odds quickly when arbitrage opportunities appear.

4. Act Quickly

Arbitrage windows are short. Always double-check odds and act immediately to lock in value before the market moves.

5. Use a Betting Calculator

Use an arbitrage calculator to determine exact stake amounts for each side to secure a guaranteed profit.

Risks and Limitations

While arbitrage betting is low-risk, it’s not completely risk-free. Watch for:

• Stake limits: Bookmakers may cap your max bet.
• Account restrictions: Frequent arbing may trigger limits or bans.
• Timing mismatches: Odds can change while placing your second bet.
• Voided bets: If one bookmaker voids a bet, you’re exposed on the other side.

Arbitrage Betting vs. Value Betting

While arbitrage guarantees profit, value betting involves finding odds that are higher than the true probability. Arbitrage is low-risk but lower-yield. Value betting offers higher returns but requires variance tolerance and longer-term discipline.

Read our guide on value betting vs. arbitrage betting for a deeper comparison.

Tips to Stay Under the Radar

Bookmakers don’t like arbers. To avoid account restrictions:

• Don’t withdraw too frequently
• Round your stakes (avoid $47.61 bets)
• Mix in regular (non-arb) bets occasionally
• Avoid betting only right before market close

Final Thoughts: Should You Use Arbitrage Betting?

Arbitrage betting is one of the few ways to make consistent, low-risk profits in sports betting. While not without its challenges, it offers an excellent entry point for disciplined, analytical bettors.

Start small. Use trusted tools. Stay sharp and stay hidden.

Want to take your strategy even further? Explore our full library of advanced betting guides and start turning knowledge into consistent profit.