Sports betting is usually about predicting the future. Arbitrage betting (Surebets) is different: it is about exploiting mathematical differences in bookmaker odds to guarantee a profit, regardless of who wins the match.
Our free Arbitrage Calculator helps you identify these opportunities instantly and tells you exactly how much to bet on each outcome to secure your winnings.
How to Use the Arbitrage Calculator
Arbitrage situations occur when two different bookmakers offer sufficiently high odds on opposite outcomes of the same event. To use this tool effectively, follow these steps:
- Find a 2-Way Market: Look for events with only two possible outcomes, such as Tennis (Player A vs. Player B), Basketball (Moneyline), or Over/Under markets.
- Enter the Odds:
- In the Odds 1 field, enter the highest odds available for the first outcome (e.g., Home Team win) found at Bookmaker A.
- In the Odds 2 field, enter the highest odds for the opposite outcome (e.g., Away Team win) found at Bookmaker B.
- Analyze the Result: Click “Calculate”.
- If the Total Implied Probability is less than 100%, you have found an Arbitrage opportunity (Surebet).
- The calculator will show you the Guaranteed Profit %.
- It will also display the exact Stakes you need to place on each outcome (based on a total investment of 100 units) to lock in that profit.
Example of an Arbitrage Bet
Let’s look at a real-world scenario in a Tennis match between Nadal and Djokovic.
- Bookmaker X is offering odds of 2.10 on Nadal winning.
- Bookmaker Y is offering odds of 2.05 on Djokovic winning.
To the untrained eye, these look like normal odds. However, our calculator sees the math differently:
- Implied Probability for Nadal: 1 / 2.10 = 47.62%
- Implied Probability for Djokovic: 1 / 2.05 = 48.78%
- Total Market Percentage: 47.62% + 48.78% = 96.4%
Because the total is less than 100%, the remaining 3.6% is your guaranteed profit margin.
If you have a total bank of $100 for this bet, the calculator will tell you to bet approximately $49.40 on Nadal and $50.60 on Djokovic. Regardless of which player wins, you will get back roughly $103.70, securing a risk-free profit of $3.70.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage betting (arbing) is a strategy where a bettor places wagers on all possible outcomes of an event at different bookmakers. By exploiting the difference in odds, the bettor guarantees a profit regardless of the result.
Is Arbitrage Betting legal?
Yes, arbitrage betting is 100% legal. However, bookmakers dislike it because it costs them money. If you are caught arbing consistently, a bookmaker may limit your maximum stake size.
Why do Arbitrage opportunities exist?
Arbs usually happen for two reasons: 1) Bookmakers have different opinions on the match and set different lines. 2) One bookmaker is slow to adjust their odds after a sudden market change (e.g., a player injury news), creating a discrepancy with the rest of the market.
Can I lose money with Arbitrage?
Mathematically, no. However, technical risks exist: odds might change while you are placing the bets, or a bookmaker might void a bet due to a “palpable error” (an obvious mistake in the odds). Speed and precision are key.