Standard arbitrage calculators are great for Tennis (2-way) or Football (3-way). But what happens when you want to bet on the “Winner of Wimbledon” (4 semi-finalists left) or “Next Prime Minister” (10 candidates)?
This is where standard tools fail. Our Multi-Outcome Arbitrage Calculator allows you to calculate stakes for an unlimited number of outcomes. Whether you are trying to secure a guaranteed profit by covering every single runner in a race (Arbitrage) or simply spreading your stake across the top 3 favorites to minimize risk (Dutching), this tool handles the math instantly.
Multi-Outcome Arbitrage
Futures / PropsHow to Use the Calculator
This tool uses a dynamic “Dutching” algorithm to distribute your total stake proportionally based on the odds. Here is how to use it:
- Enter Total Investment: The total amount of money you want to spend across all bets combined (e.g., $1,000).
- Add Outcomes: Use the “+ Add Outcome” button to create a row for every possible winner you want to cover.
- For Arbitrage: You must add every possible outcome in the market (e.g., all 4 horses in a 4-horse race).
- For Dutching: You only add the outcomes you think have a chance of winning.
- Input Odds: Enter the decimal odds for each selection found across different bookmakers.
- Analyze the Results:
- Market Margin: If this number is negative (e.g., -2.5%), you have found a Surebet (Arbitrage). You will make a profit no matter who wins.
- Guaranteed Profit: This is how much you will win regardless of which of your selected outcomes hits.
Related Tools: If you are betting on standard sports like Soccer (1X2), use the simpler 3-Way Arbitrage Calculator. To convert fractional odds (common in horse racing) to decimal format required for this tool, use the Odds Converter.
Real-World Examples: Futures & Dutching
Multi-way calculations allow for creative betting strategies that go beyond simple head-to-head matchups.
Example 1: The “Semi-Final” Arbitrage (Futures)
The Champions League is down to the final 4 teams. You shop around 5 different bookmakers and find the best price for each team to lift the trophy.
- Man City: 3.50
- Real Madrid: 4.00
- Bayern Munich: 4.50
- PSG: 9.00
- The Math: When you input these odds, the calculator shows a Market Margin of -6.5%.
- The Result: By betting proportionally on all 4 teams, you guarantee a 6.5% ROI no matter who wins the tournament.
Example 2: Dutching a Horse Race (Risk Management)
There is an 8-horse race. You believe the winner will be one of the top 3 favorites, and the other 5 are “donkeys” with no chance.
- Strategy: You input only the odds for Horse A (3.00), Horse B (4.50), and Horse C (6.00).
- Total Stake: $100.
- The Result: The calculator tells you exactly how much to bet on A, B, and C so that if any of them wins, you make exactly the same profit ($80 profit). If a longshot wins, you lose your $100, but you have successfully covered the most likely outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Arbitrage and Dutching?
Arbitrage involves covering 100% of all possible outcomes in a market to guarantee a profit because the bookmakers’ implied probabilities sum to less than 100%. Dutching involves covering only some outcomes (e.g., the top 3 favorites) to spread risk, accepting that you will lose your stake if an unselected outsider wins.
Can I use this for “Prop Bets”?
Yes. This is perfect for props like “First Goalscorer” or “Exact Score.” However, be careful with “Rule 4” deductions in racing or player injuries in props, as voided bets can ruin a multi-leg arbitrage calculation.
What does a positive Market Margin mean?
If the margin is positive (e.g., +105%), it means there is no arbitrage opportunity; the bookmaker has the edge. However, you can still use the calculator in this state for Dutching to determine how to split your stakes to get an equal return on your selected picks.