An arbitrage betting calculator helps you identify potential betting opportunities where different bookmakers offer odds that allow you to cover every possible outcome of an event. By calculating the correct stake for each selection, you can work out whether the combined bets could produce a profit regardless of the result.
If you have ever wondered, “What is arbitrage betting?”, this guide explains the concept from the ground up. Arbitrage betting can seem complicated at first, particularly if you are unfamiliar with betting odds, implied probabilities, or how bookmakers price markets. However, once you understand the basic principles, you can use an arbitrage calculator to see how an arbitrage opportunity works and how the potential returns are calculated.
In this guide, we explain how arbitrage betting works, how to calculate a sure bet, how to use an arbitrage sports betting calculator, and what to consider before placing your bets.
1. What Is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage betting involves taking advantage of differences in odds offered by different bookmakers or betting exchanges. When the prices are favourable enough, you may be able to place bets covering every possible outcome of the same market and create an opportunity for a positive return.
For example, one bookmaker might offer higher odds on a team to win, while another offers a more favourable price on its opponent. If the combined implied probabilities of all outcomes add up to less than 100%, an arbitrage opportunity may exist.
Which sport is best for arbitrage betting?
- Football
- Tennis
- Basketball
- Esports
To complete successful surebets using this method, you can use an arb betting calculator and we will come to that in more detail shortly. For now, all you need to know is that by using an arbitrage betting calculator, you can easily work out how much you must bet against (lay) the bookmaker bet and how much profit you will make.
Let's take a tennis match as an example. Novak Djokovic is available at 1.55 to win while Roger Federer is on offer 2.4 to win, with both sets of odds at the bookmaker. However, you notice, at the betting exchange, Federer is 2.1 not to win and combined with the odds of 2.4 to win at the bookmaker, the implied probability for the combined bets is 89.29%.
To keep things simple, let's say you are going to bet £100 on Federer to win at the bookmaker at odds of 2.4. You must then calculate the amount you need to lay at the betting exchange to ensure you make a profit regardless of the outcome of the match. In this arbitrage betting example, you would need to place a £115.38 lay bet on Federer to win at odds of 2.1 at the betting exchange. If Federer wins, you stand to make a profit of £13.08, if Federer loses you will make £13.07 profit, so there is nothing in it.
It's not difficult to find arbitrage bets, as there are plenty of arbitrage betting sites out there which you can use. However, you should learn how to calculate arbitrage bets yourself. That begins with using equations or an arbing calculator. Once you do it, you are ready to place a bet, which can turn out to be even more profitable for you if you enter a special bonus code, such as our Bitstarz bonus code, while signing in on a website.
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2. How to Calculate Arbitrage Bets?
Using the same arbitrage sports betting example as above, you can calculate the mathematics yourself to work out the guaranteed profit from both outcomes and this is displayed below.
To calculate your lay stake on Federer, based on the £100 back bet at the bookmaker, you must use the following equation:
2.1 Step 1: Calculate your lay stake
To calculate the lay stake, use the following formula:
Lay stake = (Back odds × Back stake) ÷ (Lay odds − Commission)
Using our example:
(2.40 × £100) ÷ (2.10 − 0.02) = £115.38
You would therefore need to lay £115.38 on Federer at the betting exchange, with commission set at 2%.
2.2 Step 2: Calculate your potential profit
With both bets in place, you can calculate the potential profit depending on where the winning result occurs.
In this example, the expected profit is approximately £13.07 regardless of the outcome, before any additional costs or rounding differences.
Remember that these calculations assume both bets are accepted at the stated odds and that the exchange charges 2% commission on net winnings. Actual results may vary if the odds change or either bet cannot be placed as planned.
So, with the mathematical equations above you can work out the lay stake required and expected profit from each outcome using the initial stake at the bookmaker. Using these calculations together with, for instance, BetWinner promotion code, you can increase your profits significantly!
3. Arbitrage Sports Betting Calculator
Although we answered the question: "How do you calculate arbitrage bets?" above, we are sure that for some of you it still seems mysterious and too complicated. Fortunately, if you do not want to do the math yourself, there is a quicker option. An arb betting calculator can be used to input the back stake at the bookmaker and the odds plus the lay odds and commission from the exchange. This will give you the amount you must lay at the exchange and the expected profit from the bet.
Using an arbitrage calculator will save you a lot of time and many websites offer such an arbitrage bet calculator; you will also find an arbitrage betting finder at some of them. This displays the best sporting events for the day in terms of arbitrage betting and saves your time since you don't have to search and work them out for yourself. If you want to see if it really works, make sure to use one of our promotion codes, for example 1XBET bonus code for customers to get some extra money when engaging with arbitrage betting.
4. Can Arbitrage Betting Be Risky?
Arbitrage betting can be profitable when a genuine arbitrage opportunity is correctly identified and executed, but it is not without risks. Bookmakers may monitor betting patterns and, depending on their terms and applicable regulations, can restrict stakes, limit accounts, or close accounts. Odds can also change between finding an opportunity and placing all the required bets, potentially affecting the expected return.
For this reason, using an arbitrage betting calculator does not eliminate every risk. The calculator can identify the mathematical potential of an arb, but bettors still need to check the latest odds, stake limits, bookmaker rules, and whether all bets have been accepted before considering an opportunity complete.
Consider the following factors:
-
Changing odds: Prices can move between identifying an opportunity and placing the required bets.
-
Stake limits: A bookmaker or exchange may not accept the full stake used in your calculation.
-
Account restrictions: Bookmakers may restrict stakes or accounts under their terms and applicable regulations.
-
Settlement rules: Two markets that appear similar may have different rules for draws, abandoned events, extra time or void bets.
-
Commission and fees: Exchange commission and other applicable costs can reduce or eliminate a potential profit.
-
Rounding: Rounding stakes to the nearest permitted amount may leave slightly different returns across outcomes.
5. Pros & Cons of Arbitrage Betting
We have explained how to find arbitrage bets and how to use arb betting caluculator. Now, let's sum up if taking advantage of it or an arbitrage odds finder make sense and what are the actual advantages and disadvantage of using these devices for betting.
Now, when you already know the answer to the question: how does arbitrage betting calculator work, we recommend you keep a record of your arbitrage betting activity using a spreadsheet and in doing so you will be able to work out your full profit over time.
6. Arbitrage Bet Calculator — FAQ
6.1 Can arbitrage betting be profitable?
Yes. Arbitrage betting allows you to bet on each possible outcome to guarantee profit regardless of the result. When done correctly—especially with the help of an arbitrage calculator—you are guaranteed to make profit.
6.2 Is arbitrage betting illegal?
Arbitrage betting is legal. However, bookmakers monitor this activity and may restrict or close accounts if they believe someone is making regular profits using the arbing calculator method.
6.3 How to calculate arbitrage betting?
You can calculate arbitrage bets manually by first working out the required lay stake and then applying the profit formulas for each outcome. If you prefer not to do the math yourself, you can simply use an arbitrage betting calculator.
Arbitrage Betting Calculator
An arbitrage betting calculator helps you identify potential betting opportunities where different bookmakers offer odds that allow you to cover every possible outcome of an event. By calculating the correct stake for each selection, you can work out whether the combined bets could produce a profit regardless of the result.
If you have ever wondered, “What is arbitrage betting?”, this guide explains the concept from the ground up. Arbitrage betting can seem complicated at first, particularly if you are unfamiliar with betting odds, implied probabilities, or how bookmakers price markets. However, once you understand the basic principles, you can use an arbitrage calculator to see how an arbitrage opportunity works and how the potential returns are calculated.
In this guide, we explain how arbitrage betting works, how to calculate a sure bet, how to use an arbitrage sports betting calculator, and what to consider before placing your bets.
Contents
1. What Is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage betting involves taking advantage of differences in odds offered by different bookmakers or betting exchanges. When the prices are favourable enough, you may be able to place bets covering every possible outcome of the same market and create an opportunity for a positive return.
For example, one bookmaker might offer higher odds on a team to win, while another offers a more favourable price on its opponent. If the combined implied probabilities of all outcomes add up to less than 100%, an arbitrage opportunity may exist.
Which sport is best for arbitrage betting?
To complete successful surebets using this method, you can use an arb betting calculator and we will come to that in more detail shortly. For now, all you need to know is that by using an arbitrage betting calculator, you can easily work out how much you must bet against (lay) the bookmaker bet and how much profit you will make.
Let's take a tennis match as an example. Novak Djokovic is available at 1.55 to win while Roger Federer is on offer 2.4 to win, with both sets of odds at the bookmaker. However, you notice, at the betting exchange, Federer is 2.1 not to win and combined with the odds of 2.4 to win at the bookmaker, the implied probability for the combined bets is 89.29%.
To keep things simple, let's say you are going to bet £100 on Federer to win at the bookmaker at odds of 2.4. You must then calculate the amount you need to lay at the betting exchange to ensure you make a profit regardless of the outcome of the match. In this arbitrage betting example, you would need to place a £115.38 lay bet on Federer to win at odds of 2.1 at the betting exchange. If Federer wins, you stand to make a profit of £13.08, if Federer loses you will make £13.07 profit, so there is nothing in it.
It's not difficult to find arbitrage bets, as there are plenty of arbitrage betting sites out there which you can use. However, you should learn how to calculate arbitrage bets yourself. That begins with using equations or an arbing calculator. Once you do it, you are ready to place a bet, which can turn out to be even more profitable for you if you enter a special bonus code, such as our Bitstarz bonus code, while signing in on a website.
2. How to Calculate Arbitrage Bets?
Using the same arbitrage sports betting example as above, you can calculate the mathematics yourself to work out the guaranteed profit from both outcomes and this is displayed below.
To calculate your lay stake on Federer, based on the £100 back bet at the bookmaker, you must use the following equation:
2.1 Step 1: Calculate your lay stake
To calculate the lay stake, use the following formula:
Using our example:
You would therefore need to lay £115.38 on Federer at the betting exchange, with commission set at 2%.
2.2 Step 2: Calculate your potential profit
With both bets in place, you can calculate the potential profit depending on where the winning result occurs.
In this example, the expected profit is approximately £13.07 regardless of the outcome, before any additional costs or rounding differences.
Remember that these calculations assume both bets are accepted at the stated odds and that the exchange charges 2% commission on net winnings. Actual results may vary if the odds change or either bet cannot be placed as planned.
So, with the mathematical equations above you can work out the lay stake required and expected profit from each outcome using the initial stake at the bookmaker. Using these calculations together with, for instance, BetWinner promotion code, you can increase your profits significantly!
3. Arbitrage Sports Betting Calculator
Although we answered the question: "How do you calculate arbitrage bets?" above, we are sure that for some of you it still seems mysterious and too complicated. Fortunately, if you do not want to do the math yourself, there is a quicker option. An arb betting calculator can be used to input the back stake at the bookmaker and the odds plus the lay odds and commission from the exchange. This will give you the amount you must lay at the exchange and the expected profit from the bet.
Using an arbitrage calculator will save you a lot of time and many websites offer such an arbitrage bet calculator; you will also find an arbitrage betting finder at some of them. This displays the best sporting events for the day in terms of arbitrage betting and saves your time since you don't have to search and work them out for yourself. If you want to see if it really works, make sure to use one of our promotion codes, for example 1XBET bonus code for customers to get some extra money when engaging with arbitrage betting.
4. Can Arbitrage Betting Be Risky?
Arbitrage betting can be profitable when a genuine arbitrage opportunity is correctly identified and executed, but it is not without risks. Bookmakers may monitor betting patterns and, depending on their terms and applicable regulations, can restrict stakes, limit accounts, or close accounts. Odds can also change between finding an opportunity and placing all the required bets, potentially affecting the expected return.
For this reason, using an arbitrage betting calculator does not eliminate every risk. The calculator can identify the mathematical potential of an arb, but bettors still need to check the latest odds, stake limits, bookmaker rules, and whether all bets have been accepted before considering an opportunity complete.
Consider the following factors:
5. Pros & Cons of Arbitrage Betting
We have explained how to find arbitrage bets and how to use arb betting caluculator. Now, let's sum up if taking advantage of it or an arbitrage odds finder make sense and what are the actual advantages and disadvantage of using these devices for betting.
Now, when you already know the answer to the question: how does arbitrage betting calculator work, we recommend you keep a record of your arbitrage betting activity using a spreadsheet and in doing so you will be able to work out your full profit over time.
6. Arbitrage Bet Calculator — FAQ
6.1 Can arbitrage betting be profitable?
Yes. Arbitrage betting allows you to bet on each possible outcome to guarantee profit regardless of the result. When done correctly—especially with the help of an arbitrage calculator—you are guaranteed to make profit.
6.2 Is arbitrage betting illegal?
Arbitrage betting is legal. However, bookmakers monitor this activity and may restrict or close accounts if they believe someone is making regular profits using the arbing calculator method.
6.3 How to calculate arbitrage betting?
You can calculate arbitrage bets manually by first working out the required lay stake and then applying the profit formulas for each outcome. If you prefer not to do the math yourself, you can simply use an arbitrage betting calculator.