Arbitrage Calculator
Calculate sure bets and risk-free profit opportunities
Enter Odds
Decimal odds from different bookmakers
Enter odds for all 2 outcomes to check for arbitrage
Why Arbitrage Opportunities Are Rare
Odds Move in Seconds
Bookmakers use automated systems to monitor competitors. When an arb appears, odds adjust within seconds to minutes. By the time you place your second bet, the opportunity may be gone.
Bookmakers Identify Arbers
Betting patterns give you away: always taking best odds, betting obscure markets, consistent small profits. Expect stake limits or account closure within weeks of systematic arbing.
Margins Are Built In
Most markets have 103-110% overround. For arbs to exist, different bookmakers must disagree significantly. This happens rarely on mainstream markets like IPL match winners. See our implied probability calculator to check margins.
Reality Check
Arbitrage betting is not a sustainable income source. Professional arbers need 10+ bookmaker accounts, specialised software, instant deposits, and accept that accounts will be limited. Most recreational bettors will find more value at reputable betting sites learning to identify +EV single bets via our cricket betting guide than chasing arbs.
How Arbitrage Calculation Works
Step 1: Calculate Implied Probabilities
Convert each decimal odd to implied probability: 1 / odds × 100
Example: Odds of 2.10 → 1/2.10 = 47.62%
Step 2: Sum the Probabilities
Add all implied probabilities. If total is below 100%, arbitrage exists.
Example: 47.62% + 48.78% = 96.4% → Arbitrage opportunity (3.6% profit)
Step 3: Distribute Stakes
Stake on each outcome: Total × (1/odds) / sum(1/odds)
This ensures equal profit regardless of which outcome wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is arbitrage betting?
Arbitrage betting (or "arbing") is placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event across different bookmakers to guarantee profit regardless of the result. It exploits pricing differences between bookmakers.
How does arbitrage work?
When bookmakers disagree on odds, the combined implied probability can drop below 100%. If you bet the right amounts on each outcome, you lock in profit no matter who wins. Example: Bookie A has Team X at 2.10, Bookie B has Team Y at 2.10. Combined implied probability = 95.2%. Guaranteed 4.8% profit.
Why is arbitrage rare?
Bookmakers use odds feeds and algorithms to stay aligned. True arbs last seconds before odds adjust. Most markets have 103-110% overround (bookmaker margin), making arbs impossible. You need accounts at 10+ bookmakers and fast execution.
Will bookmakers ban me for arbitrage?
Yes. Bookmakers actively identify and restrict arbers. Signs include: betting on obscure markets, always taking best odds, stake patterns matching arb calculators. Expect account limits or closure within weeks of consistent arbing.
What is overround or vig?
Overround (also called vig, juice, or margin) is the bookmaker's built-in profit. If implied probabilities sum to 105%, the 5% is the overround. For arbitrage to exist, combined odds must create underround (below 100%).
Is arbitrage betting legal?
Arbitrage betting is legal in most jurisdictions. You are simply placing bets at offered odds. However, bookmakers can refuse service, limit stakes, or close accounts at their discretion. It violates most bookmaker terms of service.