Author: Jacob Narayan
Last Updated: Feb 19, 2024

What is an Arbitrage Bet?

Imagine having a surefire way to make money from sports betting without losing sleep over who wins or loses. That's the beauty of arbitrage betting, also known as sure betting. It's all about exploiting differences in odds offered by different bookmakers to guarantee a profit, and you don't need a Ph.D. in math to make it work.

Let's Break it Down:

  1. Spotting the Odds Oddities: Picture this – you're shopping for the same item in different stores, and each store has a different price tag. That's how bookmakers set odds for a game. Arbitrage betting is about finding those price differences.
    • Bookie X offers odds of +100 for Team A and +200 for Team B.
    • Bookie Y offers odds of +150 for Team A and +150 for Team B.
  2. Doing the Probability Math: Now, don't let the word "probability" scare you. It's just a fancy way of saying, "What are the chances?" Convert the odds into probabilities, so you can compare apples to apples.
    Use the formula: Implied Probability (%) = 100 / (American Odds + 100)
    • For Team A with Bookie X = 50%
    • For Team B with Bookie X = 33.33%
    • For Team A with Bookie Y = 40%
    • For Team B with Bookie Y = 40%
  3. Playing the Field with Bookmakers: Find a bookmaker that's offering higher odds for each team.. It's like getting a discount on your favorite snack at one store and selling it at a premium in another.
    • Team A: Bookie Y with 40%
    • Team B: Bookie X with 33.33%
  4. Cash in on the Sure Bet: The magic moment – spread your bets across all outcomes, making sure you spend an amount that guarantees you walk away with a profit. It's like having a crystal ball that says, "You win!". Determine the amount to bet on each outcome to guarantee a profit using the formula: Bet Amount = Implied Probability * Total Budget. If the total bet is $100 the calculations would be:
    • For Team A (Bookie Y): $100 * .40 = $40
    • For Team B (Bookie X): $100 * .3333 = $33.33

Let's calculate the profit of the two bets.

Expected winnings for Team A: ($40 * 150) / 100 = $60
Total Payout: $40 + $60 = $100

Expected winnings for Team B: ($33.33 * 200) / 100 = $66.66
Total Payout: $33.33 + $66.66 = $99.99

Now, no matter which team wins, you're guaranteed a profit because your total investment is $73.33, and the potential return from the winning bet will be higher than that. This is the essence of arbitrage betting, finding opportunities where the total implied probability is less than 100% and taking advantage of the differences in bookmakers' odds.

Why Choose Sure Bets?

  • No More Nail-Biting: Say goodbye to the stress of wondering if your team will win. With sure bets, you're the winner, no matter the final score.
  • Easy Money in Your Pocket: Think of it like finding money in your jeans pocket – a nice surprise without the usual risks and uncertainties.
  • Outsmarting the Bookies: Bookmakers don't always agree on the odds, and that's where you come in, playing the smart bettor and cashing in on their differences.

Arbitrage betting isn't about complicated math or insider secrets. It's about finding a smart way to make money from sports betting without the usual rollercoaster ride. By taking advantage of odds differences, you can ensure you're always on the winning side, turning sports betting into a more predictable and profitable adventure. So, if you're ready to bet smarter, not harder, sure bets might just be the game-changer you've been looking for!

If you want to start Arbitrage Betting but don't know where to start, start your 7-day free trial of Bet Sleuth today!