What is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage betting (arbing) exploits price differences between bookmakers. When different bookmakers offer odds that, combined, create a situation where the total implied probability is below 100%, you can bet on all outcomes and guarantee profit.
It's not gambling. It's mathematics.
The Core Concept
Bookmaker A offers Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.10. Bookmaker B offers Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.05. By betting the right amounts on both, you lock in profit no matter what happens.
A Complete Example
Let's walk through a real arbitrage opportunity:
Match: Arsenal vs Chelsea
Step 1: Calculate Implied Probabilities
Total probability is below 100%. This means profit is possible.
Step 2: Calculate Stakes
To guarantee equal profit regardless of outcome with a £100 total stake:
Step 3: Calculate Returns
Three Stake Modes
Proppr's Arb Bot offers three different stake calculation methods:
Standard
Equal profit regardless of outcome. The safest, most common approach.
RF High
Break even on the likely outcome, big profit if underdog wins.
RF Low
Break even on unlikely outcome, steady profit on favorite.
Speed is Everything
Critical Warning
Most arbitrage opportunities last 60-120 seconds before bookmakers correct their lines. High-value arbs (5%+) often vanish within 30 seconds.
- Enable Telegram push notifications for @PropprArbBot
- Have bookmaker accounts logged in and ready
- Place both bets within 60 seconds of alert
Bookmaker Coverage
Proppr's Arb Bot scans 150+ bookmakers across 30+ countries:
+ 130+ more. Enable only bookmakers where you have funded accounts.
LAY Betting on Exchanges
Exchanges like Betfair, Smarkets, and Matchbook let you "lay" outcomes (bet against them happening). This opens more arb opportunities:
The Arb Bot accounts for exchange commission (default 2%) in all profit calculations.
Account Limiting
Bookmakers don't like arbitrage bettors. Consistent arbing may result in account restrictions. Use multiple accounts, vary stake sizes, and mix arbs with recreational bets. This is a known trade-off.