What Is Arbitrage Betting?
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Last Updated: 4 August, 2025
Arbitrage betting, also called arbitrage in sports betting or “arbing,” is when you place bets on all outcomes of a game across different sportsbooks to lock in a profit.
This works when two or more arbitrage betting sites offer conflicting odds, creating a price gap you can take advantage of.
This strategy is based on math, not luck. It’s often used by advanced players who monitor odds using an arbitrage betting calculator or a dedicated arbitrage betting app.
While the profit margin is small, usually 1–3%, the risk is low if both bets are placed correctly.
When does arbitrage betting happen?
Sports betting arbitrage opportunities appear when two sportsbooks offer different odds on the same game or event.
These mismatches allow you to bet both sides and secure a guaranteed profit, if the math checks out.
Most arbers use an arbitrage betting calculator to confirm that the return is positive before placing any bets.
There are a few key situations where betting arbitrage is most likely to occur:
1. Odds differ between sportsbooks: This is the most common type. One sportsbook may list Team A at -120, while another has Team B at +125. That pricing gap can be profitable.
2. Live arbitrage betting: During live games, odds change quickly. If you're fast enough, you may find a window where both sides are mispriced just long enough to place your bets.
3. Line movement after your bet: Sometimes you place a bet, and the line shifts heavily in the other direction. This can open a new opportunity to bet the opposite side at a better price and lock in a profit.
These chances don’t last long, so most bettors use tools or arbitrage betting apps to track them in real time.
Arbitrage betting examples
To understand how arbitrage in betting works, here are examples showing different types of opportunities.
Each one uses real odds to demonstrate how small price gaps can lead to guaranteed profits.
Example 1: Totals Bet (Over/Under) Game: Bills vs. Jets
Bet $100 on Over 33.5 at -250 on BetMGM
Bet $36.84 on Under 33.5 at +280 on DraftKings. Both sides return $140Total risk: $136.84. Profit: $3.16 (2.26%)
Example 2: Moneyline Bet
Bet $322.50 on Bills -300
Bet $100 on Jets +330. Both payouts equal $430. Total risk: $422.50. Profit: $7.50 (1.74%)
Example 3: Line Movement Arbitrage
You bet Cubs +110 early
Later, odds shift to Cubs -115 and Cardinals +105
You bet $100 on the Cardinals at +105. You now profit no matter which team wins
Tools like an arbitrage betting calculator help confirm the payout math before placing bets.
Using multiple arbitrage sports betting apps is key, since no single book will offer both sides at value.
Sportsbooks arbitrage bets
Arbitrage sports betting isn’t illegal, but sportsbooks don’t like it.
If you consistently take advantage of odds discrepancies, your account may get flagged.
Books are in the business of risk, and betting arbitrage cuts into their margins.
Here’s how most sportsbooks respond:
That said, arbitrage betting is legal and common among experienced bettors.
To stay under the radar, many arbers spread activity across multiple books and avoid obvious patterns like always betting favorites with boosted odds.
How does arbitrage affect parlays and bonuses?
Most arbitrage betting is done with single bets, not parlays.
Parlays add complexity and make it harder to guarantee a profit across multiple outcomes.
That said, promotions like odds boosts, site credit, or free bets can create strong arbing opportunities.
Odds boosts
Books often boost one side of a moneyline or prop.
If another sportsbook doesn’t adjust in time, you may be able to bet the opposite side and lock in a bigger-than-usual profit.
Example: Caesars boosts Georgia moneyline from -150 to +100. At the same time, Alabama is +133 at another book. That creates a 7% arbitrage edge, much higher than the usual 1–3%.
Free bets or site credit
You can use a free bet on one side and place a cash bet on the other.
Since the free bet isn’t your money, you only risk the cash bet and still profit if the odds are right.
Smart arbers monitor multiple sportsbooks and use these promos to build value.
Some even use an arbitrage betting app to track boosts and offers in real time.
Tracking arbitrage in your betting record
Even though arbitrage sports betting locks in profit, you should still track every bet.
This helps you measure true returns, monitor performance by sportsbook, and catch mistakes before they cost you money.
A solid record should include:
Total stake across both sides
Payout for each outcome
Net profit or loss
Return percentage (use an arbitrage betting calculator for this)
Sportsbook used
Example: You risk $422.50 and lock in a $7.50 profit. That’s a 1.77% return. If you repeat this 20 times with the same efficiency, you’ll earn $150 risk-free.
Small margins add up, but only if you're disciplined.
Good recordkeeping separates casual bettors from sharp arbers.
Arbitrage in props, futures, and niche markets
Arbitrage in betting isn’t just for point spreads or moneylines.
Some of the best opportunities appear in markets where sportsbooks post odds independently, like props, futures, and low-volume events.
These markets often have less consistent pricing because books aren’t copying each other’s lines as closely.
That means more chances to catch mismatches.
Here’s a quick comparison:
For example, if FanDuel lists a draft prop at Over 4.5 (+115) and another sportsbook has Under 4.5 (+110), you can bet both sides and lock in a small return.
Just be aware, books may set lower limits for these bets, and lines can move quickly.
Using an arbitrage betting app helps you track these edges before they disappear.
Find out what over-under is in betting here.
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References
Contributors
Bradley Gibbs
Author
With over 12 years of experience, Bradley Gibbs is a seasoned sports betting writer and analyst specializing in uncovering value bets across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf.
His extensive coverage of these sports has been featured on numerous websites and in The Racing & Football Outlook, a renowned UK betting publication.
Bradley's expertise lies in identifying betting edges and delivering insightful, data-driven content for informed wagering.
Josh Miller
Reviewed By
Josh Miller, Sporting Post’s Sports & Casino Editor, brings over five years of experience in feature writing, blogging, and SEO.
With a strong background in football coverage and sports betting, his work has been featured in VAVEL.
Josh also writes extensively about online casinos, providing expert insights into games, bonuses, and gambling trends.
His engaging and informative content makes him a reliable resource for Sporting Post readers.