How to use it
- Enter the total stakeThe amount you want to spread across all outcomes.
- Enter the best odds for each outcomeFor a 2-way market, leave the third box at 0.
- Check the marginA positive arbitrage margin means the prices lock in a profit. A negative one means they do not.
The formula
Book = 1 ÷ odds 1 + 1 ÷ odds 2 (+ 1 ÷ odds 3). If the book is under 100%, there is an arbitrage. Stake on each outcome = total stake × (1 ÷ its odds) ÷ book. Return = total stake ÷ book.
Worked example: 2-way market
| Outcome | Best odds | Stake | Return if it wins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 2.5 goals | 2.10 | ₦4,939.76 | ₦10,373.50 |
| Under 2.5 goals | 2.05 | ₦5,060.24 | ₦10,373.49 |
The book is 96.40%, so the arbitrage margin is 3.60% and the profit about ₦373.49 on ₦10,000, whichever side wins.
Real surebets are rare and short-lived. Odds can move before both bets are placed, a bookmaker can void a bet at an obvious error price, and accounts that only bet arbitrages are often limited.
Arbitrage FAQ
Is arbitrage betting legal?
Placing bets with different bookmakers is legal, but bookmakers can restrict accounts they see as arbitrage players. Read each site's terms.
Why round the stakes?
Round stakes such as ₦4,940 look less like arbitrage. Rounding moves the profit slightly; check both outcomes after rounding.
What if one bet is not accepted?
Then you hold an open bet, not an arbitrage. Place the harder bet first.
How is this different from dutching?
Arbitrage covers every outcome to lock a profit. Dutching covers some outcomes to equalise the return on them.