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Arbitrage

Also known as: Arb/Sure Bet

A strategy that exploits odds differences between bookmakers to guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome. By placing proportional bets on all possible outcomes across different bookmakers, the bettor locks in a risk-free return. For example, if one bookmaker offers Home at 2.20 and another offers Away at 2.10, the combined margin may allow a guaranteed profit.

Related Strategies Terms

Staking Plan
A predefined system that determines how much to bet on each wager based on specific criteria. Common staking plans include flat staking, percentage of bankroll, Kelly Criterion, and level stakes. A disciplined staking plan is essential for long-term profitability and protecting your bankroll from large drawdowns.
Return on Investment (ROI)
A percentage that measures the profitability of your betting relative to the total amount wagered. Formula: ROI = (Total Profit / Total Staked) x 100. For example, if you bet $10,000 total and made $500 profit, your ROI is 5%. A positive ROI indicates long-term profitability. Professional bettors typically achieve 2-10% ROI.
Matched Betting
A strategy that uses bookmaker promotions, free bets, and bonuses to guarantee a profit by backing at a bookmaker and laying at an exchange. Matched betting is technically risk-free when executed correctly and is a common starting point for new bettors to build a bankroll.
Line Shopping
The practice of comparing odds across multiple bookmakers before placing a bet to find the best available price. Even small differences in odds compound into significant profit over time. For example, getting 2.10 instead of 2.00 on hundreds of bets dramatically improves your long-term return. Line shopping is one of the simplest edges available.
Dutching
A strategy where you back multiple selections in the same market with different bookmakers, distributing stakes to ensure the same profit regardless of which selection wins. Unlike arbitrage, Dutching does not guarantee a profit on every outcome but can distribute risk while targeting specific outcomes you consider underpriced.
Flat Staking
A staking strategy where the same amount is wagered on every bet, regardless of the odds or perceived edge. For example, always betting 2% of your initial bankroll. Flat staking is simple, limits risk, and is suitable for bettors who are not confident in precisely estimating probabilities.
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