Arbitrage betting, also called “arming”, is the kind of thing that sounds too good to be true. You place bets on all possible game outcomes using different bookmakers, ensuring you lock in a small profit no matter what happens. There is no gambling involved, just pure math. Big sportsbooks hate it and act against those who try it. But here’s the big question: if it’s so foolproof, why isn’t everyone doing it? And more importantly, is it worth the effort, or is there a catch?
The promise of free money usually draws people into arbitrage betting. A few clicks, a couple of bets, and boom, guaranteed profit. Websites like 22bet and many other bookmakers have odds that sometimes don’t perfectly align with their competitors. This creates the opportunity for an “arb”, a price gap that lets you bet on all possible results and still come out ahead. In theory, it’s a flawless strategy. But in reality, it’s not as easy as it sounds.
How Arbitrage Betting Works
Let’s break it down with a simple example. Suppose one bookmaker offers odds of 2.10 on Team A to win, while another bookie has Team B at 2.05. If you place the right amount of money on both teams, you guarantee yourself a small but certain profit, no matter who wins.
That’s the entire concept. You’re not gambling. You’re exploiting price differences between different sportsbooks. It sounds like free money, right? Well, not so fast.
The Problems No One Tells You About
- Bookmakers Catch On Quickly Sportsbooks don’t like arbours. When they notice you are always betting in ways that guarantee a profit, they limit your account or even ban you outright. And trust me, they see fast.
- Odds Change in Seconds Arbitrage opportunities don’t last long. Odds shift constantly; if you don’t move quickly, one side of your bet might be accepted while the other changes, leaving you with a risky, lopsided bet.
- You Need Big Money to Make It Worth It Most arbitrage opportunities offer tiny profits, maybe 1% to 3% per bet. That means to make decent money, you need to bet large amounts. And large bets attract even more attention from sportsbooks.
- Multiple Accounts, Multiple Problems Since arbitrage requires different bookmakers, you need accounts with many sportsbooks. This means dealing with other rules, payment methods, and withdrawal restrictions. Some bookies may delay your payouts or require extensive verification before letting you cash out.
- Hidden Fees and Exchange Rates Even if you find a perfect arbitrage bet, currency conversion fees, deposit charges, and withdrawal limits can eat into your profits. Some platforms also charge for “inactive” accounts, which can drain your balance before realising it.
Can You Make a Living from Arbitrage Betting?
Theoretically, yes. Some people do. But it’s not the easy, stress-free cash cow people think it is. It requires constant monitoring, fast decision-making, and large bankrolls. Plus, sportsbooks are always finding new ways to shut down arbours. If you’re doing this full-time, expect to constantly be searching for new accounts, dealing with withdrawal issues, and working around restrictions.
Arbitrage is a tough game for casual bettors hoping to make side money. Most people quit after a few months when they realise how much effort it takes to make decent profits.