Arbitrage Calculator: Risk-Free Betting Guide (2026)
Arbitrage Calculator: Guaranteed Profit from Odds Differences
Arbitrage betting (arbing) is one of the only truly risk-free ways to profit from sports betting. By exploiting odds differences between sportsbooks, you can guarantee a profit regardless of which team wins. Our free arbitrage calculator instantly identifies arb opportunities and calculates exact stake distribution.
What Is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage occurs when different sportsbooks offer odds that, when combined, guarantee profit no matter the outcome. You bet on all possible outcomes across different books, and the math ensures you win.
Quick Answer: Arbitrage betting is placing bets on all outcomes of an event at different sportsbooks where the combined odds guarantee profit. If Book A offers +110 on Team A and Book B offers +110 on Team B, betting the right amounts on each gives you a guaranteed profit.
How to Use Our Free Arbitrage Calculator
Use the Arbitrage Calculator →
Our calculator identifies if an arb exists and tells you exactly how much to bet at each book.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Enter Odds from Book A: Input the odds for outcome 1 at the first sportsbook
-
Enter Odds from Book B: Input the odds for outcome 2 at the second sportsbook
-
Enter Your Total Stake: How much total capital you want to deploy
-
View Results: See if an arb exists, stake distribution, and guaranteed profit
Input Fields Explained
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Odds 1 (Book A) | Odds on outcome 1 | +115 |
| Odds 2 (Book B) | Odds on outcome 2 | +105 |
| Total Stake | Total amount to invest | $1,000 |
| Number of Outcomes | 2-way or 3-way market | 2 |
Real-World Arbitrage Examples
Example 1: Two-Way Market Arb
Event: NBA Game - Lakers vs. Celtics
- Book A: Lakers +115 (2.15 decimal)
- Book B: Celtics +105 (2.05 decimal)
Arbitrage Calculation:
Margin = (1/2.15) + (1/2.05) = 0.465 + 0.488 = 0.953
Profit % = (1 - 0.953) × 100 = 4.7%
For $1,000 total stake:
- Bet on Lakers: $1,000 × (1/2.15) / 0.953 = $488.04 at Book A
- Bet on Celtics: $1,000 × (1/2.05) / 0.953 = $511.96 at Book B
Guaranteed Profit: ~$47 regardless of winner
Example 2: Three-Way Market (Soccer)
Event: Premier League Match
- Book A: Home Win +250 (3.50)
- Book B: Draw +280 (3.80)
- Book C: Away Win +180 (2.80)
Arbitrage Calculation:
Margin = (1/3.50) + (1/3.80) + (1/2.80) = 0.286 + 0.263 + 0.357 = 0.906
Profit % = (1 - 0.906) × 100 = 9.4%
This is a strong arb! Three-way markets often have better opportunities.
Example 3: Prop Bet Arb
Event: NFL Player Prop - Patrick Mahomes Passing Yards
- Book A: Over 285.5 yards -105 (1.952)
- Book B: Under 285.5 yards +105 (2.05)
Arbitrage Calculation:
Margin = (1/1.952) + (1/2.05) = 0.512 + 0.488 = 1.000
Margin equals exactly 1.00—this is break-even, not an arb. You need combined margin under 1.00 for profit.
How Arbitrage Betting Guarantees Profit
The Mathematical Foundation
Arbitrage works when the implied probabilities of all outcomes sum to less than 100%. In a fair market, they'd sum to exactly 100%. With sportsbook margins, they typically sum to 105-110%. But when books disagree significantly, the sum can drop below 100%.
Arb Formula:
If (1/Decimal Odds 1) + (1/Decimal Odds 2) < 1.00, arbitrage exists
Profit % = 1 - Sum of Implied Probabilities
Stake Distribution Formula
To distribute stakes correctly:
Stake on Outcome X = Total Stake × (1/Odds X) / Sum of (1/All Odds)
This ensures equal profit regardless of which outcome wins.
Finding Arbitrage Opportunities
Where Arbs Appear
- Line Movement Gaps: When odds change at different speeds across books
- Player Props: Less efficient markets with more variation
- Live Betting: Rapid odds changes create temporary arbs
- Lesser Markets: Obscure leagues have more inefficiencies
- Opening Lines: Early lines before the market settles
Tools for Finding Arbs
- Odds comparison websites
- Arbitrage scanning software
- Multiple sportsbook accounts
- Price alert notifications
- Our Arbitrage Calculator for verification
Common Arbitrage Mistakes to Avoid
-
Betting Wrong Amounts: Even small calculation errors eliminate profit. Always use a calculator.
-
Slow Execution: Odds change fast. By the time you place the second bet, the arb may be gone. Have accounts funded and ready.
-
Ignoring Limits: Sportsbooks limit sharp bettors. A $10,000 arb means nothing if they limit you to $50.
-
Forgetting Fees: Some books charge withdrawal fees or currency conversion that eat into thin margins.
-
Same Account Arbing: Never arb both sides at the same book. They'll void your bets and likely ban you.
-
Ignoring Terms: Some promotions exclude certain bets. Verify your bet is valid before assuming the arb exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is arbitrage betting legal?
Yes, arbitrage betting is completely legal. You're simply placing bets at multiple sportsbooks—nothing illegal about that. However, sportsbooks don't like arbers and may limit or ban accounts they suspect of arbing.
How much can I make from arbitrage?
Typical arb margins range from 1-5%. With $10,000 capital turning over weekly, you might make $100-$500/week. Serious arbers with larger bankrolls and more turnover can earn more, but opportunities are limited.
Will sportsbooks ban me for arbitrage betting?
Possibly. Sportsbooks identify arbers through betting patterns and may limit stakes or close accounts. Strategies to avoid detection include: betting round numbers, mixing arbs with recreational bets, and not always maxing out stakes.
What's the minimum bankroll needed?
Arbing requires significant capital because margins are thin. With 2% margins, a $1,000 bankroll yields only $20 profit per arb. Most serious arbers start with $5,000-$10,000 minimum.
How are arbitrage and value betting different?
Arbitrage guarantees profit on every bet by covering all outcomes. Value betting identifies +EV bets but accepts short-term variance. Arbing is lower variance but lower return; value betting is higher variance with potentially higher returns.
Do arbs exist in live betting?
Yes, live betting often has the best arb opportunities because odds change rapidly and books react at different speeds. However, execution risk is higher due to odds movement mid-bet.
Arb Hunting Strategy
Step 1: Set Up Infrastructure
- Open accounts at 10+ sportsbooks
- Fund each with $500-$2,000
- Set up quick-transfer payment methods
- Bookmark odds comparison sites
Step 2: Identify Target Markets
- Focus on major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL)
- Check player props—often inefficient
- Monitor live betting during games
- Scan European soccer for 3-way arbs
Step 3: Execute Quickly
- Have accounts logged in and ready
- Calculate stakes before placing first bet
- Place larger stake first (harder to fill)
- Complete both bets within 30 seconds if possible
Step 4: Track Everything
- Log every arb attempt
- Track success rate and execution time
- Monitor account limitations
- Calculate true ROI after all costs
Arbitrage Profit Calculator
| Total Stake | Arb Margin | Gross Profit | Estimated Monthly (10 arbs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | 2% | $10 | $100 |
| $1,000 | 2% | $20 | $200 |
| $2,500 | 2% | $50 | $500 |
| $5,000 | 2% | $100 | $1,000 |
| $10,000 | 2% | $200 | $2,000 |
Actual results vary based on opportunities found and execution success.
Pro Tips for Successful Arbing
-
Speed Is Everything: Practice your execution workflow until you can complete an arb in under 60 seconds
-
Start Small: Test with small stakes to verify your calculations before scaling up
-
Diversify Books: The more accounts you have, the more opportunities you'll find
-
Accept Small Margins: 1.5% arbs are still free money. Don't only chase big margins.
-
Keep Clean Accounts: Mix in some recreational bets to avoid looking like a pure arber
-
Document Everything: Screenshot bet slips in case of disputes
Related Betting Calculators
- Sure Bet Calculator - Stake distribution for any arb
- Odds Converter - Convert between odds formats
- Hold/Vig Calculator - Analyze sportsbook margins
- Hedge Calculator - Lock in profit on open bets
- Expected Value Calculator - Find +EV bets
Conclusion
Arbitrage betting is the closest thing to guaranteed profit in sports betting. When sportsbooks disagree on odds enough, mathematical arbitrage ensures you win regardless of outcome. Our free calculator identifies arb opportunities instantly and calculates perfect stake distribution.
Find Your Arbitrage Opportunity Now →
While arbing requires capital, multiple accounts, and fast execution, the returns are truly risk-free. Start scanning for opportunities and let the math work in your favor.
