Arbitrage Calculator

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Odds

Stake

Payout

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Total Stake

$2080.95

Total Payout

$2270.00

Profit (9.08%)

$189.05

How does the Arbitrage Calculator work?

Our arbitrage calculator allows you to enter the odds of two different bets to determine how much you should bet on each to guarantee a profit. Simply input the American odds for both sides of your potential arbitrage opportunity, and we'll calculate the optimal bet allocation and your guaranteed profit. If the ROI is negative, there is no arbitrage opportunity available.

What is an Arbitrage Bet?

An arbitrage bet (or "arb" for short) – also known as "surebets" or "miraclebets" – is a betting strategy where you wager on all possible outcomes of an event across different sportsbooks to guarantee a profit regardless of the result.

Arbitrage opportunities arise from discrepancies in odds between different sportsbooks. By carefully allocating your bets across different bookmakers, you can create a mathematical advantage that ensures profit no matter the outcome.

Sports Arbitrage Betting Example

Arbitrage opportunities typically emerge when sportsbooks have different opinions on an event's outcome.

For example, consider an NBA game between the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers:

Sportsbook A offers:

Houston Rockets-200 ($1.50)
Cleveland Cavaliers+150 ($2.50)

Sportsbook B offers:

Houston Rockets-125 ($1.80)
Cleveland Cavaliers+120 ($2.20)

In this scenario, you could place:

  • $55.55 on Houston Rockets with Sportsbook B (payout: $100 if Houston wins)
  • $40.00 on Cleveland Cavaliers with Sportsbook A (payout: $100 if Cleveland wins)

Result: You've wagered $95.55 total but will receive $100 regardless of the outcome – a guaranteed profit of $4.45!

Arbitrage Betting Strategies

Let's explore two main arbitrage betting strategies using this example: Knicks vs. Celtics, with the following odds:

  • Sportsbook Z: Boston Celtics at +150
  • Sportsbook Y: New York Knicks at -125

Strategy A: Guaranteed Profit

This strategy ensures a profit regardless of the outcome by optimally distributing your bet amounts.

Strategy A: $100 Total Bet

Boston Celtics (Sportsbook Z)

Odds: +150Bet: $41.86
Return: $104.65

New York Knicks (Sportsbook Y)

Odds: -125Bet: $58.14
Return: $104.65

Profit: $4.65 (4.65% ROI)

Strategy B: Weighted Arbitrage

This strategy is used when you have a stronger opinion on which outcome is likely but still want some downside protection.

Boston Celtics (Sportsbook Z)

Odds: +150Bet: $44.44
Return: $111.10Profit: $11.10

New York Knicks (Sportsbook Y)

Odds: -125Bet: $55.56
Return: $100.00Profit: $0 (break even)

This riskier approach offers greater profit if your preferred outcome wins but ensures you at least break even otherwise.

How to Find Arbitrage Betting Opportunities

Manual Comparison

Compare odds across different sportsbooks using odds comparison sites. Though time-consuming, this helps you gain a deeper understanding of the markets.

Software Tools

Use specialized software that automatically scans for arbitrage opportunities across sportsbooks. Be cautious of scams and protect your personal information.

Promotions

Take advantage of sportsbook promotions and odds boosts which can create arbitrage opportunities, especially when paired with standard odds from another bookmaker.

Risks of Arbitrage Betting

⚠️ Potential Pitfalls

  • Sportsbooks may void bets with obvious pricing errors
  • Odds can change rapidly while you're placing bets
  • Account limitations for professional arbitrage bettors
  • Human error when placing multiple bets under time pressure

Most reliable arbitrage opportunities offer a modest 1-5% return. If the profit margin seems too good to be true, it may be a pricing error that could be voided by the sportsbook.