Complete Arbitrage Betting Guide 2025: How to Make Guaranteed Profits

Arbitrage betting (also known as arb betting, sure betting, or miracle betting) is a sports betting strategy that guarantees profit regardless of the outcome. Unlike traditional gambling, arbitrage betting is based on mathematics and exploits price differences between sportsbooks.

What is Arbitrage Betting?

Arbitrage betting occurs when different sportsbooks offer odds that, when combined, create an opportunity for guaranteed profit. This happens because sportsbooks set their odds independently, and sometimes these odds don't align perfectly.

When you find an arbitrage opportunity (also called a "sure bet" or "arb"), you place bets on all possible outcomes across different sportsbooks. Because of the odds discrepancy, you're guaranteed to make money no matter which team wins.

How Does Sports Arbitrage Work?

Here's a simple example of an arbitrage opportunity:

• DraftKings: Lakers to win at +110 (2.10 decimal)
• FanDuel: Celtics to win at +105 (2.05 decimal)

Normally, betting on both sides would result in a loss due to the sportsbook's margin. But when odds are mispriced, you can cover all outcomes profitably.

How to Calculate Arbitrage Bet Amounts

Once you find an arbitrage opportunity, you need to calculate the correct stake for each bet. The formula ensures equal profit regardless of the outcome:

For example, with a $1,000 bankroll and the odds above:

• Bet $488.10 on Lakers at +110
• Bet $511.90 on Celtics at +105
• Guaranteed profit: ~$24.00 (2.4%)

Types of Arbitrage Betting

1. Back-Back Arbitrage

The most common form of arbitrage betting. You bet on both outcomes at two different sportsbooks. This is what Moneyline specializes in finding.

2. Back-Lay Arbitrage

Involves using a betting exchange like Betfair. You "back" (bet for) an outcome at one sportsbook and "lay" (bet against) at an exchange.

3. Bonus Arbitrage

Exploiting sportsbook welcome bonuses and promotions to guarantee profit. This is particularly lucrative for new bettors.

Best Practices for Arbitrage Betting

1. Act quickly: Arbs disappear fast, often within minutes
2. Use multiple sportsbooks: The more accounts, the more opportunities
3. Start with small stakes: Build your bankroll gradually
4. Keep detailed records: Track all bets for profit analysis
5. Avoid rounding errors: Use precise calculations
6. Verify odds before betting: Odds can change rapidly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Betting on the wrong lines or markets
• Not accounting for sportsbook rules and restrictions
• Placing bets that exceed limits
• Ignoring time-sensitive line movements
• Overexposing yourself to a single sportsbook

Is Arbitrage Betting Legal?

Yes, arbitrage betting is completely legal. You're simply placing bets at different sportsbooks—there's nothing illegal about that. However, sportsbooks don't love arb bettors because they consistently win.

Some sportsbooks may limit your account if they suspect you're arbing. To minimize this risk:

• Round your bet amounts to normal-looking figures
• Spread your action across many sportsbooks
• Be strategic about your withdrawal timing

Why Use Moneyline for Arbitrage Betting?

Finding arbitrage opportunities manually is extremely time-consuming. You'd need to:

• Compare odds across dozens of sportsbooks
• Calculate potential arbs in real-time
• Act within seconds before odds change

Moneyline automates this entire process. Our software scans all major sportsbooks 24/7, instantly alerts you to arb opportunities, and calculates optimal stake amounts. This turns what was once a full-time job into a passive income stream.