How to arbitrage bet, from opening accounts to placing both legs
Open and fund accounts at several sportsbooks, find a market where two books disagree on the odds, size each stake so every outcome pays the same, and place both bets before the lines move. Place the leg most likely to change first. Arbocado's Arbitrage Finder handles the finding and sizing, and the free arb calculator checks any odds you find yourself.
- Arbitrage betting needs funded accounts at two or more sportsbooks before the first opportunity appears.
- Every leg of an arbitrage must be the same market, the same line, and settled under the same rules.
- Place the leg most likely to move or be limited first, then the second leg right after.
- On a $1,000 arbitrage at +105 and +102, the stakes are $496.31 and $503.69, and either result returns about $1,017.
- Record every bet, stake, and result, since arbitrage profits are usually taxable.
The short answer
Fund accounts at several sportsbooks. Find a market where two books disagree on the odds. Size each stake so every outcome pays the same, then place both bets before the prices move, starting with the leg most likely to change.
New to the idea? Start with what arbitrage in sports betting is. This guide is the practical part.
Before your first arb
Arbs close fast, so the setup has to be done before you see one.
- 1
Open accounts at several books
Two is the minimum. Four to six of the books legal in your state, plus an exchange if one is available, gives you far more opportunities. - 2
Verify each account
Finish identity checks and add a withdrawal method now. A pending verification can freeze winnings when you need to move money. - 3
Spread your bankroll
Keep money in every account so you can take either side of an arb. With $1,000, $200 to $250 in each of four books is a workable start.
For which books to pick, see the best sportsbooks for arbitrage betting.
Placing an arb, step by step
- 1
Find the price gap
Compare the same market across books, or use an arbitrage bet finder tool that flags any pair adding up to under 100%. - 2
Check the market matches
Same game, same line (over 47.5 at both books, not 47.5 and 48), and the same settlement rules for overtime, retirements, or postponements. - 3
Size the stakes
Run the odds through an arb bet calculator so both outcomes return the same amount. Round to amounts that look normal, like $495 instead of $496.31. - 4
Place the riskier leg first
Start with the book that moves fastest, limits sooner, or has the odds furthest from the market. Confirm it was accepted at your price. - 5
Place the second leg right away
If the price moved, recalculate. If the market still adds up to under 100%, re-size and place it. - 6
Record both bets
Log the book, odds, stake, and result. Arbitrage profits are usually taxable.
A $1,000 example
An NFL total: over 47.5 is +105 at BetMGM and under 47.5 is +102 at Caesars. In decimal odds that's 2.05 and 2.02, which imply 48.8% and 49.5%. The total is 98.3%, so it's an arb worth about 1.7%.
| Bet | Stake | Pays if it wins |
|---|---|---|
| Over 47.5 at +105 (BetMGM) | $496.31 | $496.31 × 2.05 = $1,017.44 |
| Under 47.5 at +102 (Caesars) | $503.69 | $503.69 × 2.02 = $1,017.45 |
Change the odds or the stake below to see how the split moves. The full version is the free arb calculator.
Size this arb
Over 47.5 at +105 (BetMGM) vs. under 47.5 at +102 (Caesars), $1,000 total.
Guaranteed profit $17.44 (1.74%) whichever outcome wins
Common mistakes
| Mistake | What it costs | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Mismatched lines | One leg can lose while the other pushes | Check the number on both slips |
| Placing the safe leg first | The fast-moving price is gone when you get there | Bet the riskier leg first |
| Exact calculator stakes | Odd amounts flag your account | Round to $5 or $10 |
| Chasing huge edges | Often a pricing error the book voids | Skip edges far above 5% |
| Empty accounts | You can't take the side you need | Keep every book funded |
Rounding and spreading bets also keep accounts open longer. See how to avoid sportsbook limits.
Tools that help
Doing this by hand works for a few bets a week. For more, software does the scanning and sizing. The best arbitrage betting software guide covers what to look for. Arbocado's Pro desktop app goes a step further: it fills both bet slips and re-sizes the stake when a line moves, and you confirm every bet.
Find your first arb
Arbocado's Arbitrage Finder scans the major books in your state and shows the stake for each leg, so you can go straight to placing bets.
Open the Arbitrage FinderNext, read whether arbitrage is legal and profitable at your bankroll size.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start arbitrage betting?
Open accounts at several sportsbooks legal in your state, deposit a few hundred dollars across them, and use an arbitrage finder or odds screen to spot a market where two books disagree. Size the stakes with an arbitrage calculator, then place both bets quickly.
Which bet should I place first in an arbitrage?
Place the leg most likely to change first: the book that moves its lines fastest, has the lower limit, or has the odds furthest from the rest of the market. Once that bet is accepted at your price, place the second leg right away.
What if the odds move before I place the second bet?
Recalculate with the new price. If the market still adds up to under 100%, re-size the second stake and place it. If it doesn't, you can hedge at a small loss or wait for the price to come back. Arbocado's Pro desktop app flags line moves and re-sizes the stake for you to confirm.