The global betting industry is evolving fast, and one strategy continues to capture attention: arbitrage betting. Known as “arbing,” this method involves exploiting differences in odds between bookmakers or exchanges to secure risk-free profits. While it sounds simple in theory, the reality is far more complex. Arbitrage opportunities are rare, fleeting, and heavily dependent on technology, speed, and execution.
In this article, we’ll explain how to find arbitrage bets step by step, supported by real-world data, and show how platforms like Gamingsoft help operators safeguard against arbing risks while maximizing fair play and profitability.
What Is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage betting is the practice of placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event by using odds from different bookmakers or exchanges. Because odds are set independently, discrepancies occur, allowing bettors to “lock in” profit regardless of the result.
Example:
- Bookmaker A offers 2.10 on Team A to win.
- Bookmaker B offers 2.10 on Team B to win.
By betting $100 on each, a bettor guarantees a $210 return regardless of outcome, netting a small but risk-free gain.
Step 1: Understand Arbitrage Calculations
To spot arbitrage, you need to calculate the implied probability of all outcomes.
Formula:
Implied Probability=1Decimal OddsImplied Probability=Decimal Odds1
An arb exists if:
Sum of implied probabilities of all outcomes<100%Sum of implied probabilities of all outcomes<100%
Example:
- Odds on Player A: 2.20 → 45.45%
- Odds on Player B: 2.20 → 45.45%
- Total = 90.9% → Arbitrage margin = 9.1% profit opportunity.
Step 2: Use Arbitrage Scanning Tools
In 2025, manual calculation is impractical. Most bettors rely on arb-finding software that scans odds across 100+ bookmakers in real time.
According to Smart Betting Club, paid arbitrage services can scan thousands of markets per minute, spotting opportunities before they vanish. However, access costs range from $100–$500 per month, and competition among arbers means the window to act is often less than 5 minutes.
Step 3: Monitor Popular Markets
Arbitrage opportunities tend to cluster around:
- Football (Soccer) – With thousands of global matches, odds volatility creates frequent price gaps.
- Tennis – In-play swings during set breaks or injuries open up arbitrage potential.
- Esports – Fast-growing but less mature markets where odds discrepancies are common.
For example, in 2024, esports arbing accounted for 12% of arbitrage trades globally, up from just 5% in 2020 (Newzoo report).
Step 4: Track Multiple Bookmakers & Exchanges
To succeed, bettors often maintain accounts across 10+ platforms. Betting exchanges like Betfair and Betdaq are popular for arbing because they allow lay bets, which create extra flexibility.
However, operators are becoming smarter. IBIA (International Betting Integrity Association) reports that operators collectively lost $50m annually to arbitrage exploitation before introducing advanced monitoring.
Risks and Limitations
While arbitrage is legal in many jurisdictions, it comes with risks:
- Account restrictions: Many bookmakers flag consistent arbing patterns and limit stakes.
- Timing issues: Odds shift within seconds, and one misstep can wipe out profits.
- Transaction costs: Currency exchange fees and withdrawal delays can erode margins.
- Legal gray areas: Some regions, like Singapore, restrict arbitrage activities under gambling laws.
How Operators Can Respond
Instead of seeing arbitrage as a threat, smart operators are adopting AI-driven platforms to detect, prevent, and outpace arbitrageurs. This is where Gamingsoft’s solutions come in.
Gamingsoft Advantage in an Arbitrage Era
At Gamingsoft, we provide operators with the tools to safeguard profitability and player fairness:
- AI White Label Platform – A full-featured casino and sportsbook launch-ready in 10 minutes, with AI Agent, AI KOL, and AI Assistant to track betting anomalies, automate player segmentation, and block arbitrage abuse in real time.
- GS Connect+ API Aggregator – Seamlessly integrates 8,000+ games from 200+ top providers, with inbuilt bonus abuse protection and smart odds monitoring.
- AI Chatbot & AI Voice – Intelligent 24/7 multilingual support that flags suspicious betting activity while enhancing player engagement.
- GSPay Payment Gateway – Multi-currency and crypto-ready with real-time fraud detection to identify arbitrage wallets and block abuse instantly.
Together, these create an end-to-end shield against arbitrage risks while enabling operators to scale sustainably.
Conclusion
Arbitrage betting will always exist as long as odds are independently set. For bettors, it’s an exciting but high-risk strategy. For operators, it’s a call to modernize with AI and robust integration tools.
At Gamingsoft, with over 15 years of expertise, 6,000+ API integrations, and 410+ partners worldwide, we help clients stay ahead—whether it’s minimizing arbitrage exploitation or launching a profitable casino in record time.Ready to secure your iGaming business against arbitrage risks? Visit www.gamingsoft.com or contact us at [email protected] today.
