Arbitrage betting is a strategy where bettors place opposing bets on the same event at different sportsbooks, leveraging odds differences to guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome. But which sports can you arbitrage bet on? And how do you go about arbing them?
In this article, we’ll cover which sports are ideal for arbitrage betting, providing you with an overview of where you can effectively employ this strategy. Additionally, we’ll outline some tools that can help you succeed in your arbitrage betting journey. First though, let’s start by discussing why some types of sports are better suited for arbitrage betting than others.
Arbitrage betting can be applied across a wide range of sports, but certain characteristics make some sports more favorable for the strategy. For example, sports with frequent, fluctuating odds and high liquidity in betting markets, such as football, typically provide the best and most profitable arbitrage betting opportunities.
Sports that result in one of two outcomes, like tennis, are generally much easier to arbitrage bet on, as you can cover all potential outcomes with just two bets. Depending on the betting market, you will place one bet on player/team A to win and another on player/team B to win.
However, it’s also possible to do arbitrage betting on sports with more outcomes. These include sports like soccer (3 possible outcomes: win/loss/draw) and horse racing (outcomes depend on the number of horses racing), though this can be slightly more complex.
It’s also worth noting that bettors often focus on pre-match bets ahead of live/in-game betting to spot the best arbitrage chances. Pre-match odds are generally more stable and easier to hedge than in-game odds, but it’s up to the bettor when they choose to place their wagers when arbing.
Below are six of the most popular sports you can arbitrage bet on:
Arbitrage betting on football, particularly the NFL and college football, is popular throughout the US. This means that the large volume of bets placed on these events, combined with the range of betting options (moneyline, point spread, totals), allows for frequent opportunities to find mismatched odds between sportsbooks. This is because different sportsbooks may disagree on the odds for these markets.
Soccer is another popular sport for arbitrage betting. Due to its global following, there are lots of opportunities for arbs. You can find arbitrage opportunities in various betting markets, including match results (win, draw, lose), over/under goals, and handicaps. Major leagues such as the English Premier League, La Liga, and international tournaments like the FIFA World Cup are especially likely to produce arbing opportunities.
Basketball, particularly in leagues such as the NBA is another favorite for arbitrage bettors. Due to the fast-paced nature of basketball games, odds tend to move rapidly, especially during live betting, which leaves lots of room for arbs to pop up. Bettors can take advantage of moneyline, point spread, and totals (over/under) markets for arbing opportunities.
Ice hockey offers two-way markets (team A wins, team B wins) and three-way markets (team A wins, team B wins, or draw in regulation time). By betting on the moneyline or total goals markets, arbitrage opportunities arise. Especially if different sportsbooks offer varied odds for totals or sides.
Tennis is another sport that presents excellent arbitrage opportunities. Since tennis matches involve just two possible outcomes (win or lose), it simplifies the calculation of arbitrage bets. Additionally, with many tennis tournaments throughout the year, including ATP, WTA and Grand Slam events, there are frequent opportunities for arbitrage betting on individual matches, sets, or games. This also happens during smaller tournaments or in-play betting.
While horse racing might seem more unpredictable, it offers some unique arbitrage opportunities, especially during major events such as the Kentucky Derby or the Grand National. With odds fluctuating due to the sheer volume of bets and late market movements, arbitrage bettors can often capitalize on these shifts. Betting markets for win, place, or show offer suitable avenues for arbitrage.
While arbitrage betting can be applied to many sports, some are less suitable due to their unpredictable nature or limited betting market liquidity. For example, combat sports like boxing and MMA fighting offer fewer betting options and don’t experience odds that fluctuate as much or as frequently across sportsbooks as some of the sports we’ve already looked at.
However, this doesn’t mean that you should avoid arbitrage betting on sports like boxing. Similarly to many of the sports above, boxing typically has two possible outcomes: either fighter A wins or fighter B wins.
Furthermore, sportsbooks often have different opinions on underdogs and favorites, leading to mismatched odds. You can bet on both fighters across different sportsbooks to secure a profit, particularly if you find an undervalued underdog at one and strong favorite at another.
Arbitrage betting requires searching through hundreds of odds across numerous sportsbooks, making precise calculations and being able to move fast!
Doing this manually can take ages and leaves you open to missing arbs purely because they’ve had the chance to shift while you were clicking around your open tabs. However, there is a way to automate your arbitrage betting strategy, thanks to several tools which have been designed specifically to help you maximize your arbing profits.
If you're ready to start earning guaranteed cash through arbitrage betting but don’t want the risk of miscalculating stake amounts, or to spend hours scanning sportsbooks for odds, offers and opportunities, then we’ve got the perfect thing for you.
The simplest and most effective way to do arbitrage betting is to find a reputable matched betting platform. By taking advantage of their tools, expertise and promotions, you can systematically secure monthly profits in the $1,000s, risk-free.
Here at ProfitDuel, we make it easy for you to get started. Our platform is designed to help you navigate the world of arbitrage and matched betting with ease, providing you with the tools and support needed to turn promotions into real money. Join our members who are already earning thousands of dollars each month and get 50% off your first month.