What Is Arbitrage Betting?
Arbitrage betting (some people call it sure betting or even just arbing) is a clever betting strategy where you place bets on every possible outcome of a game using different bookmakers so that you come out on top no matter what happens.
In essence, you’re not trying to pick the winner – you’re taking advantage of the different odds that different bookmakers are offering.
Think of it like this: one bookmaker might give much higher odds for Team A while another gives much higher odds for Team B. If the odds difference is big enough, you can split your money just right and lock in a guaranteed profit.
That’s basically it – arbitrage betting in a nutshell: using maths to beat the system rather than relying on luck.
A lot of Kenyan bettors think betting is all about taking risks, but with arbitrage sports betting, the goal is to make a steady profit, not get all excited about the thrill of a gamble.
What is arbitrage betting example
Let’s break down a simple arbitrage betting example using some of the most popular Kenyan bookmakers.
Imagine a football match:
You’re investing a cool KSh100,000 in total.
Using an arbitrage betting calculator, the odds might look something like:
- KSh39,180 on Kenya win
- KSh30,840 on Draw
- KSh29,980 on Tanzania win
No matter what happens, you can expect a payout of around KSh101,800.
And the best part? You’re guaranteed a profit of KSh1,800.
This works because the combined probability of the odds is less than 100%, creating a “surebet”.
That’s how arbitrage betting works in real life.
How to Use Arbitrage Betting Step by Step
If you want to get in on the action, here’s what you need to do.
1. Open Multiple Betting Accounts
To be able to make arbitrage bets, you need to have several bookmakers. That’s because the good opportunities exist between bookmakers, not just in one place.
Popular options in Kenya include:
- SportPesa
- Betika
- Mozzartbet
- Bangbet
- 1xBet
Just fund your accounts using M-Pesa to make things easy.
2. Find Arbitrage Opportunities
Now, you can either do this the hard way by comparing odds by hand, or you can use a betting finder or arbitrage betting software that does all the work for you.
These tools scan through all the bookmakers automatically, showing you which matches have already got a profit built in.
3. Use an Arbitrage Betting Calculator
After you’ve found the odds you want to use:
- Pop them into an arbitrage betting calculator
- Put in how much you’re willing to stake
- The calculator will work out exactly how much to bet on each outcome
No more guessing or risking everything on one bet.
4. Place Your Bets Fast
Speed is everything here.
Odds change quickly, and bookmakers adjust their markets just as fast. So, you need to place all your bets straight away after you’ve calculated them.
Just double-check:
- Match
- Market
- Odds
- Stake amount
5. Manage Your Bankroll
Only put a tiny percentage of your bankroll into each arbitrage bet (1-3%).
And remember that Kenyan betting taxes will knock a bit off your profits, so plan carefully.
6. Track and Withdraw Your Profits
Keep a record of:
- Odds
- Stakes
- Bookmakers used
- Profit made
Getting organised is key in arbitrage sports betting.
Best Arbitrage Betting Sites and Bookmakers
Kenyan Bookmakers
Good for finding those all-important odds differences:
- SportPesa
- Betika
- Betway
- Mozzartbet
- Betpawa
- Bangbet
Combine local and international sites to increase your opportunities.
Arbitrage Betting Software & Tools
Some of the most popular tools right now are:
- BreakingBet – a great choice for Kenyans, and quite affordable
- RebelBetting – a top of the line arbitrage betting software
- Oddspedia Sure Bets – a free option if you want to try it out first
- OddsPortal – for comparing odds
These tools act as your betting finder, saving you hours of hard work.
Arbitrage Betting Calculators
- Pinnacle have a calculator: it’s theirs actually
- SportsbookReview’s calculator is also top-notch
- Online surebet calculators can be super useful (they calculate stake distribution instantly)
The Risks and Limitations of Arbitrage Betting
Even though arbitrage betting makes profits in theory, there’s still a lot to consider.
1. Getting Bookies to Limit You
Bookmakers don’t like the idea of people profiteering off them. If you get caught arbing, they might:
- Limit how much you can bet
- Close down your account
- Void your bets
If you get flagged, you need to mix things up a bit.
2. Being Quick Off the Mark is Crucial
When you’ve got a hunch about an arbitrage opportunity, it’s essential to act fast – because if one of your best odds changes while you’re waiting, you might end up on the losing end.
3. Paying Your Taxes Can Cut Your Margins
If you’re living in Kenya, bear in mind that the government will take a cut of your profits – which can actually make a lot of tiny arbitrage opportunities not worth the effort.
4. Starting with a Big Enough Bankroll
Most arbitrage betting opportunities will only get you a profit of 1-5%. You’ll need a fair bit of money to make arbitrage betting really worth your while – hundreds of thousands at the very least.
5. Don’t Think it’s a Get Rich Quick Scheme
Arbitrage betting might sound exciting, but it requires a lot of effort. You need to put in the time to find the opportunities and bookmakers to use them with.
6. Keep Track of Your Accounts, or It’ll be a Nightmare
Managing multiple accounts, balances, and withdrawals all at once can be a logistical nightmare. Don’t underestimate how hard this can be.
FAQs
What is arbitrage betting in simple terms?
Arbitrage betting is a strategy where you place bets on all possible outcomes of a match using different bookmakers so you make a profit regardless of the result. It’s like using the odds difference to make money.
Is arbitrage betting legal in Kenya?
Yes it is. Arbitrage betting is perfectly legal in Kenya – it’s just normal betting with different bookmakers. The only thing to watch out for is if the bookmakers get wind of your arbing – because they might decide to limit your account.
Can you really make guaranteed profit with arbitrage betting?
Theoretically, yes. As long as you’ve done the maths and placed the bets before the odds change – you’ll be golden. However, things like odds movements and tax can cut your profits down to size.
How much money do I need to start arbitrage betting?
You can start small, but to get the most out of arbitrage betting, you’ll want a pretty big bankroll – because the returns per bet are usually only 1-5%. Many people start with around KSh5,000 -KSh20,000 and spread it across multiple bookmakers.
What is an arbitrage betting calculator?
An arbitrage betting calculator is a tool that works out exactly how much to bet on each outcome so you can guarantee a profit. It’s a life-saver – especially for beginners who don’t want to get caught out by a costly mistake.
See more From our betting school
I’m Kanyi Muturi and am from Tabuga, a small village in Nakuru. I have been following all sports since I was a kid and have been interested in the gambling side of sports since I was in high school. It took me a little while to get a grasp on all of the different gambling terminology and understand how confusing and complicated it can all seem when you first start.
Are you a professional gambler?
I am a successful gambler. But make no mistake about it: I’m a long-time recreational sports bettor. I’m not a professional gambler. I’m not claiming to be a professional gambler. I’ve never, to my recollection, even been acquainted with a professional gambler. And far be it from me to make the preposterous claim that following my advice will turn you into a professional gambler. It ain’t about that. Not here it ain’t. I just want to teach you a new form of recreation, a fun new pastime in what can sometimes be an unfun life.
