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What is Arbing?

What is Arbing? A Complete Guide to Arbitrage Betting


What is Arbing?

Arbing, short for arbitrage betting, is a strategy that allows bettors to make a guaranteed profit by taking advantage of price differences between bookmakers and betting exchanges. These opportunities arise when bookmakers offer odds that differ significantly from those available on an exchange, allowing bettors to cover all possible outcomes and lock in a profit regardless of the event's result.

Arbitrage betting is also known as:

  • Sure betting
  • Miracle betting
  • Sports arbitraging

How Does Arbing Work?

Arbing occurs when a bookmaker offers odds that are higher than the odds available for laying the same selection on a betting exchange. By placing a back bet with the bookmaker and a lay bet on the exchange, you can secure a profit regardless of the outcome.

Example of an Arbitrage Bet:

  • William Hill offers odds of 3.0 for Manchester United to win.
  • Betfair lay odds are 2.8.
  • Back £100 at 3.0 → potential £200 profit from the bookie.
  • Lay £107.14 at 2.8 → win £107.14 if Man Utd loses.
  • Outcome: profit of £7.14 regardless of result.

Is Arbing Legal?

Yes, arbing is completely legal. However, bookmakers don’t like it because it guarantees a profit. If detected, they may limit or close your account to stop you from exploiting their odds.


Risks of Arbing

  • Account restrictions: Bookmakers may ban or limit your account.
  • Odds movement: Odds can change before both bets are placed.
  • Betting limits: Bookmakers may not accept large stakes.
  • Calculation errors: Miscalculating stakes can turn a guaranteed win into a loss.

How to Find Arbitrage Betting Opportunities

1. Manual Searching

Compare odds across multiple bookmakers and exchanges like Betfair. Look for high-liquidity sports like football or horse racing where odds fluctuate more often.

2. Arbitrage Betting Software

Use specialist tools to scan for arbs automatically. Tools like the Oddsmatcher on AI Profit can help you spot discrepancies between back and lay prices instantly.

3. Taking Advantage of Price Boosts

Bookmakers frequently boost odds to attract users. These inflated odds can create arbitrage opportunities when compared with exchange prices. Our Boost Matcher flags these situations for you automatically.


How to Avoid Detection by Bookmakers

  • Avoid huge stakes on niche events.
  • Place mug bets to look like a regular bettor.
  • Split your activity across different bookmakers.
  • Use betting shops for sharbing (offline arbitrage).

Frequently Asked Questions

When done correctly, yes. But it carries practical risks like odds movement, stake limits, and account bans.

Yes — if you consistently take value or arbs, they may stake-limit or close your account.

Profits vary. You might make a few pounds per arb, but consistent use can add up to hundreds or even thousands monthly.

Matched betting uses free bets to guarantee profit. Arbing doesn’t rely on promotions — it uses odds differences between markets.

AI Profit focuses on matched betting but includes tools like our Boost Matcher and Oddsmatcher which can uncover profitable arbs, especially on boosted markets.

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