Arbitrage sports betting, also known as arbing or sure-betting, is a strategy that allows bettors to take advantage of discrepancies in odds offered by different bookmakers. By placing bets on all possible outcomes of a sporting event, bettors can guarantee a profit, regardless of the outcome. Although it requires careful research and analysis, arbitrage sports betting can be a lucrative strategy for bettors who are willing to put in the time and effort.
The Basics of Arbitrage Sports Betting
In arbitrage sports betting, bettors place bets on all possible outcomes of a sporting event at different bookmakers, taking advantage of discrepancies in the odds offered. This allows them to guarantee a profit, regardless of the outcome of the event. The profit is determined by the difference in odds between the bookmakers.
For example, let’s say that Bookmaker A offers odds of 2.0 for Team A to win a soccer match, while Bookmaker B offers odds of 2.5 for Team B to win the same match. By placing a bet on Team A to win at Bookmaker A and a bet on Team B to win at Bookmaker B, a bettor can guarantee a profit. If the bettor places a $100 bet on Team A to win at Bookmaker A and a $80 bet on Team B to win at Bookmaker B, they will win $200 if Team A wins and $200 if Team B wins, for a guaranteed profit of $40.
It’s important to note that arbitrage sports betting requires careful research and analysis. Bettors must be able to identify discrepancies in the odds offered by different bookmakers and must be able to place bets quickly to take advantage of these discrepancies before they disappear.
Here is a more detailed explanation of the example:
- If Team A wins, you will win $100 at Bookmaker A and $105 at Bookmaker B, for a total profit of $5.
- If Team A loses, you will lose $100 at Bookmaker A but win $105 at Bookmaker B, for a total profit of $5.
- In either case, you are guaranteed to profit $5 by taking advantage of the difference in odds offered by the two bookmakers.
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Arbitrage Sports Betting in Africa
Arbitrage sports betting is gaining popularity in Africa, particularly in countries where sports betting is legal and regulated. Several African bookmakers offer arbitrage opportunities, allowing bettors to take advantage of discrepancies in the odds offered. However, it’s important to note that not all bookmakers in Africa offer arbitrage opportunities, and that bettors must be careful to only place bets with reputable bookmakers.
One of the benefits of arbitrage sports betting in Africa is that it allows bettors to take advantage of differences in odds between local and international bookmakers. By using international bookmakers, bettors can often find better odds than they would find with local bookmakers, allowing them to maximize their profits.
In addition, arbitrage sports betting can be a useful strategy for African bettors who may not have access to a wide range of sports or events to bet on. By taking advantage of arbitrage opportunities, bettors can still make a profit even if they are limited in their betting options.
Using Old Arbs in Arbitrage Sports Betting
Another strategy used in arbitrage sports betting is using old arbitrage opportunities, or “arbs”. Old arbs are discrepancies in the odds offered by bookmakers that have not yet been corrected. These can occur when bookmakers are slow to adjust their odds after a change in the circumstances of an event, or when a bookmaker makes a mistake in their odds calculation.
By using old arbs, bettors can take advantage of discrepancies in the odds that other bettors have missed. However, it’s important to note that using old arbs can be risky, as bookmakers may void bets that are placed on old arbs or adjust their odds to correct the discrepancy.
