Arbitrage betting—or "arbing"—is the practice of betting both sides of an outcome at different sportsbooks to guarantee profit regardless of the result. It exploits pricing differences between books to create "sure bets."
Sounds like free money, right? In theory, yes. In practice, it's more complicated. Here's what you need to know before trying it.
HOW ARBITRAGE WORKS
Arbitrage opportunities arise when sportsbooks disagree enough on odds that you can bet both sides and still come out ahead. This happens because different books have different customer bases, risk tolerances, and pricing models.
Simple Arbitrage Example
✓ Guaranteed Profit: $23
If Bengals win: $400 × 1.5 = $600 profit → Total $1,000 → Net +$23 after $977 wagered
If Browns win: $620 ÷ 1.4 = $443 profit → Total $1,063 → Net +$23 after $1,020 wagered
In this example, the implied probabilities don't add up to 100%—they add up to less. That gap is your profit margin.
THE MATH: FINDING ARBITRAGE
Calculating If an Arb Exists
Convert odds to implied probability, then add them. If the total is under 100%, an arb exists.
Example check:
Bengals +150 = 2.50 decimal → 1/2.50 = 40%
Browns -140 = 1.714 decimal → 1/1.714 = 58.3%
Total: 40% + 58.3% = 98.3% (under 100% = arb exists)
The lower the combined implied probability, the bigger your profit margin. Most real arbs are in the 1-3% range—meaning you need to bet large amounts to make meaningful money.
WHY ARBITRAGE IS HARDER THAN IT SOUNDS
Before you start dreaming of risk-free profits, understand the significant challenges:
⚡ Speed Required
Arbs disappear in minutes or seconds. By the time you spot one, calculate stakes, and place bets at two different books, the line may have moved.
🚫 Account Limitations
Sportsbooks hate arbers. They'll limit or ban accounts that consistently arb. This is the biggest real-world obstacle—you may only get a few weeks before restrictions.
💰 Capital Requirements
A 2% arb on a $1,000 total stake = $20 profit. To make meaningful money, you need large bankrolls spread across many books.
📉 Line Movement Risk
If you place one leg and the line moves before you place the second, you're exposed. You might end up with a regular bet instead of an arb.
🔧 Bet Rejections
Books can reject or delay bets on stale lines. Your arb calculation assumed both bets would go through—if one doesn't, you're in trouble.
📊 Tracking Complexity
You need money spread across 5-10+ books, careful stake calculations, and meticulous records. One mistake can wipe out many successful arbs.
⚠️ The Account Limiting Reality
Every experienced arber will tell you: account limitations are inevitable. Books track betting patterns and flag arb-like behavior quickly. Most recreational bettors will get limited within weeks of aggressive arbing. Once limited, you can't arb that book anymore—and you may be limited to tiny stakes on regular bets too.
TYPES OF ARBITRAGE
1. Pure Arbitrage
Betting both sides at different books to lock in profit. This is what we've been discussing. It's rare, small-margin, and requires speed.
2. Bonus Arbitrage (Bonus Abuse)
Using signup bonuses and promotions to create guaranteed profit. For example, betting a bonus bet on one book and hedging on another. This is more accessible for casual bettors—see our bonus guide.
3. Middling
Betting both sides at different point spreads hoping to land in the "middle." If you bet Team A -3 and Team A +5 at different books, you win both if Team A wins by 4. This isn't pure arb—there's risk—but can be profitable.
IS ARBITRAGE LEGAL IN OHIO?
Yes, arbitrage betting is legal. You're not breaking any laws by placing bets at different sportsbooks.
However, sportsbooks are private businesses. Their terms of service typically prohibit or discourage arbing, and they reserve the right to limit or close accounts for any reason. You won't go to jail, but you will get restricted.
SHOULD YOU TRY ARBITRAGE?
Our honest assessment:
For most recreational bettors: No. The capital requirements are high, the margins are thin, the work is tedious, and account limitations make it unsustainable. You'll spend hours for modest returns and end up with limited accounts.
A better approach: Focus on line shopping (getting the best odds without arbing), maximizing bonuses, and proper bankroll management. These provide real value without the downsides of arbing.
If you still want to try: Start with bonus arbitrage on signup offers. It's more accessible, the margins are better, and you're only burning through one-time bonuses rather than risking your long-term account standing.
💡 The Sustainable Path
Rather than chasing 2% arbs that get your accounts limited, focus on building betting skill and discipline. A bettor who hits 53% on spreads with good bankroll management will outperform most arbers long-term—and still have usable sportsbook accounts.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Arbitrage = betting both sides at different books to guarantee profit
- Arbs are rare and small—typically 1-3% margins
- Speed is critical—opportunities disappear in minutes
- Account limitations are inevitable—books will restrict arbers
- Capital requirements are high—need large bankroll for meaningful returns
- Legal but discouraged—against terms of service at most books
- Better alternatives exist—line shopping and bonus optimization are more sustainable
📚 Related Reading
For more sustainable approaches to improving your betting results, check out our guides on line shopping and bonus optimization.