Arbitrage Betting Strategy Guide Just for Filipinos in 2024

Arbitrage betting, often referred to as "arbing," is a strategy employed by bettors to exploit price discrepancies in the betting market, allowing them to secure a guaranteed profit regardless of the outcome of an event. This advanced betting technique involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of a sports event across different bookmakers, capitalizing on variations in odds.

This arbitrage betting guide aims to illuminate the intricate realm of arbitrage betting, providing Filipino bettors with an in-depth exploration of the strategy's nuances. The pages that follow will delve into the fundamental principles of arbitrage betting, demystifying its key components and methodologies.

What is Arbitrage Betting? 5 Key Components of Arbitrage Betting

1.Identifying Discrepancies

Successful arbitrage betting hinges on detecting pricing differences among various bookmakers. These differences often occur due to varying opinions on event probabilities or delays in updating odds.

2.Calculating Implied Probabilities

Bookmakers assign odds to reflect the implied probability of an event occurring. Bettors must convert these odds into probabilities to determine if an arbitrage opportunity exists. If the combined probabilities of all outcomes are less than 100%, an opportunity arises.

3.Finding Arbitrage Opportunities

Bettors search for events where the combined implied probabilities of all outcomes are below 100%. This creates a window for arbitrage, allowing the bettor to place bets strategically to guarantee a profit.

4.Executing Bets

To capitalize on the arbitrage opportunity, the bettor places specific amounts on each outcome across different bookmakers. This ensures that, regardless of the actual event outcome, the bettor will secure a profit.

5.Risk Management

Arbitrage betting requires precise calculations and meticulous execution. Bettors must manage their stakes carefully to guarantee a profit and mitigate potential losses due to unforeseen circumstances.

How to Find Arbitrage Opportunities in Sports Betting?

Identifying arbitrage betting opportunities involves keen observation of odds across different bookmakers to exploit pricing discrepancies. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to identify arbitrage opportunities:

Arbitrage Betting Opportunities: 1. Compare Odds Across Bookmakers

Look for the same sporting event or market at different bookmakers. Focus on events with multiple outcomes, such as a win, loss, or draw, where variations in odds are more likely.

Arbitrage Betting Opportunities: 2. Calculate Implied Probabilities

Convert the odds from each bookmaker into implied probabilities. Implied probability is the likelihood of an event occurring as reflected by the odds. Use the following formula for fractional odds: Implied Probability = 1 / Odds.

Arbitrage Betting Opportunities: 3. Check for Overround

The total implied probabilities for all possible outcomes should be less than 100%. Bookmakers build in a margin (overround) to ensure a profit, so the sum of the implied probabilities will typically exceed 100%. An arbitrage opportunity arises when the sum is below 100%.

Arbitrage Betting Opportunities: 4. Identify Mismatches in Odds

Look for discrepancies where one bookmaker's odds for a particular outcome are higher than the implied probability suggests. Conversely, another bookmaker may have lower odds for the same outcome, providing an opportunity for arbitrage.

Arbitrage Betting Opportunities: 5. Calculate Arbitrage Percentages

Determine the exact amount to stake on each outcome to guarantee a profit. Use an arbitrage calculator to find the appropriate stake sizes based on the odds and the desired profit margin.

Arbitrage Betting Opportunities: 6. Act Quickly

Arbitrage opportunities are often short-lived as the market adjusts rapidly. Once identified, place your bets promptly to lock in the favorable odds before they change.

Arbitrage Betting Opportunities: 7. Consider All Costs

Account for any transaction costs, such as betting fees or currency conversion fees, which may impact the overall profitability of the arbitrage.

Arbitrage Betting Opportunities: 8. Monitor Account Limits

Be aware of bookmakers' policies regarding account limitations for successful arbitrage bettors. Some bookmakers may restrict or limit accounts to protect their profit margins.

Arbitrage Betting Opportunities: 9. Diversify Bookmaker Accounts

Increase your chances of finding arbitrage opportunities by maintaining accounts with multiple bookmakers. Each bookmaker may have different opinions on the probabilities of outcomes, creating potential discrepancies.

Arbitrage Betting Opportunities: 10. Stay Informed

Keep abreast of sports news, injury reports, and any other factors that may influence odds. Changes in circumstances can create arbitrage opportunities.

Basic Arbitrage Betting Calculation Method

The basic arbitrage betting calculation method involves determining the optimal stakes to place on each possible outcome of an event across different bookmakers to guarantee a profit. Here's a simplified step-by-step process:

Step 1. Convert Odds to Probabilities:

For each outcome, convert the odds offered by the bookmakers into probabilities. 

• The formula is: Probability = 1/Odds

Step 2. Calculate Total Probability:

Sum the probabilities for all possible outcomes:

• Total Probability = Probability 1+Probability 2+…+Probability n

Step 3. Determine Overround:

Overround is the bookmaker's margin, and it's calculated as the difference between the total probability and 100%. If the overround is less than 100%, there's an arbitrage opportunity.

• Overround = Total Probability−100%

Step 4. Calculate Stakes:

Determine the stake for each outcome using the formula:

• Stake= Individual Probability/Total Probability*Total Budget

Step 5. Place Bets:

Place the calculated stakes on each outcome with different bookmakers. Ensure that the total of all stakes does not exceed the total budget.

Arbitrage Betting Calculation Example:

Let's consider a tennis match with two bookmakers offering the following odds:

• Bookmaker X: Player A to win with odds of 2.00
• Bookmaker Y: Player B to win with odds of 2.20

1. Calculate Probabilities:

• Probability A = 1/2.00 = 0.50
• Probability B = 1/2.20 = 0.4545

2. Calculate Total Probability:

• Total Probability = 0.50+0.4545 = 0.9545

3. Determine Overround:

• Overround = 0.9545−1 = −0.0455

Since the overround is less than 100%, there is an arbitrage opportunity.

4.Calculate Stakes (assuming a total budget of $100):

• Stake A = 0.9545/0.50*₱100 = ₱52.38
• Stake B = 0.9545/0.4545*₱100 = ₱47.62

By placing a ₱52.38 bet on Player A with Bookmaker X and a ₱47.62 bet on Player B with Bookmaker Y, the bettor ensures a profit regardless of the match outcome.

Please note that this is a simplified example, and real-world scenarios may involve more bookmakers and outcomes, as well as additional factors such as transaction costs and account limitations. Online arbitrage calculators are often used for more complex calculations.

Arbitrage Betting's Potential Challenges and Considerations

1.Market Efficiency:

As arbitrage opportunities are exploited, the market adjusts quickly. Bettors must act swiftly to secure favorable odds before they normalize.

2.Account Limitations:

Bookmakers may limit or restrict accounts of successful arbitrage bettors, as it undermines their profit margins.

3.Transaction Costs:

Consideration must be given to transaction costs, such as betting fees or currency conversion fees, which can impact the overall profitability of arbitrage bets.