If you're new to sports arbitrage and planning to use a platform like ours, this guide provides a clear overview of the mindset, preparation, and strategies required to get started safely and effectively. ( Factual information on surebets can be found here .)
Arbitrage betting is often misunderstood. It’s not a way to get rich quickly, and it’s not passive income. It involves real work — often repetitive, time-sensitive, and requiring strong focus and attention to detail. Be prepared to spend extended periods at your computer, especially in the beginning.
Unlike traditional betting, your goal isn’t to predict match outcomes. Instead, you're taking advantage of discrepancies between bookmakers’ odds. Your main challenge isn’t the game — it’s the bookmaker. Bookmakers monitor for arbitrage behavior and will take steps to limit or block accounts engaged in it.
Returns from arbitrage are typically small per bet — usually in the range of 1% to 5% of your total stake. Over time, consistent execution at volume is what generates real profits.
It’s also important to understand that the main risk in arbitrage betting is not losing a wager — it’s making a mistake. For example:
These are common pitfalls that can turn a surebet into a loss.
Before placing any real bets, there are several important steps to complete:
1. Set Your Bankroll Decide how much capital you're comfortable allocating — both financially and emotionally — during your learning period. This money should be spread across multiple bookmaker accounts. Avoid using borrowed funds or money you can't afford to lose.
2. Register and Verify Bookmaker Accounts Sign up with at least 8–10 bookmakers and complete the full identity verification process before placing any bets. Never place one side of an arbitrage before you’re verified on both bookmakers — doing so may leave you unable to place the second leg, resulting in a loss.
3. Prepare Multiple Payment Methods Set up several e-wallets (such as Skrill, Neteller, etc.) or bank cards. Use different methods across different bookmakers to simplify fund transfers and reduce risk of account flagging. Keep accurate records of all transactions.
4. Learn the Arbitrage Software Familiarize yourself with the scanner interface. Learn to adjust filters by sport, bookmaker, profit margin, and other key parameters. Practice using the built-in calculator until you’re comfortable inputting values quickly and accurately.
5. Understand Bookmaker Rules Each bookmaker has specific rules that may affect outcomes. For example, some void tennis bets if a player retires mid-match, while others settle them based on the first set. These differences can turn a profitable arbitrage into a loss if not understood in advance.
“Paper Trade” First For your first few days, don’t use real money. Use our service to identify opportunities, then simulate the bet placement process. Go to the bookmakers’ websites, enter the stakes into the betslips — but don’t confirm the bets. This helps you learn how quickly odds move and assess whether you could realistically place both legs before conditions change.
Start with Low-Yield Opportunities Begin with arbitrages that offer small returns (under 1%). These are less likely to trigger bookmaker restrictions and give you more time to place the bets without pressure. They are ideal for practicing execution, and they are available for free on our website.
Use Small Stakes Start with small amounts — for example, total stakes of $10 to $20 per arbitrage. This reduces the financial risk while you're still learning the process.
Focus on Two-Outcome Markets Stick to markets with only two possible outcomes (e.g., over/under bets). Avoid three-way markets like 1X2 match results, as they are more complex and carry a higher risk of errors.
Avoid Live (In-Play) Betting Initially Live arbitrage requires advanced skill and fast reaction times. Odds can change within seconds, making it difficult to complete both bets in time. Wait until you are confident with pre-match betting before attempting live arbitrage. (Note: We only provide pre-match bets.)
To maintain access to bookmaker accounts, it’s important to avoid drawing attention. Bookmakers actively monitor for patterns that suggest arbitrage behavior. To reduce risk of restrictions:
Round your stake amounts. Avoid precise figures like $57.34 — use clean numbers like $55 or $60. We offer an auto-rounding tool in the calculator to help with this.
Avoid maximum stakes. Don’t place the highest possible amount allowed on a bet — it can trigger suspicion.
Don’t withdraw too frequently. Repeated withdrawals immediately after arbitrage activity may raise red flags. Allow balances to remain for a while between withdrawals.
"Warm up" your accounts. Occasionally place small, recreational bets on popular events. This helps simulate normal user behavior.
Avoid obscure markets. While some arbitrage opportunities may appear in low-visibility leagues (e.g., third-tier competitions in small countries), they also tend to attract faster scrutiny. Stick to higher-profile events whenever possible.
Getting started in arbitrage betting involves several stages:
Study → Prepare → Paper Trade → Small Stakes → Scale Gradually
Arbitrage betting success depends more on discipline, risk control, and accurate execution than on finding the highest profit percentage. Use our scanner as a tool to support a well-managed, methodical approach.
