Sports Arbitrage

[Aegist]

I couldn't find any thread dedicated to Sports Arbtirage betting already, so here it is. Obviously Arbitrage isn't new anymore, and I expect all regulars here to know of it already, but if any people here who are new to the scene of betting systems and arbitrage in general want to ask any questions, then I would be more than happy to try to help out. Also, if any people here who actually arb want to offer any of their experience, I'd appreciate that too!!! In short, for those who don't know: Arbing is placing a bet on both sides of the one game so that no matter who wins you are locked in for a known profit. Arbs are only ever possible when each side is bet on at different bookmakers (since any single bookmaker always has a 'negative arb', that is, they always take their known precentage out of the odds which you are offered). So you need a book which offers high odds on the favourite, and another book to offer high odds on the dog, and if they are each high enough you can bet on both and lock in a profit ranging from 0.0001% to up as high as 5% regularly, and as high as 25% rarely. These bets are conceptually 'Risk Free' but of course reality is never as simple as that, and you need to learn the tricks of the trade before you can consider your trades to be safely risk free. As a long term betting strategy, there is simply none better than arbing. Unless you are a brilliant sharp (something which takes a lifetime of dedication to sport!) and you know who is going to win every game, then every other betting strategy has a weak spot, a potential losing streak wipe out, or an eventual statistical return to the break even point. Arbing is the only statistically guaranteed method to profit. (Once you get past the early risky days! :) Shane Edit: OK. Sorry :D

[georgej]

Re: Sports Arbitrage Hi Shane - welcome to the mad house. You may want to check out arbforum.co.uk They have most of the pros and cons pretty well covered. I agree that statistically it is guaranteed profit, but can get tricky when bookies limit accounts, or claim a palpable error (wrong odds) One example from the site was a bet on Liverpool to win. The odds were not really different from others available on the market, but 3 hours after the game was finished and Liverpool won, the bet was cancelled - claiming it was a palp. Original stake returned, but also lost money from the other bets being accepted. Good luck with it though - not for me but there is a bit of money to be made for those who put in the work.