Calculators
Surebet Calculator: Arbitrage Stakes for 2 and 3 Outcomes
A surebet, or arbitrage, happens when different bookmakers price the outcomes of one event so that betting on all of them guarantees a profit. Enter the odds and your total stake to see the stakes and the margin.
Table of contents
How to Spot a Surebet
Add up 1 divided by each outcome's best odds. If the total is below 1, there is an arbitrage. Home at 2.10 (bookmaker A), draw at 3.60 (bookmaker B) and away at 4.20 (bookmaker C) give 0.476 + 0.278 + 0.238 = 0.992: a margin of about 0.8%.
| Outcome | Best odds | Stake from ₦10,000 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | 2.10 | ₦4,800 | ₦10,080 |
| Draw | 3.60 | ₦2,800 | ₦10,080 |
| Away | 4.20 | ₦2,400 | ₦10,080 |
The Risks of Arbitrage
- Odds move. By the time you place the third bet, the price may have changed and the surebet disappeared.
- Palpable errors. Bookmakers can void bets placed at obvious mistakes in the odds.
- Account limits. Bookmakers restrict accounts that arbitrage regularly.
- Different rules. Make sure all bookmakers settle the market the same way, for example on 90 minutes.
Real surebets are rare and small, often under 2%. Treat them as a way to learn about margins, not as a way to make a living.
Surebet FAQ
Is arbitrage betting legal?
Yes, but bookmakers do not like it and may limit your account.
How do I use the calculator for a two-way market?
Leave the third odds field at 0. The calculator uses only the first two.
Why is my margin negative?
The odds you entered do not form a surebet: betting all outcomes would lose money.