Enter the odds for each outcome at different bookmakers and the stake for your first bet. The calculator shows how much to stake on the other outcomes so you get the same payout whichever outcome wins, and whether that locks in a profit (an arbitrage) or a loss. All amounts are in rand.
Stakes are rounded to the cent; bookmakers may round differently. Odds change quickly, so check them again just before you bet. This calculator is for information only. 18+.
What is arbitrage betting?
Arbitrage betting ("arbing") means backing every possible outcome of a match at different bookmakers, when their odds disagree enough that you make a small profit whatever happens. It only works when the combined implied probability of all outcomes is below 100%. Most of the time it isn't: bookmakers build a margin into their odds, so covering every outcome normally loses money.
How to use the calculator
- Choose your odds format. Most South African bookmakers show decimal odds; some show fractional odds.
- Choose 2-way for markets with two outcomes (tennis, Draw No Bet, over/under) or 3-way for home, draw and away.
- Enter the best odds you can find for each outcome, and your stake on outcome 1.
- The calculator shows the stake for each other outcome, your total stake and the guaranteed profit or loss.
Example
One bookmaker offers 2.10 on Player A and another offers 2.05 on Player B. Staking R100 on Player A pays R210, so you'd stake R102.44 on Player B to get the same payout. Total staked: R202.44. Whoever wins, you get R210 back, a profit of R7.56 (about 3.7%).
The risks of arbitrage betting
Arbitrage looks risk-free on paper. In practice it often isn't:
- Odds move fast. If the odds change before your second bet is placed, the arbitrage can disappear and leave you with an ordinary bet that may lose.
- Bookmakers restrict arbitrage bettors. Many South African bookmakers' terms let them limit your stakes, void bets they consider arbitrage, or close your account.
- Bets can be voided or settled differently. Different rules at different bookmakers (for example, on retirements in tennis or abandoned matches) can leave one side of your arbitrage unprotected.
- You need accounts and money at several bookmakers. Each needs FICA verification, and your money is spread across accounts with daily withdrawal limits.
- Profits are small. Real opportunities usually return 1–3% and are rare.
Only bet with licensed South African bookmakers. Learn how to check a betting site's licence, compare bet types with our Draw No Bet calculator, and see how FICA verification affects withdrawals.
Frequently asked questions
Is arbitrage betting legal in South Africa?
Placing bets with licensed bookmakers is legal for adults in South Africa, and no law bans arbitrage itself. But bookmakers can restrict accounts or void bets under their own terms, so read them first.
How do I know if there's an arbitrage opportunity?
Add up 1 ÷ the decimal odds for every outcome. If the total is below 1 (100%), there's an arbitrage. The calculator does this for you.
Why does the calculator show a loss?
Because there's no arbitrage at those odds. Bookmakers' margins mean covering every outcome usually costs you money. That's normal.
Play responsibly. No betting strategy guarantees a profit. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and set deposit limits in your accounts. For free, confidential help, call the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation on 0800 006 008. See our responsible gambling guide. 18+ only.