Sportsbook Arbitrage
Bet Finder Introduction
If you are new to using Bet Finders on DarkHorse start here to learn how to use all the available features such as filters and editing your Bet Slip.
Key Takeaways
- Arbitrage is a way to profit from sportsbooks without promotions
- Arbitrage carries increased risk of getting limited
- Use the DarkHorse Odds Arbitrage Finder to find arbitrage opportunities
What is Sportsbook Arbitrage?
Normally you can’t make money when betting on both sides of an event. The best you can do is take a small loss. But sometimes the lines will cross in such a way that enables you to guarantee profit. This is called arbitrage and it happens when different sportsbooks have a large enough difference in price that the winnings from each bet is larger than the bet amount of the opposite side.
Profiting From Arbitrage
Enter Arbitrage Criteria
Select the Arbitrage finder.
In all of our guides, we filter to “Main Lines Only” as a way to avoid limits. Limits will greatly reduce your long-term earnings potential. Learn the best practices on avoiding sportsbook limits in our Don't Get Limited guide. You can apply this by selecting Filters -> Main Lines Only. This is not required but highly recommended. Arbitrage happens most often on player props and alternate lines. Consistently betting on arbitrage opportunities on these markets may lead to limits.
This sets Market Type to Money Line, Spread, and Total. It also sets Market Segment to Full Game+ and Full Game.
Select Your Matched Bet
After entering the bet amount you will be presented with a table of all available arbitrage opportunities. You can then select the matched bet that best fits your needs. The example below shows a $48 profit by hedging a $1,000 bet.
Place Your Matched Bet
After selecting the bet you want, viewing the bet slip provides all the details needed to properly hedge ensuring maximum profit. In this example on DraftKings, you would place a $1,000 Primary Bet on the LA Angels money line at -115. Then place a Hedge Bet on Betly of $831 on the St. Louis Cardinals money line at +125. Either way, you will profit $38.
Outcome Explanation
Clicking the information icon above displays further details explaining exactly how you profit $38 no matter the outcome of the event.
