Is it an arbitrage?
arb % = 1 ÷ odds A + 1 ÷ odds B
1 ÷ 2.09 + 1 ÷ 2.11 = 95.2%
Under 100% is an arbitrage. Profit = 1 ÷ arb % − 1, here 5.0%.
Guides · Arbitrage betting
Arbitrage betting in esports: how sure bets work and what can go wrong
An arbitrage (a sure bet) exists when two bookmakers disagree enough that backing both teams pays out more than the total stake. Add 1 ÷ odds for the best price on each side: under 100% means a guaranteed return, at least on paper.
Real arbitrages in esports are small, often under 1%, and short-lived. This guide shows the test, the stake split and the risks that turn a sure bet into a loss: odds that move before the second bet, voided markets and account limits.
Example odds, not live
Stake split worked out
18+ only
By
Liam Fletcher
Updated Oct 8, 2026
Short answer
How do I know if an esports match is an arbitrage?
Take the best price on each team from different sites and add 1 ÷ odds for both. In the example, Team A at 2.09 and Team B at 2.11 add up to 95.2%, so the margin across books is -5.0%: a return of about 5% whatever happens. Most real gaps are far smaller.
Team A, Book A
47.8%
1 ÷ 2.09
Team B, Book B
47.4%
1 ÷ 2.11
Combined margin
-5.0%
below 0 = arbitrage
Return on $200
$210
either result
Formulas
The two formulas you need
How much on each side?
stake A = total × (1 ÷ odds A) ÷ arb %
$200 × 47.8% ÷ 95.2% = $100.48
Team B gets the rest: $99.52. Both bets then return about $210.
Step by step
From spotting the gap to settling the bets
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1. Compare two-way markets
Match winner, map winner and map handicaps have two outcomes, so two bets cover everything. Avoid markets where a draw, a forfeit or a different settlement rule at each site can leave one side unpaid.
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2. Check the arb %
Team A 2.09 at Book A and Team B 2.11 at Book B: 47.8% + 47.4% = 95.2%. A more typical gap, 2.05 against 1.98, gives 99.3%: a 0.7% return, or $0.72 on $100.
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3. Split the stake
For $200 in total: $100.48 on Team A and $99.52 on Team B. Round to amounts the sites accept and recheck the split after rounding.
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4. Place the harder bet first
Place the bet most likely to move or be limited first, at the site with the lower maximum stake. If the second price has moved, recalculate before you place it, or you hold an open bet.
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5. Settle and record
Whatever the result, both bets together return about $210, a $10 profit before any fees. Log every arbitrage with prices and settlement, because one void or mistake can wipe out several wins.
Example figures, worked from the odds above.
Worked arbitrage Example odds
Three books, one arbitrage
Esports · example arbitrage
Example odds · not live
Team A
BO3
Match winner
Team B
| Bookmaker | Team A | Team B | Margin | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Book A | 2.09 | 1.80 | 3.3% | 96.7% |
| Book B | 1.85 | 2.11 | 1.4% | 98.6% |
| Book C | 1.95 | 1.88 | 4.3% | 95.7% |
| Best odds per outcome | 2.09 | 2.11 | -5.0% | 105.0% |
Example odds set by the editors.
Why it works
Each book alone keeps a margin. Combined, the best price on each side comes to less than 100%, so the books together pay out more than they take.
What it means: the best-price row shows a negative margin (-5.0%): that is the arbitrage.
Book names are placeholders. Real gaps this large are rare and close within minutes.
Risks
Where esports arbitrage goes wrong
Most gaps are small
What it means: at 0.7% you need $1,400 in stakes to earn $10, so one rounding or fee error erases it.
Exception: gaps are larger in lower-tier matches, where stake limits are also lower.
Rules differ between sites
What it means: check each site's rules for forfeits, map changes and remakes before you bet; one void leaves you with an ordinary bet.
Exception: markets settled on the official result at both sites carry the least settlement risk.
Responsible gambling
Bet only if you are 18+ and it stays fun
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Gambling TherapyArbitrage betting FAQ
Is arbitrage betting legal?
Placing bets at different licensed bookmakers is legal where online betting is legal. Bookmakers can still limit or close accounts they see as arbitrage players, as their terms allow.
How much can I make from esports arbitrage?
Most real arbitrages return under 1% of the total stake. The 5% gap in our example is unusually large. Profit depends on volume, limits and avoiding mistakes.
Is arbitrage the same as matched betting?
No. Arbitrage uses price differences between bookmakers. Matched betting uses free bets and bonuses, and covers the other side at a betting exchange.
Which esports markets work for arbitrage?
Two-way markets on popular games, such as CS2, Dota 2 and League of Legends match winner and map handicaps. Check that both sites settle the market the same way.
What happens if the odds change before my second bet?
Recalculate at the new price. If the arb % is now above 100%, you either accept a small loss to cover both sides or keep one open bet. Place the bet that is harder to get first.
Will arbitrage get my account limited?
It can. Bookmakers watch for stakes split to the cent, bets only on mispriced lines and no other activity. Limits are the main reason arbitrage stops working.