Arbitrage betting, often called “arbing,” is a strategy that involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of a sporting event across different bookmakers to guarantee a profit. This works because of differences in odds offered by competing sportsbooks.
For example, if Bookmaker A offers odds of 2.10 for Team A to win, and Bookmaker B offers 2.10 for Team B, you can bet on both and lock in a profit no matter the result. It sounds like a foolproof system—but is it still effective in 2025?
To find out, we tested it in real-world conditions.
How Arbitrage Used to Work
The Golden Age of Arbing
A few years ago, arbitrage betting was much more accessible. There were more bookmakers, fewer restrictions, and less advanced detection systems. It was relatively easy to find “arbs” and place bets before the odds changed.
Back then, even casual bettors could use arbing software or odds comparison tools to find profitable opportunities. Some users even made full-time income from it.
But as online betting platforms became smarter, the golden age of arbitrage started to fade.
Testing Arbitrage in 2025: Our Experience
Tools We Used
To test whether arbitrage betting still works today, we used a combination of free and paid tools, including several platforms listed among the best offshore betting sites:
- Odds comparison websites
- Arbing software (with real-time alerts)
- Multiple accounts with different bookmakers
- A dedicated bankroll split across platforms
We looked for small to medium-sized arbs with profit margins between 1.5% and 3%.
What We Found
Yes, arbitrage opportunities still exist in 2025—but they are harder to find, and even harder to act on. Here’s what we observed:
- Most arbitrage windows close within seconds.
- Bookmakers adjusted odds rapidly after line movement.
- Some bets were canceled or limited after being placed.
- Many opportunities involved niche sports or low-stakes limits.
Out of 30 attempted arbitrage bets, only 18 went through successfully. From those, 14 resulted in actual profits, ranging from $1 to $15 per arb. That’s far from life-changing money, but still a small, safe return.
The Challenges of Arbitrage Betting Today
Bookmaker Restrictions
One of the biggest problems in 2025 is that bookmakers have improved their risk management tools. They now detect patterns associated with arbing, such as:
- Consistently betting on value lines
- Placing opposing bets across multiple accounts
- Making unusual bets on obscure sports
Once flagged, your account might face limits, bonus bans, or even closure.
Some bookmakers even share data with third-party services to track suspicious betting behavior across platforms.
Odds Change Too Fast
In the early days, arbs could remain available for minutes, even hours. Now, odds change in real time—especially in popular markets like football or tennis.
By the time you identify an arbitrage and place both bets, one leg may have already changed. This could result in a loss or a voided bet, killing the profit margin.
Only the fastest bettors with automated systems and high-speed internet stand a chance of reacting in time.
Low Limits and Fees
Many of the remaining arbitrage opportunities in 2025 are found in low-profile markets or smaller events. While these may be less monitored, they also come with:
- Low maximum bet limits
- High transaction fees for frequent deposits and withdrawals
- Greater risk of match postponement or odds voiding
If you’re only able to stake $20 to make a $1 profit, the effort may not be worth it—especially when you factor in time, fees, and the risk of being restricted.
What Smart Bettors Do Instead
Value Betting as an Alternative
Many former arbers have switched to value betting. This strategy involves finding bets where the odds are higher than the actual probability of an outcome. Unlike arbitrage, it doesn’t guarantee a profit on every bet, but it offers better long-term results without triggering as many flags.
Value betting is less risky in terms of account restrictions, and it allows you to build a more sustainable strategy.
Using Betting Exchanges
Betting exchanges like Betfair still offer opportunities for low-risk betting. Since you’re betting against other players, and not a bookmaker, there’s less concern about limits or restrictions.
These platforms allow traders to profit from odds movement and hedging strategies similar to arbitrage, but with more flexibility.
Conclusion: Arbitrage Betting in 2025 – Still Alive, But Barely
So, is arbitrage betting still possible in 2025? The short answer is yes—but it’s far from easy.
Opportunities still exist, but they’re limited, highly competitive, and require speed, discipline, and multiple bookmaker accounts. Casual bettors may find the effort outweighs the reward. Professional arbers face constant challenges like account bans, odds shifts, and low limits.
For those looking to make consistent profits from betting, alternative methods like value betting, matched betting, or trading on exchanges may offer better long-term potential.
Arbitrage isn’t dead—but it’s no longer the simple, guaranteed-money method it once was. If you’re going to try it, proceed with caution, use the right tools, and be prepared for a lot of effort for relatively small returns.
