Surebet scanner

Arbitrage betting, also known as "surebets," is a sports betting strategy that guarantees a profit regardless of the outcome of the event. The idea is to find odds differences between different bookmakers and spread the stake across all possible outcomes. This approach minimizes risk and turns gambling into a calculated financial instrument. However, success depends on two key factors: understanding arbitrage betting (win percentage) and using surebet scanners — tools that help identify suitable opportunities.

What is an arbitrage bet (surebet)?

An arbitrage bet occurs when the sum of the inverse values of the odds for all outcomes is less than 100%. For example, in a two-way match with odds of 2.0 and 2.1, the total implied probability is:

The higher the percentage, the more profitable the surebet, but such opportunities are rare and short-lived.

Factors that affect arbitrage betting

1. Bookmaker margin – the commission included in the odds. The lower the margin, the higher the chances of finding a surebet.
2. Market liquidity – popular events are more likely to have discrepancies.
3. Odds fluctuation speed – rapid response to news shortens the "lifetime" of a surebet.
4. Geographic coverage – access to international bookmakers expands opportunities.

Role of surebet scanners

Surebet scanners automate the search for arbitrage opportunities by analyzing odds in real time. Without them, manual analysis of hundreds of events and dozens of bookmakers is nearly impossible. Modern scanners not only find surebets but also calculate the optimal stake sizes for maximum profit and offer a flexible filtering system that allows bettors to customize the tool according to their needs.

Types of surebet scanners

🕒By match timing

• Prematch – bets are placed before the match starts, for example, Surebet
• Live – bets are made in real time, for example, PositiveBet
• Scanners that support both modes – for example, BreakingBet

Despite sharing the same goal, these tools differ fundamentally in ways that affect profitability, risk level, and the skill requirements for the bettor.

 

Comparison of pre-match vs. live scanners

 

Criterion	Pre-match scanners	Live scanners
Operating time	Analyze events before they start	Work during the match
Available sports	All popular (football, tennis, etc.)	Usually football, basketball, tennis
Update frequency	1–5 minutes	10–30 seconds
Average profit	3–7%	5–12% (sometimes higher)
Risk level	Low (bets are placed in advance)	High (odds change instantly)
Difficulty for beginners	Suitable for beginners	Require experience and speed
Market liquidity	High (many bets)	Low (risk of not placing in time)

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Let’s take a closer look:

🎯 Profit and risks

Pre-match betting offers stable but lower returns (3–7%) compared to live surebets. Risks are associated with bet cancellations due to line errors or suspicion of arbitrage.

Live surebets can generate up to 15% profit, but come with higher risk:

➡️ Statistics: 30% of live surebets remain unrealized due to the speed of odds changes.

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⚽ 🏀 🥎Sports types and liquidity

Pre-match surebets are available across all popular sports: football, tennis, basketball, hockey. Market liquidity is high — thousands of users place bets, which reduces the risk of account blocking.

Live surebets are more common in niche leagues (such as the Belarus third division) or lesser-known sports (handball, table tennis). This is due to the lower level of monitoring by bookmakers.

➡️Tip: Avoid surebets on matches with abnormally high profits (over 10%) — this is often a sign of an error in the odds line or a fixed match.

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💻Technical requirements

For pre-match betting:

• Basic skills are sufficient: the ability to use Excel and analyze tables.
• High-speed internet is not required.

For live betting:

• API integration setup and bet automation are required.
• Internet speed and reaction time are critically important.
• Bots are often used for instant bet placement.

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💵 Payment model

• Free: Have limitations — small bookmaker database, data delays, advertisements (e.g., BMBets).
• Paid: A subscription (from $25/month) grants access to premium features: wide coverage, instant alerts, bot integration (e.g., BreakingBet).

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🏃 By update speed

• Real-time: Critical for fast-paced markets (e.g., tennis). Example: BetBurger.
• Delayed: Cheaper, but only suitable for events with slow odds changes.

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By type of access

• Web platforms: Convenient, no installation required.
• Mobile apps: Notifications at any time.
• Desktop programs: High performance, but tied to a specific device.

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By integration

• By integration API-based scanners: For developers, allow integration of custom algorithms.
• With bots: Automate betting, reducing reaction time.

 

How to choose a scanner? Key criteria

• Speed: A 10-second delay can make an arbitrage opportunity irrelevant.
• Coverage: The more bookmakers and sports, the more opportunities.
• Calculation accuracy: Errors in stake sizing can eliminate your profit.
• Interface convenience: Charts, filters, and bet history improve the user experience.
• Cost: Match your budget to the potential profit.

Risks and limitations

• Account bans: Bookmakers prohibit arbitrage and monitor suspicious betting patterns.
• Technical failures: Parsing errors or payment delays may occur.
• Legal aspects: In some countries, arbitrage is considered fraud.
• Capital: You need funds across multiple bookmaker accounts and a reserve for fees.

Conclusion

Arbitrage betting is a mathematically sound but resource-intensive strategy. Success depends on choosing a scanner that aligns with your goals. Start with free versions to understand the mechanics, then move on to professional tools. Keep in mind: low-profit arbitrage requires high volume, while high-profit opportunities demand fast reactions and readiness for bookmaker sanctions. Always have a backup plan in case of bans or technical issues.