What types of surebet scanners exist?

Glossary:

• API – an interface for integrating software.
• Parsing – automated data collection from websites.
• Margin – the bookmaker's commission built into the odds.

Arbitrage bets, or "surebets," are a sports betting strategy that guarantees a profit regardless of the event outcome. The idea is to find differences in odds between various bookmakers and distribute the stake across all possible outcomes. This approach minimizes risks and turns gambling into a calculated financial tool. However, success depends on two key elements: understanding arbitrage betting (profit 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:
1/2.0 + 1/2.1 = 0.5 + 0.476 = 0.976

The difference 1 − 0.976 = 0.024 (or 2.4%) is the arbitrage margin – the guaranteed profit. 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

Surebet scanners include pre-match (bets placed before the game starts, such as Surebet) and live (bets placed in real time, such as PositiveBet). Although their goal is the same, these tools differ fundamentally in profitability, risk level, and skill requirements for the bettor. There are also hybrid scanners that support both modes (e.g., BreakingBet).

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:

• Payout delays — one of the bets may not go through due to odds changes.

• Cancellation — the bookmaker has the right to void a bet if manipulation is suspected.

• Technical failures — for example, scanner lag or sportsbook outage at a critical moment.

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

⚽ 🏀 🥎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.

💻Technical requirements

For pre-match betting:

• Basic skills are enough: the ability to use Excel and analyze tables.
• No need for high-speed internet.

For live betting:

• API integrations and betting automation are required.
• Internet speed and reaction time are critical.
• Bots are often used for instant bet placement.

💵 Payment model

• Free scanners: Have limitations — small bookmaker database, delayed data, advertisements (for example, BMBets).
• Paid scanners: A subscription (from $25/month) provides access to premium features: wider geographic coverage, instant notifications, bot integration (for example, Forking).

🏃 By update speed

• Real-time: Critical for fast-moving markets (e.g., tennis). Example: BetBurger.
• With delay: Cheaper, but suitable only for events with slow odds movement.

By type of access

• Web platforms: Convenient, no installation required.
• Mobile apps: Send notifications anytime.
• Desktop software: High performance but tied to a specific device.

By integration

• API scanners: Designed for developers, allow custom algorithm integration.
• With bots: Automate betting and reduce reaction time.

How to choose a scanner? Key criteria

1. Speed: A 10-second delay can make a surebet irrelevant.
2. Coverage: The more bookmakers and sports covered, the more surebets available.
3. Calculation accuracy: Mistakes in stake calculation can eliminate profits.
4. User interface: Charts, filters, and surebet history enhance the user experience.
5. Cost: Match your budget with the expected profit.

Risks and limitations

• Account suspension: Bookmakers prohibit arbitrage and monitor suspicious activity.
• Technical issues: Parsing errors or delayed payouts.
• Legal considerations: In some countries, arbitrage is considered a form of fraud.
• Bankroll: Funds are required in 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 fits your goals. Start with free versions to understand the mechanics, then move on to professional tools. Remember: low-profit surebets require high volume, while high-profit ones require quick reactions. And always have a "Plan B" in case of account suspensions or technical failures.