How many bookmakers does a surebettor need
What are arbitrage bets and why does bookmaker selection matter?
Arbitrage betting (also known as "surebets") is a strategy where you place bets on all possible outcomes of an event across different bookmakers to secure a guaranteed profit. However, success in arbitrage is impossible without carefully choosing the right number of bookmaker accounts.
In this article, we’ll explore how many bookmakers an arber should use at different stages — from beginner to experienced bettor — and how that number depends on the size of your bankroll.
How many bookmakers does a beginner need?
Minimum number of bookmakers to start
Most arbitrage scanners allow you to filter by the specific bookmakers you want to work with. For a beginner, 3 to 5 bookmaker accounts are enough. That’s sufficient to:
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find stable surebets in popular sports
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practice placing bets quickly
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get familiar with different interfaces and bet settlement rules
Examples of suitable bookmakers for beginners
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one regulated bookmaker in your country or region
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one offshore bookmaker with high limits (e.g. Pinnacle)
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one lesser-known or mobile-oriented bookmaker (like 1win, Melbet, or Bet365)
The fewer bookmakers you use at the start, the easier it is to track mistakes and learn how to manage your bankroll properly.
How many bookmakers do experienced arbers use
Why experienced bettors need more bookmaker accounts
An experienced arber typically works with 8 to 20 or more bookmakers. This is necessary to:
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expand access to more lines and outcomes
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avoid limits and account restrictions
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operate in niche markets and less popular sports
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find high-value arbs with minimal competition
What matters when working with many bookmakers
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keeping track of all accounts and login credentials
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using antidetect browsers and proxies
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understanding bookmaker policies on limits and withdrawals
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optimizing the flow of funds between bookmakers and wallets
How does bankroll size affect the number of bookmakers used
Small bankroll (up to $500)
With a small bankroll, 2 to 4 bookmakers are enough. It’s important to:
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minimize losses on transfers
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choose bookmakers with low or no withdrawal fees
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use low-turnover strategies with quick fund returns
Medium bankroll ($1,000 to $5,000)
It’s recommended to use 5 to 10 bookmakers. This allows you to:
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switch between different arbitrage opportunities
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participate in arbs on totals, handicaps, and player-specific markets
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bet with lower stress and better risk distribution
Large bankroll ($5,000 and up)
This level involves working with 10 to 30 or more bookmakers. The bettor can:
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hold accounts with crypto-friendly bookmakers
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use multi-accounts and trusted third-party accounts
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work with long-term arbitrage bets
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manage everything through CRM systems or specialized software
Summary Table: How Many Bookmakers You Need Based on Experience and Bankroll
| Better Category | Recommended Number of Bookmakers |
|---|---|
| Beginner, up to $500 | 3–4 |
| Beginner, from $1,000 | 4–6 |
| Experienced, up to $5,000 | 6–12 |
| Experienced, from $5,000 | 10–25+ |
| Pro with multi-accounts | 20–50+ |
How to know if a bookmaker is suitable for arbitrage
Before adding a new bookmaker to your pool, ask yourself the following:
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Are there regular arbitrage opportunities in the odds?
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Are bets settled quickly and reliably?
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Does the bookmaker support your preferred currency or crypto?
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Is the interface optimized for 1–2 click betting?
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Can funds be withdrawn promptly?
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Are there frequent complaints about delayed or blocked payouts?
Choose only those bookmakers that align with your strategies and carry minimal risk.
Conclusion: how many bookmakers should an arber use
The number of bookmakers needed depends on your goals, experience, and bankroll size.
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Beginners can start with 3–5 bookmakers to get comfortable.
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More experienced arbers may expand to 10–20.
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High-volume professionals often use 30 or more.
What matters most is not the number, but the quality.
It’s better to have 5 stable, reliable bookmakers than 20 with payout or access issues.
Keep track of your accounts, don’t rush scaling up, and build a system that works for you.