Arbitrage Bettor Dictionary: All Terms in Plain English
Arbitrage betting is not only profitable but also quite niche. In the world of arbs, there is its own language: odds, lines, stakes, refunds, margins, limits, and dozens of other terms you simply cannot search for arbs or work with bookmakers without.
This article is your guide. It compiles all the key terms every arbitrage bettor must know, with straightforward explanations and examples.
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Basic Terminology
Surebet (Arbitrage Situation)
A situation where different bookmakers offer such odds on the same event that one can bet on all possible outcomes and guarantee a profit regardless of the result.
Example:
Bookmaker 1: Home Win (1) — 2.10
Bookmaker 2: Away Win (2) — 2.10
If the stakes are distributed correctly, it results in a guaranteed profit.
Odds
A number indicating how much you will receive for a winning bet. For example, a bet of 1000 rubles at odds of 2.00 will return 2000 (1000 * 2).
In surebets, it's crucial that the odds offered by different bookmakers vary significantly.
Stake
The allocation of the total bet amount among different outcomes to ensure an equal profit in any scenario.
ROI (Return On Investment)
The percentage of profitability. If you invested 1000 ₽ and received 1050 ₽, the ROI = 5%. In surebets, the ROI per transaction is typically 1–10%.
Prematch
A bet placed on an event before it starts. Usually features more stable odds and lower risks.
Live (In-play)
A bet placed during a live match. Risks are higher (odds fluctuate), but the potential ROI can also be greater.
Bookmaker (BM)
A company that accepts bets. Each has its own rules, betting lines, and limits.
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Surebet Formulas
Basic Surebet Formula
(1 / K1) + (1 / K2) < 1
If this condition is true, it means an arbitrage opportunity exists.
Example:
*K1 = 2.10*
*K2 = 2.10*
*(1 / 2.10) + (1 / 2.10) = 0.952 → Surebet*
3-Outcome Surebet (e.g., soccer including a draw)
(1 / K1) + (1 / K2) + (1 / K3) < 1
Surebet Percentage (Yield)
(100 - ((1 / K1 + 1 / K2) * 100)) = % profit
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Types of Arbitrage Bets
Two-outcome surebet
The simplest ones involve two outcomes: e.g., Home Win / Away Win (P1 / P2), Over / Under, etc.
Three-outcome surbeet
Bets like 1X2 (win, draw, loss). All three outcomes must be covered
.
Asian Handicap / Total
Commonly found in arbitrage bets. Examples: handicap (0), handicap (-1.5), total over 2.25, etc.
Double Arbitrage
When two separate arbitrage opportunities can be created on the same event across different bookmakers — for example, one on a handicap and another on the match outcome.
Cross Arbitrage
Bets are not placed directly against each other but through related markets: e.g., match winner + total / correct score / double chance.
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Bookmaker Operation Terminology
Limits
The maximum amount that can be wagered. Bookmakers often reduce limits if they suspect an arbitrage bettor.
Blocking (Ban)
Suspension of a bookmaker account. Can occur without explanation, often after a withdrawal or suspicious activity.
Verification (KYC)
The identity verification process. Usually requires a passport, a selfie, and sometimes a bank card.
Withdrawal
A sensitive topic: not every bookmaker is willing to pay out to an arbitrage bettor. The "larger" and more "legitimate" the bookmaker, the safer it is.
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Service and Technical Terms
Arbitrage Scanner / Surebet Scanner
A program that automatically searches for arbitrage opportunities (surebets) between bookmakers. Popular examples: BetBurger, RebelBetting, BreakingBet, SureBet.
Filters
Scanner settings: surebet percentage, minimum odds, excluded bookmakers, sport selection.
Autobet / Semi-automated Betting
A feature in some scanners that allows placing bets directly from the interface. Sometimes requires manual confirmation.
Proxy / Anti-detect Browser
Tools used to mask IP addresses, browser fingerprints, etc. Used to bypass bans and create new accounts.
Multi-accounting
Creating multiple accounts with the same bookmaker — under the names of friends, relatives, or fictitious personas. A common but risky practice.
Arb bots / Telegram bots
Provide notifications on fresh surebets, send alerts, and manage accounts. Examples: ArbMate, ArbGuard.
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Psychology and Strategy
HODL
A term borrowed from crypto, but sometimes used by arbers. It means holding a bet without closing the arb — in hopes that the line will change.
Covering
A situation where, after the first bet, the odds have shifted, and you are looking for the second leg — either at a loss or to break even.
Drawdown
A temporary loss of part of your bankroll due to mistakes, covers, canceled bets, etc.
Flag
A marker on a bookmaker's account indicating that the client's behavior appears suspicious.
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Money, Bankroll, Calculation
Bankroll
The total amount of money you work with. Important not to confuse it with a deposit at a single bookmaker.
Rush / Aggressive build-up
A tactic of aggressively increasing your bankroll by placing large bets on high-percentage arbs.
Bankroll balancing / Leveling
Balancing the amounts across different bookmakers to avoid getting stuck with one-sided balances.
Stake distribution / Share allocation
Formulas used to calculate optimal bet amounts in order to achieve equal profit.
Arb calculator / Arbitrage calculator
A tool that helps quickly calculate stake sizes and profit. Some are built into scanners, others are standalone.
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Legality, Taxes, and Grey Areas
Is arbitrage legal?
For example, In the UK — yes. However, bookmakers licensed by the UK Gambling Commission may restrict or close accounts of arbitrage players under their terms of service.
Taxes
For casual punters, gambling winnings in the UK are tax-free, as gambling is not considered an occupation but a leisure activity. This is a significant advantage. However, if arbitrage is pursued so frequently and systematically that it constitutes a trade or business, HMRC could theoretically view it as taxable income. This is a complex grey area itself.
P2P / Cryptocurrency
Using e-wallets and Open Banking is common for fast transactions with UKGC-licensed sites. While crypto is not widely accepted by regulated UK operators due to strict AML/KYC rules, some punters convert crypto to GBP via exchanges before depositing. Using unlicensed offshore crypto sites means losing all UK consumer protections.
Offshore / "Non-GamStop" Bookmakers
These are operators based in jurisdictions like Curacao or Malta that target UK players without a UKGC license. While players aren't breaking the law by using them, the operators are acting illegally. This is a major grey market. These sites offer high limits and no GamStop self-exclusion, but players have zero recourse if they refuse to pay out, and funds are not protected.
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Conclusion
Knowing the terminology is the foundation for confidently working with arbitrage. Arbitrage is not just about clicking buttons in a scanner; it's a living system where every detail matters — from the market name to the type of proxy and leverage calculation.
If you want to earn steadily, understand what you're doing.