Comparison surebetting and other strategies: which is more profitable

Bookmaker bets attract many people who want to make money on sports. Among the many strategies, arbs, which promise virtually risk-free profits, attract special attention. However, there are other methods that can be equally effective. In this article, we'll look at surebets and compare them to other popular sports betting strategies to find out which ones are truly better.

What are bookmaker sure bets?

Bookmaker arbs (arbitrage betting) is a strategy in which a player bets on all possible outcomes of one event from different bookmakers, using the difference in odds. This allows you to guarantee profit regardless of the outcome of the event. Example:

• Bookmaker A offers odds of 2.10 for Team X to win.
• Bookmaker B offers odds of 2.05 for Team Y to win.

By betting amounts that can be calculated in special arb calculators, on each of these bets, you can make a profit regardless of the outcome.

Advantages of arbs

• Guaranteed profit: Bookmaker's sure bets allow you to make a guaranteed profit regardless of the outcome of the sporting event. This occurs due to the fact that bets are placed on all possible outcomes of the same event at different bookmakers, where the odds differ.
• No risk of loss: With proper calculation and placement of bets, there is virtually no risk of loss, which makes arbs an attractive option for many players.
• Does not require deep knowledge of the sport: To successfully use arbs, you do not need to be an expert in a particular sport. It is enough to be able to find suitable coefficients and quickly respond to changes.
• Possibility of passive income: If the process of searching for sure bets is automated (for example, using specialized software), this can become a source of passive income.

Disadvantages of bookmakers arbs

• Account blocking: Bookmakers do not encourage the use of sure bets and may block the accounts of players caught in such activities. This is due to the fact that arbers damage the profits of bookmakers.
• The need for multiple accounts: To successfully use surebets, you need to have accounts with many different bookmakers. This is not always convenient and can require significant effort to manage all accounts.
• Fees and Withdrawal Limits: Multiple transactions between bookmakers and payment processors can result in significant fees. In addition, some bookmakers set withdrawal limits, which can complicate the process of making money.
• The need for significant starting capital: In order for arbs to bring tangible profits, you need to have a large enough starting capital to bet on all outcomes of events. What amount are we talking about? How to increase your arb bank? - more details in articles on our website.

Other Sports Betting Strategies

Flat (fixed rate)

The strategy involves betting a fixed amount on each event, regardless of the odds or certainty of the outcome. This allows you to control your bankroll and reduces the risk of large losses.

Advantages of flat:

• Simplicity and predictability: It's easy to monitor your balance and manage your finances.
• Risk reduction: A constant bet allows you to avoid large losses in the event of unsuccessful series.

Disadvantages of flat:

• Slow capital growth: Without changing the bet size, profits grow slowly.

Martingale strategy

This strategy involves increasing the bet after each loss so that the first win covers all previous losses and brings profit.

Advantages of Martingale strategy:

• High probability of winning: If the player has a large enough bankroll, losses will sooner or later be covered.

Disadvantages of Martingale strategy:

• High risk: Several losses in a row can lead to significant losses.
• Large Bank Requirement: Large amounts of capital are required to increase bets when you lose. In order for the game bank to have a reasonable size, it is necessary to select events with odds greater than 2.00, which automatically leads to a decrease in the probability of winning the bet.

Kelly strategy betting

The Kelly method involves calculating the optimal bet depending on the probability of the outcome and the current bankroll. The formula takes into account the probability of winning and the odds to determine the ideal bet size.

The formula for determining the optimal bet size is as follows:

f=(bp-q)/b

Where:

• f is the share of capital that should be supplied,
• b — the ratio of net winnings to the bet (for example, if the bet is doubled, then b=1),
• p — probability of winning,
• q is the probability of losing (q=1−p).

Advantages of Kelly's strategy:

• Profit maximization: The optimal bet size ensures maximum capital growth.
• Risk Management: The formula takes probability into account, reducing the risk of large losses.

Disadvantages of Kelly's strategy:

• Calculation complexity: Requires accurate estimates of probabilities and coefficients.
• Risks of incorrect estimates: Errors in probability estimates can lead to losses.

Comparison of sports betting strategies

Let's sum up everything listed above:

Conclusion on comparison of sports betting strategies

The choice of betting strategy depends on the player’s goals, capital and risk tolerance. Sure bets can offer guaranteed profits, but come with high risks of account bans and require significant investment. Other strategies, such as flat, Martingale or Kelly strategy, may be less risky and easier to use, but require careful approach and analysis.
For beginners, it is better to start with simpler and less risky strategies, gradually gaining experience. For experienced bettors who are willing to take risks and invest significant funds, sure bets can offer an attractive opportunity for stable income.