Is the use of a paid scanner for arbitrage betting profitable?

Calculation of the Required Bankroll for Arbitrage Betting Considering the Cost of a Scanner

Calculating the necessary bankroll for arbitrage betting, considering the cost of purchasing a scanner, requires taking into account several factors, including the initial cost of the scanner, the average return from bets, and the number of bets you plan to place. Here is a step-by-step guide for the calculation:

1. Determine the Cost of the Scanner

   Suppose the cost of the scanner is S euro.

2. Estimate the Average Return per Bet

   Let the average return (profit) per bet be P rubles. This value can be determined by estimating your average profit per bet after accounting for all expenses.

3. Estimate the Number of Bets per Month

   Assume you plan to place N bets per month. This number may depend on your experience, the frequency of scanner use, and the time available.

4. Calculate Monthly Profit

   Monthly profit from bets without considering the cost of the scanner: P × N.

5. Consider Scanner Payback

   To cover the cost of the scanner over a certain period (e.g., within one month), your profit from bets should cover its cost.

   Therefore, the necessary monthly profit: P × N ≥ S.

6. Determine the Initial Bankroll

   The initial bankroll should account not only for covering the cost of the scanner but also for potential losses at the initial stage. For example, you can use the Kelly criterion or conservatively set the bankroll to cover M average bets.

   For example, if the average bet size is B euro, and you want a bankroll that covers 100 bets (which is quite conservative), then the initial bankroll will be B × 100.

7. Overall Calculation

   Ultimately, your initial bankroll should be sufficient to cover bets until the scanner's cost is recouped. For example, you can calculate the bankroll as follows:

   Initial Bankroll = B × 100 + S

   This calculation assumes that your bets will eventually cover the cost of the scanner and that the initial bankroll will allow you to withstand potential fluctuations.

Example of Scanner Payback Calculation

Input Data:

• Scanner Cost: S = 100 euro
• Average Return per Bet: P = 2 euro
• Number of Bets per Month: N = 100 bets
• Average Bet Size: B = 5 euro

Scanner Payback Calculation:

• Monthly Profit: 2 × 100 = 200 euro
• Scanner Payback: 200 ≥ 100, i.e., the scanner pays off within one month.
• Initial Bankroll for Betting: 5 × 100 + 100 = 600 euro.

Thus, you will need a bankroll of 600 euro to account for the cost of purchasing the scanner and to provide yourself with a sufficient reserve for betting.