Live Betting Arbitrage: How Does it Work?

Pre-match betting, where you place a wager before a sports game or event starts, is probably the most common time to place a bet. This gives bettors time to analyze odds and lock in their bets before the action begins, without having to rush any decisions.

However, once the game or match is underway, live or in-play betting offers another exciting opportunity. As the name suggests, this form of betting allows you to place wagers during the event as the odds change in real-time. But can strategies like arbitrage betting, commonly used in pre-match betting, also be applied to live or in-play bets?

What is Arbitrage Betting?

Arbitrage betting, in a nutshell, is a strategy where you bet on all possible outcomes of a sports game or event across different sportsbooks. Why? Because by taking advantage of the variations in odds offered by different sportsbooks, you can guarantee a profit no matter what happens.

Can You Do Arbitrage on Live Betting?

Yes, arbitrage betting can be done during live sports events. During the course of a game, odds move more quickly and sometimes more dramatically than they did before the event began. These fluctuations can create multiple opportunities for arbitrage betting.

For example, in a basketball game, the odds of a team winning might shift significantly if they fall behind by 10 points early in the game. In this instance, one sportsbook might be faster in changing the odds they're offering for the trailing team, while another might take longer to adjust.

Benefits of Live Betting Arbitrage

1. More Frequent Opportunities
   Rapid odds fluctuations during live events create more chances to find discrepancies between sportsbooks.

2. Higher Profit Margins
   Dramatic shifts in odds (e.g., a favorite team falling behind) can lead to larger arbitrage opportunities.

3. Expanded Betting Markets
   Live betting unlocks unique markets like NBA player props or in-game goals/corners.

Drawbacks of Live Betting Arbitrage

1. Speed Matters
   Odds change rapidly, leaving little time to place bets.

2. Higher Risk of Errors
   Missing one side of the bet can lead to losses.

3. Limited Preparation Time
   No time for slow analysis.

Live Arbitrage Betting vs Pre-Match

Live betting thrives on volatility, while pre-match betting offers stability. Tools like arbitrage betting finders work best with predictable odds. New users should start with pre-match strategies using guides like Arbitrage Betting 101.