What is a “Sure Bet”?
A “sure bet”, also known as a safe bet or an arbitrage bet, is a term used in the world of sports betting. It refers to a situation where a bettor can place wagers on all possible outcomes of a sporting event with different bookmakers and, regardless of the result, secure a profit. This phenomenon occurs when different bookmakers offer varying odds on the same event, allowing the bettor to take advantage of the discrepancies.
Arbitrage bets arise due to several factors:
- Bookmakers have different risk assessments.
- Bookmakers update their odds at different speeds.
- Bookmakers react differently to market changes, such as large volumes of bets on a particular outcome.
How Does a Sure Bet Work?
The basic principle is simple: If you find bookmakers offering odds on different outcomes of a sporting event such that the sum of the probabilities of all possible outcomes (converted from the odds) is less than 100%, you can create an arbitrage bet.
If you plan to bet on Sport or in Casino, Betbolt (review)is the right choice. This betting platform offers a wide range of betting options and excellent welcome bonuses, allowing you to start your bets with a significant advantage. New users can receive attractive welcome bonuses and free spins, increasing their chances of winning.
For example, if a tennis match is being played between Player A and Player B, and one bookmaker offers odds of 2.10 for Player A while another offers 2.05 for Player B, an arbitrage opportunity exists if:
Sure bet
This formula shows that the sum of the probabilities is less than 100%, meaning that the bettor can cover all possible outcomes and secure a profit regardless of the result.
How to Make Money with Sure Bets?
- Finding Arbitrage Opportunities: The first step is identifying such discrepancies in odds between different bookmakers. There are several online tools and software programs that help detect these opportunities. Some of these services are paid, but they enable quick and efficient work.
- Calculating the Optimal Bets: Once an arbitrage opportunity is found, it is necessary to distribute the capital correctly to ensure an equal profit across all outcomes. Using a simple formula, you can calculate how much to bet on each outcome:
Sure bet calculation
- Placing the Bets: Once you have calculated the correct amounts, you need to place the bets with the corresponding bookmakers. It’s important to act quickly, as the odds may change within minutes, especially if many people are betting on the same outcome.
- Collecting the Profit: After the event concludes and the bets are settled, one of the bookmakers will pay out, while the other bets will lose. However, due to the correct calculations, an overall profit will be secured.
Risks of Sure Bets
Although it may seem like a risk-free strategy, there are some risks and challenges:
- Account limitations: Bookmakers may limit or even block the accounts of bettors who regularly exploit arbitrage opportunities.
- Rapid changes in odds: Odds can change quickly, meaning that you might place one bet at a favorable rate, but the other bookmaker may adjust their odds, eliminating the advantage.
- Errors in calculations: Incorrectly dividing your stakes or failing to check the current odds can lead to losses.
Conclusion
Sure bets are one way to make money from sports betting without relying on luck. Although it seems like a “safe” strategy, it requires careful planning, quick action, and efficient management of accounts across various bookmakers. For beginners, this strategy can be challenging, but with the right tools and discipline, arbitrage betting can lead to steady profits.
