Sure bets (arbitrage)
Low varianceBack every outcome of a market, each at a different bookmaker, so the payout is the same whichever way it goes. When the bookmakers' prices disagree enough, the combined stakes cost less than the guaranteed payout. The profit is fixed the moment both bets are on.
- Single-bet outcome
- Known before kickoff
- Typical margin
- Small, often 1–3%
- The real risk
- Execution: a price moves or a stake gets capped before the second leg is placed.