FAQ on betting and surebets

Surebet and arbitrage basics

What is sports arbitrage?

Sports arbitrage, or a bookmaker surebet, is a betting strategy in which a player stakes every possible outcome of an event at different bookmakers and makes a profit regardless of the match result. These situations appear because odds differ from one bookmaker to another. Typical reasons include:

• competition between bookmakers;
• errors in the lines;
• different assessments of event probabilities;
• delays in updating odds.

For example, one bookmaker may overprice the first team to win, while another overprices the opposite outcome. That lets you split the stakes so you stay in profit no matter how the match ends.

The same approach is also called:

How do surebet services work?

A surebet service analyses lines from different bookmakers, compares odds, and then gives the bettor a full overview of available surebets. That puts the bettor ahead of the bookmakers. The software runs at high speed and updates information quickly, so you can catch surebets that appear for only a couple of minutes.

How do surebets appear?

Surebets appear when different bookmakers offer different odds on the same event, which lets you stake every possible outcome and lock in a profit.

Why surebets appear:

• Strong competition between bookmakers, which often leads to inflated odds.
• Odds that are not updated in time: bookmakers may lag behind competitors when adjusting their lines, which creates a gap in the odds.
• Bookmaker errors that produce incorrect odds. We analyse bookmaker lines carefully, calculate surebets with mathematical formulas, and then tell you where to stake and how much, so you get a guaranteed return whichever way the match goes. You can earn from 5% to 15–20% profit on the total amount invested. As your betting bank is topped up by wins, your capital keeps growing.

How do surebets work?

Our service lets you bet without taking on the usual match-result risk and still earn regardless of the sporting outcome.

That is done with surebets — mathematically calculated arbitrage situations. Surebets form because different bookmakers quote different odds, and they let you stake every possible outcome of an event. Thanks to that, you make a profit no matter the result. Surebet calculations rest on simple mathematical formulas, which makes income from surebets realistic and achievable.

We use pre-match surebets because they are more stable and easier to work with.

Types of bookmaker surebets

Give an example of a bookmaker surebet

Take a simple example of a bookmaker surebet on a basketball match between the Denver Nuggets and the Chicago Bulls. Different bookmakers offer different odds on the same match.

That difference is exactly what creates arbitrage situations and lets you lock in a profit regardless of the result.

The WorkBet.info surebet scanner analyses bookmaker lines in real time, compares odds, and automatically finds profitable stake combinations. The service does several things:

• Analyses odds on the Denver Nuggets vs Chicago Bulls match at different bookmakers.
• Finds the best odds on opposite outcomes.
• Calculates the surebet and shows where to stake and how much in order to make a profit.

Find the sum of inverses (L) of all outcomes at both bookmakers:

Checking the odds:

Bookmaker: 1

Bookmaker: 2

So, whatever the match result, bookmaker 1 expects to keep 5.6% profit, and bookmaker 2 expects 5.0%. To create a surebet, the sum of inverses of the opposite outcomes must be less than 1.

1. Calculating the sum of inverses

A stake on Chicago Bulls to win at bookmaker 1 and on Denver Nuggets at bookmaker 2:

The sum of inverses is less than 1, so these odds are suitable for a surebet.

2. Calculating the stakes

Suppose we have $1,000:

We should stake:

• $268.30 on Chicago Bulls to win at bookmaker 1;
• $731.70 on Denver Nuggets to win at bookmaker 2.

3. Calculating the guaranteed profit

If the Chicago Bulls win:

If the Denver Nuggets win:

With both stakes, the $1,000 total guarantees a net profit of $46.3, which is 4.63% of the staked amount. Congratulations — you have earned with a surebet. Now imagine running similar operations several times a day with larger amounts: that is already a solid profit.

Our surebet service analyses bookmaker lines, finds surebets, and presents them as a sorted list from the highest profit to the lowest.

Using the WorkBet.info service

What happens on our service?

Our surebet service analyses bookmaker lines, finds surebets, and presents them as a sorted list from the highest profit to the lowest.

How do I register and pay for the service?

How long does access last after paying for a monthly plan?

The price is for one calendar month of use. For example, if you paid for a subscription on 1 July, it remains valid until 1 August. If payment is made on 15 April, access ends on 15 May.

Can new features be added?

If you have an idea we could implement, write to us through the feedback form:

On the home page, click “Support”. Your suggestion will be reviewed.

Why are some fields in the WorkBet.info surebet service hidden?

Team names on WorkBet.info are available only to registered users with an active plan.

I paid for a subscription. Why do I not have access?

Payments usually arrive instantly. Sometimes there can be delays with credit cards — up to several days, or until the bank notifies our system that the payment has gone through, which usually takes a few hours.

How do I report incorrect odds?

If you find incorrect odds on our site, please send us a screenshot of the arbitrage calculator, plus the odds in WorkBet.info and at the bookmaker, to: info@workbet.info

Also include extra details, such as when the problem appeared and in what situation. Without that information we cannot identify and fix the issue effectively.

I cannot find my answer in the FAQ. Who should I contact?

If you cannot find an answer in the FAQ, please send your question to our Forum in the relevant section of the service, or email: info@workbet.info

Getting started

Tips for beginners who bet on surebets

Reaching a stable plus and earning with a surebet strategy is realistic. We recommend you study the topic thoroughly before you start.

Read the materials, try small test stakes, open accounts at several bookmakers, and be sure to use our surebet service. As you gain experience and gradually raise stake sizes, you can earn without taking on large risks.

How should you place surebets?

Bookmakers have many ways to identify arbers, so you cannot fully avoid the risk that your account will face restrictions.

Our main goal is to keep your account from looking suspicious for as long as possible. A few recommendations:

• Round stake amounts;
• Avoid surebets with a yield above 10–15%;
• Rarely bet on unpopular competitions;
• Mix surebets with ordinary bets;
• Request withdrawals less often;
• Do not place too many bets in a day.

What do I need to get started?

• Register and fund accounts at the bookmakers you choose;
• Create an account on our site;
• Choose and buy a suitable plan;
• Read the frequently asked questions;
• Set filters for bookmakers and sports on the site;
• Adjust the other site filters.

How much capital do I need to start with surebets?

At the beginning, $200–300 is usually enough. Over time, as you gain experience, you can grow your betting bank.

Which type of surebet is better for a beginner?

Pre-match surebets are recommended for beginners because they are simpler to use and require less speed.

Bookmakers and bets

What rules do bookmakers have?

Each bookmaker sets its own rules for deposits, withdrawals, and how bets are settled. Those rules can differ by sport and by specific championships and tournaments.

Important: always read the bookmaker’s rules before you start working with surebets. That helps you avoid risks and possible losses.

Which bookmakers are best to bet with?

Because every bookmaker keeps refining its strategy, analysing available arbitrage situations and choosing stakes carefully are key when you pick a suitable bookmaker.

Use up-to-date, real-time information to track how many surebets each bookmaker offers. Study the statistics: which bookmakers appear in the most surebets, which sports produce arbitrage most often, and other data that help you choose the right bookmakers and surebets.

WorkBet.info aims to provide the fullest, most current information you will not find on other services.

Which bookmakers and sports do you cover?

The set of bookmakers and sporting events is updated depending on where arbitrage appears. The arbitrage service usually covers around twenty bookmakers and about fifteen sports, but the numbers keep changing.

Current statistics are published on the home page so you can see, in real time, which bookmakers have surebets.

You do not need accounts at dozens of bookmakers to earn. A much smaller number is enough. You can choose specific bookmakers and sports by clicking “Filter” on the home page.

Can you add a bookmaker I am interested in?

If you want a new bookmaker added to our list, send your request to: info@workbet.info

Once enough requests come in for that bookmaker, we will consider adding it. If you do not want to wait and are ready to pay a one-off fee, we can consider adding the bookmaker even with fewer requests. If it is added, it will be available to all of our users.

What should I look at when choosing a bookmaker?

Beginners may think choosing a bookmaker does not require much care. That is a mistake. Experienced bettors know that several points matter when you choose a bookmaker for arbitrage:

• Reliability of the bookmaker;
• Number of available surebets;
• How easy verification is;
• Attitude towards professional players;
• Convenience of payments;
• Customer support.

Reliability of the bookmaker
You can open an account and start working with surebets at almost any bookmaker. Working with a reliable bookmaker, however, helps keep your funds safe. To find a truly reliable bookmaker for surebets, read other bettors’ reviews on specialist forums and in communities, and check bookmaker ratings.

Number of available surebets
If a bookmaker rarely appears in surebets with other bookmakers — especially those you already use — there may be little point in using it. Check how active the bookmaker is in surebets so you can pick the right ones for your strategy.

How easy verification is
Problems with bookmakers often appear at account verification. The process can differ a lot from one operator to another. Some ask for a standard set of documents, such as a passport scan and/or a utility bill. Others may add extra steps, such as a video call or a phone interview with a bookmaker representative. You can find this information on specialist forums, in ratings, or in arber communities.

Attitude towards professional players
Many bookmakers dislike professional players and apply various restrictions. There are operators, such as Pinnacle, that treat professional bettors normally. Using one of those bookmakers for arbitrage is extremely important for every professional player.

Convenience of payments
Before you start with a bookmaker, make sure it supports your payment methods and lets you open an account in the currency you use. Otherwise you can lose a lot to transfer fees and currency conversion.

Customer support
This may seem minor at first, but it becomes critical when you have a problem and need the bookmaker’s support. Many arbers have found that some bookmakers’ support teams work poorly. It is better to avoid those operators.

We break each of these points down so you can see why they matter when choosing a bookmaker for surebets.

Finance and calculations

Does the surebet service tell me how much to stake on each outcome so I always win?

No. The surebet service only finds and displays possible surebets. The bettor can run the numbers with the arbitrage calculator on our site, then go to each bookmaker’s site and place the required bets.

How do you calculate surebets correctly?

To calculate surebets, use this formula:

What if the odds change while I am placing the bets?

If the odds change while you are placing a bet, watch the situation and be ready for possible losses or stake adjustments.

How to calculate surebet stake sizes quickly without a calculator

To calculate the stake on a two-way surebet, use this formula:

Where:

• ODDS1 — odds on the first outcome;
• STAKE1 — stake on the first leg;
• P1 — payout on the first leg;
• ODDS2 — odds on the second outcome;
• STAKE2 — the stake you need on the second leg.

Example: surebet 1 — X2:

• ODDS1 (1) = 1.81
• ODDS2 (X2) = 2.6
• STAKE1 = 3,000

Calculation:

• 1.81 × 3000 = 5430
• 5430 / 2.6 = 2088 ≈ 2100 (rounded)

Total stakes: 3000 (STAKE1) + 2100 (STAKE2) = 5100

Profit:

• If the first outcome (1) wins: (5430 − 5100) = 330
• If the second outcome (X2) wins: (2100 × 2.6 − 5100) = 360

Practising on pre-match surebets makes this easier: open all the surebets, enter the amount for one leg, then at the second bookmaker divide the first payout by the odds of the second outcome.

Do not forget to round stake amounts!

Main arbitrage odds ranges for setting up a surebet service or searching by hand

Recommended odds ranges for surebets:

• From about 2.0 at bookmaker 1 and from about 2.3 and higher at bookmaker 2
• From about 1.8 at bookmaker 1 and from about 2.5 and higher at bookmaker 2
• From about 1.55 at bookmaker 1 and from about 3.3 and higher at bookmaker 2

Surebets outside these ranges are not recommended because of possible errors in the bookmaker lines. If the odds of the first outcome are below 1.55, the second odds will usually be high, which can increase the risk of a large loss. You can still take surebets outside these ranges, but you should do so with caution.

Zero-profit surebet odds table

One important thing to remember is the table of zero-profit surebet odds. These figures help you see what you need to close the second leg and minimise a loss. For example, if you managed to stake the first leg at 2.33, you need to close the second leg at 1.75 to break even.

How much should I stake?

To calculate an optimal stake size we use the Kelly criterion. This method takes your edge, the odds, and your bankroll into account to find a suitable stake that aims to maximise profit. Using full Kelly can be risky, so we recommend staking only 30% of the suggested amount.

To stay unnoticed, round your stakes to round numbers. That helps you look like an ordinary player.

More about the Kelly criterion on Wikipedia

Taxes and legality

How do taxes affect profit from surebets?

Taxes can cut your profit substantially, so it is important to include tax obligations when you calculate income from surebets.

Are surebets legal?

Surebets are a strategy in which a player stakes every possible outcome of an event at different bookmakers in order to lock in a profit regardless of the result.

Whether surebets are legal depends on the law of the country. Bookmakers may have their own rules and limits. Some may block accounts of players who use this strategy regularly.

If you plan to use surebets, read the law and the bookmakers’ rules so you can avoid problems.

Where can I find information on the legality of surebets?

You can find information on the legality of surebets on the websites of public bodies that regulate gambling, and on player forums and in communities.

Are surebets themselves legal?

Surebets themselves are legal and are not banned by law. You simply place the first bet at one bookmaker and the second at another. Bookmakers, however, do not welcome arbers and take steps to reduce their presence.

Technical questions

Why are surebet updates on the site sometimes delayed?

The time needed for analysis can sometimes go beyond a comfortable range. We are actively working on optimisation and speed so the data stays current.

Why might a found surebet not match reality?

The data collected for analysis keeps growing and changing. We use experimental models to analyse and present information to bettors. Keeping the data current requires research and the fixing of errors. Our analysts constantly monitor how up to date the data on the service is.

If you find inaccuracies, please tell us where you found them and we will try to fix everything.

Tell us about bugs and we will fix them together!

Account and access

How do I recover my password if I have forgotten it?

You can recover your password via this link: Password recovery

Or click “Log in” and choose “Forgot password?”. You will see a “Password recovery” window where you enter the email address used at registration and click “Send”. You will shortly receive an email with further instructions.

How do I change my email or password?

To change your account details, go to the “Account” tab, then the “Profile” section after clicking “Account” at the top of the home page. Remember to click “Update information” after you make changes.

How do I pay for plans?

General questions

Who usually uses a surebet service?

These tools are typically used by bettors who want to earn seriously from betting.

Where is it more profitable to use scanners: pre-match or live?

Each type has its advantages and drawbacks. Live scanners bring higher profit, but they are more dangerous for bans. Pre-match arbitrage situations last longer, so we recommend and use pre-match.

Can surebets be used for a regular income?

Yes, but in practice it takes considerable effort, analysis, and constant monitoring of odds. Bookmakers may also restrict accounts of successful players and of those they believe bet only on surebets.

How often do odds change during a sporting event?

Odds can move a lot in just a few seconds, especially in LIVE. That is not rare and can seriously affect your strategy, particularly if you planned to bet on a given outcome and the odds then moved so far that the profit potential disappeared.

Can I make millions quickly?

In theory, yes, but in practice it is much harder. Bookmakers are not happy with arbers, because they reduce the bookmaker’s profit, and they may restrict your accounts. There is always a risk that one bookmaker accepts the bet while the other closes before you can place yours, which leads to a loss.

Do I need to take every bet from the feed?

No. That is what filters are for. The aim of betting is to beat the closing line of the most experienced bookmakers. With a large volume of trades, only those who can consistently beat the closing line will be profitable.

When you place a bet, you do not know whether your edge will still be there when the game starts.

A few steps can still improve your chances:

• Bet closer to the start of the match. Odds can move with market dynamics. Bets placed closer to kick-off are less exposed to later moves. It is best to bet within six hours of the start if the edge is large, and within one hour in all leagues.
• Take market liquidity into account. Lower leagues usually have lower liquidity, so their odds are more volatile than those of highly liquid leagues such as the Premier League.
• Watch the odds range. Higher odds mean rarer but larger wins. If the odds have moved by the time you bet, it is better not to take the bet. Filters and a strategic approach will help you increase wins and reduce risk.

Why do we sell arbitrage information?

We understand it may seem odd that we sell a service we say is so effective. The reason is that opportunities for this kind of betting are becoming more limited. Bookmakers are working hard to make winning more difficult, and many of us have already felt that. For us this information is no longer as valuable as it once was, but it can still be useful for you.

Are you a bookmaker?

No, we are not a bookmaker.

Can I place bets through your service, or do I need accounts at bookmakers?

No, you cannot place bets directly through WorkBet.info. You need accounts at various bookmakers to place your bets.

Useful sections of WorkBet.info