Arbitrage mechanics & rules
In the UK, arbitrage is widely practiced between high street bookies and betting exchanges (Betfair, Smarkets).
Payouts are determined by multiplying the unit stake by the cumulative price of each winning selection or combination line. If any selection is scratched or declared non-runner/void, standard rules settle that leg at neutral odds of 1.00.
Worked example: Arbitrage
Exploiting an arb between Bet365 at 2.15 and Betfair exchange at 2.10: placing £494.12 at 2.15 and £505.88 at 2.10 guarantees £1,062.35 returned (£62.35 tax-free profit) regardless of the match result.
Always check bookmaker maximum payout caps and race terms before placing high-volume system bets.
Arbitrage inputs & settings
Odds Format & Stake Sizing
Enter odds in decimal / fractional odds or switch between decimal, fractional, and moneyline formats. Ensure you verify whether you are entering unit stake per bet or total budget.
Settlement Conditions
Select the result for each pick (Won, Placed, Dead Heat, Void, or Lost) to calculate precise return figures.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
UK Arbitrage questions
How does a void leg affect a arbitrage?
When a selection is void, postponed, or scratched, that specific leg counts as a 1.00 multiplier (money returned for that leg), and the multiple bet rolls down into the remaining folds.
What is the difference between unit stake and total stake?
Unit stake is the amount wagered on each individual bet or line. Total stake equals the unit stake multiplied by the total number of bets in the multiple or system wager.
Are gambling and betting winnings taxed?
In the UK, gambling winnings are 100% tax-free for players under UK tax law.