FAQ
Short answers to what beginners ask most. The details are in the chapters each answer points to.
Is it really risk-free?
Almost. Mathematically an arb covers both outcomes and pays whatever the result. The real risks aren’t in the result but in execution: the price can move, the bet can be rejected, the bookmaker can cut your limit. So it’s more honest to say “low risk”, not “zero risk”. More in Risks.
How much can I make?
It depends on your bankroll. With some experience, $1,000+ is very doable.
How much money do I need to start?
Technically any amount, but for the profit to be noticeable you need a decent bankroll spread across several venues. For your first arbs take small amounts: the goal is to learn the mechanics and not do anything silly, not to make money. $20–50 per venue is enough to learn. More in Before you start.
How much time does it take?
Depends how you work. In pre-match you can check in once a day and go through arbs calmly. Live needs you there: seconds decide everything, and it’s closer to a proper shift at the screen.
Is it legal?
Arbitrage itself doesn’t break the law. But whether a given venue is available depends on your country (geo restrictions), and individual bookmakers have the right under their own rules to limit a player who wins consistently. Check the law where you live: that’s your responsibility.
Why can’t I find an arb on one venue?
Because inside one bookmaker the probabilities always add up to more than 100%: that’s its margin. An arb only appears between different venues, when their prices diverge. More in Odds, probability and margin.
What if I only managed to place one leg?
Then you’re not in an arb, you’re in a normal bet. Options: quickly complete the second leg on another venue, or close the position with a minimal loss. The main thing is not to sit and root for the result. More in Beginner mistakes.
Do I need crypto?
For full use, yes. Prediction markets only work in crypto, and many bookmakers take it faster and more easily than cards. We recommend topping up every bookmaker in crypto too: it’s simpler, and there’s less hassle with verification. Keep balances in stablecoins so the rate doesn’t move.
How is a prediction market different from a bookmaker?
With a bookmaker you bet against the house at its odds. On a prediction market you buy a share of an outcome from other people; the price in cents is the probability. To convert to odds: 1 / (cents / 100). More in Sportsbooks vs prediction markets.
Can I get banned for arbs?
Some bookmakers can cut your limits or close the account of someone who wins consistently. Pinnacle, on the other hand, welcomes winners, and exchanges don’t limit at all. More in Limits and restrictions.
Live or pre-match, where do I start?
Pre-match. Prices move slower, the window is wider, you can place both legs calmly. Live is faster and pays more, but needs experience and speed. More in Pre-match vs live.
Does Pulse place bets for me?
No. Pulse is a scanner: it finds arbs and works out the stakes. You place the bets by hand on the venues. That matters for control, and because every venue has its own interface.
I’m a complete beginner. Where do I start?
With pre-match, small amounts and two or three venues. Do your first arb slowly, checking every step. When the mechanics stop raising questions, add venues and volume. More in Start here.