Ascot 14:30 · 1m2f Handicap · 4 runners
| Runner |
Betfair
5% commission
|
Skybet
back only
|
Smarkets
2% commission
|
Matchbook
3% commission
|
|---|
Arbitrage in betting markets occurs when the best available back odds on one exchange are higher than the best available lay odds on another — creating a guaranteed profit regardless of the race result. This happens because different platforms price markets independently and can temporarily diverge.
The 1.04 multiplier accounts for the combined commission charged on both sides (~4% blended).
Without factoring in commission an apparent arb can become a small loss — this is one reason genuine arbs are rare and short-lived.
In practice, arbs last 8–20 seconds at most. Market-making bots and smart money close the gap almost instantly. The opportunities shown here simulate realistic price drift across Betfair, Skybet, Smarkets, and Matchbook — with Skybet offering back prices only (no exchange lay market) and slightly shorter odds due to their built-in margin.