| Sports betting started as a simple leisure time activity | | | | there is zero risk and guaranteed profit. The only short |
| for the rich and the moneyed class who bet on horse | | | | falls are the lower profit and the higher sum of money |
| races. It started in England (now part of UK) and then it | | | | that is needed to make a decent enough profit. |
| spread over to the colonies and stayed back as the | | | | However, it has been a popular method of placing |
| freedom was won for the United States. Since then, | | | | safe bets or sure bets since a long time back. |
| betting has become more than just a leisure time | | | | Here's a simple example from just a few years back. |
| activity. It has become a passion and addictions for | | | | When Bush and Gore were competing, each had |
| many and some take it as a profession almost. | | | | odds of about 6/4. So by betting $1000 on each one, |
| For the serious bettor, there are several factors | | | | you could rest assure of a 25% return on the bets no |
| constantly playing at each game and that makes it | | | | matter who won. So when Bush won, you would've |
| difficult to begin as a bettor whenever you want to. | | | | gotten $2500 and that would've given you a nice $500 |
| There are a lot of things your need to learn first. But | | | | profit. So you have to invest higher but you will get an |
| once you are in full knowledge of what makes a bet a | | | | assured profit on it. This is a no-risk betting scenario |
| bet and all the different odds and how they are | | | | and hence everybody wins. |
| expressed and estimated, you are well on your way | | | | However, you need to understand the odds for each |
| to becoming a pro. | | | | outcome before you can decide to trade arbitrage, |
| One thing professionals always do is keeping a look | | | | because not all situations are fit for it. You have to be |
| out for new ways to make money. One of those | | | | on the look out for them and luckily many such |
| ways is through sports arbitrage. This practice has | | | | opportunities arise each month in various places; |
| been around since the first bookies started | | | | especially in the financial market. So you have to keep |
| bookmaking. It has a fairly simple core concept and it is | | | | a sharp eye out and do your calculations quickly to |
| meant to make the betting situation absolutely safe for | | | | spot a possible arbitrage situation. |
| the bettor. It involves betting at multiple bettors with | | | | So even though a lot money can be made and is |
| such widely varying odds in such a calculated manner | | | | made from arbitrage trades every month, you have to |
| that no matter what the outcome is, you stand to | | | | be very careful about the bets you place. You have to |
| make a nice profit. | | | | know exactly how much to stake and have to sure |
| This is really a perfect situation for bettors where | | | | that an arbitrage trade is favorable. |