2-way arbitrage explained
A 2-way arbitrage — the most common type of surebet — covers a market with two possible results. Think tennis (Player A or Player B), Over/Under goals, or a points handicap. When one bookmaker prices one side generously and another bookmaker prices the opposite side generously, you can back both and lock in profit before a ball is even played.
Worked example
Say Bookmaker A offers 2.10 on Player 1 and Bookmaker B offers 2.10 on Player 2. The sum of inverses is 1/2.10 + 1/2.10 = 0.952 — below 1, so it is a surebet. Enter both odds above with a €100 stake and the calculator splits it into €50 / €50, returning a guaranteed profit on either result.
Which markets are 2-way?
Two-way arbitrage is the most common type of surebet, because so many markets have exactly two outcomes:
- Match winner in tennis, snooker, darts, MMA — sports with no draw
- Over/Under a line — total goals, points, corners or games (e.g. Over/Under 2.5 goals)
- Moneyline in basketball, NFL and baseball, where a tie isn't offered
- Both Teams To Score — Yes or No
- Draw No Bet and two-way Asian handicaps, where the stake is returned on a draw
With only two prices to compare, 2-way arbs are the easiest to spot and the fastest to place — you're placing two bets, not three or four, so there's less that can move against you before both legs are on. That's why the majority of surebets you'll find are two-way.
2-way vs 3-way arbitrage
A two-way market splits the bookmaker's margin across just two prices, so the overround is usually smaller than a three-way (1X2) market — which means 2-way surebets are both more frequent and easier to balance. If a football match won't arb as a 3-way, check its Draw No Bet or Over/Under line: the same game as a 2-way market often does.
Learn more about arbitrage betting
New to this? Read our full guide on what is arbitrage betting, or see the arbitrage betting formula explained step by step with worked examples. Odds in a different format? Use our odds converter to switch between decimal, fractional, American and implied probability.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a 2-way arbitrage bet?
- A 2-way arb covers a market with exactly two possible outcomes across two bookmakers, so that whichever result occurs you make a profit.
- Which markets are 2-way?
- Two-outcome markets such as tennis match winner, Over/Under goals, points spreads, and any moneyline without a draw.
- How do I know the two odds give a surebet?
- Add 1/odd1 + 1/odd2. If the total is below 1, you have a guaranteed profit. The calculator shows this instantly.