Bankroll basics for arbitrage — how much capital do you need?
The most common beginner mistake: all your money ends up stuck in one bookmaker.
Why you need more than you think
Each arb uses money at two or more bookmakers at once. Winnings land at whichever bookie won, so balances drift — one account fills up, another runs empty.
A simple approach
Track everything
A simple spreadsheet: date, match, bookies, stakes, result, profit. You'll quickly see your real profit, which bookies limit you and which arbs were mistakes.
Expectations
Typical arbs are 1–5%. Small, consistent profits compound; chasing 20%+ "arbs" usually means chasing errors that get voided.
Why you need more than you think
Each arb uses money at two or more bookmakers at once. Winnings land at whichever bookie won, so balances drift — one account fills up, another runs empty.
A simple approach
- Pick 4–6 bookmakers you trust (good payouts, accept your stake sizes).
- Keep a working balance in each. Example: ₦50,000 total → roughly ₦8,000–₦12,000 per bookie.
- Size each arb at 10–20% of your total bankroll at most, so one void or mistake doesn't wipe you out.
- Rebalance weekly: withdraw from the fullest accounts and top up the emptiest.
Track everything
A simple spreadsheet: date, match, bookies, stakes, result, profit. You'll quickly see your real profit, which bookies limit you and which arbs were mistakes.
Expectations
Typical arbs are 1–5%. Small, consistent profits compound; chasing 20%+ "arbs" usually means chasing errors that get voided.
❤️ 0