When engaging in sports arbitrage, the 'best' books to arb on with limits are typically the larger, more established sportsbooks. These platforms often have higher default limits for main lines on major sports like NFL, NBA, and MLB, as you've experienced with DraftKings. However, it's crucial to understand that any bookmaker will eventually limit or ban accounts that consistently win through arbitrage, as this practice is unprofitable for them.
Understanding Sportsbook Limits and Arbitrage
Sportsbooks set limits on how much you can bet on a particular market. These limits vary significantly based on several factors:
- Sport and League: Major sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, top-tier soccer) generally have higher limits than niche sports or minor leagues.
- Market Type: Main lines (moneyline, spread, total) typically have higher limits than prop bets or futures.
- Bookmaker's Confidence: If a bookmaker is very confident in their odds, they might allow larger bets.
- Your Betting History: As you've discovered, a history of winning, especially through arbitrage, will quickly lead to reduced limits.
- State Regulations: As one community reply noted, limits can indeed vary by state due to different regulatory environments and operational strategies of the bookmakers in those jurisdictions.
Arbitrage betting, or 'arbing,' involves placing bets on all possible outcomes of an event across different sportsbooks to guarantee a profit, regardless of the result. While mathematically sound, it exploits discrepancies in odds, which bookmakers actively try to prevent. Their business model relies on setting accurate odds and profiting from the vig (juice) they charge.
Why Your Accounts Get Limited (and What to Expect)
Bookmakers employ sophisticated algorithms to identify profitable bettors and arbitrageurs. When an account consistently shows a profit, especially from placing bets that exploit odds discrepancies, it triggers red flags. Common actions taken by sportsbooks include:
- Reduced Limits: This is the most common first step, drastically cutting the maximum amount you can wager.
- Market Restrictions: You might be prevented from betting on certain markets or sports.
- Account Closure: In severe cases, your account may be closed, and you'll only be allowed to withdraw your remaining balance.
- Bonus Restrictions: You may be excluded from future promotions or bonus offers.
It's important to remember that bookmakers are private businesses and have the right to refuse service to anyone, especially those who consistently cost them money. This is a fundamental aspect of their terms and conditions, which you agree to when signing up.