Why is the bookmaker limiting me?

Bookmakers limit players they consider consistently profitable (“sharp”). Common signals are odd stake amounts (e.g. €47.13), only betting on inflated odds, and exclusively using offers. It's a legal commercial decision by the bookmaker, not illegality on your part.

How do I reduce the risk of being limited?

Round your amounts, spread activity across more bookmakers, mix in some ordinary bets, and avoid extreme patterns. You don't eliminate the risk, but you delay it significantly.

What if I only place one leg in time?

If the second leg's odds change before you place it, you're left exposed on an uncovered bet. That's why you place the leg most likely to disappear first, act fast, and accept that some opportunities will be missed.

7 Arbitrage Mistakes & How to Avoid Being Limited

Updated: 21 June 2026 · 6 min read

In arbitrage the match result doesn't concern you — the mistakes are practical: a slow second leg, forgotten commission, wrong stakes and market rules. And above all, patterns that lead to account limiting (gubbing). Here's what they are and how to avoid them.

1. You're slow placing the second leg

The most common and costly mistake. You place one leg, the other's odds change, and the margin disappears — or you're left with an uncovered bet. Place the leg most likely to “go” first, and act fast.

2. You don't account for exchange commission

An arbitrage showing +1% before commission can become a loss after. Always factor in commission (2%–5%) on the lay leg. See how a betting exchange works.

3. Wrong amount or wrong market

A typo in the stake, or betting on a slightly different market (e.g. “Over 2.5” instead of “Over 3.5”), breaks your cover. Double-check before you confirm — the correct stake split matters.

4. You ignore the market rules

Different bookmakers have different rules for draws, cancellations, extra time, dead heat or “void” bets. If your two legs are governed by different rules, an arbitrage can turn into a loss. Read each market's terms.

5. You repeat patterns that “burn” the account

Always odd amounts (€47.13), only betting on inflated odds, only offers — these are all signals bookmakers use to spot “sharp” players and limit them.

6. You don't keep records / bankroll management

Without a record, you don't really know whether you're profitable, which legs failed, or how much capital is “tied up” in pending bets. Keep a simple log and manage your bankroll.

7. You chase unrealistically large margins

An “arbitrage” showing +8% is usually not a gift — it's a wrong odd (a palpable error) that will be voided, or a market with incompatible rules. Realistic margins are 0.5%–3%. If something looks too good, check it twice.

How to avoid being limited by the bookmaker

You can't eliminate the risk, but you can delay it significantly:

Round your amounts (€50 instead of €47.13).
Spread activity across more bookmakers.
Mix in some “ordinary” bets.
Avoid betting only seconds after an odds change.
Withdraw at a reasonable pace, not in extreme patterns.

Remember: limiting is a legal commercial decision by the bookmaker — you're not doing anything illegal. See the legality in Greece.