What is a LOCK? Arbitrage betting, explained calmly

Arbitrage, which Coconuts calls a LOCK: when two books disagree enough that one bet at each returns about the same either way, and the catches.

Every so often, two sportsbooks price the same game far enough apart that a bet on each side, at the right stakes, returns about the same amount whatever the result. That's arbitrage. In Coconuts we call it a LOCK card, and we show the stake split for your bankroll.

A quick example

Book A has Team X at +110 (2.10). Book B has Team Y at -102 (1.98). Staking about $48.5 at A and $51.5 at B returns about $101.9 either way, at those exact prices. The arbitrage calculator does the split for you.

The catches (there are always catches)

• Prices move. A gap can close in seconds. Check both prices right before you place.
• Books can limit or cancel. Books may limit accounts that take these prices often, and may void bets on obvious errors.
• Rules differ. Overtime, postponements and settlement rules aren't always the same at both books.
• Small margins. Gaps are usually a percent or two, so mistakes cost more than the gap.

LOCK cards are information, not advice. You decide, and you place your own bets.