What are Props Markets?
Props markets are those parts of a game that may have nothing to do with the final outcome. Examples include, player tackles, shots on target or passes. The validity of the prop bet will be affected by whether the player starts the match.
Some bookmakers will cancel (refund) your bet at match commencement if the player does not start, whereas other sites will allow the bet to run, and potentially stand if the player is substituted onto the field of play.
How does this affect Arbitrage Betting?
If you place an arbitrage bet using betting sites with different void rules, you may create a situation where one bet is cancelled at match commencement, and the other is able to stand due to the player being substituted on. This removes the risk free element of arbitrage betting, and if the standing bet is a loser, you may end up with an overall loss.
For this reason, bets on props markets should always be checked, to ensure the player is set to start the match, and action should be taken if this is not the case. Bets should be cashed out or if this is unavailable in exceptional circumstances, contact the bookmaker via live chat to cancel your bet.
List of important bookmaker Void Rules
Detailed below are all the void rules necessary, as per official terms and conditions, as at August 2023.
For those where 'No' is recorded, the bet will be void anyway if the player does not enter the field of play at any point. These following rules are only relevant where the player does not start, but is later substituted on.
You may want to cash out bets placed on markets recorded 'No', as the player will have less match minutes to fulfil your bet.
Arbitrage betting on cards markets
As well as props markets, cards can be another area of concern for arbitrage bettors. Bookmakers have differing terms and conditions regarding card be settlement.
The main difference arises in the treatment of direct red cards. In the table below, the 'Cards' column refers to counting a card shown as a physical card. E.g. Direct red card shown is a single card. The 'Booking Points' column refers to the treatment of a direct red card as the equivalent of 2 cards.
For example: You require over 1.5 cards on PaddyPower, and under 1.5 cards on Bet365. If a direct red card is the only card shown, this counts as one physical card on PaddyPower but the equivalent of 2 cards on Bet365. Both bets lose.
How does this affect Arbitrage Bettors?
In summary, you can only place arbitrage bets on 2 bookmakers who operate under the same rules.
The only exception is when the 'Under' line operates by cards, and the 'Over' line operates by booking points. For example: PaddyPower and Bet365 respectively.
