Responsible gambling
We sell a tool for finding mispriced odds. It is still betting. Here is how to keep it under control, and where to get help if it stops being under control.
18+ only
ArbVantage is only for adults aged 18 or over, or older where local law sets a higher gambling age. If we learn that an account belongs to someone under age, we close it.
Betting carries risk, even with arbitrage
Sure bets lock in a margin on paper, but real life gets in the way:
- odds can move between your first and second bet, leaving one side uncovered;
- bookmakers can void bets, cancel them for "obvious errors", or limit your stakes mid-way;
- value bets lose often by design, and losing runs can be long;
- accounts get restricted, which can strand money or leave positions unbalanced.
Only use money you can afford to lose. Never borrow to bet, and never treat betting as a way out of debt.
Warning signs
Treating betting as a disciplined side project is one thing. It may be becoming a problem if you:
- spend more money or time on betting than you planned to, or than you can afford;
- chase losses, raising stakes to win back what you lost;
- feel restless, anxious or irritable when you are not betting or checking odds;
- hide betting from people close to you, or lie about how much you bet;
- borrow money, sell things or miss bills to fund betting;
- let betting crowd out work, sleep, family or friends;
- keep betting after you have decided to stop.
If any of this sounds familiar, take a break and talk to someone. Help is free and confidential.
Healthy habits
- Set a fixed bankroll for betting, separate from money you need, and don't top it up after losses.
- Decide in advance how much time you will spend, and stop when it is up.
- Log every bet in the tracker so you see your real results, not the ones you remember.
- Don't bet when you are upset, tired or have been drinking.
- Take regular breaks; the opportunities will still be there next week.
Limits and self-exclusion
At your bookmakers
Licensed bookmakers let you set deposit limits, loss limits, session reminders and time-outs from your account settings, and to self-exclude for six months or longer. Use them; they take effect even when willpower doesn't.
National self-exclusion schemes
These block you from every licensed operator in a country at once:
- United Kingdom: GAMSTOP, free self-exclusion from all UK-licensed online gambling sites.
- Germany: OASIS, the national player exclusion system (Spielersperrsystem).
- Sweden: Spelpaus, the national self-exclusion register.
Many other countries run similar schemes; your national gambling regulator's website will list them. Your bank may also let you block gambling transactions on your card.
Get help
- BeGambleAware: information, self-assessment and the National Gambling Helpline (UK).
- GamCare: free support, live chat and counselling (UK).
- Gamblers Anonymous: peer support meetings worldwide.
Outside the UK, search for your national gambling helpline or ask your doctor; support is available in most countries and is usually free.
Leaving ArbVantage
If you want to step away, you can cancel your subscription or delete your account from Settings at any time. If you would like us to block you from signing up again, email support@arbvantage.net and we will do it, no questions asked.