Here's an interesting one:The aussie TAB have the following...

Here's an interesting one:

The aussie TAB have the following odds:

NZ $1.50
AS $2.40

the NZ TAB has

NZ $1.70
AS $2.10

(Ok interesting because in Aus. NZ is the preferred team! :)

Interesting also because if one placed the following bets:

NZ @ 1.70 (with the NZ TAB)
AS @ 2.40 (with the Aus TAB)

The total odds here are $4.10 or, and one would think, a risk free return of $2.05 (5%) would be possible.

Unfortunately this does not work. The closest you get is to bet 59% of your money on NZ and 41% on Aus. This would provide a risk free net return of -1%.

(not great)

On exploring the numbers it appears that even while the net of the two odds are > $4 (4.10), the returns diminish as the difference between the two odds increases - to a point that a difference of > 15% between the individual odds (against the sum of both odds) returns a loss.

Not being a mathematical guru, I am at a loss to explain this - but suffice to say, I'll be opening an account with an Australian TAB (I already have a NZ TAB account) and watching for any positions in which different odds are being offered, the sum of those odds is >= $4.10 and the difference between them is <= 15% of $4.10.

Moreover, the AB's will beat the Aussies tonight in a proud return to form in order to restore their pride.

Go the ABs!