What is the Vig (Vigorish)?
The vig (short for vigorish), also called juice or hold, is the sportsbook's built-in profit margin on every bet. It's how sportsbooks guarantee they make money regardless of which side wins.
The Simple Explanation
In a perfectly fair market, a 50/50 coin flip would have +100 odds on both sides (bet $100 to win $100). But sportsbooks charge -110 on each side instead.
Fair Market (No Vig)
Heads: +100 / Tails: +100
Bet $100, Win $100 (2.0 decimal)
Real Sportsbook (With Vig)
Heads: -110 / Tails: -110
Bet $110, Win $100 (1.91 decimal)
That extra $10 you have to risk? That's the vig. It's about 4.55% on standard -110/-110 odds.
The Vig Formula: Step-by-Step
Here's how to calculate the vig on any two-way market (spread, total, moneyline):
Step 1: Convert to Implied Probability
For negative odds (favorites):
Implied Prob = |Odds| ÷ (|Odds| + 100)
Example: -110 → 110 ÷ 210 = 52.38%
For positive odds (underdogs):
Implied Prob = 100 ÷ (Odds + 100)
Example: +150 → 100 ÷ 250 = 40.00%
Step 2: Add Both Probabilities (Overround)
In a fair market, probabilities add to exactly 100%. With vig, they add to more than 100%.
Overround = Side 1 Prob + Side 2 Prob
Example: 52.38% + 52.38% = 104.76%
Step 3: Calculate the Vig Percentage
The vig is the percentage the book takes from the total market:
Vig % = (Overround - 100) ÷ Overround × 100
Example: (104.76 - 100) ÷ 104.76 × 100 = 4.55%
Complete Worked Example
Let's calculate the vig on an NFL spread: Chiefs -3.5 (-115) vs Raiders +3.5 (-105)
Step 1: Convert to Implied Probability
Chiefs -115:
115 ÷ 215 = 53.49%
Raiders -105:
105 ÷ 205 = 51.22%
Step 2: Calculate Overround
53.49% + 51.22% = 104.71%
Step 3: Calculate Vig
(104.71 - 100) ÷ 104.71 × 100 = 4.50%
Result: 4.50% Vig
This is slightly below standard, meaning this is a decent line to bet compared to -110/-110 (4.55% vig).
Typical Vig by Market Type
Not all markets have the same vig. Here's what to expect:
| Market Type | Typical Vig | Standard Odds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL/NBA Spreads | 4-5% | -110/-110 | Most liquid, lowest vig |
| Totals (O/U) | 4-5% | -110/-110 | Similar to spreads |
| Moneylines | 4-8% | Varies | More vig on big favorites |
| Player Props | 5-10% | -115/-115 | Higher vig, more edge |
| Parlays (SGP) | 10-25% | Correlated | Hidden in correlation pricing |
| Futures | 15-40% | Multi-way | Early value, high vig |
Watch for Hidden Vig
Same Game Parlays (SGPs) often have 15-25% hidden vig built into the correlation pricing. Use our SGP Calculator to check the true value.
Comparing Vig Across Sportsbooks
Different sportsbooks charge different vig. Here's a general comparison:
| Category | Typical Vig | Break-Even Win % | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharp Books | 2-3% | 51.0-51.5% | Pinnacle, Circa, Bookmaker |
| Reduced Juice | 2.5-3.5% | 51.2-51.7% | BetRivers -109, Bet365 |
| Standard Retail | 4-5% | 52.3-52.5% | DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars |
| High Vig Books | 6-8% | 53.0-54.0% | Some smaller books |
The Long-Term Impact
Over 1,000 bets at $100 each with a 53% win rate:
At -110 (4.55% vig)
+$618
profit
At -105 (2.44% vig)
+$1,671
profit
Difference
+$1,053
extra profit
Finding -105 instead of -110 is worth over $1,000 per 1,000 bets. This is why line shopping matters.
Calculating No-Vig (True) Odds
Once you know the vig, you can calculate the "true" fair odds by removing it:
No-Vig Formula
True Prob = Implied Prob ÷ Total Overround
Then convert back to American odds
Example: -110 / -110
• Side 1 implied: 52.38% → True: 52.38% ÷ 104.76% = 50.00%
• Side 2 implied: 52.38% → True: 52.38% ÷ 104.76% = 50.00%
• No-vig odds: +100 / +100 (even money)
Why True Odds Matter
Knowing the true odds helps you find value. If you believe a team has a 55% chance to cover, but the true odds imply 50%, you have a +EV bet. Use our True Odds Calculator to instantly strip the vig.
Pro Tips for Minimizing Vig
Line Shop Every Bet
Check 3-5 sportsbooks for every bet. The difference between -110 and -105 is significant over time. Use our Odds Comparison Tool.
Stick to Main Markets
Spreads and totals have the lowest vig. Exotic props and parlays have much higher margins. Only bet props when you have a real edge.
Seek Reduced Juice Promotions
Many books offer reduced juice (-105) on select games or markets. BetRivers has -109 standard. These promotions add up significantly.
Avoid High-Vig Markets
Futures (especially early season) and exotic props can have 20-40% vig. Calculate the vig before betting these markets.
Consider Sharp Books
If you can get accounts at sharp books (Pinnacle, Circa), their 2-3% vig will save you thousands over time. They're harder to beat but offer better value.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring vig on parlays
The vig compounds with each leg. A 4-leg parlay at -110 per leg has ~17% total vig, not 4 × 4.5%. Parlay calculators often hide this.
Only checking one sportsbook
The difference between -115 and -105 is huge over time. Always compare at least 3 books before placing any bet.
Betting high-vig props without edge
Player props often have 8-10% vig. Unless you have specific knowledge or a model, you're fighting an uphill battle.
Chasing odds boosts without checking value
Many "boosted" odds still have significant vig baked in. Use our Odds Boost Calculator to verify true value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard vig on a sports bet?
The standard vig on point spreads and totals is about 4.55% (implied by -110 odds on both sides). Some sportsbooks offer reduced juice at -105, which is only 2.44% vig. Player props typically have 5-8% vig, while futures can have 15-30% or more.
Does lower vig guarantee better results?
Lower vig improves your long-term expectation but doesn't guarantee profits. It means you need to win a lower percentage to break even. At -110, you need 52.38% winners. At -105, only 51.22%. Over thousands of bets, this difference is significant.
Which sportsbooks have the lowest vig?
Sharp books like Pinnacle, Circa, and Bookmaker typically offer the lowest vig (2-3%). Among retail books, BetRivers, Caesars, and some DraftKings markets offer reduced juice. Always compare odds across multiple books for each bet.
How does vig affect my break-even percentage?
Your break-even percentage = Implied Probability of your side. At -110, you need to win 52.38% to break even. At -105, only 51.22%. At +100 (no vig), exactly 50%. Every percentage point matters over the long run.