Vig and juice are the fees built into betting odds. They’re how sportsbooks get paid and why a fair 50/50 wager often costs -110 instead of even money. Understanding the bookmaker’s hold (also called overround) tells you your break-even percentage and how much value you need to win long term. This guide explains what vig/juice are, how to calculate hold, and simple ways to pay less. For neutral background, see Wikipedia: Vigorish and Wikipedia: Overround.
What Are Vig and Juice?
Vig (short for “vigorish”) or juice is the sportsbook’s margin embedded in the odds. On a two-sided market with identical prices (e.g., both sides -110), the book collects vig regardless of which side wins over time.
Why -110? Your Break-Even Percentage
- -110 break-even = 52.38%. You must win 52.38% of -110 bets to break even.
- -105 break-even = 51.22%. Reduced juice lowers the bar.
- +100 break-even = 50.00%. Even money means no vig on that side (market hold may still exist overall).
How to See the Hold (Overround)
Convert each side’s American odds to implied probability, then sum them. Anything over 100% is the hold (the house edge before skill).
Two-Way Example (Both Sides -110)
Implied probability each side: 110 / (110 + 100) = 52.38%. Total = 104.76%.
Hold = 4.76% (the book’s margin on that market).
Two-Way Example (Split Prices -108 / -112)
Side A: 108 / (108+100) = 51.92%. Side B: 112 / (112+100) = 52.83%. Total = 104.75% ≈ same hold, different split.
Three-Way Example (Soccer 1X2)
Sum the implied probabilities for Home, Draw, Away. Totals around 106–110% are common in recreational markets; lower totals = sharper/cheaper.
Where Vig Hides (and How to Pay Less)
- Reduced juice books: Lines like -105 instead of -110 drop your break-even by ~1.16 percentage points.
- Line shopping: Compare price and number across books. See How to Shop Betting Lines.
- Avoid high-hold markets: Exotic props, same-game parlays, and tiny markets often carry larger holds.
- Parlays & hold: Multiplying legs multiplies vig; keep stakes smaller if you parlay for entertainment.
Vig, Line Movement & CLV
Vig doesn’t disappear as lines move—it redistributes. Your job is to beat the closing number over time. See Closing Line Value (CLV) & Line Movement.
Quick Reference: Break-Even Table
- -120 → 54.55%
- -115 → 53.49%
- -110 → 52.38%
- -105 → 51.22%
- +100 → 50.00%
- +110 → 47.62%
FAQs: Vig and Juice
Is vig the same on every market? No. Big leagues often have lower holds; small/exotic markets higher.
Does a promo remove vig? Not necessarily. Read terms—rollovers or boosted legs can add hidden cost.
Should I always take the lowest price? Usually, yes—unless a slightly higher price buys a key number (e.g., NFL +3.5 vs +3). Balance number vs price.
Related Guides
Responsible Gaming
Bet responsibly. Set limits, track results, and seek help if betting stops being fun. U.S. resources: NCPG Help by State.