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What Is the Vig (Juice) in Betting?

The vig (also called juice or hold) is the margin a sportsbook builds into its odds. It's why the implied probabilities of both sides add up to more than 100% — the extra is the book's cut.

How the vig works

Fair odds on a coin-flip market would be 2.00 on each side (50% + 50% = 100%). Books instead offer something like 1.91 / 1.91, where each side implies ~52.4%. The two add to 104.8% — that extra 4.8% overround is the vig.

Overround vs hold

Overround is how far the implied probabilities exceed 100%. Hold is the share of balanced action the book expects to keep. Lower vig means prices closer to fair — and better long-term value for you.

Example

At 1.91 / 1.91 the overround is 4.8% and the hold is about 4.6%. Sharp books hold ~2–4% on main markets; soft books and props can be 5–8%+.
Try it yourself. Use our free Vig / hold calculator — or see live +EV bets and odds on the board.

FAQ

How do I calculate the vig?

Add the implied probabilities (1 ÷ decimal odds) of every outcome. Anything over 100% is the overround; the hold is 1 − (1 ÷ that sum).

Why does lower vig matter?

Lower-vig markets give you prices closer to the true odds, so more of your bets are +EV and you keep more of your winnings over time.

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