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Term
Vig
Quick Summary
Vig—short for vigorish—is the sportsbook’s built-in commission. It's hidden in the odds and ensures the bookmaker profits over time. This guide explains what vig is, how to calculate it, and how bettors can interpret its effect on payouts and pricing.
What Is the Vig?
Vig is the margin sportsbooks charge for facilitating bets. It’s embedded in both sides of a line to ensure profit regardless of outcome.
- When you see -110 odds on both sides of a spread, the vig is the reason neither pays even money
- The vig reduces your return slightly—even when you win
The terms vig and juice are interchangeable in betting.
Why Sportsbooks Use Vig
- To generate revenue regardless of the game’s result
- To balance action and hedge risk
- To offset potential exposure on one side of a line
Vig rates vary by sport, market, and betting volume.
Why Vig Matters to Bettors
- Affects break-even point: At -110, bettors must win 52.38% to break even
- Influences value: The lower the vig, the more favorable the payout
- Impacts bankroll efficiency: High-vig bets reduce long-term ROI
- Signals market sentiment: Adjusted vig may suggest uncertainty or public imbalance
How to Calculate Vig
Step 1: Identify the odds
Example:
- Team A: -120
- Team B: +100
Step 2: Convert to implied probabilities
- 120: 120 / (120 + 100) = 54.55%
- +100: 100 / (100 + 100) = 50.00%
Step 3: Add implied probabilities
54.55% + 50.00% = 104.55%
Step 4: Subtract 100%
Vig = 104.55% – 100% = 4.55%
This is the bookmaker’s built-in margin on this market.
Interpreting the Vig
- A 4.55% vig means the sportsbook expects to keep that share of the money wagered
- Lower vig = better value for the bettor
- Vig is always present—it’s just not shown as a fee
Tips to Minimize Vig Impact
- Shop for odds: Compare lines across sportsbooks to find lower-vig pricing
- Use reduced-vig books: Look for -105 or even +100 options
- Watch for promos: Boosts and no-vig offers temporarily remove the house edge
- Stick to straight bets: Parlays compound the vig
- Explore exchanges: Peer-to-peer platforms often carry lower fees
- Monitor market movement: Line shifts may reduce vig temporarily
FAQs
What is a 10% vig?
A 10% vig means you bet $110 to win $100. The extra $10 is the sportsbook’s cut.
Do you pay the vig if you win?
Yes. The vig is embedded in the odds. Your win payout is reduced slightly to reflect this.
Why is it called “vig”?
It comes from “vigorish,” a term with roots in Yiddish and Russian meaning fee or interest.
Is vig the same as hold?
Not exactly. Vig is the margin on a single market. Hold is the total margin across all bets taken.
Does vig change in live betting?
Yes. Sportsbooks may adjust vig dynamically during live events based on risk and betting volume.
Does vig affect parlays differently?
Yes. Each leg has its own vig, and they compound, reducing long-term efficiency.
Can sportsbooks have different vig on the same event?
Yes. Every book sets its own margin. Line shopping helps you find the lowest vig.
What’s a typical vig range?
Between 2%–6% for most U.S. markets. Smaller or less liquid markets may carry more.
Is it possible to beat the vig long term?
Yes, but only by consistently finding +EV bets where your edge exceeds the house margin.
Why do some sportsbooks offer -105 or +100?
To attract sharp action or gain market share. These lines reduce the vig and increase bettor value.
Learn More
To understand how sharp sportsbooks price markets and how vig impacts line movement, explore more resources at The Advantage, your hub for unbiased, data-first betting education.