Direct Answer
Sportsbook margin (also called vig, juice, hold, or overround) is the built-in mathematical edge a book takes by pricing both sides of a market to sum above 100% probability. The standard US line of –110/–110 carries a ~4.55% hold per market.
Key Takeaways
- Standard hold on –110/–110 is ~4.55%.
- Hold compounds across every bet.
- Lower-vig books are an immediate, free edge boost.
How hold is calculated
Sum the implied probabilities of every outcome in the market. The amount above 100% is the overround. Hold = overround / sum. A market with implieds 52.38% and 52.38% sums to 104.76%, with overround 4.76% and hold 4.55%.
Why margin matters compounded
A 4.55% hold per bet is a 4.55% headwind every wager. Across 1,000 bets at $100 each, that's $4,550 of expected loss against no edge. Reducing the markets you play to the lowest-vig books is one of the few free upgrades available.
Frequently asked questions
Is no-vig pricing possible?+
Yes, at very sharp books and on selected exchanges, vig is minimal (often <1%). Most retail US books run 4–5%+ on standard markets.
Educational only. Not wagering, financial, or legal advice. See our editorial policy.