What Is Hold (Vig/Juice)?
Hold is the bookmaker’s built-in profit margin on a market. Also called vig (vigorish), juice, or overround, it represents the percentage the bookmaker expects to keep from all bets placed on an event.
How It Works
In a perfectly fair market with two equally likely outcomes:
- Fair odds: 2.00 on each side (50% + 50% = 100%)
- With hold: 1.91 on each side (52.4% + 52.4% = 104.8%)
The extra 4.8% above 100% is the bookmaker’s hold.
The Hold Formula
Hold = (1/Odds₁ + 1/Odds₂ - 1) × 100%
Or equivalently:
Hold = (Implied Prob₁ + Implied Prob₂) - 100%
Why Hold Matters
For Value Betting
Lower hold means fairer odds, making it easier to find +EV bets. A market with 2% hold is significantly better for bettors than one with 8% hold.
For Arbitrage
When the combined hold across multiple bookmakers goes below 0%, an arbitrage opportunity exists — you can guarantee profit regardless of outcome.
For Bankroll Management
Higher hold means higher long-term cost. Betting $1,000 at markets with 5% hold costs you about $50 more than betting at 2% hold.
Typical Hold Percentages
| Market Type | Typical Hold |
|---|---|
| NFL sides | 4.5-5% |
| NFL totals | 5-7% |
| NBA sides | 4.5-5% |
| Soccer match result | 5-8% |
| Prop bets | 8-15% |
| Live betting | 6-10% |
| Pinnacle (low-vig) | 2-3% |
Understanding Fair Odds
The calculator removes the hold to show fair odds (no-vig odds). These represent what the odds would be if the bookmaker took zero margin.
Fair Odds Formula
Fair Probability₁ = Implied Prob₁ / (Implied Prob₁ + Implied Prob₂)
Fair Odds₁ = 1 / Fair Probability₁
Example
Bookmaker odds: Team A at 1.91, Team B at 1.91
- Implied Prob A: 52.36%
- Implied Prob B: 52.36%
- Total: 104.72% (Hold: 4.72%)
Fair odds (no-vig):
- Fair Prob A: 50.00%
- Fair Prob B: 50.00%
- Fair Odds A: 2.000
- Fair Odds B: 2.000
How to Use Hold Information
Compare Bookmakers
Check hold across multiple bookmakers for the same market. Lower hold = better value.
Identify Value Bets
If your estimated probability is higher than the fair probability, the bet has value — even after accounting for the hold.
Find Better Markets
Some bookmakers consistently offer lower hold on certain sports. Pinnacle is known for low vig on major markets.
Evaluate Props and Exotics
Prop bets and exotic markets often carry 10-15% hold. Understanding this helps you avoid overpaying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good hold percentage?
For sides and totals, 3-5% is average, 2-3% is good (like Pinnacle), and below 2% is excellent. For props, 8-10% is average. Lower hold always means better value for bettors.
Is hold the same as vig?
Yes, hold, vig (vigorish), juice, and overround all refer to the same concept: the bookmaker’s built-in margin. The terms are used interchangeably, though “vig” and “juice” are more common in American sports betting.
Can hold be negative?
Yes, when comparing odds across different bookmakers, the combined hold can be negative. This creates an arbitrage opportunity where you can guarantee profit by betting both sides at different sportsbooks.
How does hold affect my long-term results?
Hold directly impacts your expected loss over time. At standard -110/-110 lines (4.76% hold), you lose about $4.76 per $100 wagered long-term. At reduced vig like -105/-105 (2.38% hold), you lose only $2.38 per $100.
Start Calculating Hold
Use our free hold calculator above to:
- Select your odds format (Decimal, Fractional, or American)
- Enter odds for both sides of a market
- Instantly see the hold percentage, implied probabilities, and fair odds
- Compare across bookmakers to find the best value
The calculator helps you understand exactly how much the bookmaker is charging on every market, so you can make smarter betting decisions.