What is Sportsbook Hold?

Sportsbook hold (also called vig, juice, or house edge) is the profit margin built into betting odds. It's the percentage of money wagered that the sportsbook expects to keep as profit over the long term.

When a sportsbook sets a line or gives odds, they're assigning a probability to each outcome. However, if you add up the implied probabilities from both sides of a bet, you'll notice they total more than 100%. That extra percentage is the hold.

Example: Understanding Hold with Real Odds

Let's say you see these NFL moneyline odds:

• Team A: -190 (implied probability: 65.51%)
• Team B: +160 (implied probability: 38.46%)

Total implied probability: 65.51% + 38.46% = 103.97%

The hold is 103.97% - 100% = 3.97%

This means the sportsbook expects to keep 3.97% of all money wagered on this market.

Why Calculate Sportsbook Hold?

Understanding hold is crucial for serious bettors because it directly impacts long-term profitability (if you assume the sportbook's odds are typically fairly accurate):

1. Find Better Odds

Different sportsbooks have different hold percentages on the same bets. A lower hold means better odds for you.

Example:

• Book A: -110/-110 (4.76% hold)
• Book B: -105/-105 (2.44% hold)
• Betting $100 at Book B saves you $5 per bet

2. Determine Required Win Rate

The hold determines how often you need to win to break even:

• 4.76% hold: Need 52.38% win rate
• 2.44% hold: Need 51.22% win rate
• 0% hold: Need 50% win rate

3. Identify Fair Value

By removing the hold, you can see what the "true" odds should be without the sportsbook's profit margin.

4. Avoid Bad Bets

Some markets have extremely high holds, especially parlays and exotic props. Knowing the hold helps you avoid these traps.

How to Calculate Hold Percentage

For Two-Way Markets (Most Common)

1. Convert both odds to implied probability
2. Add the probabilities together
3. Subtract 100% to get the hold

Formula: Hold = (Implied Prob A + Implied Prob B) - 100%

For Three-Way Markets

The same principle applies, but with three outcomes:

Formula: Hold = (Implied Prob A + Implied Prob B + Implied Prob C) - 100%

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter the odds for all outcomes of the same bet

   • For spreads/totals: Enter both sides
   • For moneylines: Enter odds for both teams
   • For three-way markets: Enter all three options

2. Select odds format (American is default)

   • American: +150, -200
   • Decimal: 2.50, 1.50
   • Fractional: 3/2, 1/2

3. View results instantly

   • Hold percentage
   • Fair odds (vig removed)
   • Required win rate to break even

What Makes a Good Hold Percentage?

Hold percentages vary by market type and sportsbook:

Excellent (Player-Friendly)

• Under 2% - Rare, usually promotional offers
• 2-3% - Sharp/reduced juice books
• Examples: PinnacleSports main markets, betting exchanges

Good (Fair Value)

• 3-4% - Competitive mainstream books
• 4-5% - Standard for major markets
• Examples: Main NFL spreads, major soccer matches

Average (Industry Standard)

• 4.76% - Classic -110/-110 spreads
• 5-6% - Typical for most US sportsbooks
• Examples: Standard NFL spreads and totals

High

• 6-8% - Player props, alternate lines
• 8-10% - Live betting markets
• Examples: First TD scorer, alternate spreads

Very High

• 10-15% - Futures, exotics
• 15%+ - Parlays, teasers
• Examples: Season-long props, same-game parlays

Hold by Bet Type

Lowest Hold Markets

1. Major game spreads (NFL, NBA point spreads)
2. Game totals (over/unders)
3. Moneylines (especially close games)

Highest Hold Markets

1. Player props (TD scorers, point totals)
2. Futures (championship winners)
3. Parlays (hold multiplies with each leg)
4. Live betting (in-game wagers)

Common Hold Percentages

Market Type	Typical Hold	Where to Find
NFL Spreads	4.76%	Most US books (-110/-110)
Reduced Juice	2.44%	Sharp books (-105/-110)
MLB Moneylines	3-4%	Major markets
Player Props	6-10%	All sportsbooks
Futures	15-25%	Championship odds
Parlays	20-30%+	Compounds with legs

Tips for Minimizing Hold Impact

1. Always line shop - Even 0.5% differences matter long-term
2. Avoid high-hold markets - Stick to main game lines when possible
3. Use sharp books - They typically offer lower hold
4. Track your CLV - Closing line value indicates if you're beating the hold
5. Consider exchanges - Betting exchanges often have the lowest hold

Related Calculators

• NFL Odds Calculator - Convert between odds formats
• Parlay Calculator - See how hold compounds in parlays
• Hedge Calculator - Calculate optimal hedge amounts
• Cover Probability Calculator - Find value beyond the hold