What Is the Vig in Betting?
Every time a game is listed at -110 on both sides, you are looking at the vig, even though nothing on the screen calls it that. It is built into the number rather than added on top, which is why so many bettors never notice it until they add up what it has cost them over a season.
Where the money goes
A sportsbook does not need to pick winners. It earns a small slice of everything bet, whichever side hits. If a true coin flip paid even money (+100 each way), the book would break even on balanced action. Pricing both sides at -110 guarantees it does not.
"Vig" and "juice" mean exactly the same thing. Which word you hear is mostly regional habit.
Why -110 is the standard
-110 is the default price on most point spreads and totals in the U.S. It is not fixed, though. Some books offer reduced juice at -105 or even -102 on certain markets to win volume, while props and futures usually carry a much heavier cut. Here is how much each price actually costs you:
| Price (both sides) | Win rate to break even | Book's hold | Risk to win $50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| -102 | 50.50% | 0.98% | $51.00 |
| -105 | 51.22% | 2.38% | $52.50 |
| -110 | 52.38% | 4.55% | $55.00 |
| -115 | 53.49% | 6.52% | $57.50 |
| -120 | 54.55% | 8.33% | $60.00 |
How to see the vig yourself
The cheapest edge in betting
Same pick, same result needed, smaller cut to the house. Shopping for a better price on bets you were already going to make is one of the simplest ways to improve your long-run results without changing a single pick. Our sportsbook reviews are a good place to start.
Vig questions
What is the vig in betting?
Is vig the same as juice?
Can you avoid paying the vig?
Why do sportsbooks charge vig?
Sports betting involves risk and is intended for entertainment purposes for adults 21 and older. Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.