When diving into the world of sports betting, you’ll often come across terms like “vigorish,” “juice,” or “vig.” These terms may sound confusing to beginners, but understanding them is essential to becoming a smarter bettor. In this article, we’ll break down what vigorish means, how it works, and how it affects your betting outcomes.
What Is Vigorish in Sports Betting?
Vigorish (often called as “vig”) is the commission that sportsbooks charge on bets. Also known as the “juice,” it's the price you pay the bookmaker to accept your wager.
It is the bookmaker's profit margin — they include this fee in the odds to ensure they make money regardless of the outcome of an event.
Why Is It Called “Juice” or “Vig”?
“Vigorish” is believed to have originated from a Russian word meaning “winnings.”
“Juice” is slang used in the betting world to refer to the same concept, implying the "extra" that gives the house its edge.
How Does the Vig Work? (With Example)
Let’s consider a common point spread bet in American football with moneyline odds :
Match: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Dallas Cowboys
Point Spread:
Chiefs -3 (-110)
Cowboys +3 (-110)
What This Means:
Point Spread: Chiefs must win by more than 3 points to cover the spread. Cowboys can lose by up to 2 points or win outright to cover.
Moneyline Odds: Both sides are priced at -110, which means you must bet $110 to win $100.
Understanding the Vig:
The vig is the bookmaker's cut. Let’s break it down:
Suppose:
You bet $110 on the Chiefs -3
Another bettor bets $110 on the Cowboys +3
So the total amount bet = $110 + $110 = $220
No matter who wins:
One bettor gets $100 profit + their $110 stake = $210
The bookmaker keeps the remaining $10 as vig
Vig Calculation:
Total bet: $220 Payout to winner: $210 Vig = $10 House edge = $10 / $220 = ~4.54%
Vigorish in Decimal Odds (European Format)
If you're betting with decimal odds, you’ll often see values like 1.91 instead of 2.00 on a 50/50 market.
True even odds: 2.00 (no vig)
With vig: 1.91 (implies bookmaker edge)
Example:
You bet $100 at 1.91
Your return is $191 (profit = $91)
The missing $9 compared to even odds is the vig.
How to Calculate the Vigorish (Juice)
To find out how much juice a bookmaker is charging, Use the formula:
(1 / Odds Team A) + (1 / Odds Team B) - 1 = Vig Percentage
Example (Using Decimal Odds):
Team A: 1.91
Team B: 1.91
(1/1.91) + (1/1.91) - 1 = 0.5235 + 0.5235 - 1 = 0.047 or **4.7% vig**
Why Understanding Juice Matters
Knowing how the juice works helps you:
Identify fair odds
Compare sportsbooks
Spot value bets
Maximize long-term profits
Can You Avoid the Vig?
You can’t completely avoid juice, but here are ways to minimize it:
Shop for better lines across different sportsbooks.
Bet with reduced juice books, which offer -105 instead of -110.
Take advantage of no-vig promotions or offers.
Use exchanges or peer-to-peer platforms with lower commissions.
Understanding what “vigorish” or “juice” means in betting is essential for anyone serious about making informed wagers. It’s not just about picking winners — it’s about knowing the cost of each bet and how it affects your returns. By learning to factor in the vig, you can become a more efficient and profitable bettor.
FAQs on Vigorish and Juice
Q: Is juice the same on all bets?
A: No. While -110 is common, some sportsbooks offer different juice depending on the sport or market.
Q: Is juice only on losing bets?
A: No. It’s factored into all bets through the odds, regardless of win or loss.
Q: Do bookmakers always profit through juice?
A: Not always, but the juice gives them a consistent edge over time.
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