How the vig works
On a two-way market priced -110 / -110, both sides' implied probabilities add up to about 105 percent, not 100. That extra 5 percent is the vig. Bet $110 to win $100 on each side and the book keeps the difference no matter who wins. Over thousands of bets, that margin is the sportsbook's guaranteed edge.
Why it matters
The vig sets the bar you have to clear. At -110 you need to win about 52.4 percent of your bets just to break even, not 50. That is why line shopping and getting -105 instead of -110, or a better number entirely, has an outsized effect on long-term results.
How to beat the vig
Strip the vig out to find the fair, no-vig price, then only bet when a book's number is better than fair. Shop every bet across regulated books and take the best available line. Reducing the margin you pay, bet after bet, is one of the most reliable edges available to any bettor.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a bet -110 and not even money?
The extra 10 is the vig, the book's commission. It makes a 50-50 proposition profitable for the sportsbook over time.
How do you calculate no-vig odds?
Convert both sides to implied probability, then divide each by the total so they sum to 100 percent. A no-vig calculator does this instantly.
Related terms
21+. For entertainment and educational purposes, not financial advice. If gambling stops being fun, take a break. 1-800-GAMBLER. Regulated US books only.