{"id":382513,"date":"2025-02-18T10:52:36","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T10:52:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/?post_type=definition&p=382513"},"modified":"2025-02-19T13:34:06","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T13:34:06","slug":"sports-betting-vig","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/sports-betting-vig","title":{"rendered":"Sports Betting Vig"},"content":{"rendered":"

The vig describes the house edge that an online sportsbook takes on its betting lines. It is an important concept for sports bettors to understand, as it has a major impact on your chances of earning a long-term profit.<\/p>\n

This guide will explain what vig means and how to calculate it when browsing the betting lines at an online sportsbook. We will discuss the standard vig charged by most betting sites, and highlight opportunities to pay a lower rate of vig on certain games. Continue reading to learn more about vig betting.<\/p>\n

What Is the Vig?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Vig is short for vigorish. It is more commonly known as juice. All online sportsbooks<\/a> build vigorish into their betting lines, as it allows them to pay their overheads and generate a profit. The concept of vigorish is similar to the house edge built into a casino game, such as roulette, blackjack or a video slot.<\/p>\n

This image shows the sports betting odds<\/a> available on an NFL football game at BetOnline, our favorite offshore US sportsbook:<\/p>\n

\"Betting<\/p>\n

As you can see, it is offering -110 on the Commanders +5.5 and -110 on the Eagles -5.5. That means:<\/p>\n