Hold
The percentage of all money wagered that a sportsbook keeps as profit.
The hold (also called the book's margin, overround, or house edge) is the percentage of total handle (all money wagered) that a sportsbook keeps after paying out winners. A standard -110/-110 market creates a hold of approximately 4.5%.
How Hold Is Calculated
If both sides of a market are priced at -110, the total implied probability is 52.4% + 52.4% = 104.8%. That 4.8% excess over 100% represents the book's edge. The hold is derived from this overround.
Hold Varies By Market
Straight bets (spreads, totals) typically carry a 4–5% hold. A 2-team parlay of -110 legs carries about 9%, and longer parlays and same-game parlays often run 15% to 25% or more. Player props are often priced with a 6–10% hold. The more exotic the bet, the higher the hold typically is.
Why It Matters
A lower hold means better prices for bettors. Shopping for the best line across multiple sportsbooks is one of the simplest ways to reduce the effective hold you face.
Key Takeaways
- Hold = the book's built-in profit margin on every market.
- Standard -110/-110 markets have approximately a 4.5% hold.
- Parlays and props carry significantly higher holds.
Examples
- Both sides at -110: total implied probability is 104.8%, so hold ≈ 4.5%.
- A 3-team parlay paying +600 instead of the fair +700 implies a hold of 12.5%.
Test Your Knowledge
1 / 4Do you know what Juice / Vig means?
The commission charged by a sportsbook on every bet, built into the odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hold and vig?
Vig (or juice) is the commission built into the odds. Hold is the share of all money wagered that the book keeps. They are related, and people often use the words interchangeably.
Which bets have the lowest hold?
Main-market spreads and totals on major sports, especially at reduced-juice books. Parlays, same-game parlays, and futures usually have the highest.