🤲 Hold Calculator

Calculate the bookmaker's hold (vig) percentage on any betting market

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Hold % Calculation
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Hold Calculator

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Understanding Bookmaker Hold

Bookmaker hold (also called vig or vigorish) is the built-in profit margin that ensures the bookmaker makes money regardless of the outcome. It's calculated as the difference between the total implied probability and 100%.

Hold Formula

Hold % = (Sum of Implied Probabilities - 100%)
Where Implied Probability = (1 ÷ Decimal Odds) × 100

📊 Practical Example

NFL Point Spread: Both sides at -110 odds
Implied Probability: 52.38% for each side
Total Probability: 52.38% + 52.38% = 104.76%
Hold Percentage: 104.76% - 100% = 4.76%

This means the bookmaker has a 4.76% built-in advantage.
✅ Standard hold for major sports betting markets

Hold Percentage Ranges

✅ Low Hold (2-4%)

Markets: Major sports, competitive lines
Examples: NFL spreads, NBA totals, Premier League
Efficiency: Very efficient markets
Value: Harder to find, requires skill

⚠️ Medium Hold (4-8%)

Markets: Standard sports betting
Examples: College sports, tennis, hockey
Efficiency: Moderately efficient
Value: Some opportunities for skilled bettors

📈 High Hold (8-15%)

Markets: Niche sports, futures
Examples: MMA, golf, season-long bets
Efficiency: Less efficient
Value: More opportunities, higher variance

❌ Very High Hold (15%+)

Markets: Props, novelty bets
Examples: Player props, entertainment
Efficiency: Inefficient
Value: Proceed with caution

Popular Market Analysis

Compare hold percentages across different betting markets to understand where bookmakers have the highest advantage.

Finding Value with Hold Analysis

✅ Value Betting Strategy

  • Focus on markets with lower hold percentages
  • Calculate fair odds by removing the hold
  • Compare your probability estimates to fair odds
  • Look for opportunities in high-hold markets
  • Shop around different bookmakers

⚠️ Hold Considerations

  • Low hold doesn't guarantee value exists
  • High hold markets may still have value
  • Hold varies by bookmaker and market liquidity
  • Consider hold when sizing your bets
  • Factor hold into your expected value calculations

Advanced Hold Concepts

📊 Fair Value Calculation

To find fair odds, divide each outcome's implied probability by the total market probability. This removes the bookmaker's edge and shows true value.

💱 Hold vs. Margin

Hold is the raw percentage above 100%. Margin is hold divided by total probability. Margin better represents the bookmaker's true profit percentage.

🏪 Bookmaker Differences

Different bookmakers have different hold percentages on the same market. Shopping for the best odds means finding the lowest hold.

⏰ Dynamic Hold

Hold percentages change as odds move. Live betting often has higher hold due to the rapid price changes and increased risk.

Frequently Asked Questions