In Roulette, the “House Edge” is the green Zero. In sports betting, the edge is hidden inside the odds themselves. This hidden fee is known as the Vig, Juice, or Margin.
Bookmakers manipulate the odds so that the total implied probability of all outcomes adds up to more than 100%. That excess percentage is their profit. Our Sportsbook House Edge Calculator “de-vigs” the lines instantly, revealing the mathematical advantage the bookie has over you and calculating the True Odds (the price you should be getting).
House Edge Calculator
Vig / Juice| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Implied Probability | 104.76% |
| True Win Probability (A) | 50.00% |
| Fair Odds (No Vig) | +100 / 2.00 |
How to Use the Calculator
This tool allows you to strip away the bookmaker’s commission to see the raw probabilities of a match. Here is how to use it:
- Select Odds Format: Choose between American (e.g., -110) or Decimal (e.g., 1.91).
- Select Market Type:
- 2-Way: For markets with no draw option, such as NFL Spreads, NBA Moneyline, or Tennis.
- 3-Way: For markets with a draw option, such as Soccer (1X2) or NHL Regulation lines.
- Enter the Odds: Input the lines for both sides (e.g., -110 for the Favorite and -110 for the Underdog).
- Analyze the Data:
- House Edge (Vig): The percentage of every dollar wagered that the bookie expects to keep mathematically.
- Fair Odds: These are the “No-Vig” odds. If you can find a sportsbook offering odds better than these “Fair Odds,” you have found a Positive EV bet.
Related Tools: Once you know the true win probability, use the Kelly Criterion Calculator to determine exactly how much you should bet. To check if the edge differs between books, use the Arbitrage Calculator to guarantee a profit.
Real-World Examples: Good vs. Bad Lines
Not all sportsbooks charge the same price. Using this calculator helps you spot “Greedy” lines versus “Fair” lines.
Example 1: The Standard Line (Good)
You are betting on an NFL spread. DraftKings offers -110 on the Chiefs and -110 on the Bills.
- Total Implied Probability: 104.76%.
- House Edge: 4.55%.
- Verdict: This is the industry standard. It is a fair price to pay for the service of booking the bet.
Example 2: The “Rip-Off” Line (Bad)
You look at a different sportsbook for an MMA fight. They offer -120 on the Favorite and -120 on the Underdog.
- Total Implied Probability: 109.09%.
- House Edge: 8.33%.
- Verdict: You are paying nearly double the standard commission! This is common in niche markets like Player Props. Avoid these lines if possible.
Example 3: The 3-Way Trap (Soccer)
You bet on a Premier League match: Home (2.50), Draw (3.20), Away (2.80).
- Total Implied Probability: 106.96%.
- House Edge: 6.51%.
- Insight: 3-Way markets generally have a higher house edge than 2-way markets because it is harder for the bookmaker to balance the action perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a good House Edge in sports betting?
A standard, competitive House Edge for major markets (NFL, NBA, EPL) is roughly 4% to 5% (often derived from -110/-110 lines). Anything below 4% is considered “Low Vig” (great value). Anything above 7% is considered expensive and should generally be avoided unless you have specific inside information.
What are “Fair Odds”?
Fair Odds (or No-Vig Odds) represent the true probability of an event occurring without the bookmaker’s markup. For example, in a perfect coin toss, the Fair Odds are +100 (2.00). If a bookie offers -110, the difference between -110 and +100 is the fee you pay.
Why do Player Props often have higher Vig?
Sportsbooks charge a higher House Edge on props (often 7% to 10%) because these markets are more volatile and easier for sharp bettors to exploit. The higher fee acts as insurance for the bookmaker against calculation errors.