Hold Calculator
What is Sportsbook Hold?
Hold, also known as "juice" or "vig," represents the theoretical margin built into betting odds by sportsbooks. It's the percentage of wagered money that a sportsbook expects to keep as profit. Lower holds mean better odds for bettors, while higher holds indicate less favorable betting conditions.
A perfect market with no hold (0%) would have odds that exactly reflect true probabilities. For example, if one side is +150, the other side would be -150. However, sportsbooks typically build in a margin to ensure profit, resulting in holds typically ranging from 2% to 10% in major markets.
How to Use This Calculator:
- Enter the American odds for Side 1 (e.g., +150)
- Enter the American odds for Side 2 (e.g., -160)
- The calculator will show the hold percentage and market efficiency metrics
Understanding Hold Percentages
- 0-2%: Excellent odds (rare, typically found in arbitrage opportunities)
- 2-4%: Very good odds (common in major markets with high competition)
- 4-6%: Average odds (typical for most major sports markets)
- 6-8%: Below average odds (common in props and smaller markets)
- 8%+: Poor odds (often found in parlays and niche markets)
Tips for Using Hold Analysis
- Compare holds across different sportsbooks to find the best odds
- Major sports typically offer lower holds due to competition
- Prop bets and exotic markets usually have higher holds
- Shop for the best lines to minimize the hold you're paying
Note: Lower holds don't guarantee profitable bets, but they do mean you're getting better odds and paying less juice to the sportsbook.