Hold Betting Tool
Calculate the bookmaker's hold (vig) on a two-way market with implied probabilities.
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose the odds format you prefer (Decimal, Fractional, or American)
- Enter the odds for Outcome 1 (for instance, Team A to win)
- Enter the odds for Outcome 2 (for instance, Team B to win)
- The tool then displays the bookmaker margin, the implied probabilities, and the fair odds
Formula
Implied Probability = 1 / Decimal Odds
Total Implied Probability = IP₁ + IP₂
Bookmaker Margin (Hold) = Total Implied Probability - 1
Fair Probability = Implied Probability / Total Implied Probability
Fair Odds = 1 / Fair Probability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the bookmaker hold, or margin?
The hold, or margin, is the profit the bookmaker builds into the price. It is the extent to which the combined implied probabilities run beyond 100%. A 5% hold means the bookmaker expects to retain 5 cents of every dollar staked.
What constitutes a good hold percentage?
The lower the figure, the better for the bettor. Most sportsbooks carry a hold of 4-10% on standard markets. Sharp bookmakers may quote margins of 2-3%, while certain prop bets can run to 15% or more.
What do we mean by fair odds?
Fair odds are the prices that would apply were the bookmaker’s margin reduced to zero. They reflect the genuine mathematical probability of each outcome as the market judges it.