A vig, short for vigorish or juice, is the fee or commission that bookmakers and sportsbooks charge for accepting bets. It's essentially their way of making money regardless of the outcome of a sporting event or gambling activity.

When you place a bet, you'll typically need to wager $110 to win $100. The extra $10 is the vig – the bookmaker's built-in profit margin. This means even if you win 50% of your bets, you'll still lose money in the long run due to the vig.

Here's a simple example of how the vig works: - In a football game with even odds, both teams might be listed at -110 - To win $100 on either team, you must risk $110 - The $10 difference is the bookmaker's vig - If two people bet $110 on opposite sides, the book collects $220 - The winner receives $210 ($110 stake + $100 profit) - The bookmaker keeps the remaining $10 as their fee

The standard vig in sports betting is usually 10%, though it can vary depending on the sportsbook and type of bet. Some markets might have a higher vig, while others offer reduced juice, meaning a lower commission.

Understanding the vig is crucial for serious bettors because it directly impacts your long-term profitability. To break even on your bets, you need to win approximately 52.4% of your wagers when dealing with standard -110 odds.

Professional gamblers often shop around different sportsbooks to find the lowest possible vig, as even small differences in these fees can significantly affect their bottom line over time.

Remember that while the vig might seem like a small fee, it's the primary way bookmakers ensure their profitability and stay in business. It's similar to how other financial institutions charge fees or commissions for their services.

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