What is vig in sports betting?
The short answer
Short for vigorish. The book's cut on every bet. In loving memory of Vigtoria "Vig" the Goody Girl — a beloved English Bulldog who carried the name with grace.
Watch the lesson
Play the Vig videoBetting slang explained
Knowing the language is step one — knowing the true price is the edge. The Cold Line’s signal desk tracks the no-vig fair number and the closing-line value behind terms like this, before the market moves.
In plain English
The book's built-in cut on every bet. Lay -110 on both sides and the book keeps the difference no matter who wins.
What to remember about Vig
The definition
Short for vigorish. The book's cut on every bet. In loving memory of Vigtoria "Vig" the Goody Girl — a beloved English Bulldog who carried the name with grace.
In plain English
The book's built-in cut on every bet. Lay -110 on both sides and the book keeps the difference no matter who wins.
Example in context
"You're paying the vig either way."
Check yourself
Term quiz
Check yourself: Vig
1.The vig is…
2.At standard -110 odds, you bet $110 to win $100. The extra $10 is…
3.Why does the vig matter to a bettor?
Keep learning
Explore the next question before you place a bet.
Put the concept to work
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