What hold tells you
Hold is the book's edge built into the prices. It's the amount the implied probabilities of all outcomes sum above 100%. Lower hold means better prices for you.
Typical holds across markets
- NFL spreads and totals tend to have the lowest hold (around 4 to 5%).
- NBA, NHL, MLB main markets are usually in the 4 to 5.5% range.
- Player props are higher, often 6 to 10% per pair.
- Same-game parlays and exotic markets can have hold north of 15%.
- Futures markets with many entrants (e.g., Stanley Cup winner) often have hold above 20%.
Why hold varies by book
Books position themselves on hold the same way retailers position themselves on price. Reduced-juice operators advertise low hold as a marketing position; recreational-focused books carry higher hold because their customer base is less price-sensitive. The MatchupOdds comparison shows the actual price each book is publishing on any given market, which is the practical version of the same information.
Using this calculator
Add each outcome's American price. Sums and hold update in real time. To compare books on the same market, compute hold for each and pick the lowest. Want to see the implied probability of just one outcome? Use the Implied Probability Calculator. Want to strip the vig from a two-way market? Use the No-Vig Calculator.