What is implied probability?
Implied probability is the conversion of betting odds into a percentage. It represents the likelihood of an outcome as reflected by the sportsbook's odds. For example, -150 odds converts to 60% implied probability, meaning the book prices this outcome as having a 60% chance of occurring.
How do I calculate implied probability from American odds?
For negative odds (favorites), divide the absolute value of the odds by (absolute value + 100), then multiply by 100. For positive odds (underdogs), divide 100 by (odds + 100), then multiply by 100.
Example: -150 becomes 150/(150+100) = 60%
Example: +200 becomes 100/(200+100) = 33.33%
Why is implied probability higher than true probability?
Sportsbooks build a profit margin (vig or juice) into their odds. When you add the implied probabilities of all possible outcomes, the total exceeds 100%. This excess is the book's edge. For example, if both sides of a bet are -110 (52.38% each), the total is 104.76%, with the extra 4.76% representing the sportsbook's profit margin.
What are fair odds after removing vig?
Fair odds represent the true probability after removing the sportsbook's profit margin. Calculate by converting both sides to implied probability, adding them together, then dividing each side by the total. If both sides are -110 (52.38%), the total is 104.76%. Divide each: 52.38/104.76 = 50% fair probability for each side, which converts to +100 (even money) American odds.