−110 is the most common price in American sports betting. You will see it on almost every point spread and total. Here is exactly what it means and why that little "10" matters more than most bettors realize.
The basic meaning
−110 means you must risk $110 to win $100. If the bet wins, you get $210 back: your $110 stake plus $100 profit. If it loses, you lose $110.
For other stakes:
| Stake | Profit at −110 | Total returned |
|---|---|---|
| $11 | $10.00 | $21.00 |
| $50 | $45.45 | $95.45 |
| $100 | $90.91 | $190.91 |
| $110 | $100.00 | $210.00 |
| $500 | $454.55 | $954.55 |
Formula: profit = stake × 100 ÷ 110.
Why both sides are −110
On a point spread, the line is set so each side is roughly a 50/50 proposition. Fair odds would be +100 on both. The book charges −110 instead, which is its fee. (What is vig?.)
The 52.38% break-even rule
To break even at −110, you must win:
Win 52% and you slowly lose. Win 50% (a coin flip) and you lose about 4.5% of everything you bet. Win 55% (very good) and you earn about 5% on turnover.
| Win rate at −110 | ROI |
|---|---|
| 50% | −4.5% |
| 52.38% | 0% |
| 53% | +1.2% |
| 55% | +5.0% |
| 57% | +8.8% |
(Break-even win percentage by odds · Break-even calculator.)
−110 vs −105 vs +100
Small price differences make a huge difference to break-even:
| Price | Break-even win rate |
|---|---|
| −115 | 53.49% |
| −110 | 52.38% |
| −105 | 51.22% |
| +100 | 50.00% |
Getting −105 instead of −110 lowers your break-even point by more than a full percentage point. For many bettors, that is the difference between losing and winning. This is why line shopping and reduced-juice books matter. (What is line shopping?.)
Is −110 a good bet?
Neither good nor bad on its own. A −110 bet is +EV if your side's true probability is above 52.38%. A favorite at −110 on a spread is not "safer" than an underdog at −110; both are priced as coin flips with margin.
Frequently asked questions
How much do you win on a $100 bet at −110?
$90.91 in profit, for a total return of $190.91.
What percentage do you need to win at −110?
52.38% to break even. Anything above that is profitable over the long run.
Why do sportsbooks use −110?
It builds a roughly 4.5% margin into a balanced market, so the book profits regardless of which side wins when action is even.