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What this calculator does
This calculator shows how quickly regular sports betting or gambling erodes your money based on your average wager and expected loss rate.
The math
Average loss per wager = wager × average loss percentage. Weekly loss = average loss per wager × wagers per week. Annual loss = weekly loss × 52.
Worked example
A $50 wager with an 8% average loss, placed 3 times per week, costs about $624 per year in expected losses.
Why this matters
High-fee products are designed to look small per week and huge in total. This calculator exposes the full cost so you can compare it to real alternatives.
Methodology and transparency
This page publishes the exact formula used to compute the result, so you can verify it in a spreadsheet or check the assumptions against your own situation. The worked example uses the tool default inputs; change any number and the result updates live in your browser. No data is sent or stored.
Common questions
Is the loss percentage realistic?
Sportsbooks build a margin into odds, so even skilled bettors often face a 5–10% expected loss.
Can I win long-term?
Very few people do. The math of the vigorish works against almost everyone.
What is the vig?
The vigorish is the built-in profit margin sportsbooks charge on bets. It is why expected value is usually negative.