Definition of "vigorish" []

• A charge taken on bets, as by a bookie or gambling establishment. (noun)
• The rate or amount of such a charge. (noun)
• Slang Interest, especially excessive interest, paid to a moneylender. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "But maybe that 3.6% is the "vigorish" -- i.e., the house's take."
• "They earn money by charging a commission, also known as a vigorish."
• "Sports books prefer an even amount of betting on both teams to mitigate risk, because they make an additional amount (called vigorish) on losing bets."