English · Slang Attested

vigorish

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A charge taken on bets, as by a bookie or gambling establishment.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

The house sets vigs on any game they allow you to bet on. It is your responsibility to play only those games where the vig is not prohibitive. Let's take one more look at how vigorish works for the house.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The interest on a loan of money, especially for loans made by a usurer or loan shark.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An amount owed on account of or payment of a bookie's charge or of interest.

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “vigorish” mean?

A charge taken on bets, as by a bookie or gambling establishment.

Is “vigorish” formal or informal?

vigorish is generally slang.