Pronunciation: [vˈɪɡɔːɹɪʃ] (IPA) 
Vigorish is a term commonly used in gambling, and it refers to the interest charged by a bookmaker on a gambler's debt. The word comes from the Yiddish word "vigntzray," which means "twenty." It is pronounced as /ˈvɪɡərɪʃ/ (vih-guh-rish), with the stress on the second syllable. The "g" is pronounced as a hard "g" sound, similar to the "g" in "get" or "give." The "o" is pronounced as a short "i" sound, like the "i" in "pin."
Vigorish, commonly referred to as "vig" or "juice," is a term predominantly used in the realm of gambling and bookmaking. It is a slang expression that refers to the fee or commission charged by a bookmaker or casino for accepting a bet from a gambler. Vigorish represents the bookmaker's built-in advantage or profit on each wager placed.
In essence, vigorish is the amount of money that bettors or gamblers must pay beyond their bet amount in order to participate. It is typically a percentage of the total bet, ranging from 5% to 10%, depending on the type of bet or the specific game. For instance, in sports betting, vigorish is commonly extracted from the losing side of a bet as a way for bookmakers to ensure their profitability, regardless of the outcome.
This term is derived from the Yiddish word "vigerish" or "vig," meaning lively, active, or vigorous. It refers to the vigor or zest that bookmakers have when collecting their fee. While it is associated with gambling, vigorish is not limited to sports betting and can also be applied to other forms of gambling like poker, table games, or casino slot machines.
In summary, vigorish represents the fee or commission charged by bookmakers or casinos, which allows them to generate profit and maintain their operations. It is an essential part of the gambling landscape, ensuring that the house always maintains an edge and can continue to offer betting opportunities to gamblers.
The word "vigorish" originated from Yiddish, which itself derived from the Russian word "výigrysh" (выигрыш). In Russian, "výigrysh" means "winnings" or "profit", derived from the verb "vyigrát" (выиграть) meaning "to win". The term entered Yiddish through the large influx of Russian and Ukrainian Jews into Eastern Europe. In Yiddish, "vígurish" (וויגוריש) meant "interest" or "commission", particularly referring to the interest charged by loan sharks or bookmakers. Over time, "vigorish" was adopted into English as a slang term referring to an excessive, often hidden, percentage or fee charged in gambling or other financial transactions.
