Vigorish, commonly known as 'vig', 'juice', and 'rake', is a term widely used in the sports betting world, especially for online bettors. It refers to the additional fee or commission charged by the betting sites for allowing you to place bets. This commission is how bookmakers make their money. Despite bookmakers operating legally and with licensing from government bodies, they still have operational expenses that require coverage. Vigorish is usually the percentage of the betting amount or wager that goes in favor of the bookmaker. This can vary from book to book and sport to sport. It's often given as a percentage, in units, or sometimes as a percentage of the winnings. The percentage of vigorish is often seen as an inherent part of sports betting but that doesn't stop people from trying to find ways to beat the system and minimize this loss. In the sports betting world, a fair and reputable bookmaker often keeps the vigorish fairly low. Some bookmakers even try to be more transparent about their services, with some revealing their vigorish percentage upfront, while others do it post-betting. Vigilance can also refer to the level of care one puts into monitoring and managing their bets. This can involve closely tracking wagering patterns, managing bankrolls, and setting clear objectives. Vigorish is an often misunderstood concept in the world of sports betting, particularly among beginners. There's a difference between the commission taken by bookmakers and the commission taken by the casino. The house edge in gambling games at a casino is usually higher and it's always in the bookmaker's favor no matter what, due to the vigorish. In conclusion, understanding the concept of vigorish is vital if you're into sports betting. It's crucial to understand that vigorish is essentially a part of the game and not something that can be avoided or overlooked. Instead, understanding it can help bettors make more informed decisions and develop effective strategies to mitigate losses. By being aware of the vigorish, bettors can plan and set realistic expectations, ensuring a more enjoyable and enlightening online sports betting experience.