noun
gambling house fee; house cut; banker's fee
The fee or commission taken by the house or banker in a gambling game. Often a percentage of the pot or winnings.
この賭場では、テラ銭として勝ち金の一割を取られる。
At this gambling den, they take 10% of your winnings as the house cut.
テラ銭が高いから、長く打つと損をする。
The house cut is high, so you lose money if you play for long.
From 寺 (てら, temple) + 銭 (せん, money/coin). Originally referred to the cut taken by the temple that hosted gambling, later generalized to any gambling house fee.