胴元
ど
う
も
と
Meanings
1
banker (gambling); bookmaker; operator of a gambling den
Refers to the person who runs a gambling operation, takes bets, and pays out winnings. Often used in contexts like illegal gambling or traditional games.
The banker collects the bets and pays out the winnings.
The police arrested the operator of the illegal gambling den.
2
Extended, colloquial use for someone who runs or controls a group, business, or scheme, often with a slightly shady or informal nuance.
That guy is the boss around here.