Mob Points: Understanding The System

what does a point constitute in mob terms

In Mafia terms, a point refers to a percentage of the principal value of a loan. One point is equivalent to one percent. In the context of Mafia loan and interest terminology, points can refer to either interest or a cut of revenue. The boss, who is the head of the family and runs the operation, also receives points from all family business.

Characteristics Values
One point One percent
Can mean interest or a cut of revenue
Who gets the points The boss

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The boss gets points from all family business

In the context of the Mafia, a "mob" can refer to a single organised crime family or all organised crime families together. The boss is the head of the family who runs the operation. The boss gets points from all family business.

The Mafia is a highly secretive criminal organisation, and its members are known to use coded language to communicate. This coded language is designed to conceal their illicit activities and protect their operations from law enforcement. The use of terms like "points" is an example of this coded language.

While the exact meaning of "points" in this context is not explicitly defined, it likely refers to a share or cut of the profits from the family's criminal enterprises. The boss, as the leader and authority figure, would be entitled to a significant portion of these profits. This practice ensures loyalty and encourages members to carry out criminal activities that will benefit the family as a whole.

It is important to note that the structure of the Mafia family is hierarchical, with the boss at the top, followed by the underboss and consigliere, who form the top-level "management" of the organisation. Below them are the capos, who lead individual crews within the family. Associates are those who work with the mobsters but have not yet been fully initiated into the family, while a "made man" or "button man" is a fully inducted member who has taken the vow of Omertà, a sacred vow of silence.

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Points can mean interest

In the context of the Mafia and loan terminology, a "point" can indeed refer to interest on a loan. In this case, one point is equivalent to one percent of the principal value of the loan. For example, three points on a $100,000 loan would equate to $3,000 in interest.

The Mafia has historically been involved in lending activities, often offering higher interest rates than traditional lenders but with more flexible terms and less stringent credit requirements. This made them an attractive option for borrowers who may have struggled to obtain credit through conventional means.

When a borrower takes out a loan from the Mafia, they may be required to pay points to multiple individuals within the organization. These individuals could include the boss, who receives points from all family business, as well as other members of the hierarchy.

The frequency of interest payments can vary, with weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly installments being common. In some cases, the loan may not have a specific due date, and collectors would periodically demand payment, with consequences for failure to pay.

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Points can mean a cut of revenue

In the context of the Mafia, a "point" can refer to a cut of revenue. This is distinct from "vig" or "vigorish", which refers to the interest charged on a loan. While vig is the standard rate of interest charged by a lender, points are a cut of revenue that is paid to the boss or leader of the Mafia family. This is usually done in exchange for more lenient terms and credit requirements, as well as a longer repayment period.

For example, a borrower might agree to pay two points, or two percent of the principal value of the loan, in exchange for a lower interest rate and a longer repayment period. This allows the borrower more flexibility in terms of repayment, as they are not burdened with high-interest rates that compound over time.

Points can also be used as a form of protection or insurance for the borrower. By paying points to a powerful Mafia family, the borrower gains their protection and support. This can be especially useful for borrowers who are engaged in illegal or high-risk activities, as the Mafia family can provide resources and connections to help them succeed.

In some cases, points may be paid to multiple people within the Mafia hierarchy. For instance, a lower-level family member who is running the loan business might have a bad week, so the loan sharks scrap the vig in exchange for points. Now, the person running the game has to pay points to both the loan sharks and the higher-ups in the family, but he gains more time to come up with the vig.

Overall, the use of points in Mafia loan transactions showcases the complex and flexible nature of underground financial dealings. It also highlights the power and influence of the Mafia in providing alternative financial services to individuals who may not have access to traditional lending institutions or who prefer the advantages offered by the Mafia's looser terms and extended repayment schedules.

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Points can be paid to multiple people

In the context of the Mafia, a "point" typically refers to a percentage or a share of revenue. Specifically, one point is equivalent to one percent. In the case of loans, points can represent either interest or a cut of the revenue.

The boss or leader of a Mafia family receives points from all family business dealings. In some instances, points can be paid to multiple people. For example, a person running a loan business might pay points to two different people. This could occur if the loan business is run by a lower family within the Mafia structure, and the person running the business has a bad week. The loan sharks might then scrap the vig (interest) in exchange for points, and the person running the business would pay points to both the loan sharks and the higher-level family.

The payment of points to multiple people can also be seen in the context of the Mafia's loan operations. The Mafia often competed with standard lenders by offering higher rates and more flexible terms and credit requirements. This could result in multiple individuals or entities receiving points from a single loan transaction. For example, a borrower might be required to pay additional points due to a history of late payments, resulting in higher overall points paid out by the borrower.

The concept of paying points to multiple individuals or entities is not limited to the Mafia but can also be found in other illicit or informal lending arrangements. The specific details of such arrangements, including the number of individuals or entities receiving points, would depend on the nature of the agreement and the organizations and individuals involved.

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Points can be exchanged for vig

In the context of the Mafia, a "point" refers to the cut that the boss gets from all family business. This is separate from the "vig" or "vigorish", which is the percentage of total dollars wagered that is retained by the bookmaker in a risk-free wager. In other words, it is the interest payment on a loan paid back to the creditor by a certain percent.

The concept of "vig" is also related to the Mafia as a tribute to a mafia boss or the interest paid to a loan shark. In the context of gambling, the "vig" or "vigorish" refers to the bookmaker's commission for taking the action. This is a fixed amount that is not in play and cannot be doubled by the winning bettor; it can only be lost. For example, in a two-outcome event, each person might have to risk $110 to win $100. The winner gets their original $110 back, plus $100 in winnings, for a total of $210. The bookmaker keeps the remaining $10 after paying out the winner.

The term "vigorish" originated from Yiddish slang, which was itself a loanword from Russian, meaning 'gain' or 'winnings'. It is used to describe the interest owed to a loan shark or the fees associated with an auction house. In sports, it can refer to an underdog's ability to beat the odds.

In the context of the Mafia, it is likely that the term "vig" or "vigorish" is used to refer to the interest or cut that is paid to the boss or loan shark. This is separate from the "points" that the boss receives from family business, which may be a larger portion of the profits. By paying the vig, associates and made members of a Mafia family may be able to maintain their standing within the organization and avoid repercussions such as threats of death ("walking across the bridge") or physical harm ("break your legs").

Frequently asked questions

A mob is a large and disorderly crowd of people who are often bent on riotous or destructive action.

In Mafia-related terms, a point refers to the percentage of the principal value of something. For example, three points on a $100,000 loan would be $3,000.

The boss is the head of the family who runs the operation and gets points from all family business.

Omertà is the vow of silence in the Mafia, punishable by death if not upheld.

To be "sent for" means to be ordered to a meeting with other mob members.

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