Ever sat at a blackjack table or spun a roulette wheel and heard terms like “All-in,” “Cold Slots,” or “RNG” thrown around? Casinos have their own language, and if you don’t know the lingo, you might feel a little lost.
That’s why we’ve put together this Gambling Terms and Glossary—a simple, in-depth guide to help you understand the most common casino terms. Whether you’re playing online or at a real casino, knowing these casino words can make the experience smoother and even give you an edge at the tables. Let’s break it all down!
- Ante
- ABC Poker
- Aces (Craps term)
- Action (Casino term)
- “Ada from Decatur” (Craps term)
- Add On
- Aggregate Limit
- All-in
- American Roulette
- Bar (Slot Machine)
- Bonus Round
- Bankroll
- Betting Limits (Gambling)
- Blackjack
- Bluffing
- Bones
- Buy-in
- Burn Card
- Cage
- Card Counting
- Casino Advantage (House Edge)
- Chips
- Cascading Reels
- Cold Slots
- Comps
- Corner Bet
- Dealer / Croupier (casino term)
- Double Down
- Draw
- Edge Sorting
- Equity
- Expected Value (EV)
- Fold
- Dealer / Croupier (casino term)
- Freeroll
- Free Spins
- High Roller
- Insurance
- Jackpot
- Loyalty Program
- Martingale System
- Multi-Hand
- Odds
- Online Roulette
- Parlay
- Payout Percentage (Return to Player – RTP)
- Pit Boss
- Poker
- Progressive Jackpot
- Rake
- Rebuy
- RNG (Random Number Generator)
- Shooter
- Slot Machine
- Slots Volatility
- Split (blackjack)
- Stake
- Stand (blackjack)
- Table Games
- Tilt
- Tournament
- VIP Program
- Wagering Requirements
- Whale
- Wild Card
- Withdrawal Limit
Ante
The term ‘ante’ is a small bet every player must contribute before a hand begins. In essence, ‘up the ante’ means increasing the stakes.
ABC Poker
The term “ABC” implies simplicity and following the basics. This style avoids complex, tricky plays in favor of a more predictable and theoretically sound approach
Aces (Craps term)
In the context of the casino dice game Craps, “Aces” refers to a specific bet: that the next roll will result in a total of 2 (1-1 on the dice). The term “Aces” is used because rolling a 1 on each die resembles the ace on playing cards.
Action (Casino term)
In casino lingo, “action” refers to the total amount of money wagered by a player during their entire session at the games.
“Ada from Decatur” (Craps term)
“Ada from Decatur” is a nickname used for rolling a total of 8 on the dice. Specifically, it refers to rolling a 6 and a 2 (in any order).
Add On
Simply put, an add-on allows competitors to purchase extra chips during a tournament. This option is typically available at a specific point in the competition, often during the first break.
Aggregate Limit
An aggregate limit is a safety valve for casinos. This rule sets a maximum on what can be paid out to players from all winning bets over a certain period.
All-in
“All-in” is a term that sparks excitement. It’s when a player bets their entire chip stack on a single hand.
American Roulette
American Roulette is a specific variant of the classic casino game of roulette. The key distinguishing feature of this version is the presence of both 0 and 00 on the wheel. This extra pocket increases the casino’s advantage over the player.
Bar (Slot Machine)
The BAR symbol has become synonymous with luck. It’s an emblem that players keep an eye out for during slot games, spinning the reels in the hope of lining them up to win rewards and jackpots.
Bonus Round
A bonus round represents a special event within a game that offers players extra chances to boost their winnings.
Bankroll
In essence, a bankroll is the total amount of money a player dedicates to their casino activities. It’s not just any funds at hand; it represents the sum set aside for betting.
Betting Limits (Gambling)
Betting Limits are rules that dictate the maximum and minimum amounts that players can wager on a single bet. Understanding betting limits is crucial to enjoy online gambling responsibly.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a classic and very popular card game. The objective is simple: reach closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.
Bluffing
Bluffing is a shrewd tactic used by casino players to keep their opponents guessing. Essentially, it means betting or acting confidently with a weaker hand to convince others that it’s better than it actually is. The aim is to make the other players doubt their own hands and decisions.
Bones
‘Bones’ is a term steeped in history. Originating from ancient games where actual animal bones were thrown as dice, it symbolizes the roll of fate that gambling represents. In online casinos where enthusiasts still refer to dice as ‘bones’.
Buy-in
“Buy-in” is the initial amount one needs to pay to join the game, acting as their entry ticket to the thrilling action on the tables.
Burn Card
A “Burn Card” is a term used in various card games, particularly in poker and blackjack. It is when a card is removed from play before dealing the next round. Typically, the top card of the deck is “burned” (discarded) face down. Burning cards is a security measure that helps maintain the integrity of the game.
Cage
The Cage is essentially the casino’s bank, handling all monetary transactions between the casino and its patrons.
Card Counting
At its core, card counting is about keeping track of the cards that have been dealt to anticipate which cards are likely to be dealt next. It’s a strategy that can help determine the odds of winning based on the cards remaining in the deck.
Casino Advantage (House Edge)
The ‘house edge’ term refers to the mathematical advantage that gambling venues have over their patrons. Much like a bank taking its commission during currency exchange, casinos earn their keep through this edge.
Chips
Chips are small, round tokens used in casinos to represent money. They come in various denominations and colors, serving as a substitute for cash in casino games. Chips simplify transactions, enhance security, and are exchanged for real money at the casino cage.
Cascading Reels
Cascading reels are an innovative feature in slot machines. Instead of traditional reels where symbols stay put, cascading reels introduce a fresh twist. When you hit a winning combination on these slots, the matching symbols vanish, much like leaves carried away by a brisk breeze.
Cold Slots
A cold slot is essentially a slot machine that runs through spin after spin without dishing out frequent winnings. This is in contrast to hot slot machines, which are seen as treasure troves, generously rewarding players with frequent winnings.
Comps
Comps, short for “complimentary,” are free goods or services given by casinos to reward loyal customers or encourage more play. These can include free meals, hotel rooms, show tickets, or even cashback
Corner Bet
In essence, when someone places a corner bet, they’re betting on four numbers at once. The bet gets its name from its placement on the roulette table; the chips are set down at the intersection where four number squares meet.
Dealer / Croupier (casino term)
A dealer, also known as a croupier, is an employee at a casino who manages and operates the games on the casino floor. They are trained professionals who must be skilled in game rules, procedures, and customer service.
Double Down
A betting option in blackjack where a player doubles their original bet and receives one more card.
Draw
In poker, to receive additional cards to improve one’s hand.
Edge Sorting
A technique where players gain an advantage by identifying and exploiting subtle differences on the backs of cards.
Equity
In poker, the share of the pot that belongs to a player based on their chances of winning.
Expected Value (EV)
The average outcome of a bet if it were placed many times, considering both probability and payout.
Fold
In poker, to surrender one’s hand and forfeit any bets made in the current round.
Dealer / Croupier (casino term)
A dealer, also known as a croupier, is an employee at a casino who manages and operates the games on the casino floor. They are trained professionals who must be skilled in game rules, procedures, and customer service.
Freeroll
A freeroll is an opportunity for players to join in on the action without having to pull out their wallet. Imagine stepping into a poker tournament with zero cost but with but with the opportunity to win prizes – that’s what a freeroll offers.
Free Spins
Free Spins allow players to spin the reels on slot games without placing a real money bet. Casino free spins offer a unique opportunity to explore new games and potentially win while minimizing risk.
High Roller
The term “high roller” conjures images of players parting with large sums of money in casinos. It originates from rolling dice games where betting high stakes was seen as rolling high. Today, a high roller is someone who consistently wagers large amounts at casino tables or slot machines, standing apart from casual visitors.
Insurance
A side bet in blackjack offered when the dealer’s up card is an ace, protecting against a potential dealer blackjack.
Jackpot
A side bet in blackjack offered when the dealer’s up card is an ace, protecting against a potential dealer blackjack.
Loyalty Program
A rewards system offered by casinos to incentivize regular play, typically offering points for wagers that can be redeemed for various perks.
Martingale System
A betting strategy where the player doubles their bet after each loss, aiming to recover all previous losses with a single win.
Multi-Hand
Playing multiple hands simultaneously in a single game, common in online blackjack and video poker.
Odds
The probability of a particular outcome occurring in a game, often expressed as a ratio or percentage.
Online Roulette
Roulette is a popular casino game of chance where players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel. Players can bet on specific numbers, groups of numbers, colors (red or black), odd or even numbers, and other combinations.
Parlay
parlay is a strategy that can turn small bets into significant winnings. Players use this method by taking their initial win and betting it on another game, aiming to multiply their success.
Payout Percentage (Return to Player – RTP)
The proportion of wagers that a game or casino returns to players over time, also known as Return to Player (RTP).
Pit Boss
A casino supervisor who oversees table games, manages dealers, and handles player issues or disputes.
Poker
A family of card games involving betting and bluffing, where players aim to have the best hand or convince others they do.
Progressive Jackpot
A progressive jackpot is a jackpot for a slot game or video poker that grows over time, with each play contributing to a larger pot until someone lucky hits the winning combination.
Rake
A small percentage of the pot taken by the casino or poker room as a fee for hosting the game.
Rebuy
In tournaments, the option to buy more chips after losing one’s initial stack.
RNG (Random Number Generator)
RNG certification stands as a badge of integrity for Swiss online casinos, bolstering player confidence in the fairness and unpredictability of gaming outcomes.
Shooter
In craps, the player who rolls the dice.
Slot Machine
Slot Machines are straightforward – place your bet, hit ‘spin’, and hope for those winning combinations! Online slots also come with various features such as paylines which determine where symbols must land for payouts, Wilds that substitute other symbols to form wins, Scatters triggering bonus rounds or free spins.
Slots Volatility
“Slots volatility” is a crucial concept that defines the risk involved in playing a particular slot machine. Essentially, it’s about figuring out how frequently and how much you’re likely to win.
Split (blackjack)
In blackjack, “split” is the option to separate two cards of the same rank into two separate hands.
Stake
The amount of money a player bets or is willing to risk in a game.
Stand (blackjack)
In blackjack, to keep one’s current hand and not request additional cards.
Table Games
Casino games played on a table and typically managed by a dealer, such as blackjack, roulette, and craps.
Tilt
A state of emotional frustration or confusion that leads to poor decision-making in gambling.
Tournament
A competitive gambling event where players compete against each other for prizes.
VIP Program
An exclusive loyalty scheme offering premium perks and services to high-value players.
Wagering Requirements
Conditions attached to bonuses specifying how much a player must bet before they can withdraw winnings.
Whale
A term for a high-roller or very wealthy gambler who makes large bets.
Wild Card
A card that can substitute for any other card in a game, often used in poker variants.
Withdrawal Limit
The maximum amount a player can withdraw from their casino account within a specified time period.
