Gambling Glossary: A Comprehensive Guide to Gambling Terms

Active Player 

An active player at an online casino is a person who has placed a qualifying wager. In poker games, the term specifically refers to a player at the table who has not folded. To be an active player, you must place at least the minimum bet to join the game, be it a slot, table game, or live dealer title. 

 

Add-on 

If you buy extra chips at the poker table, these are add-ons. It’s impossible to purchase add-ons in every poker game – if you go all in and lose in a poker tournament, for instance, you’re out, and there’s no way back in.

 

Aggregate Limit

In online gambling, an aggregate limit refers to the maximum payouts permitted during a specific game or tournament. Sometimes, the aggregate limit refers to how much the casino will pay for a specific game (keno, slots, table games, etc.), or it can refer to the amount that the casino pays out at a particular time (day, week, or month).

Aggregate Winnings 

Aggregate winnings refer to the total amount of winnings you have received in a specific period. So, for instance, it could be the amount you have won in one gaming session, in one week or an entire month. It’s a handy way of referring to the amount of money you have won at a casino in a specific period.

 

All or Nothing 

Not to be confused with double or nothing (a way of potentially recouping a lost bet), All or Nothing is a type of keno popular at online casinos. The name comes from the fact that there are two ways to win in this game: if all of your numbers are drawn and none are drawn. 

 

All-in 

Going “all in” is when you wager your remaining chips in a single poker hand. It’s a highly risky move, but it can result in a win if you end up having the best hand at the table. It’s risky because if you lose the hand, you lose your seat at the table and have no chips remaining for the rest of the poker game. 

 

American Roulette 

American Roulette is a popular table game that many online and brick-and-mortar casinos offer. There are 38 pockets on the American Roulette wheel – 18 black, 18 red, and two green. Including two green pockets distinguishes American Roulette from other variants, resulting in a slightly higher house edge than other roulette games. 

 

Ante 

The ante is a bet in poker that all players must make. Before the deal begins, all players must place an even number of chips (or amount of money) into the table as the ante. When the ante is met, the deal proceeds and each player at the table receives cards from the dealer. 

 

Arcade Casino

An arcade casino is a term given to a place that consists exclusively of betting terminals like fruit machines and slot games. Arcade casinos don’t typically have table games and live dealers and only offer gambling machines. As a result, they are usually open 24/7. 

 

Arm 

The term “arm” is reserved for craps and dice games. It refers to a player with enough skill to throw the dice in a specific way, which alters the odds in the game. The “arm,” therefore, is someone who is potentially capable of throwing the dice in such a way as to generate a specific, high-paying outcome each time they roll.

 

Automat Club 

An Automat Club is a brick-and-mortar casino with automatic games like slot machines. They do not have live dealer tables and only provide gambling machines. As such, they’re often free to enter and are open in many locations 24/7. You will find Automat Clubs in various countries around the world. 

 

Baccarat 

Baccarat is a popular table game played at most online and brick-and-mortar casinos. The objective of the game is to predict which hand – the banker or the player – will be closest to nine. You can also bet on the tie. As there are only three betting options and the game is fast-paced, it’s regarded as one of the best table games for beginners. 

 

Balance 

In gambling, balance refers to the amount of money you have available to place your bets. Your balance constantly changes as you place bets and land wins, and you may be up or down, depending on how long you’ve been playing. It’s helpful to keep tabs on your available balance so you know how much of your bankroll remains. 

 

Banker 

The banker is one of the hands in baccarat. You can bet on the banker’s hand to win, which offers a payout of 1:1. 

 

Bankroll 

When gambling, your bankroll is the amount of money that you have set aside to fund your bets. It’s important to consider your available bankroll carefully; you should only gamble what you can afford. Every player’s bankroll will likely differ, as there’s no right or wrong amount of money to gamble with. 

 

Beef 

Beef is a problem or dispute between a player and the casino. It might result from a dubious role of the dice or an issue with a hand that has been dealt. Beef can also arise from issues surrounding payout limits. The best way to resolve beef is to contact customer support online or in person at the casino.

 

Beginner’s Luck 

Beginner’s luck is the term used when a person new to gambling lands a big win. For instance, it would be considered beginner’s luck if a player won a progressive jackpot the first time they spin the reels on a slot game or if they win a massive payout while playing video poker. 

 

Bet / Wager 

A bet is the amount of money that you pay to the casino to play a game. It is sometimes also known as a wager or a stake. To play games, you must place at least the minimum bet stipulated by the casino and not bet more than the maximum allowed. Note that every game has different bet limits you must check before playing. 

 

Betting Limits 

Betting limits are set by casinos to ensure that you can only bet specific amounts while playing games. They apply to every game at an online casino and help you pick games that are well-suited to your bankroll. For instance, a video slot game might have bet limits between $0.10 and $100.00, enabling you to place bets according to your available balance. 

 

Black Book 

In brick-and-mortar casinos, the term “black book” refers to the list of individuals who have been excluded or deemed unwelcome from a specific venue. In Las Vegas, there is an official List of Excluded Persons who are banned from entering any casino in Nevada. 

 

Blackjack 

Blackjack is one of the oldest and most popular table games. The game’s objective is to beat the dealer with a hand equal to or as close to 21 as possible. If you win with a standard hand, the payout is 1:1, while blackjack (10/J/Q/K + A) usually pays out 3:2. multiple blackjack variations are available, including American and European Blackjack.

 

Blinds 

In poker, blinds are bets two players must make at the start of a betting round. There is a small blind and a big blind. The small blind is wagered to the left of the dealer, and the big blind is wagered to the left of the small blind. The value of each blind is determined at the start of the game and does not change throughout. 

 

Bonus 

A bonus is a type of promotion an online casino offers to attract new players. Many types of bonuses are available, but they include things like first deposit bonuses, no deposit bonuses, free spins on slots, reload bonuses, cashback bonuses, and subsequent deposit bonuses. They change often and come with strict terms and conditions. 

 

Bonus Game 

Many casino software developers include bonus games within slots and live dealer titles to excite their games. For instance, a bonus game in a slot could be a free spins round, where a specific symbol combination triggers ten free spins. Often, the game’s maximum payout is only available via the bonus game. 

 

Bug 

“Bug” is a colloquial term used in some parts of the world to refer to the Joker in a standard pack of 52 playing cards. This is the case in popular games like Gin Rummy and Go Fish. Sometimes, however, “bug” can also refer to a wild card in a poker hand, and its use generally depends on the country and the players at the table. 

 

Burn Card 

In many gambling games, the burn card is the top card in a deck that the dealer discards before the game begins. The dealer burns the top card to prevent cheating via card marking, and the burn card is not usually shown to the players at the table. Not all games require the top card to be burnt, but it is common at many tables. 

 

Bust 

When you go bust while playing a casino game, you have lost the hand. The term is commonly used in blackjack when you take one card too many and exceed 21. When you go bust, you cannot repurchase your way into the hand, resulting in a win for the dealer. 

 

Buy in 

In poker games, the buy-in refers to the up-front payment you must make to enter the tournament. The buy-in determines the total prize pool available and varies from game to game. For instance, you can find games with a buy-in of $10 or $1,000, depending on the casino and whether or not the game is for high rollers. 

 

Call

In poker, a call is when you agree to match the wager placed by another player in the form of a bet or raise. If you call, you must stake the required amount of money to stay in the game. If nobody calls the current bet level, the game ends and the player who has placed the highest bet wins the pot. 

 

Card Counting 

Card counting is a strategy that can be employed in specific card games like blackjack to determine who has the advantage when the hand is dealt. When done correctly, card counting enables the player to keep a count of high and low cards dealt to work out the likelihood of the next hand, increasing their stake when they are likely to have an advantage. 

 

Carpet Joint

Carpet joint is a term coined in North America to refer to posh casinos with decorative carpets and plush surroundings. It is in stark contrast to sawdust joints, which are informal venues in rundown locations that offer shady gambling opportunities. In other words, carpet joint is an informal way of describing a brick-and-mortar casino. 

 

Cashier 

In brick-and-mortar casinos, the cashier works behind a cage on the casino floor, exchanging cash for chips and paying out winnings. At online casinos, the cashier is essentially the payment hub, and you can deposit and withdraw in numerous ways, including via debit card, e-wallet, or even cryptocurrency.

 

Casino Advantage 

The casino’s advantage – more commonly known as house edge – indicates the mathematical advantage of the casino that is built into the game in question. This number is usually given as a percentage. So, if a game like blackjack has a casino advantage or house edge of 1%, it means that, for every $100 bet placed, the casino will keep $1 as the house edge. 

 

Casino Hold’em Poker 

One of the most popular poker variants played at online casinos is called Casino Hold’em Poker. It is a variant of Texas Hold’em and is played with a standard 52-pack of cards. The cards are dealt by a live dealer, and if you have a winning hand, you will be paid out 1:1 for a straight or less or up to 100:1 for a royal flush.

 

Chase 

In gambling, the chase is the act of going after losses. Players who chase losses try to break even by placing subsequent bets. While it can sometimes work, it’s not a good approach as it encourages irresponsible gambling and can lead to much higher losses in the long run. 

 

Chemin de Fer 

Chemin de Fer is one of the most popular variants of baccarat played at online and brick-and-mortar casinos today. The term means railway in French, and the objective of the game is to predict which hand – the dealer’s or the player’s – is the closest to nine. Other popular variants include Punto Banco and Baccarat Banque.

 

Chips 

In gambling, chips are tokens instead of hard currency at tables. When you enter a casino, you must head to the cashier’s desk to buy chips, which you can use to play games. Before you leave the casino, you can then exchange your chips for money if you have made winnings. 

 

Fruit Machine

A fruit machine is a type of pokie game with fruits as the main symbols on the reels. Many fruit machines also have other symbols like bells, BARs, and lucky sevens. These games are popular on casino floors, but many online versions of fruit machines can be enjoyed on PCs and mobile devices. 

 

Cold 

If someone is described as “cold” in gambling, they’re on a losing streak. You may even hear someone say that they are on a cold streak. Equally, if a machine has not been paying out recently, it may also be described as cold. This is in stark contrast to someone or a machine that is hot.

 

Come Out 

The come out is the first roll of the dice in the popular casino game craps. Before the come out roll, bets can only be placed on the pass line, but the game opens up as soon as the come out roll is thrown. At a brick-and-mortar casino, players around the table take it in turns to throw the come out roll. 

Comps 

Comps are bonuses or promotions offered by casinos. For high rollers and VIPs, comps can include things like free accommodation in high-end suites and free meals, drinks, and other complimentary items. At online casinos, comps tend to come in the form of free bets and cashback promotions. 

 

Craps 

Craps is a popular casino game that is played with two dice. The come out roll is the first roll of the dice, and players can place lots of different bets at the craps table, including pass line, don’t pass, come bet, field bets, and place bets. Though craps is best enjoyed at a brick-and-mortar casino, you can also play craps at online casinos. 

 

Credit 

In gambling, credit can mean various things. If your account is in credit, you have funds available to bet with. Also, it can mean betting with a credit card. Some jurisdictions worldwide have banned betting with credit cards, and Australia looks likely to follow suit soon due to problem gambling concerns. 

 

Croupier 

Croupier is another word for dealer, and it is the person responsible for a gambling table. Depending on the game, the croupier checks the bets, deals the cards, and pays out any winnings. Games with croupiers include blackjack and baccarat. 

 

D’Alembert System

The D’Alembert System is a gambling strategy that can be employed at the roulette table. It instructs players how much to gamble when betting on even money bets like odd/even, black/red, or high/low. After a win, the D’Alembert System instructs you to increase your bet amount by one unit. When you lose, you should decrease your bet unit by one. 

 

Dealer

The dealer is the person responsible for a gambling table. A dealer is required in all table games, including poker, blackjack, and baccarat. The dealer accepts and checks all bets and deals the cards to the players at the table. Then, the dealer awards chips to winners and collects the losing chips for the casino. 

 

Deposit

In online gambling, making a deposit is the act of adding money to your betting account. It’s the equivalent of buying chips at a brick-and-mortar casino. You can deposit funds to your betting account in numerous ways, including via debit card, bank transfer, e-wallet, pre-paid card, or even via cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Litecoin. 

 

Deuce

Deuce is another way of saying the number two in poker and some other casino games. It’s not notable from a strategic perspective and is simply a nickname for the card. There’s a popular online casino game called Deuces Wild, a fun version of video poker. 

 

Discard Tray 

The discard tray is the place for discarded cards during a table game. After each betting round, the dealer will add discarded and used cards to the discard tray to keep the table tidy and in good working order. The discard tray is important because it prevents accidental or deliberate mixing of the cards. 

 

Dolly 

The dolly is a figure used in roulette to mark the winning number. When the wheel stops spinning, the dealer uses the dolly to indicate the number on the corresponding table. As such, it’s an important accessory at every roulette table.

 

Double Down

In several blackjack games, you can double down your bet. This means you can double your stake in exchange for just one more card. If you beat the dealer after doubling down, you will receive double the winnings. This can be a viable strategy when you accept specific cards in the initial deal, and many players double down when they receive a hand of ten or eleven in blackjack. 

 

Drop Box 

At land-based casinos, each dealer has access to a drop box at the table, where they place money and chips that players have gambled. The drop box is a security measure, and it also helps to keep things neat and tidy. It is also convenient for the dealer, who can easily add chips to the box at the end of every game without leaving the table. 

 

eCOGRA

eCOGRA is an international testing agency specialising in testing and inspecting online casino games, systems, and software. eCOGRA ensures that casino games at online betting sites are fair and transparent. If an online casino is eCOGRA certified, it means that the games have been independently tested and reviewed for fairness. 

 

En Prison

En Prison is a rule in roulette that can be applied to even money bets. It’s a form of insurance and enables you to recoup your stake if the outcome is zero. You can only benefit from the En Prison rule with an even-odds bet, and it is only available in selected roulette variations, such as French Roulette. 

 

European Roulette

European Roulette is the most widely played variation of roulette, found at practically all online and land-based casinos. The roulette wheel has 37 pockets – 18 red, 18 black, and one green. Its main difference from American Roulette is that there is only one green pocket for zero, significantly reducing the house edge and making it a particularly popular variant. 

 

Even Money Bet

As the name of the wager suggests, an even money bet is a wager with even odds. In other words, you stand to win the same amount of money you place. So, for instance, if you place a $10 even money bet, you will win $10 if the bet is successful, plus your stake back. Even money bets exist in many table games at casinos, including blackjack, baccarat, and roulette. 

 

Expected Value 

In gambling, expected value – sometimes called average expectation – is a casino or bookmaker’s calculation of how much they will win or lose based on the odds and payouts of a specific game. It’s not something that players need to worry about when gambling online or in a land-based casino.

 

Eye in the Sky 

At land-based casinos, the eye in the sky refers to the people watching the gambling activity via the CCTV system. All gambling activity in land-based casinos is closely monitored, and all tables and slot games are watched around the clock. When you enter a land-based casino, you should be mindful that the eye in the sky is always watching!

 

Face Cards

Face cards in a deck are the jacks, queens, and kings. This is because these cards have a face on them; it’s as simple as that. In contrast, the 2-10 cards are simply referred to as number cards. In gambling games like blackjack, face cards are given a numerical value of 10. 

 

Ficheur 

The Ficheur is a device used in roulette to separate chips based on their colour. It is commonly used at American Roulette tables, making the croupier’s job easier. The croupier simply gathers the chips together and adds them to the Ficheur, separating them based on colour for easy distribution. 

 

Fill

Fill is another way of saying full house, a winning poker hand. Some people also use the term to refer to the fifth card that is drawn to make the full house in poker, but it is not widely used. 

 

Finale Schnaps 

In French Roulette, Finale Schnaps is a command that can be issued to the dealer for bets placed on numbers 11, 22, and 33. It’s not commonly used in other variants of roulette, like American or European. Still, you might hear it from time to time, particularly if you play roulette at a land-based casino.

 

Fish 

Fish is the name given to the person at a gambling table who is losing the most money. It’s commonly used in poker, but you may also spot a fish at a roulette, baccarat, or blackjack table. Though it’s unclear where the term originated, it is commonly used in North America, particularly in the professional poker scene. 

 

Fixed Odds

In gambling, fixed odds refer to payouts that are fixed ahead of time and are pre-determined. Online casino scratch cards and slot games tend to offer fixed odds and payouts, and they use random number generators (RNGs) to determine the outcome of each bet.  In contrast, sports bets don’t come with fixed odds, as it’s impossible to know the outcome in advance.

 

Flat Betting

Flat betting is the action of repeatedly betting the same amount while playing a casino game. For instance, betting $1 at the blackjack table 100 times in a row is an example of flat betting. The same is true if you bet $0.50 on a fruit machine for 100 spins. Many punters opt for flat betting as it’s an easy way to manage your bankroll and balance. 

 

Flea

Flea is a derogatory term for a person who expects something for nothing while gambling. It might be a person who places tiny bets over a long period in the hope of receiving free food or drink at a casino. Fleas are not usually welcome in casinos as they take up space at tables that could be offered to high rollers or VIPs. 

 

Flush 

A flush is a poker hand that consists of five cards of the same suit, not sequentially. An example of a flush could be J+4+7+2+10 of hearts. In terms of ranking, a flush is a good poker hand, and it beats high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, and straight. 

 

Four of a Kind

Four of a kind is one of the highest-ranking poker hands, and it is when you have four of the same card in the same hand. For instance, you could have a hand consisting of four tens or four jacks. In terms of ranking, four of a kind in poker beats high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, and flush.

 

Free Spins (Extra Spins/Casino Spins)

Free spins are available at some online casinos. They might be offered as part of a promotion and are offered by the casino to play a specific slot game without requiring a stake. In this instance, they come with strict terms and wagering requirements. Free spins are also available within a slot game itself and can be unlocked with scatter symbols for the biggest potential payouts.

 

French Roulette

French Roulette is one of this popular casino game’s oldest and most-played variants. There are 37 numbered pockets – 18 red, 18 black, and one green. French Roulette also includes side options like La Partage and En Prison, unavailable in other popular game variants.

 

Full House

A full house is a high-ranking poker hand that consists of a hand with two cards of one rank and three cards of another. For instance, you might have two jacks and three sixes for a full house.  In terms of ranking, a full house in poker beats high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, and flush. 

 

Going All-In

Going all in is the action of betting your entire balance at the poker table. It’s a risky strategy, but one that can pay off if you have a really strong hand. However, if you lose the hand after going all in, you have no choice but to leave the game – so be careful! 

 

Grease 

Grease is another term for a bribe in the world of gambling. It’s taken from the phrase “to grease a palm,” which is more broadly used worldwide to refer to bribes or corruption. Historically, some people would try to grease the dealers for favourable cards at land-based casinos, but it’s not a common practice at most reputable casinos today. 

 

Hard Hand 

In blackjack, a hard hand is a hand that doesn’t consist of an ace, or it can also be a hand when the ace is counted as one instead of eleven. For instance, if you are dealt a ten and an eight, you have a hard eighteen. 

 

High Roller

A high roller is a person who places high-value bets at a casino. For example, it’s not uncommon for high rollers to bet tens of thousands of dollars in one session. Casinos tend to roll out the red carpet for high rollers and treat them as VIPs to encourage them to bet more. High rollers are offered perks, comps, and bonuses unavailable to regular bettors. 

 

Hit 

In blackjack, a hit is when you request an additional card from the dealer. You can hit as many times as you like, but you will go bust if your cards total more than 21. Working out when to hit and when to stand is crucial to any successful blackjack strategy. 

 

Hold 

The hold is the percentage of money bet by a gambler that the casino is expected to clear at the end of a betting session. Though the hold isn’t important to individual gamblers, it’s a helpful metric for casinos and is used to discover the most profitable games. 

 

Hole Card

The hole card is the card that remains face down on the table in a casino game. As a result, nobody can see the value of the hole card. The dealer has a hole card at the start of every blackjack game. Hole cards also exist in poker, but individual players can look at them – they are only required to keep them hidden from other players at the table. 

 

Hot 

If a player is described as hot, it means they are on a winning streak. You might hear someone refer to their hot streak in which they have won a lot of money. Also, if a specific slot machine has been paying out lots of money, it can be described as hot. Being hot is in stark contrast to being cold at a casino, which refers to anyone on a losing streak. 

 

House Edge 

House edge is the advantage that a casino has in a specific game. The house edge is typically given as a percentage, usually between 1% and 10%. If a game has a house edge of 5%, 95% of the bets are paid out as winnings, while the casino retains 5%. It’s important to check a game’s house edge before placing a bet to see how much it typically pays out.

 

House Rules 

House rules are localised rules that apply specifically to a casino or bookmaker. If you’re playing casino games online, you can find the house rules listed on the site, and it’s a good idea to read through them before placing your bets. House rules can include things like minimum and maximum stake limits, as well as wagering requirements and bonus terms and conditions.

 

Inside Bets 

Inside bets are wagers that you can place on specific numbers or small groups of numbers at the roulette table. They are in contrast to outside bets. Inside bets have longer odds as they are less likely to occur. Therefore, if you’re keen to land big payouts while playing roulette, inside bets are a good option to consider. 

 

Insurance 

Insurance is a type of bet available in blackjack. If the dealer’s up card is an ace, you will be given the option to place an insurance bet. If you place the insurance bet and the dealer’s next card is a ten to make blackjack, you will receive a payout of 2:1. 

 

Irregular Playing Patterns 

Some online casinos describe bonus abuse as an irregular playing pattern. Practically every bonus an online casino offers comes with wagering requirements that must be satisfied. A casino may regard irregular playing patterns if a player bets the minimum amount possible to try and withdraw the bonus winnings and may suspend the associated account as a result. 

 

IVT

IVT stands for Interactive Video Terminals. These are stand-alone terminals that house various online gambling games, including slots and video poker. You can find IVTs in various settings, including at land-based casinos, pubs, and other places where gambling is permitted. 

 

Jackpot 

A jackpot is a prize that can be won in a casino game. Jackpots can be fixed or progressive. A fixed jackpot is for a specific amount of money (for instance, $10,000), while a progressive jackpot is an amount that increases every time someone places a bet. Jackpots are available in slot machine games at land-based casinos and online betting sites. 

 

Jacks or Better

Jacks or Better is a video poker game available at many casinos. The aim of the game is to create the best possible 5-card poker hand, and if you have a hand of jacks or better, you will receive a payout. Video poker is a simplified version of poker and enables anyone to play without any prior knowledge of how poker works. 

 

Joker 

A joker is included in most packs of playing cards. However, it is not commonly used in most casino card games and has no value. However, when a “wild” card is required, the joker is usually included. Popular casino games that use a joker include Joker Poker and Wild Jokers. 

 

Juice 

Juice is a colloquial term that describes the amount a bookmaker charges for taking a bet on any event. It’s typically used in sports betting and refers to the bookmaker’s commission for taking bets. 

 

Junket 

A junket is a special type of trip that casinos offer to VIP players and high rollers. In some instances, casinos offer to pay a player’s airfare, accommodation, food, and drink if they put down a deposit of at least $5,000 and commit to playing for a specific amount of time. Many casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City offer junkets. 

 

Kalooki

Kalooki is a casino game that is more commonly known as Jamaican Rummy. It follows the basic format of rummy but can also include wild cards and other special features. It’s available at some online casinos and played at land-based casinos in the Caribbean. 

 

Keno

Keno is a game of chance that is similar to the lottery. At the start of every game, you select specific numbers before the draw is made. If you select numbers that are drawn, you will earn a payout. Online casinos offer many keno variants with exciting designs and themes to make the game more engaging. 

 

Kicker

The kicker is the high card in a draw poker tournament that doesn’t make up the fill. In most instances, the kicker is an ace or a king. 

 

Ladderman 

When baccarat is played in a land-based casino, the Ladderman sits above the table, watching the game unfold. The Ladderman is there to ensure that nobody cheats, but they are also responsible for correcting the caller or the dealer if they make a mistake at the table. 

 

Layout 

Layout is the term given to the cloth that covers a gaming table. The layout for games like roulette and blackjack indicates the various betting options available to players and shows you where you need to place your chips to place your bets. 

 

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games are online casino titles hosted by a real-life dealer. They are streamed in high-definition from purpose-built studios, enabling bettors to enjoy immersive table games and game show titles from home. There are lots of different live dealer games, but they include games like blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. 

 

Loose

Loose is a term used to refer to how much a slot machine tends to pay out. For instance, if a machine is loose, it pays out often. Loose machines tend to have low volatility, meaning regular payouts characterise them. 

 

Low Poker 

Another term for low poker is Lowball, which is essentially a game of poker in reverse. As the name of the game suggests, the winner of low poker is the player with the lowest-ranking hand at the end of the game. 

 

Martingale Betting System 

The Martingale betting system is a strategy you can use to play roulette. When you follow this strategy, you are required to double your losing bets until you win. For the Martingale betting system to succeed, you need to have sufficient funds in your bankroll and be disciplined as you play.

 

Maximum Bet / Max Bet

The maximum bet is a limit imposed by casinos on how much you can wager each betting round. For instance, if the maximum bet at a blackjack table is capped at $100, this is the maximum amount you can bet each time you play. 

 

Megalats Jackpot 

In Megalats Jackpot slot games, the machines are wired together. If you win a jackpot with a token or coin, you can potentially win the accumulative winnings of all the other slot machines within the Megalats network. These games are also referred to as Minalits Jackpots. 

 

Minilats Jackpot

See Megalats Jackpots. 

 

Minimum Bet

The minimum bet is the stake you must place to play a casino game. At some casinos, this might be $0.10, $0.50, or $1.00. You can find the minimum bet listed before playing a game. Be mindful that the minimum bet will likely differ for each game you can play at a casino. 

 

Multiplier 

In slot games, multipliers can land on the game grid to increase the value of your payouts. For instance, if a multiplier of 10x lands with a winning combination that would ordinarily be worth 2x the bet, you would win 20x the bet. Playing games with multipliers is a great way to increase the value of your potential payouts at casinos.

 

Natural 

A natural hand refers to a hand of two cards in specific casino games. For instance, in baccarat, a natural hand is one that totals eight or nine. In blackjack, a natural hand is one that totals 21. 

 

Negative Expectation 

Negative expectation in a casino game is when the house has a mathematical advantage over the players. If you repeatedly play a game with a negative expectation over time, you will end up losing out to the casino. 

 

Non-Negotiable Chips 

Non-negotiable chips are sometimes used as promotions or comps by casinos, and they are a type of chip that cannot be cashed out. You can only use non-negotiable chips to place bets. If you win with these chips, you can cash out your winning chips for real money before leaving the casino. 

 

Non-Value Chip

Non-value chips are those without a value, as the name suggests. Instead of having a specific value written on the chip, its value is calculated by the amount of buy-in divided by the number of chips. This is standard practice in some poker games. 

 

Number Pool 

The number pool is the number you can pick from in a specific casino game. For example, the number pool in keno is 1-80, while the number pool in bingo is usually 1-75 or 1-90. If you pick numbers that are then drawn, you will receive a payout according to the game’s paytable.

 

Nut 

Nut can mean a few things in the gambling industry. It is sometimes used to describe the cost of running a casino. However, nut can also refer to the amount of money or chips a person expects to win while playing a game. 

 

Odds

Odds in gambling indicate how much you can win when you place a specific bet. The higher the odds, the less likely the outcome is to occur. Bookmakers tend to display odds in one of three ways – fractional (3/1), decimal (3.0), or in the American format (+300). 

 

On Tilt 

In a gambling context, tilt refers to the negative state of mind of a player. If a player is said to be on tilt at the poker table, it may cause them to make bad decisions, such as going all in to call a bluff or calling a much higher hand than they currently have. 

 

Optimal Strategy 

An optimal strategy in gambling is likely to deliver successful results. Gamblers may employ different strategies while playing specific games, so it’s sometimes better to refer to them as optimal strategies. Popular gambling strategies include things like the D’Alembert and Martingale.

 

Outside Bet 

An outside bet is a type of wager you can place at the roulette table. They get their name because they exist on the outside of the roulette table. Outside bets include wagers on red/black, high/low, or odd/even. 

 

Overlay 

In sports betting, an overlay refers to particularly generous odds offered by a bookmaker, representing a good betting option for players. When used in the context of a gambling tournament, overlay refers to the amount of money the venue adds to the cash pool. 

 

Pai Gow 

Pai Gow is a Chinese gambling game that has grown in popularity recently, particularly at online casinos. The game’s objective is to create a five-card and two-card poker hand with the seven cards that are dealt. The cards are ranked in the same order as other poker games. 

 

Paint

In some poker games, players may refer to face cards (jacks, queens, and kings) as paint. It’s a colloquial term popular at poker table games in different parts of the world. 

 

Pair 

In card games, a pair is when you receive two cards of the same denomination. For instance, if you are dealt two fives, you would have a pair of fives. In poker, you can win a hand with one pair or two pair, the latter outranking the former. 

 

Paroli 

The Paroli betting system is a progressive strategy that can be used to bet on a range of casino games. To follow the Paroli system, you must place a flat-rate bet until you win. Then, you double the wager and continue doubling it as you win. You return to the flat rate when you lose. 

 

Pay Table 

A pay table is included in all games at online casinos. It indicates how much you can win while playing the game. Most winning amounts in the pay table are given as multipliers of your stake, so you can easily calculate the amount you can potentially win when playing the game. 

 

Payline / Pay Line

In slot games, a pay line is the pattern in which winning combinations must land for a payout. It’s common for slots to have at least three paylines, but some games offer more than 100,000 paylines. It’s always a good idea to check the number and pattern of paylines in a slot game before spinning the reels. 

 

Payout Percentage 

Every casino game has a payout percentage, commonly referred to as the game’s RTP (return to player). This number indicates how much, on average, the game pays out. So, if a game has a payout percentage of 95%, it means that for every $1.00 bet, the game will typically pay out $0.95. 

 

Pigeon 

In poker, a pigeon is someone at the table who others regard as a bad player. For instance, if there is a newbie at the table or someone who doesn’t grasp the basics of poker, they might be referred to as a pigeon by other players. 

 

Pit 

The pit is a specific area in a brick-and-mortar casino where the table games take place. In the pit, you will find blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat tables. The size of the pit will vary from casino to casino, but it’s usually the loudest and most fun place in any land-based casino. 

 

Pit Boss

The casino pit boss is responsible for overseeing and supervising all gambling activity at the tables. The pit boss has the right to remove players violating the casino’s rules and policies. 

 

Pot 

In poker games, the pot refers to the amount of money up for grabs in a hand. The pot grows throughout each hand, and chips are added to the pot every time someone calls or raises. The winner of the hand claims the pot, and the next hand is ready to be dealt.  

 

Progressive Jackpot 

Some casino games have a progressive jackpot, which continues increasing until it is won. Progressive jackpots are common in slot games and can offer thousands or even millions of dollars in prizes. To fund the jackpot, a small amount of every bet placed on the game is set to one side, reducing the game’s RTP. 

 

Punto Banco

Punto Banco is the most popular variant of baccarat played at casinos. The game is very simple – you simply bet on which hand – the player’s or the dealer’s you think will be closest to nine. You can also bet on the tie. A winning hand in Punto Banco pays out 1:1. 

 

Push 

A push bet occurs when a sports fixture ends in a tie. When this happens, the bettor receives their stake back, and the bet is closed. As a result, neither the bettor nor the bookmaker wins. 

 

Quads

In poker, quads is another term for four of a kind. This hand is when you receive four of the same cards in poker. In terms of ranking, four of a kind is the third-best hand you can have, and it is only beaten by a straight flush or royal flush. 

 

Rake 

The rake is the commission the house (or the host) takes in a poker game. The rake tends to be anywhere between 2.5% and 10%, depending on the location of the game. You should be mindful of the rake before joining a poker game – the lower the rake, the better it is for players. 

 

Random Number Generator (RNG)

Slot games at online casinos use random number generators to determine the outcome of each spin. This ensures that every bet delivers a random outcome, preventing casinos from fixing the outcome. Random number generator software is independently tested for fairness and transparency and is a crucial element of any online game. 

 

Rank

In gambling, rank refers to the running order of the hands that players can win with. For instance, poker hands are ranked from high card to royal flush and ranked from worst to best, respectively. You should always check the hand rankings before playing a casino game, so you know how to win. 

 

Reel 

In slot games, reels are the columns that make up the game grid. Most slot games have at least three reels on which symbols can form. Paylines run across the game’s reels, and when winning combinations land in specific patterns, players earn a payout according to the paytable listed in the game’s description.

 

River 

The river is the name given to the final community cards dealt in a poker game. Some players call the river fifth street, the fifth and last community card to be dealt in the game. The river is a key time of any poker game, as it often makes or breaks a poker hand. 

RNG 

See Random Number Generator. 

 

Roulette 

Roulette is one of the most popular table games played at online and land-based casinos. The game consists of two main elements – the wheel and the table. To begin the game, the dealer drops the ball onto the wheel, and the pocket where the ball rests results from the game. The table invites players to place various inside and outside bets on the game’s outcome. 

 

Royal Flush 

A royal flush is the highest-ranking hand in poker. It is when a player has a hand of 10-J-Q-K-A, all of the same suit. A royal flush cannot be beaten and is the best possible hand in all poker variants. 

 

Sawdust Joint

A sawdust joint is a colloquial term used to describe low-end gambling houses or casinos. It is in contrast to a carpet joint, which is a term used to describe posh, high-end casinos. 

 

Scatter Symbol 

A scatter symbol is a special symbol that can land on the reels in slot games. Usually, landing at least three scatter symbols in view triggers access to the bonus round in the game, which might offer free spins or multipliers to players. 

 

Session 

A gambling session is the period a person spends playing casino games. Some players use responsible gambling tools to limit the length of their sessions, while others play until they win or lose a specific amount of money. 

 

Shark 

A shark (often referred to as a card shark) is someone who makes money at a casino by cheating. Sharks use various tactics to deceive other players and cheat to win. If you’re accused of being a card shark, you won’t be invited back to play the game! 

 

Shiner 

In gambling, a shiner is a small, reflective object that some players use to cheat while playing cards. The shiner can be angled in such a way as to show the player what cards their opponent has, providing them with an unfair advantage when placing bets. 

 

Shoe 

The shoe is a device used at land-based casinos to hold multiple decks of cards. At the start of every betting round, the dealer receives cards from the shoe before dealing them to players. 

 

Showdown

In poker, a showdown occurs when more than one player remains in the game after the final betting round. In the showdown, both players must reveal their hands, and the player with the highest-ranking hand wins the pot. 

 

Sic Bo

Sic Bo is an ancient Chinese gambling game played with three dice. The objective of the game is to predict the total number of the rolls of each dice. Sic Bo is popular at online casinos and land-based casinos in Asia. 

 

Slot Machine 

Slot machines are popular casino games played online and land-based casinos. Slot machines are games of chance and offer payouts when specific patterns of symbols land on the game grid. Slots come in various forms and designs, offering unique themes, vibrant colours, and many ways to win. 

 

Snake Eyes

Snake eyes is the term given when two ones (1 + 1) are rolled in craps. You can even place a snake eyes proposition bet at the craps table if you think this roll will occur. 

 

Soft Hand

In blackjack, a soft hand is a hand that consists of an ace that can be used as one or eleven. For instance, if you receive a 6 + A, the hand could be worth 7 or 17, depending on your blackjack strategy. 

 

Split 

In blackjack, you can split your hand when you receive a pair. To do this, you need to place a matching bet, and you can then play with two hands. Splitting can be an effective element of a successful blackjack betting strategy. 

 

Stand

Standing in blackjack means you do not wish to receive any more cards. If you stand, you are happy with your hand, and the dealer will reveal their cards. If you beat the dealer with the hand that you have, you will then receive a payout.

 

Straight Flush 

A straight flush is a high-ranking poker hand comprising five cards of sequential rank and the same suit. For instance, 6+7+8+9+10 of hearts is a straight flush in poker. The only hand in poker that beats a straight flush is a royal flush. 

 

Surrender 

Surrender is a rule that exists in some blackjack variants. Where available, the player can surrender 50% of their bet if they’re not happy with their original deal, skipping to the next betting round in the process. It’s a handy way to cut your losses when you’re dealt a bad hand in blackjack. 

 

Symbols 

In slot games, symbols can land on the game grid to form winning combinations. Each symbol has its value, displayed in the game’s paytable. You will receive a payout when you land a specific number of symbols on one of the game’s paylines. 

 

Tapping Out 

In gambling, tapping out is when a player loses their entire bankroll. If a player taps out, they must stop playing or visit the casino cage to buy more chips. If a player taps out while playing online, they must make another deposit to continue betting. 

 

Three-of-a-Kind 

Three-of-a-kind is a poker hand that contains three cards of the same rank, such as three sevens, three aces, or three tens. Though not one of the best poker hands, three-of-a-kind beats a high card, pair, or two-pair. 

 

Tight 

If a poker player is considered tight, they play fewer hands than other players. Also, if a slot machine is referred to as tight, it doesn’t pay out often and is best avoided. 

 

Toke 

In casino gambling, a toke is a tip given to a dealer. The phrase is short for a token of appreciation and originated on casino floors in the United States. If you land a win at a casino table, offering the dealer a toke is customary. 

 

Tronc 

A tronc is a box in which players can place tokes (tips) for dealers in land-based casinos. At most casinos, the proceeds from a tronc are split evenly between dealers and may also be given to waiting staff, bartenders, and kitchen staff. 

True Odds

In betting, true odds represent the statistical probability of any outcome in an event. They are in contrast to implied odds, which represent the probability of a result based on the bookmaker’s opinion. 

 

UK Gambling Commission

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is the regulatory body for casinos and bookmakers in the United Kingdom. The UKGC is widely regarded as one of the strictest regulatory bodies in the world and was established as a result of the UK Gambling Act (2005). 

 

Underlay 

An underlay is where the odds seem too low to offer good value, meaning they favour the bookmaker rather than the bettor. In this instance, looking elsewhere for odds before placing a bet is better. 

 

Video Slots 

Video slots are online casino games with various forms of media to offer a compelling and engaging gaming experience. They tend to have better graphics and more intuitive gameplay than classic or conventional slots and are extremely popular with online gamblers. 

Video Poker 

Video poker is a casino game that combines elements of poker and slots. Available on terminals in land-based and online casinos, video poker aims to earn a payout by forming a ranking poker hand. Many video poker variations exist, including Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild. 

 

Vigorish 

Vigorish (vig) is the fee a bookmaker charges to place a bet. Depending on your location, it is also known as the juice, cut, or margin.

 

VIP 

In the gambling industry, a VIP spends lots of money placing bets. As a result, casinos offer VIP programs to reward high rollers and encourage them to spend more money. VIP programs include comps, special bonuses, and various other offers. 

 

VLT 

A VLT (video lottery terminal) is a type of electronic gambling machine that can be found in bars, restaurants, and clubs. The terminal may offer slots, video poker, and virtual sports games. 

 

Wagering Requirements 

Wagering requirements are attached to casino bonuses and promotions and indicate how much a player must bet before withdrawing any winnings from the bonus. For instance, if an offer has wagering requirements 10x and the bonus is worth $100, the player would have to wager $1,000 of their own money before processing a withdrawal. 

 

Washing 

Washing is an action practised by dealers at the start of a table game. Often, dealers rub their hands together to show players their hands are empty, but not every dealer does this. 

 

Welcome Bonus

A welcome bonus is a promotion many online casinos and sportsbooks offer to encourage new customers to create an account. For instance, a new player might be offered a 100% deposit match on their first deposit up to $1,000. This provides the new customer with additional funds to bet with and is a popular way for gambling sites to attract new clients. 

 

Whale 

A whale is another term for a high roller and is someone who regularly places high-value bets at an online or brick-and-mortar casino. Whales are sometimes also referred to as cheetahs. 

 

White Meat

White meat is a term used by some gamblers to refer to the amount of profit they have made while gambling. In other words, it’s another way of saying net winnings. 

 

Wild Card 

In gambling, a wild card is a specific card that may be included in the deck with a unique role in the game. In most games that call for a wild card, the joker in the pack is used. 

 

Wilds 

Wilds are special symbols that appear in slot games. When they appear on the reels, they can substitute for all other symbols to help you form winning combinations. Wilds sometimes offer multipliers and may have several other unique features to increase the value of payouts.