Action
This is used to describe Casino play. You will find lots of
action on the table games like Blackjack, Roulette and Baccarat.
Dealers often say, "The action is on you," meaning it’s your
turn to play. You’ll also find plenty of action on Slots!
Aggregate Limit
This refers to a Casino’s total liability on a Casino game.
Aggregate Winnings
This is a term for total winnings.
Ante
A bet that’s required in some Casino Table games, prior to the
hand or round beginning.
AWP
A UK term for a slot machine, meaning ‘Amusements with Prizes’.
Bad Paper
Cheques / checks written by players which are not honoured by
the player.
Balance
The amount of money in a player’s account, which the player uses
to make bets and play games.
Banker
Another name for the House or Dealer.
Bankroll
This is the amount of money a Player has set aside to gamble
with.
Barber Pole
Refers to a wager made, using a stack of various chips. (The
colours of the different chips can resemble a Barber’s pole.)
Beginner’s Luck
Players who are new to gambling might have a winning streak.
This streak is called ‘beginner’s luck’ by envious regular
players.
Bet Behind
Each online Blackjack table can only seat a maximum seven
players. In some online Casinos you can ‘bet behind’ one of the
players and bet on their cards and decisions. This can work out
well, if you choose the right player! Normally there are no
limits to how many players can ‘Bet Behind’.
Bet/Betting limit
A bet is the amount you stake on a round of Blackjack, Baccarat
or Roulette. It is also the amount you spend on a spin of a
Slot. Some Table games and slots have betting limits. For
example, you might select a Blackjack table, where the maximum
bet is £20.
Black Book
In Nevada, this is a directory of players who are banned from
entering their Casinos.
Bonus
This can be a ‘Welcome Bonus’, which a Casino offers to attract
new players. It can also be an incentive offered, to encourage
regular players to continue playing.
Book/Bookie
A ‘Book’ refers to an establishment or special area of a Casino,
which accepts wagers on the outcome of Sporting events and
races. A ‘Bookie’ is a person who offers odds on events,
collects and pays out the bets placed.
Box
This is a seat at a Blackjack table. Traditionally there are
seven boxes and players can play more than one box at a time.
Boxman or Boxperson
This is a seat at a Blackjack table. Traditionally there are
seven boxes and players can play more than one box at a time.
Break the Deck
This term is usually used in Blackjack games and refers to a
reshuffle of the cards. Dealers may ‘break the deck’ at any
time, but will do more frequently if they think there is a card
counter sitting at their table.
Bug
This is another name for the Joker card.
Buy-in
When playing in a Casino, you will need to change cash for
chips, this is a ‘Buy-in’. In a Poker tournament, the ‘Buy-in’
is the cost of entry.
Cage
This is the financial hub of a Casino. This is where most of the
large money transactions take place. Winning Players go to the
cage Cashier to ‘cash out’ and exchange their chips for cash.
Card Sharp
This is a player who is considered skilled at card games. You
would be happy playing alongside a card sharp at Blackjack, as
they would only be taking money from the Dealer. You don’t want
to play a Card Sharp at Poker, as they will take your money.
Card Washing
This refers to when a Dealer spreads cards face down and mixes
them up, before shuffling. Most tables in modern Casinos and
online Casinos have automatic shuffling machines to save time.
This is one piece of Casino slang which is becoming outdated.
Capping
Cheating at the tables by placing additional chips on top of the
original bet, once the game round has begun.
Carpet Joints
This refers to 5 star luxury casinos.
Case Bet
A player’s bet which includes all remaining chips on the table,
otherwise known as ‘all in’.
Cashier
In a land-based Casino, it’s where you exchange money for Casino
chips. In an online casino, it’s where you can deposit and
withdraw funds from your account.
Cashier’s Cage
This is a player’s favourite place in a Casino, it’s where you
change your winning chips for cash!
Cash-Out
This is the act of withdrawing money from an online Casino.
Casino Advantage
This is the mathematical advantage that a Casino has over
players. It is also known as the ‘house edge’.
Casino Rewards
Many online Casinos will offer rewards to players, based on how
much they play. Be one of those players!
Change Colours
This is exchanging one set of Casino chips for another, such as
turning in a £10 chip for two £5 chips. Dealers call this
‘changing colours’ because chips are identified more by their
colour, than by the amounts marked on them.
Checks
Common name used by US Casino workers, when referring to chips.
Chips
Chips are the currency of the Casino. Chips come in various
colours and denominations and are used for playing Table games.
Chip Tray
The tray used by a Dealer or Croupier, to hold Casino chips.
Classic slots (Fruit Machine)
Classic slots were the first slots played in Casinos. They had
three reels and many used fruit as symbols; hence the name
‘fruit machine’.
Coat-tail
This is a description of a player using the same betting
strategy/techniques as a winning player, hoping for same
results.
Cold Streak
Something no player wants, describes an extended losing run.
Colour Up
The act of exchanging smaller-denomination chips for larger
ones, usually before ‘cashing-in’…
Comps
Short for Complimentary, ‘comps’ are given away by a Casino to
its biggest customers. Depending on their level of play, this
can include anything from free drinks, agreed bonuses, up to
luxury Hotel Suites and travel by private Jet. Online Casinos
often treat their best players to VIP experiences.
Count Down
This is where a Dealer creates smaller stacks of chips from tall
stacks which have accrued on the table. This is done so they can
easily be counted by other Casino staff, from a distance.
Cracking the Nut
This is a Casino term for gaining a profit, after all gambling
expenses have been deducted.
Croupier
French word for a Casino Dealer, commonly used in most non-US
Casinos.
Cut Card
This is a plastic card used by the Dealer to ‘cut’ the card
deck.
D'Alembert System
A bankroll strategy inspired by the French Mathematician. You
add one unit after a losing bet and deduct one unit after a
winning bet. Not recommended.
Dealer
A Dealer is a Casino employee who deals the cards to players.
Online you can talk to them and some cases, tip them!
Deposit
This is the process of adding funds to your online Casino
account.
Double Down
This is a term used in Blackjack, meaning to double the original
bet.
Double or Nothing
A wager which pays out the original bet, or even-money.
Download Casino
A version of an online casino which requires you to download
software to play the games. This is becoming obsolete.
Down to the Felt
Where you don’t want to be! In Casino terms this is ‘busted’ or
‘broke’.
Drop
The amount of monies lost by players, or by Casinos.
Drop Box
Located at a Gaming table, this holds all cash, markers & chips.
Edge
An edge is an advantage held in a game. The house ‘edge’ on
European Roulette is 2-3%.
Eye in the Sky
This is the term for the overhead cameras used in Casinos, to
monitor the gaming tables. The security in Live Casinos is just
as stringent, protecting both the player and the Casino.
Face Cards
These are cards with a face displayed on them; Kings, Queens or
Jacks.
Firing
This is slang for betting large amounts in money games.
Flat Betting
A wagering method where the player bets the same amount every
time. Not a wise strategy.
Flea
Describes an irritating player who has high expectations for
Casino ‘Comps’ and other benefits, when they are not deserved.
Floorperson
A Casino employee who supervises Dealers at gaming tables and
watches for any problems or irregularities.
Free Spins (Extra Spins/Casino Spins)
These are used as a bonus on specific slots. The player can spin
the game, without paying a stake. Often used by Casinos as a
‘Welcome’ bonus.
Front Money
Funds deposited to establish credit for playing.
Galloping Dominoes
This is what Casino workers and players jokingly call dice.
Gambler’s Fallacy
The incorrect belief that the outcome of a random event is
influenced by previous events. Roulette players take note!
George
This is Casino-speak for a generous tipper, both to Dealers and
other Casino employees. At many online Casinos you can tip the
Dealer!
G.I. Marbles
Another name used by Casino workers and players for dice.
Grind Player
A player who slowly works through their bankroll, betting very
conservatively and in small amounts.
Handle
The total amount of money bet on money games.
High Roller
A player who plays Casino games for high stakes.
Hole Card
A card which is dealt face down.
Holding Your Own
This is a player who is staying on an ‘even keel’, or ‘breaking
even’.
Honeymoon Period
Another name for ‘Beginners Luck or ‘Winning Phase’, this refers
to players who begin their Casino experience with a winning
streak.
Hot
What you want to be…A winning player!
Hot Streak
An extended winning run.
House
A Casino is often referred to as the ‘House’.
House edge
This is the Casino’s mathematical winning edge. Most Casino
table games have a win percentage built into them, to guarantee
a small profit.
House Rules
The Game Rules which are specific to a particular Casino.
Instant Casino
A type of online casino which doesn’t require you to download
any software. Most online Casinos are now instant.
Jackpot
This is a large prize which is offered for a specific outcome in
a game. This is typically offered in slot and video poker game,
most online Casinos include them in certain Table Games.
Juice
This is a US term for the commission received by the house.
Otherwise known as Vigorish.
Layout
This is an important part of a Table Game where bet descriptions
and rules are printed on the baize.
Live Dealer Games
An online Casino game played against real Dealers over a live
video stream. At most online Casino, Players can chat directly
to the Dealers.
Load up
Casino term for playing maximum coins per spin at slots, or on
Video poker.
Lobby
The lobby in online Casinos is where you can find all the
available games to play.
Loyalty Scheme
A scheme offered by most online Casinos, to reward regular
players for their custom.
Martingale
A well-known wagering system, where the player doubles their bet
after every loss. Not highly recommended, unless you have
unlimited funds.
Maximum Bet
The highest allowed wager at Table games or maximum stake on
slots.
Mechanic
A term used for a dice or card cheat, who uses sleight of hand
while playing.
Michigan Bankroll
Used derisively in US Casinos, when a large denomination note is
wrapped around several smaller notes, giving the impression that
the player is a high roller with many $100 bills to spend.
Minimum Bet
This is the lowest stake which can be placed on a Casino game.
Multi-Hand Games
These are Table games, where a player can play more than one
hand at once.
Multiplayer Games
Games in online Casinos, where you play with other real players,
rather than on your own.
Non-Sticky Bonus
A type of bonus offered by online Casinos, which can be
withdrawn as cash, once the necessary requirements have been
met.
Net Winnings
This is your total payout, minus wagers placed.
On Tilt
This is a Casino term referring to a player reacting to a losing
bet by playing wildly afterwards.
Paddle
Plastic device used by Dealers to push paper money into the drop
box.
Payline
The Payline is the term used for the winning line on slots. This
is typically by a combination of symbols.
Payoff
Monies received by a player after a win.
Payout Percentage (Return to Player – RTP)
The payout percentage is the amount which will be paid back to
players over an amount of time. Known in the UK as ‘Return to
Player’.
Payout Table
This is a table which shows you the relevant pay-out for each
bet on Table games, or every winning combination on slot
machines and video poker.
Penetration
This is the percentage of a deck which is dealt, before the deck
is shuffled.
Pigeon
This is a derogatory term for a player who is not knowledgeable
about Casino games.
Pips
These are spades, clubs, hearts and diamonds, found in a deck of
cards. It also refers to the dots or spots on the dice in a
Craps game.
Pit
This is the area of a Casino, between tables, where only Casino
staff are allowed.
Pit boss
An important job in a Casino. A pit boss oversees fair play at
all times, online Casinos also employ Pit Bosses inside the
Studio, to make sure games are run to the highest standards.
Ploppy
This is a term for a newer player who is making poor decisions,
but is not above coaching other players about what they should
do. Ignore them!
Progression Betting
This is the process of adding or changing bets, as play
continues.
Progressive Jackpot
A ‘progressive’ is a type of jackpot which increases over time,
funded by a small percentage from each stake on the game. Larger
Jackpots can be created by linking several games into the same
Jackpot. The largest ever was won in April 2021 and totalled
$23.6M.
Push
This is a tied outcome on Casino games, where neither the house
or the player wins. All stakes are normally returned.
Railbird
A Casino term for an observer who hangs around a gaming table.
His intention may be to ‘lift’ chips from other non-suspecting
players.
Rated
This is a Casino’s estimated value of a player's skill level.
Rathole
A player who slowly hides chips during play, to hide the extent
of their winning.
Random Number Generator (RNG)
A random number generator is a device used to produce
unpredictable and random numbers, using a multi-stage process to
ensure it is totally random. A key part of gaining an online
licence is proving that RNG the Casino uses has been fully
tested and certified.
Reel
An area within a slot game, usually a column, where symbols of
the game are displayed. Slot games have a minimum three reels.
Reload Bonus
A popular type of bonus which is offered to regular players at
an online Casino, to encourage them to make a new deposit.
Sawdust Joint
A derogatory name used for a ‘basic’ Casino, offering low
betting minimums. Players use them as they offer low stakes,
unfortunately the owners are sometimes less than scrupulous.
Licensed online Casinos offer very low stakes, in a safe and
top-quality environment.
Scatter Symbol
A scatter symbol is included in some slot games. They can
usually appear on any line and most often trigger free spins.
Session
Time spent playing casino games. Most online Casinos offer an
in-game timer, or the chance to set your own session times.
Shoe
The box from which cards are dealt in Casinos.
Sign-Up Bonus
Also known as a ‘welcome bonus’, this is normally offered at
online Casinos, to new customers when they join.
Sleeper
A forgotten table bet. In Online Casinos, when you return to an
unfinished RNG game it will be completed. If you don’t complete
a Live Casino bet it will be automatically played and resulted,
using optimal playing patterns.
Spinner
Casino term for a winning session. Congratulations!
Stake
The amount wagered on a Casino game.
Stiff
This is a successful player who doesn’t tip.
Straight-Up Bet
This is a term for a bet on a specific number on Roulette.
Table Hold
Term for the value of the house win at a Casino table game, over
an eight hour period.
Tapping Out
This is when a player has finished playing. It can also be when
a player has lost their entire bankroll.
Toke
A common US name for tips given to Dealers and other Casino
staff.
Tom
On the other hand, a ‘Tom’ is a non-tipper.
Tournament
This is a challenge arranged by a Casino. Many online Casino
offer Slots, Video poker, Blackjack and Craps tournaments. They
are a very popular promotion and can be very lucrative for the
successful player.
Underlay
Otherwise known as a bad bet.
Vigorish
This is the Casino’s fee or commission, paid during specific
wagers in the table games of Baccarat or Craps.
VIP
A VIP is a US term for a high-value player. They normally get
special treatment from a Casino.
VLT
A US abbreviation for Video Lottery Terminal
Wager
Any bet made in an online or a land-based Casino.
Wagering Requirements
The amount of money which must be wagered at an online Casino,
in order to either earn a bonus or release the proceeds from a
bonus.
Washing the Cards
The Dealer combines several decks of cards, then shuffles them
by spreading them out on the game table and randomly mixing them
together.
Welcome Bonus
A popular bonus offered to new players at online Casinos.
Otherwise known as a ‘Sign-up bonus’.
Whale
Player who places very large bets and is a Casino VIP.
White Meat
A Casino term for gambling profit.
Wire Joint
A Casino which uses such methods as rigged tables and magnetised
dice to cheat players. Make sure the online Casino you join is
properly licensed!
Withdrawal
The best feeling in an online account, when you make a
withdrawal of your winnings!
Zukes
Another name for tips, popular with younger Dealers and Casino
workers.
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