Casino Terminology

Casino Terminology:

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 Dealer who supervises the bank at a Craps game. This employee monitors the payoff amounts and deposits money into the drop box.

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.

Streak Betting

Term for a system of betting, also known as progressive betting, which is based on previous wins or losses. For the next round, the player either increases or decreases their bets.

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.