Casino Glossary

Everything is hard until it’s easy and we all start at square one. This casino glossary could be a shortcut to success in your casino experience. Check out the different terms and definitions in this casino dictionary. Inhale the necessary casino knowledge and learn how to play slots online.

A

Action

“Action” is used to describe the total bet amount during your time on table.

Adding On

“Adding On” provides an opportunity to buy more credits during the game play.

Advantage Player

An “Advantage Player” is a player who has an advantage against the house/casino. A card counter is a so called “Advantage Player”.

All-In

“All-In” is the name of the move when you stake all your money on one bet.

American Wheel (Roulette)

The “American Wheel” in roulette is a 38-number roulette wheel with two 0’s, which increase the Edge of the Casino.

Ante

“Ante” is the name of the fee which is paid in order to participate in a game round.

Automatic Club

“Automatic Club” is a casino without real dealers (an automated casino).

Avatar

“Avatar” is the player picture that you choose to use in an online casino.

B

Baccarat

6-8 decked multiplayer skill game.

Back Raise

“Back Raise is a slang word for “Re-Raise”.

Bad Beat

“Bad Beat” is the phenomenon when a player lose with a strong hand.

Banker

“Banker” is another word do describe the Dealer.

Bankroll

The money a player has reserved for gambling is usually referred to as the “Bankroll”.

Barred/Banned

Players can get barred or banned from any online casino, which prevents them from entering the casino again.

Beard

A “Beard” is a disguise, a player who bet for someone else can be described as a “Beard”.

Beef

A dispute between a player and a dealer can be referred to as “Beef”.

Beginner’s Luck

“Beginner’s Luck” is the theory that new players have more luck than old players.

Bet

“Bet” is the action that a player takes when staking money in a casino.

Bet Levels

Pressing on “Bet Levels” allow you to increase or decrease the amount of coins staked per spin.

Bet Max

To “Bet Max” is to stake maximum amount of coins in a spin.

Betting Limit

The “Betting Limits” refer to the minimum and maximum amount that can be used to place a bet.

Big Blind

“Big Blind” is a fee, paid by a player to partake in a poker round and see the “Flop”.

Bingo

“Bingo” is a game played in printed cards. A dealer announces consecutive numbers and players shout “BINGO” when they win.

BlackJack

“Blackjack” is the name of a player’s or dealer’s initial hand including a card valued 10 + an Ace (11) in the table game which is also known as Blackjack.

Blind Bet

A “Blind Bet” is a bet in a poker game from a player who doesn’t get to have a look at the cards before placing the bet.

Blinds

Blinds are bets that some players need to pay in each poker hand before being allowed to see the flop.

Bluff

Players can “Bluff” by betting high with a bad hand.

Boat

“Boat” is poker slang for “Full House”.

Bonus Game

A “Bonus Game” is a feature inside a slot machine where additional winning potentials can be found.

Bonus Money

Bonus money is money which needs to be wagered X times before the money is transformed from bonus to real money.

Bookie

A “Bookie” is the person who permit bets.

Brit Brag

“Brit Brag” is a three card game in Poker.

Buck

A “Buck” is a bet of $100.

Bug

“Bug” is a synonym for a Joker.

Bump

To “Bump” means to raise the bet from another player.

Burn Card

“Burn Cards” are cards which are used between deals to be discarded and removed from the game round.

Bust

Exceeding 21 in Blackjack results in a “Bust” (a loss).

Button

The objective of the dealer “Button” icon is to clarify the position of the Dealer on a table game.

C

Call

To “Call” is to match a player bet or required amount for participating in a game round.

Caller

A Poker Caller is any player who calls a bet. In Bingo, the Caller is the person announcing the order of bingo balls.

Camouflage

Any player can play with some kind of disguise by acting drunk or high for example.

Capping

Bet amount that exceeds the bet levels can be considered cheating, the definition is “Capping”.

Card Counting

“Card Counting” is when Blackjack players count the different cards to get an “Edge” against the Casino.

Card Shark

A Card Shark is a player at expert level.

Carousel

“Carousel” is a term which is used to describe a group of slot machines.,

Cashback / Cash Back

“Cashback” is a loyalty program where a player receives a certain percentage of deposited or lost amounts in the form of a goodwill bonus or real money.

Cash Out

Cash out actually is a synonym for “Withdraw”, to move your winnings to your personal bank account.

Cashier

The cashier is the person who exchanges your money into casino chips that can be used in a real casino.

Casino Advantage

The Casino Advantage is a word used to describe the edge of a casino. In Blackjack, casinos will have different advantages depending on if they offer S17 or H17 Blackjack.

Casino Rewards

A reward is something valuable, it’s like a medal. A reward which is usually based on activity.

Chase

To “Chase” is to adjust the bet levels to chase losses from previous bet(s).

Chip Tray

The Chip Tray is the place where the dealer keep his/her stock of casino chips.

Chips

Chips are tokens which substitute for real money inside casinos.

Coin Value

The “Coin Value” is the set value of each coin inside a slot machine.

Cold Streak

A casino session with bad luck.

Color Up

Color up is when you exchange your (small) chips for chips with a higher value.

Column Bet

“Column Bet” is a bet type in Roulette where a player bet on 12 of the 36 numbers (0’s excluded). Winning column Bets pays 2:1.

Community Cards

The Community Cards are the common cards, which refer to cards which are available to every player.

Corner Bet

“Corner Bet” is a bet which is divided on 4 numbers, hence ‘corner’. A winning Corner bet pays 8:1. Also called a “Carré”

Credits

“Credits” is a currency used to place bets. The most common name for credits is “coins”.

Croupier

Croupier is a French word used to describe the dealer in a casino.

Cut

To “Cut” is to split the deck of cards before dealing them.

Cut Card

The Cut Card is a card which is never used in games, it is used to cut the deck in card games.

D

Deal

Pressing on “Deal” will provide you with cards.

Dealer

The person in a casino who is dealing the cards to players.

Dealer Button

The Dealer Button is placed on the poker table to display the position of the Dealer. Cards are dealt clockwise starting from the left of the dealer.

Deposit

Deposit is the process of adding real money to the account balance in a casino.

Deuces Wild Poker

The “Deuces Wild Poker” is a video poker game where all number 2’s act as wilds.

Dime Bet

A $1000 bet is called a “Dime Bet”.

Discard

To “Discard” is to reject som or all cards that have been dealt while asking for new ones.

Discard Tray

The “Discard Tray” is the place for used/burnt cards of the dealer.

Dog

A “Dog” is a weak player or a player who is likely to lose.

Dog Player

A “Dog Player” is a player who prefers betting on underdogs.

Double Down

“Double Down” is a Blackjack feature where you ask for 1 more card only while doubling the value of your bet.

Double or Nothing

“Double or Nothing” is the phenomenon where a player can bet his winnings for a chance to double them, or lose them.

Download Casino

“Download Casino” is a downloadable casino client which cannot be played through a browser. This is not a safe way to play casino.

Dozens Bet

A “Dozens bet” is a bet on 12 numbers in roulette, pays 2:1.

Draw

To “Draw” is to ask for another card.

Drop

A “Drop” is a bet which is lost in a hand and/or round.

E

Early Surrender

The “Early Surrender” can be used by a Blackjack player before the dealer check his/her cards for a Blackjack (21). Early surrender gives half of your bet back.

Edge

Edge is the same as Casino/House advantage, the casino always has the edge/advantage against the player.

En Prison

“En Prison” is an European optional rule which is applied to even-money bets in roulette.

European Wheel

Roulette with 37 numbers in total (0-36).

Even Money

“Even Money” is any bet with a 1:1 ratio. For example, playing on “Red/Black” in Roulette offer potential winnings which are equivalent to the bet amount.

Even/Odd

Playing on “Even/Odd” in Roulette means that you play on 16 out of 37 numbers which pays 1:1 in case of a win.

Eye in the Sky

“Eye in the Sky” is the name for cameras inside a casino.

F

Face Cards

Face Cards are cards with a picture printed on it. Like an Ace, King, Queen & Jack.

Face Value

The definition “Face Value” is used to clarify the original value of any card.

Family Pot

A “Family Pot” is a shared prize pool which can be won by anyone of the participants.

Fifth Street / 5th Street

The third round of Seven Card Stud is called “5th Street” due to the five cards used.

First Base / 1st Base

The Chair at the dealer’s left is where the game commence. It is called First Base.

Fish

A gambler who extract the most losses from other players is called a “Fish”.

Flash Casino

Most online casinos are flash casinos (same as “Instant Casino”), always try to play on a Flash Casino rather than on a “Download Casino”.

Flat Betting

Flat Betting is when a player sticks to a set amount to bet each time without adjusting the bet size.

Flop

There are 5 community cards in Texas Hold’em, the 3 first cards are provided at the same time. The 3 first cards are called the “Flop”.

Flush

“Flush” is a hand where all cards are of the same suit.

Four of a Kind

A “Four of a Kind” is the name of the scenario when a player has 4 cards of the same value. For example Ace of Spades, Ace of Hearts, Ace of Clubs and Ace of diamonds.

Fourth Street / 4th Street

The Fourth Street is the name of the second round in Seven Card Stud Poker as players have 4 cards.

Free Roll

A “Free Roll” is a cash prize tournament, free of charge to participate.

Free Spins

“Free Spins” are bonuses given to players to play X amount of free spins in a specific casino game. The winnings from these free spins are usually subject to a “Wagering Requirement”.

French Roulette

The “French Roulette” is played with 37 numbers and extra bet systems.

Full House

“Full House” is the name of 2 combinations together, a three-of-a-kind and a pair (3+2 = 5 cards).

G

Gamble

To “Gamble” is to risk money by staking them in a bet.

Gambler’s Fallacy

The “Gambler’s Fallacy” is an (invalid) theory, saying that previous outcomes can assist the player in determining future outcomes.

George

Any gambler who tips off the dealer is called George.

GOY

“GOY” is an abbreviation for Game of the Year

Grease

Grease is slang for “Bribes”. Any bribe is called “Grease”.

Gross Winning

The complete won amount by a player are called “Gross Winnings”.

H

Hand

“Hand” is a definition of all cards that a player holds in a round.

Handicapper

A “Handicapper” is someone who can guess the result of a bet.

Hard Hand

A “Hard Hand” is any hand without an Ace card on the hand.

Heads-Up

“Heads-Up” is a showdown between 2 players.

High-Low

“High-Low” is a strange poker version where the pot is shared between the best and the worst hand.

High Roller

A player who plays with high stakes.

Hit

“Hit” can be used to describe winning combinations or a basic win. Also the decision of taking an additional card in Blackjack.

Hole Card

The “Hole Card” is the dealer’s card which is faced down.

Home Advantage

“Home Advantage” is the concept that player’s have an advantage by playing on their home field. (they might know the dealer and might be familiar with different patterns and security measures)

Hot

A casino game is considered “Hot” if it provides more wins than usual during a certain time frame.

Hot Streak

A long winning run, which is the opposite of a “Cold Streak”.

House

The “House” is another word for the Casino.

House Edge

The “House Edge” is the advantage that the casino has against the player(s) in any casino game.

House Rules

Some Casinos have their own specific rules, these are called “House Rules”.

I

Inside Bet

An “Inside Bet” is any bet placed on numbers inside the “Layout”.

Instant Casino

Most online casinos are Instant Casinos (same as “Flash Casino”), always try to play on an Instant Casino rather than on a “Download Casino”.

Insurance

“Insurance” is an opportunity for players to guard themselves against the dealer’s potential Natural Blackjack (21).

IPP

Abbreviation for: Irregular Playing Pattern

J

Jackpot

A large sum of money which is offered for a casino game. Jackpots are usually found in slots & video slots such as Mega Fortune slot.

Jacks or Better

“Jacks or Better” is a poker game where Jacks, Queens, Kings and Aces pay more than the other cards.

Joker Poker

Video poker where the Joker is a wild card, is called “Joker Poker”.

Jokers

“Jokers” are so-called “Wild Cards” in card games.

Juice

The “Juice” is a synonym for the commission taken by casinos. (see “Vigorish”)

K

Kicker

A “Kicker” is the highest card in a poker hand that doesn’t belong to any combination. The higher kicker card decides the winner if two players have the same hand.

L

Ladderman

The “Ladderman” is the person who controls the game in Baccarat.

Late Surrender

The “Late Surrender” can only be used if the dealer doesn’t have blackjack.

Layout

The surface of a table game where players can stake their bets.

Lay the Odds

To “Lay the Odds” is to bet on your favorite, like betting on number 7 in roulette because it’s your lucky number.

License

Every casino needs a licence, this is the certification of a casino being permitted to offer casino games.

Live Dealer Games

“Live Dealer Games” are any game with a live dealer.

Lobby

The Lobby is the place where you can find the different games that are available to you.

Long Shot

“Long Shot” is the team who has the smallest chance of winning, similar to an “Underdog”.

Loose

A player is “loose” if he/she is playing more hands than the average player.

Low Poker

“Low Poker” is a type of poker where the winner is determined by the lowest rank among the cards.

Loyalty Scheme / Loyalty Program

A scheme/program which is used to reward loyal players at a casino.

M

Martingale

The “Martingale” system in Roulette is a bet system which is used by always doubling the bet amount in case of a loss.

Maximum Bet / Max Bet

The Max Bet is the maximum amount to bet in a casino game.

Minimum Bet

The “Minimum Bet” is the minimum amount to bet in a casino game.

Money in Action

“Money in Action” is the amount which you currently have available for gambling. Having €10,000 on your account is irrelevant if you can only bring €200 onto a poker table.

Moving the Line

“Moving the Line” is a concept where you can pay additional money to increase your chances of winning.

Multi-hand Games

The “Multi-hand games” are the casino games where you can play more than 1 hand at the time.

Multi-line Game

Any slot with more than 1 pay line is called a “Multi-line Game”.

Multiplayer Games

Multiplayer games are casino games where you can play against other players rather than playing against the casino on your own.

Multiplier

“Multiplier” is the name of a slot feature which multiplies the value of a winning symbol or combination with X.

MVG

Abbreviation for “Most Valued Guest”, synonym to VIP.

N

Natural

“Natural” is a two-card hand which accumulates to 21 points in Blackjack.

Natural Royal

The “Natural Royal” is a definition of a Royal Flush hand, without wild cards.

Net Winning

The “Net Winning” means net payout.

Nickel

A “Nickel” is the definition of a $500 wager.

No-Limit Poker

The No-limit poker is the kind of poker where there are no maximum bet amounts.

No Deposit Bonus

A “No Deposit Bonus” is a bonus which is offered without any requirements of making a deposit.

Number Pool

A “Number Pool” is the range of numbers in a certain game. Keno for example has a “Number Pool” of 80, while Bingo usually have 75 or 90.

O

Odds

“Odds” is the chance of winning in any game.

Operators

Online casinos are the “Operators” of the online casino business.

Out

An illegal “Bookmaker”.

Outside Bet

Any even-money (1:1) bets or 2:1 bets are called “Outside Bets”.

Overlay

A state where a player has the edge against the “House” is called “Overlay”.

P

Pair

The definition of “Pair” is to have 2 cards of the same value.

Pallete

“Pallete” is a strange word, it is the name of the wooden score board in Baccarat.

Pass

“Pass” is an action used in Poker where players can choose to pass if they wish to see another card without raising the bet.

Pat Hand

A “Pat Hand” is a hand which is considered completed after being dealt.

Pay Line

Every slot machine has a “Pay Line”, the pay line shows where winning combinations need to show up in order for you to win something.

Pay Table

The “Pay Table” is a result table where you can see how much the different outcomes will pay you in case you win.

Payout

The “Payout” is the amount of coins which are won in a round. Please note that the “Bet Level” also affects the winnings in a round.

Payout Percentage

The Payout Percentage is an approximate number to indicate how much winnings players win on average.

Payout Table

A Payout Table is a table that display the exact value of winning combinations.

Penetration

The term “Penetration” is used to define the percentage of a deck that is dealt before the deck gets shuffled.

Pigeon

An ignorant gambler can be described as a “Pigeon”.

Pit

The Pit is the place between casino tables where only staff are allowed.

Pit Boss

The Pit Boss is a casino employee who is responsible to supervise the staff & tables.

Pocket

The initial hole cards of a player are called Pocket cards.

Pot

“Pot” is the name of the total prize pool during one hand.

Progressive Jackpot

“Progressive Jackpot” is the name for constantly increasing jackpots, such as Arabian Nights and/or Mega Fortune.

Promotions

A “Promotion” is a bonus which is offered to many players simultaneously.

Push

“Push” is a word used to describe a draw in casino games.

Q

Quads

“Quads” is slang for a “Four of a Kind” in Poker.

Qualifier

“Qualifier” is used as a threshold for players which needs to be exceeded in order to qualify for a pot.

R

Rack

A “Rack” is a place where you count coins, slot tokens & casino chips in a casino.

Raise

Raise is when you increase the cost to participate for players during a round.

Rake

“Rake” is a fee per round which taken from the casino for offering the service to players.

Random Number Generator / RNG

A random number generator which is used to randomize the outcome of any spin or game round in a slot.

Red/Black

You can play on Red or Black colors in Roulette, the win ratio is 1:1 because you almost have a 50% chance of winning.

Reels

“Reels” is the term for the vertical rows inside a slot machine.

Reload Bonus

A Reload Bonus is a deposit bonus, meaning that you get something if you refill your account with a deposit.

River

The “River” is the name of the last dealt card in Texas Hold’em.

Rock

“Rock” is the definition of a player who is playing tight.

Roulette Table

The Roulette Table is where bets are placed.

Roulette Wheel

The Roulette Wheel is where the roulette ball is being spun.

Row Bets

“Row Bets” is a bet system in Roulette which cover 12 of 37/38 numbers and pays 2:1.

Royal Flush

A “Royal Flush” is a straight from 10 to Ace in any suit.

Runner

A “Runner” is someone who is playing online for someone else.

S

Scatter Symbol

“Scatters” is a certain symbol which can trigger a bonus feature without being found on an active payline.

Session

A “Session” is the total time spent in a specific game.

Shark

A “Shark” is a skilled player who disguises himself as a “Fish”.

Shoe

Shoe is the name of the box from where the dealer draws cards in a casino.

Showdown

“Showdown” is the last part of the hand, where remaining players show their cards.

Shuffle Tracking

“Shuffle Tracking” is a card counting strategy which is sometimes used by high level blackjack players.

Sign Up

In order to start playing at a new casino site, you first need to “Sign Up”. Signing up at an online casino is a quick and easy process.

Sign Up Bonus

The Sign Up Bonus are the welcome bonuses that you get by simply signing up at a casino site.

Small Blind

The Small Blind is the smaller required bet at the start of the poker game in order to create a pot size.

Soft Hand

A “Soft Hand” is a hand which consist of at least 1 Ace (opposite of “Hard Hand”).

Software Clients

Software Clients is a downloadable version of an online casino. However, it is safer to play at web-based flash casinos.

Spin

“Spin” is pressed in order to play in any slot machine. You need to decide your bet amounts and press on “Spin” when you are ready.

Split

To “Split” is to divide the 2 cards in a Blackjack hand in order to create 2 new hands. A player who “Splits” will receive at least one new card for each of the two hands.

Stake

“Stake” is a synonym to bet. The Stake is the amount you use for a bet.

Stand

To “Stand” is said to refuse additional cards in blackjack for example.

Stiff Hand

A so-called “Stiff Hand” is a hand which can get busted by 1 single hit.

Straight

A “Straight” is any hand with 5 cards in chronological order of any color.

Straight Flush

A “Straight Flush” is any straight, while all cards being of the same suit.

Street Bet

A “Street Bet” is a bet placed on 3 numbers and pays 11:1.

Suited

2 or more cards of the same suit, can be called “Suited”.

Surrender

Using “Surrender” is when you forfeit your hand by losing half your bet.

Symbols

“Symbols” are what populate the fields inside any slot machine. Winning combinations are usually created by having 3 consecutive symbols on an active payline inside a slot machine.

T

Tight

A “Tight” player is a poker player who play few hands.

Toke

A “Toke” is a gift from a player to the dealer.

U

Upcard

“Upcard” is a term which is used to describe the dealer’s first card which is displayed face-up.

V

Vigorish

“Vigorish” is the name of the commission which is being charged by a casino.

VIP

VIP is an abbreviation for Very Important Player.

Volatility

“Volatility” describes how big the variance in a casino game or slot is.

W

Wager

“Wager” is equivalent to the amount that you’ve used to place bets.

Wagering Requirements

“Wagering Requirements” comes with bonus money. It’s an amount of money that you need to bet before your bonus money are transformed into real money.

Welcome Bonus

Welcome Bonus are the bonuses that are included in the welcome package at an online casino.

Whale

A “Whale” is a valuable casino player who plays for big stakes.

Wild Card

The perfect example of a “Wild Card” would be the Joker cards in a deck of cards.

Wild Royal

A “Wild Royal” is a royal flush, achieved with a Wild card.

Wild Symbol

A “Wild Symbol” is a symbol inside a slot that can act as a substitute for other symbols inside the slot.

Withdrawal

A “Withdrawal” is a transaction from the casino to the player’s own bank/e-wallet.