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Reviews of Online Gambling Sites Glossary of Casino Terms
Feeling lost in a sea of “coat tails” and “up cards?” Navigating the world of casino games can be tricky, especially when faced with a barrage of unfamiliar casino phrases. While some, like “jackpot” and “free spins,” seem self-explanatory, others like “paint” and “eye in the sky” might leave you scratching your head.
The casino glossary below is your cheat sheet for understanding the most common casino terms. Whether you’re a budding online gambler or an aspiring pro, equipping yourself with this knowledge will undoubtedly enhance your online casino experience.
A
| ACS: | An acronym for Automatic Card Shuffler. |
| Advantage Player: | A casino player who is able to legally gain some kind of advantage over the house. The term is typically used for players who can successfully count cards in blackjack, but can also apply to craps players who use dice control or players who know how to gain maximum value from bonuses and comps. |
| Ante: | An initial bet required (usually in card games) before a hand can start. |
| Automatic Card Shuffler: | A machine used in some land based venues to automatically shuffle one or more decks of cards. |
B
| Banker: | A position that is responsible for taking lost bets and paying out winnings. |
| Bankroll: | A fixed sum of money used specifically for the purposes of gambling. |
| Bet: | An amount of money put at risk for the chance of winning. |
| Betting Layout: | The area of a gaming table where players can place their chips. |
| Betting Limits: | The minimum and maximum stakes allowed at a gaming table. |
| Bonus: | Extra funds that an online casino account may add to a player’s account. |
| Burn Card: | A card that is taken from the top of the deck and discarded. |
C
| Cage: | The area of a casino where the chips are stored. |
| Card Counting: | Keeping track of which cards have been dealt to gain an edge. |
| Card Shark: | An expert card game player. |
| Card Sharp: | An alternative phrase for card shark. |
| Card Washing: | A card shuffling technique spreading cards on the table. |
| Cash Bonus: | A bonus withdrawable after wagering requirements. |
| Cash Out: | To withdraw funds from an online account. |
| Cashier’s Desk: | Where players exchange chips for cash. |
| Chasing: | Increasing stakes to recover losses. |
| Chip Tray: | Holds chips for a table. |
| Chips: | Tokens representing money. |
| Coat Tail: | Following someone else’s bets. |
| Cold Streak: | An extended run of bad luck. |
| Comp: | Free perks given to players. |
| Comp Hustling: | Maximizing value of comps. |
| Comp Points: | Points earned for casino rewards. |
| Continuous Shuffling Machine: | Machine that shuffles cards continuously. |
| Croupier: | A dealer. |
| CSM: | Acronym for Continuous Shuffling Machine. |
| Cut Card: | A blank card used to cut decks. |
D
| Dealer: | A casino employee running a table. |
| Deck Penetration: | How much of the deck is dealt before shuffle. |
| Deposit: | Sending funds to a casino account. |
| Deposit Bonus: | A bonus for making a deposit. |
| Deposit Method: | The payment method used. |
| Dice Control: | Throwing dice to influence outcome. |
| Dirty Money: | Losing bets collected by dealer. |
| Discard Tray: | Where used cards are placed. |
| Down Card: | A face-down card. |
| Download Casino: | Casino requiring software download. |
E
| ECOGRA: | Online gaming regulatory authority. |
| Edge: | See House Edge. |
| Encryption: | Protects financial transactions. |
| Even Money Bet: | A 1:1 payout bet. |
| Expected Win Rate: | Average return percentage. |
| Eye In The Sky: | Casino surveillance cameras. |
F
| Face Card: | Jack, Queen, or King. |
| Face Down Card: | A card dealt face down. |
| Face Up Card: | A card dealt face up. |
| Flash Casino: | Browser-based casino. |
| Flat Betting: | Same bet amount every time. |
G
| Gambler’s Fallacy: | Belief that past results affect future outcomes. |
| George: | A good tipper. |
| Gross Winnings: | Total return including stake. |
H
| High Roller: | A high-stakes player. |
| Hot Streak: | Run of good luck. |
| Hot Table: | Table where players are winning. |
| House: | The casino. |
| House Edge: | Casino’s mathematical advantage. |
| House Rules: | Casino-specific rules. |
I
| Instant Casino: | Browser-based casino. |
J
| Jackpot: | A large prize. |
L
| Layout: | See Betting Layout. |
| Live Dealer Games: | Games with real dealers via video. |
| Lobby: | Casino game selection area. |
| Loyalty Program: | Rewards players for activity. |
M
| Marker: | Casino credit line. |
| Maximum Bet: | Highest allowed stake. |
| Minimum Bet: | Lowest allowed stake. |
| Multi-Hand Game: | Play multiple hands at once. |
| Multi-Player Game: | Game with multiple players. |
N
| Net Winnings: | Profit after stake. |
O
| Odds: | Probability-based ratios. |
| Optimal Strategy: | Best mathematical play. |
P
| Paint: | Slang for face cards. |
| Payout: | Amount won. |
| Payout Odds: | Determines winnings. |
| Payout Percentage: | Long-term return rate. |
| Payout Table: | Displays winning combinations. |
| Pit: | Casino table area. |
| Pit Boss: | Oversees tables. |
| Play Bonus: | Non-withdrawable bonus. |
| Play For Fun: | Free-play games. |
| Progression Betting: | Adjusting bets after wins/losses. |
| Progressive Jackpot: | Jackpot that grows. |
| Push: | A tie. |
R
| Racino: | Casino at a racetrack. |
| Random Number Generator (RNG): | Produces random game outcomes. |
| Reload Bonus: | Bonus for existing players. |
| Rewards Scheme: | Player reward system. |
S
| Shoe: | Card dispensing box. |
| Shuffle: | Mixing cards. |
| Side Bet: | Secondary wager. |
| Sign Up Bonus: | New player bonus. |
| Stake: | Bet size. |
| Sticky Bonus: | See Play Bonus. |
| Stiff: | Non-tipping player. |
T
| Table Hold: | Table profit. |
| Toke: | A tip. |
| True Odds: | Actual probability odds. |
U
| Up Card: | A face-up card. |
V
| VIP Player: | High-value player. |
| VIP Program: | Exclusive rewards program. |
W
| Wager: | See Bet. |
| Wagering Requirements: | Conditions to withdraw bonuses. |
| Welcome Bonus: | See Sign Up Bonus. |
| Whale: | Very high-value player. |
| Withdrawal: | Requesting payout. |
Summary
Now that you’re up to speed on both common and uncommon casino terms and phrases, put your knowledge to the test at a top site like Wild Casino. Wild is a legit real money online casino offering attractive bonuses, a wide variety of casino games, and fast payouts.
Now that you’re armed with this handy casino glossary, the virtual casino floor doesn’t look quite so intimidating, does it? Gambling should always be for fun, so set your limits, pace yourself, and most importantly, enjoy the experience!
