Glossary of Gambling Terms and Definitions

A

ABC Poker (Poker term)

It is a predictable and basic style of playing poker.

Accumulator (Gambling term)

An accumulator is a bet including multiple selections, typically four or more, where each pick must win for the bet to be successful. The initial stake and any winnings from the first bet carry over to the subsequent bets, continuing this process until the final selection is determined.

Aces (Craps term)

Placing a bet that the next roll will result in a total of 2. Also called Snake Eyes.

Across the Board (Horse betting term)

A bet involving wagering on a horse to win, place, and show. If the horse wins, you collect on all three bets; if it finishes second, you collect on two bets; and if it comes in third, you collect on just one bet, losing the win and place wagers. Essentially, you’re placing three separate bets, tripling your total stake. For instance, a $5 across-the-board bet will cost you $15.

ACS (Automatic Card Shuffler)

A machine that shuffles cards fairly and randomly, ensuring the dealer doesn’t mishandle them.

Action (Casino term)

Action is the total amount of money wagered during gameplay. Dealers can also use it to indicate to a player that it’s their turn to decide or take an action.

Action (Sports betting term)

A baseball bet placed without specifying any particular pitcher. It also denotes the total number of bets placed on a specific event.

Ada from Decatur (Craps term)

When an eight is rolled in a specific way, it is also called an ‘Eighter From Decatur’ or a ‘Square Pair’.

Add-On (Poker term)

The optional purchase of more chips at the end of the rebuy period in a poker tournament. All players are eligible for an add-on, regardless of their stack size, and it’s usually only allowed once. Add-ons often offer more chips per dollar than the buy-in and rebuys.

Admission Packet (Bingo term)

The minimum number of cards you must purchase to join the game. It typically includes six to twelve cards for each standard game and sometimes for special games. The specifics and cost of these packets can vary depending on the bingo hall you’re playing in.

Advance-deposit wagering

A form of gambling involving betting on horse race outcomes where you must deposit funds into your account before placing bets.

Advantage gambling

Also known as advantage play, it involves using legitimate strategies to gain an edge in gambling rather than cheating. Typically applied in casino games where the house has an edge, it can also extend to player-versus-player games like poker.

Against the Spread (ATS) (Sports betting term)

Placing a wager on a team to outperform the point spread established by the sportsbook. For favorites, this means winning by a margin more significant than the spread, while underdogs must lose by fewer points than the spread for the bet to win.

Aggregate Limit (Casino term)

The maximum payout a casino is responsible for in one round. When this limit is reached, you may receive lower winnings than expected.

Aggressive (Poker term)

A poker player known for frequently increasing the bet.

All or Nothing (Bingo term)

A ticket that wins if either all chosen numbers are drawn during a round or if none of the selected numbers appear.

All-In (Gambling term)

Betting all your chips. In No Limit games, if another player bets more than your stack, you can go All-In, putting all your chips at stake. The opponent matches your bet amount, leveling the playing field for the rest of the hand.

American Roulette (Roulette term)

A type of roulette game featuring a wheel containing 38 pockets, including one pocket marked with double zero (’00’).

Anchor (Blackjack term)

The seat closest to the dealer’s right side and the final position to act before the dealer plays their hand.

Annuity (Lottery term)

A lottery jackpot distributed in installments over an extended duration.

Ante (Poker term)

It is a mandatory bet that poker players must place before the cards are dealt. It’s a vital part of the betting structure in some poker games, especially in tournaments.

Ante Post (Sports betting term)

Also called futures betting or outright betting, ante-post involves placing bets on an event before it occurs. This is a widespread practice in sports betting, especially for horse racing and other significant sporting events.

Any Craps (Craps term)

A bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12.

Any Double (Craps term)

A bet that any two of the three dice will show the same number without specifying which number it will be.

Any Seven (Craps term)

In this bet, the next roll will be a 7.

Any Triple (Craps term)

A wager that all three dice will show the same number without specifying the number.

Arbitrage (Gambling term)

Arbitrage is a strategy of placing wagers on every possible outcome of an event to secure a guaranteed win. It involves placing bets with different betting companies to ensure a profit regardless of the outcome.

Asian Handicap

A type of wager where teams are given handicaps based on their current performance. For a bet on a stronger team to win, they must achieve a more significant goal margin. This betting method began in Indonesia and has become widely popular in the early 21st century.

B

Back Door (Poker term)

A backdoor is a hand created using the last two cards dealt.

Back Hand (Poker term)

The first hand made up of five cards required to be the strongest among the player’s three hands.

Back Line (Craps term)

A section on the table designated for placing a don’t pass bet. Also known as ‘Don’t Pass Line’.

Backed (Sports betting term)

It’s a heavily backed team where many bettors believe it will come out on top.

Bad Beat (Poker term)

When a player with a seemingly strong hand loses to a lower-ranking hand.

Balance

The money available in a player’s account intended for placing bets and participating in games.

Banco (Baccarat term)

A Spanish term for ‘banker’ or ‘bank’ referring to the dealer in baccarat. Also known as a ‘shooter’.

Banco (Roulette term)

Refers to a scenario where a player places all their money on one roulette bet.

Banker (Casino term)

A person who bets against all other players at the table. Generally, the role of the banker must switch each turn or every other turn.

Bankroll (Casino term)

Funds set aside by a player specifically for gambling purposes.

Barred

The act of being prohibited from playing in a casino.

Barrel (Poker term)

Placing successive bets across several stages or rounds of play in a game.

bb (Casino jargon)

‘bb’ stands for big blinds, the standard unit of measurement for poker stack sizes and bet amounts. It also means bad beat.

Beard (Poker term)

A proxy bettor who places bets on behalf of another person to keep their identity hidden.

Beginners’ Luck (Gambling term)

Consistent wins that new players may experience.

Behind (Poker term)

When a player holds a hand that isn’t likely to beat their opponent’s hand.

Bet (Gambling term)

Wagering money on a gambling game.

Bet Max (Maximum Bet/Max Bet)

The maximum bet a player can place in a single game.

Betting Limit (Gambling term)

The maximum and minimum amount a player can place a bet with.

Betting pool

A betting pool involves participants contributing a set amount of money into a common fund (after deducting taxes and a house commission), then predicting the outcome of an event, typically in sports, to compete for the pooled funds.

Betting Right (Craps term)

Placing bets on the Pass Line and Come bets. It requires the dice to pass to succeed.

Betting Table (Craps term)

Where bets are placed.

Betting Wrong (Craps term)

Placing bets against the dice winning or passing by betting on Don’t Pass and Don’t Come options.

Big 6 (Craps term)

Wagering that a 6 will be rolled before a 7.

Big 8 (Craps term)

Wagering that an 8 will be rolled before a 7.

Big Bet (Sic Bo term)

A wager forecast that the three dice will fall between 11 and 17, with a 1:1 payout ratio.

Big Blind (Poker term)

A required preflop bet made by the player who sits immediately to the left of the small blind, which places them two seats to the left of the dealer.

Big Blind Special (Poker term)

When the big blind wins a hand by playing weak pocket cards because there was no pre-flop raise.

Big Red (Craps term)

Wagering on the number 7.

Binary betting

The financial wagering in which the bet’s price is shown as an odds index ranging from 0 to 100. If the event occurs, the bet settles at 100. If it does not, it settles at 0.

Bingo (Bingo term)

A game won by the first player who completes a row, column, or specific pattern on their bingo card. Each column is labeled with one of the letters B, I, N, G, and O.

Bingo (Casino term)

A game where players match numbers on their cards with those drawn randomly by a host.

Bingo Board (Bingo term)

An electronic display that lights up to show each number as it is called out.

Bingo Book (Bingo term)

A collection of bingo cards bound together, used one per game during a bingo session.

Bingo Card (Bingo term)

A 5×5 grid form used to play bingo, featuring 24 spaces filled with random numbers and one blank “free” space.

Blackjack (Blackjack term)

A card game where participants compete against the dealer. To win, players must achieve a hand totaling 21 points or as near to it as possible without exceeding this number. A hand with an ace and a 10-point card is a blackjack.

Blackout (Bingo term)

Also known as a coverall, blackout is a bingo pattern in which you must mark off every space on the card to win.

Blank (Poker term)

A board card that is unlikely to affect the strength of a player’s hand or help any remaining players.

Blind (Poker term)

A mandatory bet that players post before the start of a hand, usually to the left of the dealer button.

Blind Bet (Poker term)

A blind bet is a wager made without knowing the next card to be revealed.

Blinds

In Hold’em Poker, players must place forced bets known as blinds. Typically, there are two blinds, although occasionally, there can be three.

Blocker (Poker term)

A card in a player’s hand that prevents their opponent from having certain card combinations.

Bluff (Poker term)

A bet or raise made with a hand that’s not considered the best to make an opponent fold a better hand.

Bluff Catcher (Poker term)

A hand that can only win if an opponent is bluffing.

Bluffing

Making a bet with a hand that’s not considered the best.

Board (Poker term)

A set of community cards dealt face-up in the middle of the table.

Boat (Poker term)

A slang term for a full house, which is a hand that consists of three of a kind and a pair. For example, three kings and two queens is a full house.

Bones (Casino term)

Slang for a dice.

Bonus (Casino term)

Online casinos offer a variety of special promotions to both new and returning players. These incentives foster loyalty, attract new sign-ups, and encourage referrals. These casino bonuses come in many forms, each with specific terms and conditions. Some examples include no deposit bonuses, free spins, GCODE, and wager-free bonuses.

Bonus Ball (Lottery term)

An extra lottery number that can win prizes when paired with a winning combination of the regular numbers.

Bonus Hunting/Bonus Whoring (Casino term)

Maximizing an online casino’s bonus to help you grow your bankroll swiftly and with minimal effort before withdrawing your winnings.

Bonus Round (Slots term)

A unique feature in a slot game that provides players with more opportunities to win. These rounds come in various forms, including free spins and interactive mini-games, each with unique rules and style.

Book (Gambling term)

An establishment where individuals can bet on various sporting events, such as football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and mixed martial arts.

Bookmaker/Bookie (Gambling term)

An individual who accepts wagers on sports competitions.

Bottom Pair (Poker term)

A hand where a player has paired the lowest card on the board with one of their hole cards. For example, if the board is A-K-7 and a player has a 7 in their hand, they have a bottom pair.

Boxcars (Craps term)

Boxcars is a proposition bet in which the player wins if the shooter rolls a 12, which is achieved by rolling two sixes.

Break (Blackjack term)

A hand totaling over 21 is considered a bust, leading to an automatic bet loss.

Breaking the Bank

When a player wins an amount of money that surpasses what the casino currently has available for cashing out.

Brick (Poker term)

A card that seems valueless and doesn’t appear to help a player’s hand.

Bring In (Poker term)

Making the first bet during a hand’s first round.

Broadway (Poker term)

The highest possible straight hand achievable, composed of the five highest cards in sequence – Ten, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace.

Buffalo (Craps term)

A bet placed on the hardway and any seven in a game.

Bug (Poker term)

A limited wild card, semi-wild in Pai Gow.

Bump (Poker term)

To raise or re-raise.

Buried Pair (Poker term)

A pair of stud poker cards concealed among the first two cards dealt.

Burn Card (Poker term)

A card that is discarded without being used by the players.

Bust (Blackjack term)

A hand whose total exceeds 21 and results in an automatic loss.

Button (Blackjack term)

Indicates the player who holds the dealer position and receives their card last in the hand. This player is the last to take action.

Buy-In (Poker term)

The amount of money a player pays to enter a game or tournament and receive their starting chips.

C

Cage (Craps term)

What is commonly used to shake the dice before rolling them.

Call (Poker term)

An act taken to match the current bet.

Calling

Matching the current wager, succeeded by a player increasing the bet.

Calling Station (Poker term)

A player who consistently calls bets and rarely raises, regardless of the strength of their hand.

Canadian Line (Sports betting term)

A betting format that merges both point spread and money line elements in hockey.

Cap (Gambling term)

The restriction on the number of raises permitted during a betting round, typically set at three or four in most games.

Capping a Bet (Blackjack term)

Secretly increasing your stake by adding more chips after the game has already started.

Card Counting

A strategic method in blackjack to assess whether either the player or dealer holds an edge in the upcoming hand.

Card Shark (Poker term)

A highly skilled card games player.

Card Washing

A method of randomizing a deck of cards where all of them are gathered face-down in a pile on a table and thoroughly mixed.

Caribbean Stud (Poker term)

A casino table game that is a variation of five-card stud poker, whose key difference is that players compete against the house instead of other players.

Carte (Blackjack term)

A request in French to deal a card.

Cascading/Collapsing Reels

An additional feature in slot machines that activates upon finding a winning combination, potentially multiplying the number of winning combinations.

Cash Bonus (Casino term)

Extra money given to new players who make their first deposit at an online casino. For instance, a 100% deposit match means the casino will double the amount of the player’s initial deposit.

Cashback (Casino term)

A refund to players based on the percentage of losses incurred while playing in a casino. Here’s more about a cashback bonus.

Cashing Out

It is an act of bettors retrieving their wager before the game concludes prematurely.

Casino (House) Advantage or Edge

A built-in mathematical advantage that ensures the casino consistently profits over time from players. This edge is a statistically proven factor that operates automatically across all games, ensuring the casino maintains profitability in the long run.

Casino Advantage (Casino term)

Like the house edge, this is the mathematical probability of a casino winning over players.

Casino chip

A small disc used as currency in online casinos.

Catch (Keno term)

In keno, a ‘catch’ happens when a number drawn from the pool matches one of the numbers on a player’s keno card.

Chalk (Sports betting term)

The favored favorite team, horse, or athlete.

Chalk Player (Sports betting term)

A player who only wagers the favored teams.

Chase (Gambling term)

When a player keeps wagering, hoping to recoup their losses.

Chasing

Since slot machines, various casino games, and sports betting all rely on luck, losses are highly likely. At times, after multiple losses, there’s a tendency to place risky bets in an attempt to recover losses quickly rather than opting for safer, incremental strategies to regain funds. This impulsive behavior can escalate the risk of further financial setbacks.

Chat Room (Casino term)

A digital space that allows players to interact among themselves, overseen by a chat moderator.

Check (Poker term)

A basic move that involves passing the action to the next player without betting anything. A player can only check if it’s their turn and there isn’t an active bet.

Check in the Dark (Poker term)

When a player announces a check before the next card is dealt.

Check Raise (Poker term)

Deceptive play where a player checks early in a betting round, hoping someone else will open, and then raises in the same round.

Checked Around (Poker term)

Situation in poker where all players remaining in the hand choose to check during a particular betting round.

Chemin De Fer (Chemin De Fer term)

A game that resembles baccarat, primarily played in France, where players place bets against one another and rotate the role of the banker.

Chinese Poker (Poker term)

A unique poker variant played with one deck of cards and accommodates two to four players. Each player receives 13 cards, which they need to arrange into three separate hands: two hands consisting of five cards each and one hand consisting of three cards. These hands should be organized from the strongest to the weakest. Points are awarded based on how each hand compares to those of the other players.

Chip and a Chair (Poker term)

The concept that as long as you have even a single chip remaining in a poker game, you’re still in the game and have a chance to win.

Chips (Casino term)

Tokens that symbolize money in many gambling games, allowing players to place bets. Like fiat currency, chips are available in various denominations.

Chop (Poker term)

When the pot is split equally between two or more players still in the hand or tournament.

Chop the Blinds (Poker term)

A situation in poker where only the small and big blinds remain in the hand before any community cards are dealt. In this scenario, these players decide to retrieve their respective blinds and terminate the hand without proceeding further.

Chopping the Blinds

Occurs in some high-stakes games when players decide to reclaim their big blind wagers without engaging in any betting rounds. Occasionally, players may alter their decision mid-game, resulting in everyone leaving the table without committing any funds to the pot.

Choppy Game (Poker term)

A game where players and the house alternately experience wins and losses, creating a back-and-forth dynamic.

Chuck-a-Luck (Sic Bo term)

A well-known variant of Sic Bo that originated in England. Also called Grand Hazard or Birdcage.

Circled Game (Sports betting term)

A game whose betting limits have been lowered due to uncertainties, such as injuries, affecting one or more teams or players.

Class II Slots

Common slot machines in most casinos in Las Vegas, Reno, and beyond that offer a gaming experience similar to playing bingo. Players can watch the draws unfold directly on the machines. These slots are frequently found in casinos operated by Native American tribes.

Class III Slots

Most slot games are classified under Class III. This category includes classic three-reel fruit machines and progressive jackpot slots. Class III machines operate using a random number generator, ensuring transparency and meeting audit requirements.

Classic slots (Fruit Machine)

Classic slots, often called ‘fruit machines’, were the original slot machines found in casinos. These machines typically feature three reels and frequently use fruit symbols, which is where they get their nickname.

Clear (Poker term)

An action that nullifies all current bets on the table, returning the chips to the respective players.

Clock bag

A secure bag equipped with a lock and an integrated clock, used in bookmaking to ensure that all bets inside were placed before the beginning of a sporting event, to prevent fraud.

Closed (Keno term)

The moment just before keno balls are drawn when no further wagers can be placed.

Closing Line (Sports betting term)

The final odds or point-spread just before the commencement of the game or event.

Coattail

Describes a situation where an individual places bets on the same numbers as another player who is currently on a winning streak.

Coin board

Also known as a merchandise board. A type of pull-tab game that generally includes a registered set of pull-tab tickets, a signers card, and a payout slip.

Cold (Slots term)

The word ‘cold’ describes players experiencing a series of losses or a slot machine that does not pay out at a high rate.

Cold Call (Poker term)

When a player decides to call a raise after an initial bet and subsequent raises have occurred.

Cold Streak

A series of losses while betting.

Cold Table (Gambling term)

When players who place the right wagers frequently lose.

Color Out

When you need to swap higher denomination chips for those of a lower value. Similar to ‘coloring up’, where you exchange smaller chips for larger denominations, coloring out involves exchanging your higher value chips for cash or chips of a lesser value.

Color Up (Casino term)

When players exchange their smaller denomination chips for larger denomination ones at a casino or poker table.

Column Bet (Roulette term)

Involves placing a wager on any of the three columns of twelve numbers found on a roulette table.

Combination Bet (Horse betting term)

Placing a wager on teams or horses to take the first and second positions, regardless of the order of the outcome.

Combination Bet (Sic Bo term)

Also referred to as a pair match, a combination bet is the prediction that two specific numbers will match on two out of three dice rolled.

Combination Ticket (Keno term)

A keno card that allows players to pick at least two groups of numbers, each with any number of spots, and decide how these groups will be combined.

Combo Draw (Poker term)

When a player has both a flush draw and a straight draw simultaneously. For example, in a hold’em hand, a player might have a flush draw and an open-ended straight draw if they hold cards and the flop comes.

Come Bet (Craps term)

A wager made by a shooter with an intention to win.

Come-Out (Craps term)

A game’s first roll.

Commission (Baccarat term)

The additional fee incurred when making a banco wager.

Commission (Casino term)

A commission is subtracted from the winnings and handed over to the House in some games with no in-built house edge.

Community Cards (Poker term)

Cards that are dealt face-up on the table and are shared by all players to make their best hand.

Comp

Short for complimentary, and refers to free items and services that casinos give to players to encourage them to keep gambling.

Comp Hustling

A strategy some gamblers use to exploit bonuses and promotions meant to encourage betting. They aim to accumulate enough points to place bets with minimal use of their funds.

Comp Points (Casino term)

Credits added to a player’s account through a casino’s loyalty or VIP program. Players can accumulate these points and later redeem them for various rewards or cash. Also referred to as reward points.

Complete (Poker term)

To place a bet after the bring-in, matching the lowest possible betting limit.

Composition Dependent

A play that involves disregarding other game signals. When no specific strategy is in play or if different approaches fail, this method helps players stay consistent with their initial bet or maintain a steady position for an even money wager.

Comps (casino)

Free items and services provided by casinos to encourage players to continue gambling.

Connectors (Poker term)

Two or more cards in a row that could form a straight. This term is often used in Omaha, and Texas Hold’em.

Continuation Bet (Poker term)

A continuation bet, often called a ‘c-bet’, occurs when a player who has raised before the flop maintains their aggressive strategy by placing another bet on the flop.

Continuous Shuffling Machine (CSM)

In some games, cards are dealt using a continuous shuffling machine. Casino staff often utilize these machines to shuffle and deal the cards between rounds.

Coordinated (Poker term)

Community cards that are interconnected or suited, with the potential to create powerful hands. These boards enhance players’ chances to form significant combinations like flushes or straights, adding complexity and strategic depth to the game. Also known as ‘wet’.

Copy (Poker term)

Occurs when both the player and the banker hold identical hands. Victory is always awarded to the banker.

Corner Bet (Roulette term)

In French roulette, a corner bet, also referred to as Carré, involves placing a bet on four adjacent numbers on the betting grid of the table.

Counterfeit (Poker term)

When a community card doesn’t change the hand’s value but makes it more likely that an opponent will beat it.

Coup (Poker term)

A complete round of play.

Crack (Poker term)

To achieve victory over a more robust starting hand pre-flop, like outplaying pocket aces.

Craps (Craps term)

Involves the numbers 2, 3, or 12 and is also the name of the game played in casinos. During a round of craps, two dice are rolled, and the aim is to predict the resulting number combination. Players place bets based on their predictions of how the dice will land.

Credit (Casino term)

In some online gambling platforms, wagers are commonly expressed in credits. Each credit represents one unit of the player’s local currency.

Credit Button (Casino term)

Button used to bank money as credits.

Crimp (gambling)

A deliberate bend placed on the corner(s) of a playing card to aid in its identification.

Croupier (Roulette term)

One who operates a roulette wheel in a casino, handling bets and payouts while assisting at the gaming tables.

Cut (Blackjack term)

Split the deck into two sections after shuffling, then place the lower part on top.

Cut Off (Poker term)

The table directly to the right of the dealer or button.

Cycle (Video poker terms)

The average number of hands played between hitting the top payout, often achieved with a royal flush.

D

Daily double

A daily double is a parimutuel bet available at North American horse racing and greyhound racing tracks.

d’Alembert (Roulette term)

The D’Alembert betting strategy, named after the French mathematician Jean-Baptiste le Rond d’Alembert, is a negative progression system. This method involves increasing your bet by one unit after each loss and decreasing it by one after each win.

Dead Heat (Horse betting term)

Occurs when two or more horses cross the finish line at precisely the same time, resulting in a tie.

Deal (Poker term)

Distribute cards to players according to the specific regulations of the game in play.

Dealer (Casino term)

An individual appointed at a gambling table to facilitate the game, primarily by handling the distribution of bets and managing payouts.

Deck

Cards used in a casino game.

Deck Penetration

The number or percentage of cards the dealer has already dealt in a round. Once each betting hand concludes, the used cards are either shuffled back into the deck or discarded, depending on whether a fresh deck is introduced for the next round.

Deposit (Casino term)

The payment a player makes to their online casino account to participate in real money games.

Deposit Bonus (Casino term)

A promotional offer provided by online casinos to new players upon their initial deposit.

Deuce (Poker term)

Cards with a rank of two, such as the two of clubs, diamonds, hearts, or spades.

Dime (Sports betting term)

A $1000 bet.

Dime Line (Sports betting term)

A line where the commission, or ‘juice’, is set at 10%.

Dog (Sports betting term)

Abbreviation for underdog.

Dog Player (Sports betting term)

Someone who bets as an underdog.

Dollar (Sports betting term)

A $100 bet. Commonly used among bookmakers. For instance, if someone says they placed ‘two dollars’ on a game, it signifies they’ve wagered $200.

Dolly (Roulette term)

A distinct marker in American Roulette crafted from either wood or plastic used by the dealer. This marker is placed directly on the table to identify the winning number. Its name originates from its unique doll-shaped design.

Dominate (Poker term)

A hand that wins against another hand as a result of its superior card combination.

Don’t Come (Craps term)

Bet intended for the shooter to lose. A player loses a don’t come bet if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, but wins if the roll is 2 or 3. If the shooter rolls a 12, the bet is a push. Any other number rolled becomes the don’t come point.

Don’t Pass Line (Craps term)

Betting intended for the shooter to lose.

Door Card (Poker term)

Also known as a Window Card, it is the initial card that becomes visible in a stud hand or the very first card shown when the dealer lays out the flop.

Double (Craps term)

Placing a bet on a specific number between 1 and 6. To win this bet, two of the three dice must show the chosen number.

Double Down (Blackjack term)

Doubling your initial bet in a game and subsequently receiving one additional card.

Double for Less (Blackjack term)

Doubling down on a bet for less than twice the original wager.

Double or Nothing (Blackjack term)

A bet that results in a payout equal to the initial amount wagered.

Doubling Down

A strategy that allows players to draw one more card but commit to not receiving any additional cards for the remainder of the hand. It’s a strategic move that players use to maximize their potential winnings or minimize their losses based on the strength of their initial hand.

Down Card (Blackjack term)

A card dealt while facing down.

Down to the Felt (Gambling term)

When a player exhausts their chips at the casino table.

Dozen Bet (Roulette term)

A bet on the first, second, and third dozens on the table consecutively.

Dragon Hand (Poker term)

A situation where cards are dealt to a seat at the table that currently has no player occupying it.

Draw (Blackjack term)

An occurrence where the player and dealer have the same card total or blackjack, and neither player wins or loses. Also known as a push or standoff.

Draw (Keno term)

The moment in a keno game when the 20 balls are selected, revealing the winning numbers for that round.

Draw (Lottery term)

Results of a lottery.

Draw (Poker term)

A hand that is not yet complete but has the potential to improve. A player draws if they need more cards to make their hand valuable. For example, in a seven-card stud, if a player has four spades in their first five cards, but their hand is otherwise weak, they are drawing to a flush.

Draw Poker (Poker term)

A type of poker that allows players to discard cards from their hand and exchange them with new ones from the deck.

Drawing Dead (Poker term)

A situation whereby a player has no chance of winning the hand, regardless of the cards yet to be dealt. Even if they receive their desired cards, those cards won’t improve their hand to the best possible one at the table.

Drawing Thin (Poker term)

Pursuing a hand that is still playable but has a low probability of winning.

Drop (Blackjack term)

To surrender your hand and get back half of your original bet.

Drop Percentage (Casino term)

The fraction of a gambler’s total money that a casino typically earns due to the advantage held by the house.

Dry (Poker term)

Used to refer to a board of unconnected cards considered to have little value for other players.

Duo (Craps term)

A bet that involves a prediction that two particular numbers will appear on two out of the three dice rolled.

Duo (Sic Bo term)

When a player hits any double of the chosen numbers in sic bo.

E

Easy (Craps term)

A number combination created by rolling dice that sum up to a specific value. For instance, an ‘easy 6’ can be obtained by rolling a 2 and a 4 or a 5 and a 1.

Easy Way (Craps term)

Rolling dice numbers 4, 6, 8, and 10.

Edge (Gambling term)

Being advantaged over an opponent.

Edge sorting

A technique used in advantage gambling where a player tries to determine if a face-down card is likely to be high or low by observing differences on the backs of cards.

Eighty-Sixed (86’d) (Casino term)

Being ‘thrown out’ for foul play by a casino.

Element of Risk

Regardless of how advantageous the odds are or how well-conceived a strategy may be, there is always a risk involved in any casino game. This risk measures the potential loss relative to the probability of a favorable payout.

En Prison (Roulette term)

A rule that offers players a second opportunity when their even-money bet loses to a 0 or 00. The bet remains on the table for the next spin.

Encryption (Casino term)

Safeguarding casino software and transactions through complex coding techniques, ensuring that users’ personal and financial information stays secure.

End-of-the-day betting effect

A cognitive bias where bettors are inclined to place riskier, high-reward bets towards the conclusion of their betting session in an attempt to recover their losses.

Equity (Poker term)

A player’s rightful share of a pot based on their current chance of winning the hand.

European Roulette (Roulette term)

A type of roulette game featuring a wheel with 37 pockets and no double zero.

Even (Craps term)

A wager that the sum of the three dice will be an even number.

Even money

A type of wager where the potential gain or loss is equal. If you place the bet, you have an equal chance of winning or losing the same amount.

Even-Money Bet (Gambling term)

A wager where the payout equals the amount staked by the player.

Exotic (Horse betting term)

Also known as a prop or proposition. It refers to any wager that isn’t a straightforward bet or a parlay.

Expanding Wilds

Slot games’ bonus features.

Expectation (Gambling term)

The average amount a player anticipates winning, considering the likelihood of winning with a particular hand. Depending on the probabilities involved, this can result in either a gain or a loss.

Expected value

The amount that a player anticipates to win or lose by consistently betting on the same odds over multiple attempts.

Expected Win Rate

The projected rate at which a player anticipates winning over time.

Exposure (Sports betting term)

The level of potential financial risk a bookmaker faces for a specific game, outcome, or bet proposition. It indicates the amount of money at stake that could lead to a loss for the sportsbook.

Eye-in-the-Sky (Casino term)

Surveillance cameras installed in land-based casinos to closely monitor all activities.

F

Face (Bingo term)

One bingo card.

Face Card (Poker term)

A face card, also known as a paint, is a card with a face on it. Examples include jacks, kings, and queens.

Favorite (Sports betting term)

The team or competitor anticipated to win a game or event.

Ficheur (Roulette term)

A tool used in American Roulette to sort chips by color, making it easier to distribute different colored chips to players.

Fifth Street (Poker term)

A term used for the third round of betting in poker, when players have received their complete five-card hand.

Fifty Cents (Gambling term)

A $50 bet.

Figure (Gambling term)

The amount a player owes to a bookmaker or the amount the bookmaker owes to them.

Fill Up (Poker term)

To complete a hand in card games by obtaining the final card needed to form a straight, flush, or full house.

Final (Roulette term)

A wager on numbers that share the same last digit. A final 7 bet with three chips involves betting on the numbers 7, 17, and 27.

Final Four (Sports betting term)

The last four teams standing in the NCAA basketball competition.

Final Schnaps (Roulette term)

A wager on 11, 22, and 33.

Financial betting

Placing wagers on how the price of a financial instrument will change by a specified future date compared to its current price, with the odds provided by a bookmaker.

Fire (Craps term)

Placing a very substantial bet.

First Base (Blackjack term)

A betting spot located to the dealer’s left, and it’s also the first place to receive cards.

First Half Bet (Sports betting term)

A wager that predicts only the outcome of a game’s first half.

Fish (Poker term)

A player who lacks experience or skill and often loses money and tends to bet on almost every hand, regardless of the quality of their cards.

Five Card Charlie (Blackjack term)

A win that can occur in blackjack when a player’s hand has five cards without busting.

Five Card Stud (Poker term)

A type of poker that involves several betting rounds played with a single deck of cards, and the competition is between the players.

Fixed Odds (Gambling term)

Predetermined odds in sports betting.

Fixed-odds betting

A type of gambling in which players wager on the results of events, like sports games or horse races, with predetermined odds.

Flash (Casino term)

An online video game streaming software from Macromedia that operates without needing to be downloaded.

Flashboard (Keno term)

An electronic display that shows the drawn keno numbers.

Flat Betting (Gambling term)

A betting method where you consistently wager the same amount on each game without changing the denomination.

Flat Call (Poker term)

When a player chooses to call a bet without raising.

Flat Top (Slots term)

A type of slot machine where the maximum jackpot is a fixed amount, not increasing over time or with additional play.

Flop (Poker term)

The initial three community cards that are revealed face-up on the table in Texas Hold’em.

Flush (Poker term)

A hand that consists of five cards of the same suit, but not in numerical order.

Fold (Poker term)

When a player decides to discard their cards and withdraw from the current hand because they believe their cards are weak or when they suspect that another player holds a much stronger hand.

Forecast (Sports betting term)

Involves predicting the first and second positions in a particular event.

Foul (Poker term)

When a player’s two-card low hand ends up being ranked higher than their five-card high hand. It can also happen if the player arranges their cards incorrectly, such as using the wrong number of cards for either hand.

Fouling a Hand (Poker term)

Incorrectly setting a hand.

Four Corners (Bingo term)

A pattern that requires matching the numbers located in each corner of the card in order to win.

Fourth Street (Poker term)

This is the stage where players are dealt four out of the five total cards in the game, marking the second round of betting.

Free Card (Poker term)

When every player involved in a hand opts to check instead of betting, allowing the next card to be dealt without any additional money being wagered into the pot.

Free Space (Bingo term)

The middle square on the bingo card that isn’t marked with a number. It’s a wildcard that can contribute to completing a winning pattern.

Free Spin (Slots term)

A round of play on slot machines that a casino offers to players without charge.

Freeroll (Poker term)

It is a tournament without an entry fee or a hand where a player is guaranteed to split the pot with their opponent.

Freeze-Out (Poker term)

A tournament with no rebuy or reentry option.

Front Hand (Poker term)

The final set of three cards in a player’s hand specifically designated to be the least strong among their three hands.

Front Line (Craps term)

Betting in favor of the shooter winning.

ftw (Casino jargon)

Means for the win.

Full House (Poker term)

Sometimes referred to as a full boat, this is a hand comprising three cards of the same rank alongside two cards of a different rank.

Full Ring (Poker term)

A poker game that involves a table with a maximum of nine to ten players.

Futures (Sports betting term)

A wager made on what will happen in the future stages of the event rather than on a single game or match.

G

Gambler’s conceit

Economist David J. Ewing’s fallacy which states that gamblers believe they can stop a risky behavior while still participating in it.

Gambler’s Fallacy

Also referred to as the Monte Carlo fallacy or the fallacy of the maturity of chances, it is the mistaken belief that if an event, where each occurrence is independent and has an equal chance of happening, has happened less often than anticipated, it is due to occur more frequently in the future, or conversely.

Gambler’s ruin

A principle that anyone who plays a game where the odds are stacked against them will inevitably lose all their money, no matter how they strategize their bets.

Garbage Hand (Poker term)

A low-ranking hand that is not worth playing due to its slim chances of winning.

Getting Down (Gambling term)

Placing a bet.

Getting out stakes

Commonly used in British and Irish horse race betting to describe the final race of the day.

gg (Casino jargon)

Good game.

gla (Casino jargon)

Good luck all.

Golden Arm

A craps player who has rolled the dice for more than an hour without losing.

Goose (Keno term)

A device used by dealers to mix and draw keno balls.

Grand Salami (Sports betting term)

The total sum of goals scored across all hockey matches scheduled for a given day.

Grid (Sports betting term)

A structured layout displaying various betting options available to players and helps them to place, remove, or finalize their bets.

Grind (Poker term)

Consistently playing many low-stake poker games for extended hours, aiming to make profits steadily. Players of this kind are known as grinders.

Groom Porter

The Groom Porter was an officer in the English royal household responsible for furnishing the King’s lodgings and had specific privileges.

Gutshot (Poker term)

Also called an inside straight draw. Four cards are needed for a straight, but the required card to complete it is in the middle of the sequence. For example, if you have 2, 3, and 5, you need a 4 to complete the straight.

H

Half Time Bet (Sports betting term)

A wager placed on the second half of a game, commonly in football and basketball.

Half-a-Dollar (Gambling term)

A $50 bet.

Hand (Gambling term)

The cards a player holds to form the best combination. Also refers to the gameplay between each shuffle.

Hand Behind (Poker term)

A five-card hand traditionally positioned behind the two-card hand on the table.

Hand in Front (Poker term)

A two-card hand placed in front of the five-card hand on the table. The opposite of hand behind.

Handicap (Sports betting term)

The points added or subtracted from a team’s score to give them an advantage or disadvantage in a game.

Handicapper (Sports betting term)

Someone who predicts event winners by determining the point spread.

Handicapping (Sports betting term)

The process of predicting sports outcomes through research.

Handle (Sports betting term)

The total sum of money that bettors wager on an event.

Hard (Craps term)

A bet that involves rolling a pair of the same number on the dice. For example, a ‘hard 10’ means rolling two 5s.

Hard Hand (Poker term)

A hand that either has no aces or where any aces present can only count as one point without changing the total value of the hand.

Hard Way (Craps term)

A hard roll of a 4, 6, 8, or 10 before rolling an easy way or a 7.

Hardway (Bingo term)

When you achieve a straight-line pattern in bingo without using the free space.

he (Casino jargon)

Texas Hold’em game.

Heads Up (Blackjack term)

When only one player is playing against the dealer at the blackjack table.

Hedging (Sports betting term)

Placing bets on the opposite side to limit losses or ensure a minimum level of winnings.

Hi (Poker term)

A poker variant where the winner must possess the highest hand.

High Bet (Roulette term)

Betting on numbers 19 to 36 to win.

High Card (Poker term)

When no other combinations are possible, and a player’s hand’s value depends on the highest card.

High Hand (Poker term)

A hand with a five-card.

High Poker (Poker term)

A poker variant where the highest hand comes out as the best.

High Roller (The Whale)

A high roller, also known as a whale or cheetah, is someone who regularly bets large sums of money when gambling.

Hijack (Poker term)

The seat to the right of the dealer or ‘button’.

Hi-Lo (Craps term)

A single roll bet on the numbers 2 or 12.

Hit (Blackjack term)

When a player requests another card from the dealer.

Hit (Slots term)

A spin that leads to a win.

Hold Percentage

After accounting for bets and the casino’s house edge on each, the remaining revenue is calculated as the hold percentage. This figure determines a casino’s profitability and the success of its games.

Holdout (gambling)

Cheaters use this tool to secretly keep (or ‘hold’) a card or cards during a card game.

Hole carding

A gambling technique that involves gaining knowledge of cards that are meant to be hidden from view. It’s usually used in blackjack but can also be applied to other games with hidden hole cards, such as Caribbean stud poker and three-card poker.

Hole Cards (Blackjack term)

Hole cards are the cards dealt face-down to a player or dealer from the deck.

Home Field Advantage (Sports betting term)

An upper hand that a home team has over an opponent.

Hook (Sports betting term)

Slang for a half-point, typically added to point spreads or totals in betting.

Hop Bet (Craps term)

A single-roll wager on a specific combination of dice to come out.

Horn Bet (Craps term)

A one-roll wager that pays out if the sum of the dice on the next roll is 2, 3, 11, or 12. The bet is divided equally among the four numbers, with one-fourth of the wager on each number.

Hot (Casino term)

A player on a winning streak or a table where players are winning often.

Hot (Slots term)

A slot machine that’s more likely to pay out at a high rate.

Hot Game (Sports betting term)

A game where one side is heavily favored by knowledgeable handicappers, attracting a lot of betting action.

Hot Streak

A string of successful winning bets that gamblers strive to achieve.

Hot Table

When you’re on a winning streak, your game table becomes the center of attention. Other players and spectators will flock to either share in your luck or break your streak.

Hot Table (Casino term)

A situation where players who are betting correctly are winning often.

House (Casino term)

The casino itself.

House Edge (Casino term)

The casino’s advantage in winning money determined by the ratio of expected player losses to the initial bet. For instance, a 3% house edge implies a player might lose 30 cents for every $10 bet. A lower house edge indicates reduced chances of player losses.

House Rules

The rules that govern a casino’s operations.

House Way (Poker term)

Rules that dealers must adhere to when arranging their two hands.

hu (Blackjack term)

Heads up.

I

Idiot End (Poker term)

A low straight that’s extremely vulnerable to higher straights. Also called a sucker end or dumb end.

Implied Odds (Poker term)

The possible future winnings from hitting one’s outs, justifying a call despite unfavorable pot odds.

In and Out Teaser (Sports betting term)

When the player selects the favorite, underdog, over, and under in the same game.

Initial Bet

Also known as the first wager, it marks the starting point in many betting strategies, such as the Martingale. For instance, if your first bet fails, the Martingale advises doubling the next one. If you win, you revert to your original bet.

Inside Bet

In roulette, an inside bet involves wagering on specific number combinations for bigger payouts. It includes straight bets on single numbers, splits, streets, corners, and baskets.

Inside Straight Draw (Poker term)

An inside straight draw occurs when you need one specific card to complete a straight in the middle. For instance, with 2, 3, and 5, you need a 4 to complete the straight.

Instant Win (Lottery term)

A lottery ticket that instantly shows whether you’ve won a prize.

Insurance (Blackjack term)

A choice to bet extra when the dealer shows an ace, predicting they have a natural.

Insurance Bet

A side bet where the player protects against the dealer hitting blackjack when they show an ace.

Inverse gambler’s fallacy

Coined by philosopher Ian Hacking, this is a Bayesian inference. It occurs when someone mistakenly assumes that because a random event has produced an unlikely outcome, it must have happened numerous times before.

Isolate (Poker term)

When a player raises with an intention to force all players to fold except one.

J

Jackpot (Gambling term)

A substantial amount of money won through gambling.

Jacks or Better (Poker term)

It is a type of video poker where you win only if your hand includes at least a pair of Jacks or higher.

Joker (Poker term)

The 53rd or 54th card in a deck that acts as a wildcard. It’s typically used to complete a straight, flush, or straight flush. Otherwise, it functions as an ace.

Juice (Sports betting term)

The commission earned by a bookmaker from a bet placed.

Junket (Casino term)

A group of VIP players flown in by a casino.

K

Keno (Casino term)

It is a popular game in Canada where players mark numbers on cards/tickets from 1 through 80. They choose how many numbers to mark and pay based on their selections when they submit their ticket.

Kicker (Poker term)

A card that doesn’t decide a hand’s rank but may be used to resolve ties between hands of equal rank. Also called a side card.

King Ticket (Keno term)

A keno ticket that lets a player choose one main spot (called the ‘king’) and pair it with other groups of spots to create multiple tickets within a single ticket. This type of ticket can include more than one king spot.

L

La Grande (Poker term)

A two-card hand valued at nine points.

La Petite (Poker term)

A two-card hand valued at eight points.

Ladderman

A casino employee who oversees the game to ensure fairness. They also supervise the dealer and resolve any disputes.

Lady (Poker term)

A queen.

Late betting

Also known as past posting, this is placing a bet after the cutoff time. This is treated as cheating because new information, possibly even the event’s outcome, might be known that earlier bettors didn’t have.

Lay Bet (Craps term)

A bet that a specific number won’t roll before a 7 does.

Lay Down (Poker term)

Fold a strong hand, likely to win, due to an opponent’s bet or raise.

Lay down misere

Slang for confidently predicting an easy win, specifically in a 500-bid game where a player guarantees to lose every trick by placing their cards face-up on the table.

Lay Odds (Sports betting term)

To place a bet where the other party stands to win more than they wagered.

Lay the Odds

When a player wins less than their initial bet.

Laying the Points (Sports betting term)

Betting that the favored team will win by more than the point spread.

Laying the Price (Sports betting term)

Betting on the favorite with money odds.

Layoff (Sports betting term)

When a bookmaker bets with another sportsbook to reduce risk on a game or balance the betting action.

Let it Ride (Poker term)

When a player chooses not to withdraw their winnings from a previous bet and utilize it in their current bet.

Letting it Ride

A betting strategy used in Let It Ride Poker. Players place three equal bets, which aren’t used right away. As the game unfolds and cards are revealed, players have the option to withdraw a bet or ‘let it ride’ to aim for a large payout.

Limit (Gambling term)

A game where the bet size per round is fixed.

Limit (Sports betting term)

The highest amount a sportsbook will accept for a single bet. For example, with a $5,000 limit, the sportsbook will take the bet but might change the odds before allowing another bet.

Limp (Poker term)

When a player calls the big blind before the flop instead of raising or folding.

Linemaker (Sports betting term)

One who sets betting odds. Also called an oddsmaker.

Lines (Sports betting term)

A bettor’s issued odds.

Little Joe (Craps term)

A dice roll totaling 4, also known as Little Joe from Kokomo.

Live Dealer Games

Evolution Gaming revolutionized online gambling in 2019 by introducing live dealer games. Broadcast in 4K from a professional studio, players interact with professional dealers just like they would in person.

Live Dealer Games (Casino term)

These are online casino games operated by human dealers. Players watch the dealers and games through live-streaming video on their devices and can interact via live chat.

Lo (Poker term)

Poker variant where the player with the lowest hand wins.

Lobby

The section of a casino app or website where you can find all available games and game types.

Locals casino

A casino that focuses on attracting people who live nearby rather than tourists. This term is often used for casinos in Nevada that cater to locals rather than those aiming at tourists in popular tourist spots.

Lock (Gambling term)

Guaranteed victory from a bettor’s perspective.

Long Odds (Sports betting term)

Odds that are typically greater than 10:1.

Longshot (Gambling term)

An unexpected winner.

Loose (Poker term)

A player who frequently plays many hands, regardless of their strength, in contrast to a tight player who only plays strong hands.

Loot box

Also known as a loot crate or prize crate, is a virtual item you can use to get a random selection of virtual items, from avatar customizations to game-changing gear like weapons and armor.

Low Bet (Roulette term)

A bet that covers the first eight numbers on the roulette table.

Low Hand (Poker term)

A two-card poker hand.

Low Poker (Poker term)

A type of poker where the winning hand is the one with the lowest value.

Low roller

The opposite of a high roller. High rollers prefer high-stakes tables with large bets, while low rollers typically play at tables with lower stakes.

Low Triple (Craps term)

Rolling a set of triples with numbers 1, 2, or 3.

Lump Sum (Lottery term)

A single payment lottery payout.

M

Maniac (Poker term)

A player known for their highly aggressive and loose playing style.

Margin (Sports betting term)

The difference between the odds given to a customer and the actual probability of the outcome.

Mark (Keno term)

The symbol on a keno ticket that indicates the chosen numbers.

Martingale

Martingale is often used in games like roulette and baccarat (Punto Banco). If a bet loses, the player doubles the next bet. If it wins, the player returns to the amount of the last winning bet.

Martingale (betting system)

A betting strategy that became popular in 18th-century France. The simplest form involves doubling the bet after each loss in a coin toss game. If the gambler wins, they recover all previous losses and gain a profit equal to the original stake.

Martingale (Roulette term)

A betting strategy where you double your bet and add one unit after each loss. For example, if your original bet is 2, the next bet after a loss would be 3 (2 doubled plus 1).

Match Play

Retail casinos use match-play coupons, offering free credits for table games, to compete with online casinos. Typically, players must create a membership account to receive these coupons.

Matchplay (Sports betting term)

Free money given to new players on their first deposit at an online casino. For instance, a 100% deposit match doubles the initial deposit amount. All cash bonuses are subject to the casino’s terms and conditions.

Maximum

The largest bet an online casino permits for a single game.

Middle (Sports betting term)

A betting strategy that involves placing bets on both sides of an outcome to gain value. This can include betting on the underdog with a positive spread or totals and on the favored team with a negative spread or totals.

Middle Hand (Poker term)

The second five-card hand that must be weaker than the player’s back hand but stronger than the front hand.

Middle Pair (Poker term)

A pair formed with one of your pocket cards and the second-highest card among the three shown on the flop.

Minimum

The lowest bet you can place in one game at an online casino.

Miss (Poker term)

Failure to make a hand after all the cards are dealt.

Money Line (Sports betting term)

A bet placed on which team or player will win a game, irrespective of the final score.

Monkey (Poker term)

A face card or a 10.

Monster (Poker term)

A very strong hand at any stage of the game. Players who constantly fear their opponents have strong hands are said to have ‘monster under the bed syndrome’.

Move the Line (Sports betting term)

A player pays extra to gain half a point or more in their favor on a point spread game.

Muck (gambling)

A pile of discarded cards or the action of discarding cards. It is a common part of some card games but can be seen as cheating in others.

Muck (Poker term)

A pile of cards that have been discarded and folded into the middle of the table indicating that they are no longer in play.

Multi-Hand Games

Video poker games that allow players to play more than one hand at a time. For example, in multi-hand blackjack, players can play up to seven hands simultaneously.

Multiplier (Poker term)

A wild card that increases the payout, doubling, tripling, or more when it forms a winning hand.

Multi-Race Ticket (Keno term)

A keno ticket that’s placed for multiple consecutive games at the same wager rate.

Multi-Table Tournament (MTT) (Poker term)

An online poker competition where players compete across several tables.

Multi-Tabling (Poker term)

When players participate in several poker games at once, aiming to boost their play volume and potentially earn more.

N

n1 (Casino jargon)

Nice one.

Natural

A winning hand, that’s 21 in blackjack or hitting 8 or 9 in baccarat.

Natural (Blackjack term)

A two-card hand totaling 21 points, which guarantees a win.

Natural (Craps term)

A roll of 7 or 11 on the come-out roll. This results in a win for players who bet on the Pass or Come but a loss for those who bet on Don’t Pass or Don’t Come.

Natural (gambling)

A description of specific favorable outcomes, typically benefiting the player, achieved by hitting a particular score quickly.

Natural (Poker term)

A two-card hand valued at eight or nine points.

Net Winnings

The total profit a player earns.

nh (Casino jargon)

Nice hand.

Nickel (Gambling term)

A $500 bet.

Nickel Line (Sports betting term)

A sports betting line with a five percent juice.

Nina from Pasadena (Craps term)

A wager that the next roll will lead to a combination of 9.

nl (Casino jargon)

No limit.

No Action (Sports betting term)

All bets on that line are canceled, resulting in no outcomes – neither wins nor losses are recorded.

No Limit (Gambling term)

A betting system where players can bet any amount of their available chips.

No-Deposit Bonus (Casino term)

Free money given to players without requiring an initial cash deposit. Here’s more about the no deposit bonus in online casinos.

Non-Sticky Bonus

A wager-free bonus. You can withdraw your deposit and any winnings without needing to fulfill any wagering conditions or bonus terms.

Nosebleed (Gambling term)

Extremely high stakes.

np (Casino jargon)

No problem. Also means nice play.

Nut Flush

The best flush that can be made within a given hand. In poker, even if players don’t get a royal flush, they can still win with a straight flush or the highest flush possible using the community cards.

Nut Low (Poker term)

The absolute best low hand possible.

Nut Nut (Poker term)

Holding both the highest possible low hand and the highest possible high hand in a split pot game.

Nuts (Poker term)

The strongest possible hand in a given situation.

O

Odds (Gambling term)

A bookmaker’s calculated probability of a competitor winning, with adjustments made to ensure profitability.

Odds compiler

A casino employee tasked with setting the odds for events like sports outcomes. They also handle trading tasks, including monitoring customer accounts and overall profitability.

Off the Board (Sports betting term)

When a bookmaker has stopped taking bets on a game due to late changes like injuries or player uncertainties.

Off-Suit (Poker term)

Cards whose suits don’t match.

Omaha (Poker term)

A poker game like Hold’em, played with one deck against opponents. Each player gets four hole cards and uses community cards. The goal is to form the strongest five-card hand, using exactly two of their hole cards.

On (Bingo term)

When a player needs just one more number for a bingo on their card.

On Tilt (Poker term)

A state of mental or emotional frustration that can cause a player to make poor decisions by playing aggressively and recklessly.

One-Roll Bet (Craps term)

A bet placed on the outcome of the next roll of the dice.

Online Casino (Casino term)

A digital variant of a traditional casino, accessible either via a web browser without software download or through a downloaded software client. Here’s a detailed list of trustworthy online casinos we’ve reviewed.

Open (Keno term)

Any time the casino accepts additional wagers for the upcoming draw.

Open (Poker term)

To place the first wager in a round.

Open-Ended Straight Draw (Poker term)

A hand that consists of four consecutive cards, but needs one more consecutive card at either end to make a straight. For example, in Hold’em, a player might have an open-ended straight draw.

Open-Limping

Occurs when the first player to bet makes only the minimum bet, rather than raising or folding, from the big blind position.

Oscar’s grind

A betting tactic for even-chance bets (like a coin flip), part of positive progression strategies. It’s also known as Hoyle’s Press.

Out (Poker term)

Any card that, if drawn, would likely improve a player’s hand to win.

Outdraw (Poker term)

To receive cards that either complete or significantly enhance a hand, often turning a weaker hand into a winning one.

Outlaw Line (Sports betting term)

The earliest betting line that’s set overnight, exclusively accessible to a select few bettors.

Outside Bet (Roulette term)

Even-money bets such as even/odd, black/red, and high/low.

Over Card (Poker term)

A community card that is higher in rank than any card in a player’s hand. It’s a term used in many forms of poker, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha, and applies to both cash games and tournaments.

Over Pair (Poker term)

A pair of cards in a player’s hand that are higher than any of the cards on the table.

Over/Under (Sports betting term)

A betting line indicating the predicted total score of a match. Bettors decide whether the actual combined score of both teams will exceed (over) or stay below (under) this set number. It’s also referred to as ‘game total odds’.

Overbet (Poker term)

A bet that exceeds the size of the pot.

Overdrawn (Bingo term)

Also called a ‘hot’, overdrawn refers to a number that seems to be drawn more often than random.

Overdue (Bingo term)

The opposite of overdrawn. A number that has yet to be drawn as often as expected.

Overlay (Poker term)

When the poker room adds extra money to the prize pool, exceeding the total buy-ins.

Overlay (Sports betting term)

Odds favoring the player, and are higher than they should be.

P

Paint (Poker term)

A face card or a card with a picture on it, such as a Jack, King, or Queen.

Pair (Poker term)

A hand with two similar-ranking hands.

Parimutuel betting

A betting technique that involves combining all bets of a specific type into one pool. After deducting taxes and the house’s cut, the remaining amount is divided among the winners based on their stakes. In some countries, this system is called the tote, named after the totalisator machine that tracks and displays the bets.

Parlay (Gambling term)

A bet where the winnings from one wager are used to place the next bet. It involves betting on multiple games, with all picks needing to win for the parlay to pay out.

Pass (Poker term)

To avoid placing a bet. Also means to fold.

Pass Line (Craps term)

Betting that the shooter will win.

Passive (Poker term)

A poker player who avoids confrontation and lets their opponents control the game.

Pat (Blackjack term)

A hand that doesn’t require a hit and usually has a value of 17, with the player taking no more cards.

Pat (Poker term)

Keeping a hand without drawing any additional cards.

Pay Table (Poker term)

A list on a slot or video poker machine showing the payouts for each symbol combination based on the number of coins bet.

Payline (Slots term)

A payline is the line on a slot machine that awards a payout when a winning combination appears. Online slots can have anywhere from three to 100 paylines. These lines can be straight across the reels or form various shapes, such as vertical on one reel or zigzagging across multiple reels.

Payoff (Gambling term)

The amount a player wins from a bet. Also called payout.

Payout Percentage (Gambling term)

The percentage of each bet that is returned to the player. Always less than 100%, a lower payout percentage means higher profits for the casino. For instance, a game with a 92% payout percentage returns $0.92 for every $1 bet, with the remaining $0.08 going to the casino as the house’s edge.

Payout Percentage (Return to Player – RTP)

The theoretical amount returned to players over time. Here‘s a detailed guide about the Return to Player (RTP) concept.

Payout Table

A table showing the payout amounts for specific bets in a slot game.

Penalty Card

A card that results in losing points when drawn or decreases the value of other cards in your hand.

Phantom Bonus

An online casino bonus offered to players based on a member’s deposit or other actions. These bonuses, like others, come with wagering requirements.

Pick 6 (horse racing)

A horse racing bet where you must choose the winners of six races in a row. A pick 6 is very challenging, and with so many options, the payouts for winning can reach millions of dollars.

Picks (Sports betting term)

Bets.

Pigeon

A player viewed by others as ignorant and bad.

Pineapple (Poker term)

A poker variant like Hold’em with many betting rounds played against other players using one deck. Players get three hole cards, share community cards, and discard one hole card post-flop.

Pit

The area in the casino where table games are located. Typically situated in the center, it is strategically placed to attract the most traffic and attention.

Pit Boss

An overseer of dealers and monitor of all game action in the casino. A pit boss has the authority to eject players suspected of card counting or cheating.

Pit manager

An overseer of casino pit employees, managing floormen who supervise table game dealers. They monitor all floormen, dealers, and players in the pit, typically with one floorman per six tables.

Place (Poker term)

Finishing in the top three, four, or occasionally top five positions in a competition or event.

Place Bet (Craps term)

A wager that wins if a specific number rolls before the round ends but loses if the shooter hits the point or rolls a 7 before that number.

Playthrough Requirement (Casino term)

Conditions set by online casinos for their bonuses. Players must wager a set number of times or spend a specific amount before they can withdraw winnings from bonus money. Only certain games qualify, and their contributions may vary.

Pocket Cards (Poker term)

Facedown cards issued to a player or dealer.

Pocket Pair (Poker term)

When a player’s two-hole cards are of the same rank.

Point (Craps term)

Any number rolled on the first throw of the dice, also known as the come-out roll, that is not a 7 or 11.

Point Spread (Sports betting term)

The points issued by oddsmakers to even out the competition between two teams and encourage betting on either side. It’s assigned to the team expected to lose, evening the odds against the favored team.

Poker (Poker term)

A general term for a diverse group of table card games with structured betting rounds and outcomes based on card combinations ranked in a hierarchy.

Pokies (Slots term)

A slot machine term commonly used in New Zealand and Australia.

Pony Up

To pay up and place your money on the table to begin the game. If you lose, you also have to pay the winner.

Position (Gambling term)

The order players act in a round. The early position goes first, while the late position follows others’ actions.

Post (Poker term)

Making the required payment into the pot, typically an ante or blind.

Postage Stamp (Bingo term)

A pattern with a 2×2 grid in any corner.

Pot (Poker term)

The total amount of money that players wager during a hand or game, based on the betting rules of the variation being played.

Pot Limit (Gambling term)

A betting cap where raises cannot exceed the current pot’s total.

Pot Odds (Poker term)

The ratio of the current pot size to the cost of a potential call. Players use pot odds to help them decide whether to call or fold a bet.

Powerball (Lottery term)

A lottery game where winning the jackpot requires matching five numbers plus the bonus ball. Lesser combinations of numbers win smaller prizes.

Press (Gambling term)

To place an unusually large bet.

Press a Bet (Gambling term)

Adding a previous bet’s winnings to the current bet.

Price (Sports betting term)

The odds or spread tied to a bet, indicating the potential payout upon winning.

Probability

A likelihood of a game’s outcome. It matters to experienced gamblers as it helps predict likely outcomes of bets, influencing house edge and RTP.

Progression Betting

The technique of gradually increasing bets based on specific conditions. For instance, in crypto roulette, D’Alembert suggests adding a dollar after a win, while Martingale doubles bets after a loss.

Progressive Jackpot (Slots term)

A game where the prize increases over time and is connected to multiple machines. The jackpot grows until someone wins, then resets to a set starting amount.

Progressive Slot (Slots term)

A slot game with links to progressive jackpots across thousands of players online for larger prizes. Our progressive Bitcoin slots guide has more details about the game.

Prop (Proposition) Bet (Sports betting term)

A special wager offered by sportsbooks on unique topics like sports events, politics, or trial outcomes, using money line payoff odds.

Provably Fair

A concept mostly in crypto casinos that ensures transparency and fairness, addressing distrust in traditional online casinos where game operations are usually opaque to players. Here’s a list of provably fair games compiled by the Gamblineers team.

Puckline (Sports betting term)

Odds on a hockey goal spread, combining both the spread and money line rather than using a Canadian line.

Pull Tab (Lottery term)

A lottery ticket with a covered number or symbol that you pull away to reveal.

Punto (Baccarat term)

A bet on the player winning and the hand opposite the Banco hand. Also refers to the baccarat player.

Punto Banco (Casino term)

Baccarat synonym.

Puppy (Sports betting term)

Underdog in sports betting

Push (Blackjack term)

This happens when a bet ends in a tie between the player and the house. In this case, the player gets their wager refunded without either winning or losing any money.

Q

Quads (Poker term)

A hand with four similar-ranking cards.

Quarter Bet (Roulette term)

Wager on four numbers with one bet, like in a corner bet.

Quick Pick

Also called a lucky dip, it is a lottery ticket in which the computer, not the player, chooses the numbers.

R

Rabbit Hunt (Poker term)

To deal the remaining undealt cards after a hand has concluded, revealing what the final cards would have been if the game had continued.

Rag (Poker term)

A low-value card that does not enhance the strength of your hand.

Rail (Casino term)

To watch a casino game without participating in it.

Rainbow (Poker term)

A hand containing three or four cards, each from a different suit.

Raise (Poker term)

To increase the amount of an active bet during the same betting round. This action forces the other players in the hand to either match the raise or raise again.

Rake (Poker term)

A commission fee that a casino takes from each poker hand to generate revenue and offset the costs of running the game.

Random Number Generator (RNG)

A device specially designed to generate a sequence of numbers that lack any predictable pattern to ensure true randomness in slot games through a multi-step process.

Rank (Poker term)

The numerical value assigned to a card.

Re-Bet (Gambling term)

A bet with a similar amount that was wagered in the preceding game.

Re-Buy (Poker term)

Where a player who has just lost all their chips is allowed to instantly purchase another stack and keep playing at the same table to avoid leaving.

Redraw (Poker term)

A hand with the potential to improve and become even stronger.

Reel

A designated area, often like a column, where symbols of a slot machine align to form winning combinations.

Reels (Slots term)

The spinning element in slot machines decorated with various symbols. When players place their bets and spin the reels, the outcome is determined by where the reels stop. Most online slot games feature five reels, though variations exist with three, seven, or even nine reels, offering different gameplay experiences and winning possibilities.

Reload Bonus (Casino term)

Extra money awarded to players for depositing funds into their player accounts.

Represent (Poker term)

To act as though you have a particular hand, regardless of whether you actually do.

Return (Gambling term)

The total amount a player wins from a bet. The return is calculated based on the odds of the chosen selections, the type of bet placed, and the amount wagered.

Reverse Tells (Poker term)

Intentionally attempting to mislead your opponent by performing a calculated physical gesture about your hand.

Right Bettor (Craps term)

An individual who places their bets in favor of the shooter.

Ring Game (Poker term)

A standard poker game that is played outside the structure of a tournament.

Risk of ruin

A concept used in gambling, insurance, and finance to describe the probability of depleting one’s investment capital or reducing one’s bankroll to a point where further participation is impossible. For example, if a person wagers their entire bankroll on a coin flip, there is a 50% chance of losing everything. When multiple bets are involved, the risk of ruin increases with each additional bet. Continuous betting will eventually lead to a statistical certainty known as gambler’s ruin, where the player inevitably loses all their funds.

Risk premium

An additional return an individual demands to compensate for taking on higher risk. Commonly utilized in finance and economics, it is generally defined as the anticipated return from a risky investment minus the return from a risk-free investment.

River

The final community card dealt in a poker game, commonly referred to as Fifth Street.

River (Poker term)

The final round of betting in certain game formats.

RNG (Slots term)

Random Number Generator.

Roll (Casino term)

Available bankroll for betting activities.

Rolled Up (Poker term)

A starting hand in which a player is dealt three of a kind right from the beginning in a seven-card stud.

Roulette Wheel (Roulette term)

The spinning mechanism that determines the outcomes of bets in roulette games. It is an essential part of the game, featuring either 37 or 38 numbered pockets, depending on the variant being played. The ball is spun around the wheel, eventually landing in one of these pockets, deciding the winning and losing bets for each round of play.

Rounder (Poker term)

A skilled poker player who earns a livelihood through their prowess at the game.

Royal Flush (Poker term)

A hand comprising five cards of the same suit and consisting of the highest-ranking cards, including the ace, king, queen, jack, and ten.

Royalties (Poker term)

Special bonuses awarded for achieving specific, predetermined strong hands during gameplay. For instance, these bonuses may be earned by forming quads or better in the back hand or by using all 13 cards to create a single straight or flush.

RTP (return to player)

The percentage of total bets or deposits that a player can expect to receive back over time while playing a game.

Run down (Sports betting term)

A comprehensive list of all available betting lines for a particular date, sport, and time.

Runline (Sports betting term)

Baseball’s point spread version with the underdog at +1.5 and the favorite at -1.5.

Runner (Sports betting term)

A person placing bets on behalf of another.

S

Scalper (Sports betting term)

An individual who capitalizes on variations in betting odds between different bookmakers. They aim to profit by placing bets on both sides of the same game, taking advantage of discrepancies in prices offered by different sportsbooks.

Scare Card (Poker term)

A card that, once revealed, has the power to drastically alter the balance of power in favor of an opponent’s hand.

Scared Money (Gambling term)

These are funds that a player cannot afford to lose or a betting limit that exceeds their financial comfort zone.

Scatter Symbol (Slots term)

Special icons that bring payouts when two or more of them show up anywhere on the screen, even if they’re not on a winning payline. Often referred to simply as ‘scatters’, these symbols can act as multipliers, doubling, tripling, or even increasing a player’s bet by higher amounts. Moreover, scatters can randomly trigger free spins or bonus rounds, adding an exciting element to the gameplay experience. They add an extra layer of anticipation and reward potential to slot games, making them particularly sought after by players aiming for bigger wins and extended play sessions.

Scoop (Poker term)

Winning the entire pot, typically seen in high-low split games where the player manages to secure both the high and low hands.

Scouts (Sports betting term)

Also referred to as sports players, scouts are individuals who patiently anticipate what they consider to be exceptionally promising betting opportunities.

Scratch Card (Lottery term)

A type of lottery ticket that features concealed numbers or symbols hidden under a scratch-off surface. Players must scratch off this surface to uncover the symbols and determine if they have won a prize.

Second Pair (Poker term)

Alternatively known as middle pair, it refers to a hand where a player holds a pair using the second-highest card among those on the flop.

See (Poker term)

The action of matching a bet made by another player.

Semi-Bluf (Poker term)

A strategic move where a player makes a play that suggests they hold a strong hand, even though their actual hand is currently weak. However, there is potential for their hand to improve and become a winning hand as the game progresses.

Set (Poker term)

A hand that consists of three cards of the same rank. In games where community cards are used, a set involves two cards from a player’s hand (known as hole cards) and one community card dealt on the table. This combination forms a powerful hand that can often lead to substantial winnings if played strategically.

Seven Card Stud (Poker term)

A distinctive poker variant with no community cards, it involves players engaging in multiple betting rounds using a single deck of cards, competing directly against each other. The game starts with each player receiving one face-down card in the initial two rounds, followed by one face-up card in each of the subsequent four rounds, and concludes with one final card dealt face-down in the last round.

Seven Out (Craps term)

When the shooter rolls a 7 before successfully making the point they established resulting in the loss of the pass line bet.

Seven-Card Stud

A poker game that begins with an ante bet followed by four betting rounds. During the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds, each player receives an additional card face-up. The seventh and final round, known as the river, concludes the card dealing. After that, players reveal their hands to determine the winner based on the poker rankings.

Seventh Street (Poker term)

The fifth, final round of betting, where players hold all seven cards needed to form their complete hand.

sh (Casino jargon)

Short-handed.

Shark (Poker term)

A highly-skilled card player.

Shill (Casino term)

A person who the casino employs to participate in games or tournaments where there is a shortage of players.

Shoe

The shoe holds the cards dealt by either the dealer or the banker in baccarat games. Depending on the variant of the game, the handling of the shoe varies:

• in Punto Banco, a designated banker controls it,
• in Chemin de Fer, a player assumes this responsibility,
• whereas in Baccarat Banque, all players rotate in handling the shoe.

Shooter (Craps term)

The player who rolls the dice.

Short Stack (Poker term)

Having a smaller stack of chips relative to other players at the table or compared to the maximum buy-in limit. Usually fewer than 100x the big blind.

Short-Handed (Poker term)

A game where there are fewer players than usual at the table.

Showdown (Poker term)

When the players remaining in the hand reveal their cards to decide the winner.

Shut Out (Sports betting term)

When a bettor attempts to place a bet after the betting action has closed. It’s also an event where the losing team fails to score throughout the entire game.

Sic Bo (Sic Bo term)

A dice game where players predict the results of three dice rolled simultaneously.

Side Bet

Additional bets that go beyond the usual game wagers. Take Baccarat, for instance, which features options like Dragon Bonus and Super 6. However, due to their significantly high house edge, these side bets are generally considered risky and are often not advisable to pursue. Players opt to stick with the standard bets to maintain a better chance at winning in the game.

Side Pot (Poker term)

An additional pot created when one or more players go all-in, but there are still other players continuing to bet in the hand. This secondary pot allows ongoing players to compete for additional bets beyond what the all-in player(s) can contribute.

Sides (Sports betting term)

Two competing teams made up of an underdog and a favorite.

Sign-Up Bonus

An incentive provided by online casinos to encourage new players to register on their platform.

Simple Bet (Craps term)

When a player places a wager on a single number. The payout for this bet depends on how many of the dice show the chosen number. If one die shows the number, the payout is typically 1:1. If two dice show the number, the payout increases, and if all three dice show the number, the payout can be as high as 10:1.

Sin City (description)

A nickname often used to describe an urban area, whether it’s an entire city or a specific district within, known for its indulgence in various vices. These vices can range from activities that are legally sanctioned within the area to those that are outright illegal but tolerated.

Single (Sports betting term)

A straightup wager on one team to win.

Single-Table Tournament (STT) (Poker term)

An online competition where all players compete at a single table.

Sixth Street (Poker term)

The fourth round of betting in a game where players are dealt six cards for a potential seven-card hand.

Skin

Money in the casino.

Skin gambling

Involves using virtual goods, typically cosmetic items like ‘skins’ from games, as a form of virtual currency to place bets on professional matches or other games of chance.

Skin in the game (phrase)

Describes a scenario where an investor risks their funds to achieve a gaming goal.

Slot Machine (Casino term)

A device used for gambling that consists of three or more reels that spin when activated by pressing a button. Also referred to as a fruit machine.

Slow Play (Poker term)

A strategic move in poker where a player deliberately bets weakly or passively despite holding a strong hand. The goal is to deceive opponents into underestimating the hand’s true strength, potentially luring them into making larger bets or committing more chips to the pot. Also known as sandbagging or trapping.

Small Bet (Craps term)

A wager placed on the total sum of three dice landing between 4 and 10.

Small Blind (Poker term)

This is a mandatory bet that the player seated to the left of the dealer button must place before the cards are dealt.

Smooth Call (Poker term)

Also called a flat call, it occurs when a player decides to call an opponent’s bet instead of raising, even though raising might be the more expected or standard move in that scenario.

Snake Eyes (Craps term)

Rolling a 2 on a pair of dice.

Soft 17

When the dealer’s initial two cards include an ace valued at eleven and a six. When this happens, the dealer is required to stand.

Soft Hand (Blackjack term)

A hand in blackjack that includes one or more aces, which can be valued as either 1 or 11.

Special (Poker term)

Games that typically utilize a unique set of cards, different from the standard deck provided upon entry.

Speed Bingo (Bingo term)

A speedy version of classic bingo where numbers are called out quickly, allowing players to achieve bingos with as few as three numbers.

Splashing the Pot

Tossing chips into the pot in a random, disorganized manner. This action complicates the dealer’s job of accurately counting the bet, as the chips can scatter and end up in the wrong places, potentially leading to confusion and conflicts among the players.

Split Hand (Blackjack term)

Divide the initial two cards into two distinct hands. It is only permissible if the initial pair of cards are of the same rank.

Split Pair (Poker term)

A situation where one of the down cards dealt to a player matches one of their face-up cards, forming a pair.

Split Pot (Poker term)

When two or more players hold hands of equal value, the prize money is divided equally among them.

Split Ticket (Keno term)

A ticket where two or more individual straight or basic tickets are combined. Each set of selected numbers on a split ticket is assessed independently.

Sporting man culture

A lifestyle in which men indulge in hedonistic pursuits such as maintaining mistresses and indulging excessively in eating, drinking, smoking, gambling, and big game hunting. This lifestyle was prevalent among a significant segment of middle and upper-class men during the mid-19th century, particularly in the United States and Great Britain.

Sports betting systems

Specific combinations of events tailored for particular games in various sports, aiming to create profitable betting opportunities. Given that sports betting involves human factors, neither the house nor the gambler holds a deterministic edge. These systems are designed to provide the bettor with a perceived advantage or edge in predicting outcomes and making informed wagers.

Sports Lottery (Lottery term)

A specific type of lottery where the outcomes of sporting events determine the winners.

Sportsbook (Sports betting term)

An establishment where individuals can place bets on the results of different sporting events.

Spot (Keno term)

Marked numbers on a keno ticket.

Spread (Sports betting term)

A numerical figure established by oddsmakers to balance the competition between two teams and encourage betting on both sides of the game. Also called point spread.

Spread betting

A form of betting that differs from traditional methods (like fixed-odds or parimutuel betting) whereby the payoff is determined by how accurate the bettor’s prediction is rather than a simple win-or-lose scenario.

Square (Sports betting term)

An inexperienced player in sports betting.

Square Pair (Craps term)

A hard 8, alternatively known as ‘Eighter from Decatur’ or sometimes ‘Ada from Decatur’.

ss (Casino jargon)

Short-stacked.

Staggered Payout (Slots term)

A payout structure where players who wager higher amounts receive higher payouts according to the pay table.

Stake

The sum a player wagers or risks during a spin, slot game, or card game.

Stakes (Poker term)

The designated limit for betting and raising at a specific table. It also encompasses the highest amount that can be wagered as blinds in games where blinds are utilized.

Standing Hand

A blackjack hand that holds a total of 17 or more points.

Standoff (Poker term)

When both hands in a game have the same value. It can also refer to a bet placed on the prediction that the hands will end in a tie.

Starting price

The odds offered for a specific entry in the on-course fixed-odds betting market at the commencement of a horse race.

Steam (Slots term)

A situation where a line begins to move quickly.

Steaming (Poker term)

A player’s reaction to a loss where they start playing recklessly and aggressively. Also known as being ‘on tilt’.

Sticky Bonus (Casino term)

A unique type of cash incentive that cannot be withdrawn boosts players’ bankrolls, allowing them to wager more or at higher stakes while playing.

Sticky Wilds

Wild symbols in slot machines that remain fixed in their position for the duration of a free spin round.

Store (Sports betting term)

Sportsbook.

Straddle (Poker term)

An additional blind bet that a player can choose to place, usually done by the player seated directly left of the big blind. This bet is twice the amount of the big blind and allows the straddler to act last before the flop, with the option of re-raising.

Straight (Poker term)

A hand consisting of five cards that are back-to-back in rank.

Straight Bet (Roulette term)

Betting on just one specific number.

Straight Bet (Sports betting term)

A wager placed on a single team, athlete, or horse in sports betting.

Straight Flush (Poker term)

The second-highest hand in poker, consisting of five cards of consecutive ranks within the same suit.

Straight Ticket (Keno term)

A keno ticket where a player chooses spots without grouping them.

Street Bet (Roulette term)

A wager made on three numbers simultaneously.

Strong Bet (Craps term)

A wager placed on the outcome involving all three dice simultaneously. For instance, predicting that the same number will appear on all three dice in a single roll.

Stud Poker (Poker term)

A type of poker in which players receive a combination of face-up and face-down cards during the game.

Suit (Poker term)

The category to which cards belong based on their color. Traditionally, suits are divided into two colors: red for hearts and diamonds, and black for spades and clubs. However, some online decks expand this classification to include four colors: red for hearts, blue for diamonds, green for clubs, and black for spades.

Suited Connectors (Poker term)

Consecutive pocket cards of the same suit.

Super Stud (Poker term)

It’s a type of poker that resembles Caribbean Stud but includes a progressive jackpot feature. In this game, players receive a combination of face-up and face-down cards over several rounds.

Superfecta

A popular type of bet in parimutuel betting across the United States and Canada. To win, the bettor must accurately predict the exact order of the first four finishers in a race.

Surrender (Blackjack term)

A strategy that allows a player to fold their hand before receiving additional cards and risk losing only half of their bet instead of the entire amount.

Sweepstakes parlor

Also known as a sweepstakes café, it is a place where customers can participate in contests to win prizes by purchasing products or services, often in the form of internet access or telephone cards.

Symbols (Slots term)

The images, numbers, or letters displayed on the reels that determine the outcomes of the game. These symbols often align with the theme of the slot game, such as fruits, dollar signs, or cartoon characters. In online video slots, symbols are frequently animated, sometimes in 3D, and can interact by speaking or triggering music when they form winning combinations.

T

Table (Poker term)

To reveal your cards face-up during the showdown and display their value,

Table Game

Card games such as Texas Hold’em poker and roulette fall into the table games category of games since they’re facilitated by a dealer or croupier, responsible for managing the game flow and handling chips.

Table limit

The range of bets allowed at a gaming table, setting both the minimum and maximum amounts a player can wager. This system functions like a yield manager, where these limits are adjusted to maximize the profitability of the gaming table.

Tai Sai (Sic Bo term)

Sic Bo synonym.

Take Odds (Sports betting term)

The act of either accepting a bet or placing a bet where the terms are not advantageous to the other party. In simpler terms, it means agreeing to or offering a bet where the potential winnings are less than the amount that would need to be wagered.

Taking the Points (Sports betting term)

Betting on the underdog and its potential advantage in the point spread.

Taking the Price (Sports betting term)

Placing a bet on the underdog and agreeing to accept the offered money odds.

Tank (Gambling term)

The strategic pause taken by a player to carefully consider their next move before taking action.

Tapped Out (Gambling term)

A situation in gambling where a player has completely run out of money to continue playing.

Tapping Out

When one is ending their play and betting activities. This term is also used when a player exhausts their entire bankroll, signaling they can no longer continue playing due to financial constraints.

Teaser (Sports betting term)

A type of bet that involves selecting two or more teams with adjusted lines favoring the bettor. Similar to a parlay, all chosen teams must win for the teaser to be declared a winner.

Tells (Poker term)

A change in a player’s behavior, demeanor, or physical reaction that may indicate their hand or intended actions.

Texas Blackout (Bingo term)

A unique bingo variant where gameplay relies on the parity of the first number called. If the initial number is even, all even-numbered squares on players’ cards become wild, and vice versa for odd numbers. This rule transforms the game dynamics significantly, leading up to a thrilling blackout phase where players aim to cover all squares on their cards for a win.

Texas Hold’em (Poker term)

A popular variant of poker characterized by its multiple rounds of betting, utilization of a single deck of cards, and competitive gameplay against other players. Each player is initially dealt two private cards known as hole cards, while a series of community cards are dealt face-up on the table. The primary goal in Texas Hold’em is to form the strongest possible five-card hand using a combination of the community cards and the player’s hole cards.

(The) Cage (Casino term)

A secure area where the casino keeps the money.

Third Base (Blackjack term)

The position closest to the dealer’s right. It’s the final player’s spot to act before the dealer plays their hand.

Third Street (Poker term)

Commonly used in seven-card stud. It’s the initial round of betting where each player holds three out of the total seven cards dealt.

Three of a Kind (Poker term)

Three similar-ranking cards in a hand.

Ticket (Keno term)

The gridded form where players select numbers from 1 to 80 to place their bets.

Ticket (Sports betting term)

A wagering ticket.

Tie (Sports betting term)

It occurs when neither team wins nor loses the wager because their scores precisely match the point spread set by the oddsmakers.

Tight (Poker term)

A player who adopts a strategic approach by playing a limited number of hands, focusing instead on those of higher quality.

Tilt (Gambling term)

Refers to a state where a player is adversely affected by a losing streak.

Toke (Casino term)

Giving a tip to the dealer.

Top Pair (Poker term)

A hand where a player holds a pair that includes the highest-ranking card among those on the flop.

Total (Craps term)

A bet placed on the cumulative sum of all three dice rolled.

Total (Sports betting term)

The cumulative number of runs, points, or goals scored by both teams throughout the entire game, including any overtime periods.

Total Dependent

Making decisions based solely on the total value of your cards, rather than the individual cards. This approach dictates whether a player should hit, stand, or potentially split their hand, depending on the specific rules of the game variant being played.

Totals Bet (Sports betting term)

A proposition where the bettor predicts whether the combined score of both teams in a game will exceed or fall short of the specific line set by the sportsbook.

Tote betting

Tote betting operates much like a lottery system at the racetrack. Participants select their horses and contribute their wagers into a collective pool. The prize pool is distributed among all winning tickets, with each winner receiving a portion of the total amount bet. A key advantage is that if fewer people bet on the winning horse, the payout for each winning ticket holder increases accordingly.

Tournament (Keno term)

A series of successive games where the outcome of each keno game contributes to the overall performance and determines the winners.

Trey (Gambling term)

A three.

Trifecta

A type of parimutuel wager placed on horse races, requiring the bettor to accurately predict the horses that will finish in the first, second, and third positions in the precise order. Referred to as a trifecta in the United States and Australia, it holds different names in various regions: tricast in the UK, tierce in Hong Kong, triactor in Canada, and tiercé in France.

Triple (Craps term)

A bet placed on the outcome where all three dice display the same number.

Trips (Poker term)

A hand containing three similar-ranking cards. In games where community cards are used, trips consist of one player’s hole card combined with two community cards on the table.

Trips (Three of a Kind)

A poker hand consisting of three cards of the same rank.

True Odds (Sports betting term)

The actual probability of an event occurring.

Turkey (Poker term)

A player who behaves disrespectfully towards the dealer during the game.

Turn (Poker term)

The fourth community card dealt out of a total of five.

ty (Casino jargon)

Thank you.

U

Under (Sports betting term)

A type of wager placed on the total points scored by two teams being below a specified number.

Under the Gun (Poker term)

The position immediately to the left of the blinds. Players in this position are the first to act before the flop and also act immediately after the blinds on all subsequent betting rounds.

Underdog (Sports betting term)

The team or competitor seen as less likely to win. It’s commonly referred to as the ‘dog’ in short.

Underplay

The strategic decision of a player to initially downplay the strength of their poker hand.

Up Card (Poker term)

Any card that is dealt face-up to a player.

Upcard

The dealer’s visible blackjack card.

utg (Casino jargon)

Abbreviation for under the gun.

V

Va banque

Va banque, also known as Vabanque, is a term from the card game Pharo or Faro, which was a favorite in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is similar to the concept of ‘going bank’ (or ‘banco’) in chemin de fer, a variation of baccarat. This term signifies that a player wagers an amount equal to the current total in the game’s ‘bank’.

Value (Sports betting term)

Securing the most favorable odds on a betting proposition to achieve the highest potential advantage.

Value Bet (Poker term)

A wager placed with the aim of being called by an inferior hand.

Variance (Poker term)

How a player’s results can fluctuate over a short period due to luck.

Venus Throw

The Venus Throw represented the best possible outcome in the ancient Roman gambling game called tali (knucklebones). Players used four rectangular, four-sided dice, typically crafted from the knucklebones of sheep or goats, with sides marked I, III, IV, and VI. Achieving a Venus Throw meant that each die landed on a unique side, resulting in a total score of 14.

Video Poker (Video poker terms)

It is a slot machine-style game that follows the rules of five-card draw poker.

Vigorish (Sports betting term)

The fee that a bookmaker charges on a losing bet. Commonly referred to as juice or vig.

Virgin (Bingo term)

A combination of numbers that has yet to be drawn.

Virtual Casino Games (Casino term)

Online casino games run by computer systems and rely on Random Number Generators to determine outcomes.

W

Wad (Casino term)

Synonym for bankroll.

Wager (Gambling term)

It’s a synonym for a bet.

Wagering Requirement (Casino term)

Conditions set by online casinos regarding their bonuses. These typically mandate that players must make a certain number of bets or spend a specific amount of money at the casino before they can withdraw any winnings from the bonus funds. Usually, only certain games count towards fulfilling these requirements, and even then, not all games contribute equally.

Way Ticket (Keno term)

A term used in Keno to describe a ticket where a player selects at least two groups, each containing an equal number of spots. These groups are then combined to create multiple straight or basic ticket combinations on a single ticket. Each group selected must be wagered at the same rate to maintain consistency in the game.

Weak Bet (Craps term)

Placing a wager on a specific number appearing on a single die roll.

Wet (Poker term)

A board where the cards are connected or suited, sometimes referred to as a ‘coordinated’ board.

Whale (Poker term)

A player who lacks skill but possesses a substantial amount of money to play with.

Whales (Poker term)

High-stakes players who possess substantial wealth, enabling them to wager large sums without significant financial concern.

Wheel (Poker term)

A straight composed of five cards from Ace to Five.

Whiff (Poker term)

To completely miss a draw.

Wild Card (Poker term)

A card in the deck, which includes the joker, designated to substitute for any other card to help form the strongest possible hand.

Wild Number (Bingo term)

A unique bingo variation where the initial number called dictates the ‘wild number’ for the game. In this variant, all numbers on the bingo card that end with the designated wild number are considered matched. For instance, if the first number called is 42, all numbers ending in 2 across the bingo card are automatically marked as matched.

Wild Symbol (Slots term)

A symbol that acts as a versatile substitute for other symbols found on the reels. Whenever a wild symbol appears, it can complement adjacent symbols, thereby forming a winning combination. Unlike regular symbols, wilds often have the added benefit of paying out even if they are not lined up on a specific payline. Also, wild symbols can function as special multipliers, significantly boosting the payout of any winning combination they contribute to.

Wired Cards (Poker term)

A specific scenario where a player receives consecutive pairs, trips (three of a kind), or four of a kind in consecutive hands. It can also describe a situation where the two initial hole cards dealt to a player are a pair.

Wiseguy (Sports betting term)

Someone highly knowledgeable about handicapping or betting.

Withdrawal

The process of withdrawing funds or earnings from your online casino account.

Writer (Keno term)

The casino staff member responsible for conducting the keno game.

Wrong Bettor (Craps term)

Someone who places bets against the shooter.

Y

yhs (Casino jargon)

It means ‘your hand sucks’.

Yo (Casino jargon)

Slang for 11.

YW (Casino jargon)

Casino slang for ‘you’re welcome’.

3Bet (Poker term)

A strategic move where a player decides to raise after another player has already placed a bet.

4Bet (Poker term)

A specific betting action. It occurs when a player raises the bet after another player has already made a 3bet.

Gambling comes with a wide array of terms and jargon, and familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals from our detailed glossary of terms for gambling can enhance your playing experience significantly. Through this gambling terms glossary, you’ll benefit by improving your understanding of casino terms and stand a better chance to excel as you play. Besides, never shy away from interacting with fellow casino players and making inquiries any time you feel left out with gambling jargon.