Common Casino Terms Explained

The first time walking into a casino, you feel as if you’re walking into another universe. You will be surrounded with flashing lights, whirring sounds and a language all to themselves. If you are a newbie to gambling, you will probably encounter terms like "house edge" or "RTP" and wonder what do they even mean. Don’t worry because you’re not alone! Learning common casino lingo can help you better prepare for the casino so that when you are playing at the tables, you will feel more confident, make better decisions and, most importantly, be more fun.

In this guide, we will explain the most common casino terms so you can familiarize yourself with everything there is to know from popular table games and slot machines to general gambling lingo. By the end, you’ll be speaking like a pro!

Why Learning Casino Terms Matters

Casinos have their own vocabulary, and knowing the lingo can give you a serious advantage. Whether you're playing blackjack, poker, roulette, or slots, understanding key casino terms helps you avoid confusion, communicate with dealers and other players, and even strategize better. Plus, it just makes the whole experience more enjoyable!

Must-Know Casino Terms

General Casino Terms

• House Edge: This refers to the built-in advantage that the casino has over players. For example, in roulette, the green zero(s) ensure that the house always has a slight mathematical edge. The lower the house edge, the better the odds for you!

• Bankroll: Your gambling budget which is the amount of money you've set aside specifically for playing. Managing your bankroll wisely is key to responsible gambling.

• High Roller: A player who places big bets and often gets VIP treatment from the casino, including free perks like hotel stays, meals, and even cashback deals.

• Wagering Requirement: If you claim a casino bonus, you’ll usually need to bet a certain amount before you can withdraw any winnings. This is known as a wagering requirement.

Slot Machine Terms

• Payline: The lines on a slot machine where winning combinations can form. Some slots have a fixed number of paylines, while others let you choose how many to activate.

• RTP (Return to Player): Expressed as a percentage, RTP tells you how much a slot game is expected to pay back over time. A 96% RTP means that for every $100 wagered, the slot will return $96 on average.

• Wild Symbol: A special symbol that can substitute for other symbols to help form winning combinations.

• Free Spins: A popular slot feature that gives you a set number of free rounds to play without deducting money from your balance.

Table Game Terms

• Bust (Blackjack): If your hand exceeds 21 in blackjack, you lose instantly. That’s called a bust.

• Hit & Stand (Blackjack): "Hit" means to take another card, while "stand" means you’re sticking with what you have.

• Call (Poker): Matching the current bet in a poker round instead of folding or raising.

• Bluff (Poker): Pretending to have a strong hand when you actually don’t, hoping to make your opponents fold.

• Inside & Outside Bets (Roulette): Inside bets are placed on specific numbers, while outside bets cover broader options like red/black or odd/even.

Casino Etiquette and Slang

• Pit Boss: A casino floor manager who oversees table games and ensures fair play.

• Marker: A line of credit issued by the casino, allowing players to gamble without using cash immediately.

• Whale: A term for ultra-high-stakes gamblers who wager massive amounts of money.

• Eye in the Sky: A casino slang for the surveillance cameras monitoring the gaming floor 24/7.

Speak Casino with Confidence!

Now that you know these casino terms, you can feel confident when playing in Vegas, at a local casino or online. If you plan to gamble during your time at casino or online gambling establishments, knowing the language of gambling can help you make more intelligent bets, cross the tables with confidence and help you get the most from your experience.

Were any of these terms surprising to you? Or do you have a casino term that is your favorite and you think every newbie should know?