Every visit to Las Vegas can become an educational experience for gamblers.
- Layman's terms definition is - simple language that anyone can understand. How to use layman's terms in a sentence.
- Slot Machine Glossary – Slot Terms and Definitions Slots are one of the easiest things to play in the casino but you need to understand all the terms and options before playing. The goal for the slot machine glossary was to put together one of the most extensive slots terms documents online.
- Find a specific word or phrase in our casino dictionary or just study the whole word list and make sure you know the correct casino lingo by heart. Stating that there is a special casino language might be to stretch it, but knowing the terms used by the dealer and other players too for that matter, is essential for you to play the games right.
Casino Dictionary. Our website has curated an extensive dictionary of casino and gambling terms, expressions and phrases that cover every aspect of your experience and helps you play smarter. Here you'll find: A detailed explanation of each word or phrase; Where and when it is used; How it relates to your playing experience.
Whether you're trying a new game for the first time, hitting a casino you've never been to before, or diving deep into Sin City's history, you'll definitely learn something new whenever you're here.
And one of the most common lessons learned in Las Vegas concerns the various slang terms used by gamblers and casino staff when the games get underway. After nearly nine decades offering an oasis of legalized gambling for all Americans to enjoy, Las Vegas has developed a language all its own.
As a lifelong Las Vegas local, colloquial phrases like this have become embedded in my brain, so much so that I barely notice them any longer. But when I spent some time taking a few pals from out of town on a tour of my favorite gambling halls, I struggled with expressing myself in ways they could easily interpret. For a while there, my buddies even thought I was making a few of the slang terms up on the fly.
That experience made me realize just how much I take my 'insider' info for granted living in here. With that in mind, I figured putting together a full glossary of commonly used casino gambling phrases might help visitors feel more comfortable during their next trip to Las Vegas.
86'd (or Eighty-Sixed) – A term used to describe property bans handed out to cheats, excessive drunks, and other undesirable patrons. If you've been directed to avoid entering all Caesars Entertainment properties, for example, you've just been 86'd.
The origins of this phrase are quite murky, but most people believe that the 86 stems from Sin City's days as a haven for mobsters, most of whom had no reservations about driving victims 8 miles out into the desert, before burying them 6 feet under the sand.
Action – A term with many meanings, action is typically used to describe any pending wager (i.e. 'You placed the chip forward sir, so that bet will be considered action win or lose.') Gamblers also speak about staying 'in action' when referring to getting back in the game. A table game with many people placing large bets is also said to have a lot of action.
Aggregate Limit – Casinos use aggregate limits to put a cap on their liability within any given game or wager. In the case of a 1,000 to 1 bonus jackpot on a game like Let It Ride, for example, the aggregate limit might be set at $100,000. In this case, a player betting $100 on the bonus would win the full share, but if two or more players do so successfully, they'd be forced to split the aggregate limit amount evenly amongst themselves.
All-In – In a poker game with no betting limits, such as No Limit Texas Hold'em, going all-in refers to the act of wagering every chip you have in play.
Ante – The initial bet required to enter a table game like blackjack or baccarat. Alternatively, at the poker table, an ante is any forced bet all players must contribute before the cards can be dealt.
Bankroll – The money a gambler keeps on hand at all times, usually separate from their non-gambling spending money, to use on the tables, machines, or sportsbook.
Bad Beat – Typically used in poker, a bad beat refers to any loss in which the losing player had a higher probability of winning than their opponent. Holding pocket Aces only to lose to an inferior pocket pair like 5-5 would be deemed a bad beat. Similarly, holding a 20 in blackjack only to see the dealer run out five cards to make 21 would be a bad beat.
Beard – When somebody has been 86'd from the casino or sportsbook, they often resort to using a 'beard' – or a trusted third party who places bets on their behalf – to stay in the action.
Burn Card – In games like poker or blackjack, the burn card is any card taken from the top of the deck and placed face down before the actual card in play is dealt.
By burning a card before revealing the next one, players and dealers alike ensure that a stacked deck won't work in the cheater's favor.
Capping – This term has two meanings, the first of which is simply short for 'handicapping,' or the process of picking winners at the sportsbook. Another use for capping involves an act of cheating in which players attempt to 'cap' a winning bet with additional chips to increase their payout.
Carpet Joint – Taken from the pre-1950s era when Las Vegas gambling halls had wooden floors sprinkled with sawdust. In 1951, Benny Binion opted to install plush carpet throughout his Horseshoe casino, creating the city's first carpet joint, in hopes that the luxurious trappings would help to attract high-rollers. Silver oak coupon.
In modern times, a carpet joint typically refers to the ultra-chic 5-star luxury casinos that cater to high-rollers.
Chalk – Whichever side is favored to win a sports bet is often referred to as the chalk.
Check (or Cheque) – As a noun, check or cheque refers to the casino chips used in lieu of cash. As a verb, to check is an action taken at the poker table in which the player declines his option to place the first bet.
Cold Call – At the poker table, cold-calling refers to the act of calling a raise when you haven't made an initial bet. In other words, when one player in front of you bets, and a second player raises, calling the raise is considered a cold call.
Color Up – Whenever a player or dealer exchanges smaller denomination chips for higher denomination chips of a different color, they've colored up. You might slide the dealer a stack of 20 red $5 chips to color up for a single black $100 chip.
Comp – As a noun, a comp is short for 'complimentary' and refers to any freebie handed out by the house to reward regular play.
As a verb, to comp is the act of distributing these perks to the player.
Credit – A term used on gaming machines, such as video poker and slot machine games as a substitute for coin denominations. If you slide a $100 bill into a $0.25 video poker machine, you'll start the game with 400 credits.
Crossfire – A term referring to the small talk made by dealers, either with fellow staff members of players at the table. Often, a dealer mistake will be made in the midst of an intense bout of crossfire which causes them to become distracted.
Croupier – The French word for 'dealer,' a croupier is typically found spinning the wheel in the French table game roulette.
Cut Card – In games where a deck of cards, or a shoe containing multiple decks, is used, the dealer uses a special card to cut them after a shuffle. From there, the dealer slides their cut card on the bottom of the deck to prevent players from seeing it when the deck is lifted off the felt.
Dark – As a noun, a dark bet refers to any bet (typically in poker) made before seeing one's starting hands and/or the community cards. As a verb, dark betting refers to the same action.
Dime – Shorthand for any wager equal to $1,000.
Dirty Stack – Any stack of chips which contains one or more off-colored chips.
Dollar – Shorthand for any wager equal to $100
Double Down – A play used in blackjack, typically on 10 or 11 value starting hands, wherein the player adds a second wager equal to their original wager. From there, the dealer gives the double down player one more card, with winning hands receiving the full 2x payout.
Double Up – Any successful bet which pays out at even money odds to produce a 2x payout. In poker, a player who goes all-in and wins a matching amount from their opponent has doubled up.
In video poker, many machines offer a Double Up side game after winners which allows the player to choose a high card at random in hopes of doubling their initial profit.
Down – Shorthand for the shifts, usually 30 minutes in duration, where a dealer is tasked with running a certain table. If your favorite dealer isn't at this particular table, waiting a down or two will usually bring them by in short order.
By burning a card before revealing the next one, players and dealers alike ensure that a stacked deck won't work in the cheater's favor.
Capping – This term has two meanings, the first of which is simply short for 'handicapping,' or the process of picking winners at the sportsbook. Another use for capping involves an act of cheating in which players attempt to 'cap' a winning bet with additional chips to increase their payout.
Carpet Joint – Taken from the pre-1950s era when Las Vegas gambling halls had wooden floors sprinkled with sawdust. In 1951, Benny Binion opted to install plush carpet throughout his Horseshoe casino, creating the city's first carpet joint, in hopes that the luxurious trappings would help to attract high-rollers. Silver oak coupon.
In modern times, a carpet joint typically refers to the ultra-chic 5-star luxury casinos that cater to high-rollers.
Chalk – Whichever side is favored to win a sports bet is often referred to as the chalk.
Check (or Cheque) – As a noun, check or cheque refers to the casino chips used in lieu of cash. As a verb, to check is an action taken at the poker table in which the player declines his option to place the first bet.
Cold Call – At the poker table, cold-calling refers to the act of calling a raise when you haven't made an initial bet. In other words, when one player in front of you bets, and a second player raises, calling the raise is considered a cold call.
Color Up – Whenever a player or dealer exchanges smaller denomination chips for higher denomination chips of a different color, they've colored up. You might slide the dealer a stack of 20 red $5 chips to color up for a single black $100 chip.
Comp – As a noun, a comp is short for 'complimentary' and refers to any freebie handed out by the house to reward regular play.
As a verb, to comp is the act of distributing these perks to the player.
Credit – A term used on gaming machines, such as video poker and slot machine games as a substitute for coin denominations. If you slide a $100 bill into a $0.25 video poker machine, you'll start the game with 400 credits.
Crossfire – A term referring to the small talk made by dealers, either with fellow staff members of players at the table. Often, a dealer mistake will be made in the midst of an intense bout of crossfire which causes them to become distracted.
Croupier – The French word for 'dealer,' a croupier is typically found spinning the wheel in the French table game roulette.
Cut Card – In games where a deck of cards, or a shoe containing multiple decks, is used, the dealer uses a special card to cut them after a shuffle. From there, the dealer slides their cut card on the bottom of the deck to prevent players from seeing it when the deck is lifted off the felt.
Dark – As a noun, a dark bet refers to any bet (typically in poker) made before seeing one's starting hands and/or the community cards. As a verb, dark betting refers to the same action.
Dime – Shorthand for any wager equal to $1,000.
Dirty Stack – Any stack of chips which contains one or more off-colored chips.
Dollar – Shorthand for any wager equal to $100
Double Down – A play used in blackjack, typically on 10 or 11 value starting hands, wherein the player adds a second wager equal to their original wager. From there, the dealer gives the double down player one more card, with winning hands receiving the full 2x payout.
Double Up – Any successful bet which pays out at even money odds to produce a 2x payout. In poker, a player who goes all-in and wins a matching amount from their opponent has doubled up.
In video poker, many machines offer a Double Up side game after winners which allows the player to choose a high card at random in hopes of doubling their initial profit.
Down – Shorthand for the shifts, usually 30 minutes in duration, where a dealer is tasked with running a certain table. If your favorite dealer isn't at this particular table, waiting a down or two will usually bring them by in short order.
Drop – In casino gambling, the drop refers to any chips collected by the casino after player losses.
Edge – Shorthand for any advantage held during a gambling game. In its most common usage, the house edge refers to the inherent advantage offered to the casino based on a game or wager's win probability vis a vis its payout. Card counters in blackjack are capable of nullifying the house's edge, lending themselves a rare player edge in the process.
Even Money – Any payout which is exactly equal to the amount wagered.
Medical Term Dictionary
Blackjack bets are always paid out at even money, as are the Player bet in blackjack, the 'outside' (Red or Black, Odd or Even, Low or High) bets in roulette, and the minimum payable hand in most forms of video poker.
Eye in the Sky – This term refers to the network of overhead security cameras which are trained on the gaming floor at all times. When the floor staff wants to scrutinize a suspected cheater's playing habits, they'll call on security staff to use the eye in the sky.
Conclusion
That does it for the A – E segment of my casino gambling glossary, but be sure to check back with the F – M and N – Z pages as well to complete your education. The world of Las Vegas slang can be a bit difficult to wrap your mind around at first glance, but once you've studied this three-part glossary, you'll be betting like a 'reg' (that's clearly short for regular) in no time flat.
Here you'll find a casino dictionary/glossary full of casino slang, jargon and lingo.
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- Y
- Z
Whether you're a beginner player or an advanced player, our Casino Dictionary will teach you something new. Our goal is to help educate you on all aspects of casino play. One simple way to help you learn about playing online or at a brick-and-mortar casino, is to share our extensive knowledge of casino terminology with you. We invite you to read on and learn more about casino language, so you can really talk the talk your next visit to the casino!
Commonly Used Online Casino Terms & Acronyms
Advantage Player
Players who look for ways to make money from casinos. Advantage casino players favor mathematical strategy instead of playing for fun like recreational players.
Affiliate
A person or business entity that earns a commission from the casinos they promote. Casino affiliates are often players who enjoy helping other players by sharing reviews of online casinos and different games.
B&M Casino
Short for brick-and-mortar casino. Also may be referred to as land-based casino.
Casino Terms And Definitions
Caesars casino rewards. Bonus Abusers
Also know as bonus whore or bonus hunter. Players who play at online casinos with the intention of clearing the bonus money and cashing out.
Casino Bonus
Instead of comps and free play, online casinos offer bonuses. These include deposit bonuses, no deposit bonuses, and reload bonuses.
Clear
Term used to describe completing the bonus requirements.
Deposit Bonus
Bonus money offered as a percentage of a player's first deposit. Ex. For a 100% up to $500 bonus – if a player deposits $50 they will receive an additional $50 free to gamble with.
Gnome
Someone who uses different names and information to open multiple online casino accounts. This person may create fake ids or simply get the permission of someone else to use their info. Gnomes were prevalent between 2002-2006 when casino bonuses were much easier to clear.
NDB – No Deposit Bonus
A type of bonus where a player receives free money to gamble with. Usually, any winnings from no deposit bonuses can be cashed out provided the wagering requirements are met. Sometimes the amount that can be cashed out is capped.
Recreational Player
Someone who enjoys playing casino games for fun and is not worried too much about odds or strategy, unlike advantage players.
RNG – Random Number Generator
The technology that powers online casinos. Whenever the 'play' or 'deal' button is pushed, a random number is generated via a pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) – these numbers determine the outcome of the game.
RTP – Return to Player
Same as payback percentage. The theoretical amount that a player can expect to receive over the long term (1,000,000 slot machine spins for example). RTPs for online casinos are on average between 92% – 95%.
Shill
Someone who praises an online casino on a forum or review site, but actually works for them or is a player who has been compensated to do so.
Gambling Terms Dictionary
T&Cs – Terms & Conditions
The rules of the casino or a particular promotion (like a deposit bonus). Includes things like, which games you can play with bonus money, the amount you can cash out per week, and which countries are allowed to play. It's important to always read and understand the casino's terms and conditions before depositing real money.
WR – Wagering Requirement
Whenever a player accepts a bonus; this is the total amount that must be wagered before they can request a cashout.
Offer valid as of date published. T&Cs apply.
