Ultimate Gambling Terms & Glossary Guide
If you are new to the casino world, or are trying out a new game, it's easy to get a bit overwhelmed by the jargon and new casino terms.
Our Ultimate Gambling Glossary is designed to help. Here you can familiarize yourself with phrases, casino terms, gambling meanings, slang terms, definitions, and the online chat abbreviations of the gambling world.
We update our gambling terms and glossary guide regularly too, so you can always check back whenever you come across a new term you haven't encountered before.
If you spot something that we haven't included, please let us know!
A
To play a basic and predictable style of poker.
Betting that the next roll with be a 2.
A method of wagering on a horse to win, place and show.
The play at the casino or the total amount of money put into play. Also, a dealer expression telling a player it is his/her turn to act.
A baseball wager where no pitcher is specified. Also refers to the number of bets being placed on a certain event.
A hard 8. Sometimes “Eighter from Decatur.” Sometimes “Square Pair.”
An additional amount of chips that players can purchase at a specified point during a tournament.
The minimum number of cards to purchase.
A method of referring to the result of an event that takes the point spread into account. Also, the act of taking points rather than betting with the spread, or "laying" points.
The total amount a casino is liable to payout in a single round. If the aggregate limit is reached, players may have to accept reduced winnings.
A poker player who raises frequently.
A ticket that pays out if either all selected numbers are drawn in a round, or if none of the picked numbers are drawn.
A betting action whereby a player wagers all their remaining chips into the pot.
A roulette variant with a wheel that has 38 pockets, one of which is the double zero (‘00’).
A lottery jackpot payout that is paid in instalments over a long period of time.
A mandatory stake required from each player in order to be dealt cards in a hand.
Betting that the next roll will be a 2, 3, or 12.
A bet that all two of the three of the dice will have the same number without needing to specify the specific number.
Betting that the next roll will be a 7.
A bet that all three of the dice will have the same number without needing to specify the specific number.
Where a variation in odds available allows a bettor to back both sides and guarantee a win.
B
Also called Punto Banco. A card game with several variants in which players bet on whether the player, or the dealer, has the winning hand from a two-card or three-card hand. Winning hands are determined by achieving a cumulative points total closest to nine. Face cards and 10s don't have any point value.
A hand made using the final two cards dealt.
The first hand, consisting of five cards, that is required to be the strongest of the player's three hands.
A team on which many bets have been placed.
Losing a hand that was favored to win.
The “Bank” or the “House.” Also, the bet that is placed on the bank or the house winning.
When a player places all of their money on one bet.
The person betting against all of the players at the table. The banker typically has to rotate every turn or every other turn.
The money available for participating in casino activities.
To bet into a pot on multiple streets.
Big blind. Also, bad beat.
A friend or acquaintance used to place bets in order to conceal the true identity of the real bettor.
When a new player experiences a 'winning streak'.
When a player holds a hand that isn't likely to beat their opponent's hand.
A wager made during a game.
The minimum and maximum amounts a player can bet.
Betting with the shooter.
Where wagers are placed.
Betting against the shooter.
Betting that a 6 will be rolled before a 7 is rolled.
Betting that an 8 will be rolled before a 7 is rolled.
A bet that predicts that the sum of the three dice will be between 11 and 17. The payout is 1:1.
Relevant in fixed-limit games and meaning to double the betting limit of the initial round.
The forced bet from the player sitting two to the left of the dealer.
The Big Blind sits one seat to the left of the Small Blind. The Big Blind's bet is often double that of the Small Blind's bet.
When the Big Blind wins the hand because no other player entered the pot.
Betting on the number 7.
The game is won by the first player to match a row, column, or other designated pattern on the bingo card. Columns are assigned the letters B, I, N, G, and O.
A game where the player matches numbers on a card with the numbers a host draws at random.
The display that shows each number as it is called out.
A set of bingo cards bound together and played one for each game at a bingo session.
A form with a 5x5 grid with 24 randomly numbered spaces and one blank space (free), on which you play the bingo game.
When the original two-card hand dealt totals 21 points.
A pattern where the whole card must be matched to win. Also known as a coverall.
A board card that doesn't seem to change the value of the hands.
A forced bet before a player sees the dealt hand.
Often heard throughout poker circles. A blind bet is a bet that's placed without knowing which card is coming next.
A card a player holds in their hand that another player needs.
To make a play that represents having a strong hand. When, in actuality, the hand is weak and offers no chance of winning.
A hand that can only beat a bluff.
In community card games, the shared cards dealt face up on the table.
Classic term for a dice.
Special offers that online casinos provide to new and existing players. To encourage loyalty, inspire new players to sign-up and act as an incentive for casino referrals. Bonuses come in a variety of offers and each with their own special terms and conditions attached.
An additional lottery number that wins prizes when combined with a winning set of the regular numbers.
Taking advantage of the bonus an online casino offers. In order to build a big bankroll as quickly, and with as minimal play, as possible - before cashing out.
A special mode of play that triggers when specific combinations of symbols align on a video slot machine. Bonus rounds in slots provide perks such as free spins or a side game. This allows players to earn extra coins, without having to place an additional bet. In some instances bonus rounds may even lead to the activation of a mini-game.
An establishment that accepts bets on the outcome of sporting events.
A person who accepts bets on sporting events.
A pair made using the lowest card on the flop.
Rolling two 6 on the dice.
A card that doesn't seem to help anyone's hand.
To make the first bet on the first round of a hand.
A hand comprised of an ace-high straight.
Betting on each hard way and on Any Seven.
The joker card, which in Pai Gow is semi-wild.
To raise.
A pair made from the first two down cards dealt in stud.
A card that is discarded instead of being dealt.
A hand that is worth more than 21 and automatically results in a loss of the bet.
Denotes which player position is the dealer and is the last to be dealt a card in the hand. This position acts last.
The amount of money (usually in chips) needed to enter a table game or tournament.
C
What is traditionally used to shake the dice prior to rolling.
Action taken to match the current bet.
A player who consistently calls.
A combination point spread and money line in hockey.
The limit on the number of raises in a round of betting.
Secretly adding extra chips to your wager. After the deal has begun.
A poker variant played similar to five-card stud using one deck of cards. It's played against the house rather than other players.
The request, in French, for a card to be dealt.
Free' money offered to new players depositing at an online casino for the first time. For example, a 100% deposit match, will double the value of a player's first deposit. All cash bonus offers are subject to the casino’s T&Cs.
A refund that is periodically credited to a player's account. Based on a percentage of their gaming loses.
Originally a public music or dance hall venue. Now the name given to a place that offers gambling services.
When a number that’s drawn matches a number on a player's keno card.
The favored team, athlete or horse.
Someone who usually only plays the favored teams.
When a losing player continues to gamble in the hope of recouping their losses.
A private 'room' on the screen where players can send messages to other players in real time.
Action taken to stay in the hand without betting but with the option to call or raise latter in the current betting round.
When a player checks before looking at their hole cards.
When a player checks and then makes a raise after an opponent bets.
When multiple players are in a hand and all players check on a given street.
A game similar to baccarat, played mainly in France. Bets are against other players and players take turns being the Bank.
A poker variant played with a single deck of cards and two to four players. Players are dealt 13 cards and must form three hands (of five, five, and three cards respectively), going from the strongest to weakest hands. Points are assigned based on the strength of each hand compared to the opponent's.
An expression meaning that even a player with one remaining chip could still win a tournament.
In a real casino on land, these are the round, colored discs, equivalent to money. They can be purchased in various denominations and used as currency to bet at the casino tables. Online casinos may also refer to chips when asking players to wager their stake.
To share out a pot amongst all players remaining in the hand or tournament.
When only the small and big blind are left in the hand pre-flop and those players agree to take back their blinds and end the hand.
A game where the players and the house are going back and forth, taking turns winning and losing.
A popular variant of Sic Bo introduced in England. Also known as Birdcage or Grand Hazard.
A game where the maximum bet is limited, usually due to injuries or bad weather.
An action that cancels all bets previously placed on the table and returns all chips to the players.
The time right before keno balls are drawn and no additional bets can be placed.
The final list of point spreads offered before game time.
A machine that isn't perceived to be paying out at a high rate.
Action taken to call after there has been a bet and a raise.
When the players who are betting right are losing frequently.
When you request that smaller value chips be exchanged for larger value ones.
A bet on one of the three twelve-number columns on the roulette layout.
Betting on any number of teams/horses to finish first and second, in either order.
A bet that two of the three dice will match two specified numbers. Also, Pair Match.
A keno card on which a player selects at least two groups containing any number of spots and also selects how the groups shall be combined.
A hand that has draws to multiple hands.
Betting for the shooter to win.
The first roll of the game.
An added fee that is paid when making a Banco bet.
A fee that the casino takes out of all winnings paid by the bank. This is how the casino can profit from a game that does not have a built-in house edge.
Cards that are dealt face up and can be used by any player in the hand.
Also known as reward points. Are points added to a player's account as a part of a casino's loyalty or VIP program. These points can be exchanged for prizes or cash.
The action in stud games where a bet is made after the bring in, that is equal to the amount of the lowest betting limit.
Cards of consecutive rank.
An action where the player who was the raiser pre-flop bets out on the flop.
Used to describe a board that has connected or suited cards. Also, known as ‘wet’.
When the player and the banker have the same hand. The banker always wins the copy.
A wager on four bets made by placing chips on the corner of adjacent numbers. Also known as Carré in French roulette.
When a hand becomes less valuable after community cards form a better hand.
The round of play.
To beat a big hand.
The numbers 2, 3, or 12 and also the name of the casino game itself. In the game of craps, two dice are rolled and certain number combinations win or lose. Players bet on correctly predicting the outcome of the dice rolls.
In some online casinos, bets are expressed in credits. One credit is usually equal to one monetary unit in the player's native currency.
The button used to bank money in the form of credits.
A French word for dealer, used to describe the person who operates the roulette wheel and collects and pays bets.
After a shuffle, to divide the deck of cards into two parts, and place the bottom part on top.
The position sitting to the right of the button.
The average number of hands that pass between top payout wins on video poker machines, typically through the use of the royal flush.
D
Named after French mathematician Jean de Rond d'Alembert. The D'Alembert strategy is based on the idea that you double your bet after each loss in order to "make up" your losses.
When two or more horses finish in a tie.
To distribute the cards.
The casino employee responsible for distributing the cards to each player.
A payment a player makes to his/her online casino account in order to play games for real money.
A two.
A bet of $1,000.
A line where the juice is 10 per cent.
Short for "underdog”.
A bettor who mostly plays the underdog.
A bet of $100.
The doll-shaped marker placed on the table in the square of the winning number. It helps players identify the winning number and remains in place until all winning wagers are paid.
A hand that beats another player's hand because it contains a stronger combination of cards.
Betting for the shooter to lose.
Betting for the shooter to lose.
The first card visible in a stud hand or the first card revealed when the dealer spreads out the flop. Also, known as Window Card.
A bet on a number from 1 to 6. Two of the three available dice will have tdo display the designated number in order for the player to win their bet.
To double the original bet and receive one more card.
Doubling down with a bet less than twice the original bet.
A bet that pays out the amount of the original wager.
A card that is dealt facing down.
A player who is out of money.
A bet on one of the three consecutive dozens on the table.
When a hand is dealt to an empty seat.
See Hit.
The 20 keno balls in a round that display the winning numbers.
The lottery results.
When a player needs to receive a certain card, or cards, in order to make a given hand. For example, a player needing another heart to make a heart flush is on a “flush draw.”
A poker variant where players are allowed to discard cards and replace them with others from the deck.
When no remaining cards in the deck can give a player the winning hand.
When a player is drawing to very few outs.
See Fold.
The portion of a player's cash that the casino wins because of the house edge.
Used to describe a board that has no connected or suited cards. Also, known as ‘ragged’.
A bet that two specific numbers will show on two of the three dice.
There are fifteen possible types of duo in Sic Bo.
E
A number combination achieved by rolling dice with different values (for example, an “easy 6” is made by rolling a 2 and a 4 or by rolling a 5 and a 1).
A dice roll of 4, 6, 8, or 10.
Stands for e-Commerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance. An independent agency that audits online casinos to determine that the operating standards and games are fair to players.
Having the advantage over an opponent.
Being banned by a casino for foul play.
A rule that gives players a second chance after making an even-money bet that lost to a 0 or a 00. The bet is left on the table for the next spin.
A way to secure casino software and online transactions. Using complex codes that are extremely difficult to decipher.
The pot amount that a player is expected to win, based on the odds that they are in possession of the winning hand.
A roulette variant with a wheel that has 37 pockets and no double zero pocket.
A bet that the total of the three dice combined will equal an even number.
A bet that pays back the same amount that a player wagers.
Any wager other than a straight bet or parlay. Also, called a prop or proposition.
The amount a player can expect to win on average, based on the probability that a given hand usually wins. Can be positive or negative.
The maximum amount of money a sportsbook stands to lose on a game.
The name given to the cameras in a land-based casino that keep a watchful eye on the action.
F
A single bingo card.
Card with a face (Jack, Queen, or King) of any suit.
The team expected to win an event.
A device used in American Roulette to group chips by color and more easily give players different colored chips.
The third round of betting when players have all the cards for a five-card hand.
A bet of $50.
The amount owed to or by a bookmaker.
To get a card that completes a full house.
A bet placed on numbers on the roulette wheel that end in the same digit. For example, ‘final 7’ with three chips means betting on 7, 17, and 27.
The remaining four teams in the NCAA basketball tournament.
A bet placed on 11, 22, and 33.
To bet a very large wager.
The position to the far left of the dealer and the first to be dealt cards.
A bet placed only on the first half of the game.
A card player who loses frequently and tends to bet on each hand. No matter the strength of his or her cards.
A blackjack variation where a five-card hand that doesn't bust is a winner.
A poker variant with multiple betting rounds using a single deck of cards and played against other opponents.
There are no community cards. Players are dealt one card face down in the first round and one card face up in each of the next four rounds.
When the odds are predetermined, often used in sports results betting.
An online software technology (Macromedia Flash) that doesn't require download.
A change of the odds information.
The display showing the numbers that make up the keno draw.
Betting the same for each hand with no variation in denomination.
When a player calls a bet instead of raising.
A slot that pays a fixed jackpot amount as opposed to a progressive jackpot amount.
The first three community cards dealt, face up.
A hand comprised of all cards from the same suit.
When a player gives up and retires from the round, normally because they have a poor combination of cards or they suspect an opponent has a very strong hand.
A bet that predicts the 1st and 2nd places for a given event.
A losing hand where the two-card low hand is set higher than the five-card high hand. Or when the cards are set with the wrong number of cards.
Setting a hand incorrectly.
A pattern where the corner numbers of the card must be matched to win.
The second round of betting when players are in possession of four of the total five cards dealt during a game.
A round where all players in the hand check, so the next card is dealt without any player having to put money into the pot.
The center square of the bingo card that does not have a number assigned to it. It can be used towards a winning pattern like a wild card.
When a player can spin the slots reels for real money without having to wager any of his or her own cash. While the payout for a free slots spin can vary, it's often based on the wager (number of coins) and number of paylines from the previous bet.
A type of tournament that has no entry fee. Also, a hand that will win or at least split the pot.
A type of tournament that doesn't allow a re-buy.
The last hand consisting of three cards that is required to be the weakest of the player's three hands.
For the win.
A hand comprised of two cards of one rank and three cards of a second rank.
A poker game with a maximum number of nine or ten players at the table.
Bets placed predicting the outcome of a future event.
G
A low-value hand that generally should not be played because it is unlikely to win.
Making a bet.
Good game.
Good luck all.
The device used to mix up and draw the keno balls.
The combined score of goals in all the hockey games scheduled for the day.
A matrix that shows the different bets that are possible. Online, players click on the grid in order to place, withdraw or confirm a bet.
To play a large volume of smaller staked poker games, over a large number of hours, on a regular basis in order to make a steady profit. A person who does this is called a grinder.
H
A bet placed only on the second half of the game.
A bet of $50.
The cards a player holds, or is using, to make the best combination of cards. Also, the play between each shuffle of the cards.
A five-card hand that is traditionally placed behind the two-card hand on the table.
A two-card hand that is traditionally placed in front of the five-card hand on the table.
The person who determines the point spread.
The attempt to predict the outcome of sporting events. Usually involves research.
The total amount of money bet on an event or group of events.
A number combination achieved by rolling two dice with the same value (for example, a “hard 8” is made by rolling a 4 and a 4).
A hand that can only have one value; either a hand without any aces or a hand with a high enough value that aces can only be worth one point.
A dice roll of 4, 6, 8, or 10 rolled hard before an easy way or a 7.
A pattern in a straight line without the use of the free space.
Refers to the poker game Texas Hold'em.
When there is only one player playing at the blackjack table.
Placing wagers on the opposite side in order to cut losses or guarantee a minimum amount of winnings.
A bet placed on all of the numbers from 19 to 36.
The highest card in a player's hand when the player's hand is worth less than a pair.
A five-card hand.
A poker game where the highest hand wins.
A player who plays at high stakes and places large bets.
The position sitting to the right of the cut-off.
Betting that the next roll will be a 2 or a 12.
A request for an additional card.
To spin a winning payline combination.
The facedown cards that a player or dealer is dealt from the pack.
The edge the home team is expected to have.
A half-point.
A bet that the next roll will be a particular combination of the dice.
A bet that the next roll will be a 2, 3, 11, or 12, made in multiples of four.
A player who is on a winning streak or a table where players are winning frequently.
A machine that is perceived to be paying out at a high rate.
A game that is drawing a lot of action on one side from knowledgeable handicappers.
When the players who are betting right are winning frequently.
The casino.
The likelihood that the casino will win money, calculated as the ratio of the expected player loss to the initial bet amount. For example, a five percent house edge means that for every $10 bet a player can expect to lose 50 cents. The lower the house edge, the lower a player's chances of losing.
The set of rules that all dealers must follow when constructing their two hands.
Heads up.
I
The low end of a straight. Also, known as dumb end or sucker end.
Odds that do not exist currently but are calculated based on expected earnings when a given hand hits.
When the player picks the favorite, underdog, over and under of the same game.
A bet placed on a specific number.
A straight that can be made with a single card that fills a gap in the middle of the straight. For example, a hand of 2, 3, 5 has an inside straight draw to a 4 being dealt.
A type of lottery ticket that immediately indicates on the card if a prize has been won.
A side bet that the dealer will have a natural. It is available when the dealer's up card is an ace.
When a player raises with the intention of making all other players except one fold.
J
A big cash prize.
A variation of video poker where only hands that have a pair of Jack or higher win.
The 53rd and sometimes 54th card in a deck. Used as a wildcard. While it may sometimes be completely wild, more often than not it can only be wild to complete a straight, flush, or a straight flush. If it does not have an opportunity to create one of these hands, then it is treated as an ace instead.
The commission the bookie earns.
A group of high rolling players that have been specially flown in by a casino.
K
A lottery-style game where players place bets on numbers from 1 – 80. Very popular in Canada.
A card that does not itself take part in determining the rank of the hand but that may be used to break ties between hands of the same rank.
A keno ticket on which a player selects a single spot (referred to as the ‘king’) and then combines the king with other groups of spots to form multiple tickets within one ticket. A king ticket may contain more than one king.
L
A two-card hand that is worth nine points.
A two-card hand that is worth eight points.
A Queen.
Betting that a 7 will be rolled before the point.
To fold a poker hand.
To make a bet on terms favorable to the other party (they would win more than they bet).
Betting the favorite by giving up points.
Betting the favorite by laying money odds.
Money bet by a house with another bookmaker to reduce its liability.
To add winnings from the previous bet to the current bet.
A game with a fixed limit on the bet size per round.
The maximum amount a bookmaker will allow you to bet before he changes the odds and/or the points.
To flat call the amount of the big blind.
The person who sets the original and subsequent betting lines. Also known as an "oddsmaker."
Odds offered to the bettor.
A hard 4. Sometimes referred to as "Little Joe from Kokomo".
Online casino games that are run by real human dealers. Players can see the dealers and games on their device using a live-streaming video link. Players can also communicate with the dealer using live chat.
An easy winner.
Odds generally greater than 10:1.
An unlikely winner.
A player who plays many hands, including lower quality hands.
A bet on all of the first eight numbers.
A two-card hand.
A poker game where the lowest hand wins.
A roll of triples with the numbers 1, 2 or 3.
A lottery payout that is paid in a single payment.
M
A player who plays extremely aggressively and loosely.
The amount a competitor in an event finishes in front of another competitor.
The indicator on a player's keno ticket to show which numbers have been picked.
A negative progression strategy which says you should increase your bet after each loss by doubling and adding one unit. For example: (Original bet) 2 + (Martingale bet) 2 + 1 = (New bet) 3.
To win both sides of the same contest in a sports betting event. Wagering on the underdog at one point spread and the favorite at a different point spread and winning both sides.
The second hand consisting of five cards, that is required to be the weaker than the player's back hand and stronger than the player's front hand.
A hand comprised of a pair using the middle valued card on the flop.
To not make a hand.
A bet on the winner of an event with no point spread odds.
A 10 or a face card.
An extremely strong hand.
A player pays an additional price to receive half a point or more in his favor on a point spread game.
To fold a hand facedown into the discard pile.
A type of wild card that, when used to make a winning combination, doubles or triples (or more) the payout.
A keno ticket wagered for more than one game. All of the games covered by the ticket must be consecutive and must be wagered at the same rate.
An online tournament with more than one table of players.
To play more than one table of online poker at once.
N
Nice one.
A two-card hand that is worth 21 points and is automatically a winning hand.
A come-out roll of 7 or 11.
A two-card hand that is worth either eight or nine points.
Nice hand.
A bet of $500.
A sports wagering line where the juice is five per cent.
Betting that the next roll will result in a combination of 9.
No limit.
A wager in which no money is lost or won.
A game with no limit on the bet size per round.
Free money that doesn't require an initial cash deposit from the player. And can usually be used without restriction at the online casino in question.
Stakes that are extremely high.
Nice play. Also, no problem.
The best possible low hand.
Having the best possible low hand and the best possible high hand in a split pot game.
The best hand.
O
The sportsbook's set chance of a competitor winning (adjusted to include a profit).
A game that the bookmaker is not offering action on at that moment.
Cards of different suits.
A poker variant similar to Hold'em with multiple betting rounds using one deck of cards and played against other opponents. Players are dealt four hole cards and share community cards. The aim is to make the best hand using five cards (which must include two, and only two, of the hole cards).
When a player's card needs only one more number for a bingo.
A player who reacts poorly to a loss and begins to play recklessly and aggressively.
Betting on the results of the very next roll.
An online version of a traditional, physical casino. The online casino can be web-based (no downloading of software needed to play) or download-based (a software client needs to be downloaded in order to play).
Any point in time when the casino is accepting more keno wagers for the coming draw.
To make the first bet in a round.
A straight that can be made with one of two cards that completes either end of a straight. For example, a hand of 2, 3, 4, 5 has an open-ended straight draw to a 6 or an ace being dealt.
An undealt card that has the potential to form a winning hand.
To make a better hand (than the opponent's) by drawing better cards.
The earliest line in sports betting. This is an overnight line that only a handful of players are allowed to bet into.
Even-money bets like black/red, even/odd, and high/low.
A hole card that is higher than any card on the board.
A pocket pair that is a higher rank than the cards on the board.
A bet on whether the combined total of the points/goals scored by the two teams will exceed or be less than a specified number.
A bet that is larger than the size of the pot.
A number that appears to be drawn more frequently than would seem random. Also known as hot.
A number that appears to be drawn less frequently than would seem random.
When a poker room adds money to the prize pool beyond the total of the buyins.
Odds which are higher than they should be and favor the player.
P
A face card.
A hand comprised of two cards of the same rank.
Adding winnings from the previous roll to the current bet. To bet on two or more games with the intent of reinvesting the winnings from the first win on the next wager. All selections must be correct for the parlay to win.
To not bet or to fold.
Betting for the shooter to win.
A poker player who bets/raises infrequently and tends to call instead.
An unbusted hand worth at least 17 points and the player takes no more cards.
To keep a hand without taking any more cards.
A chart that lists the payout structure for winning hand combinations.
The line of symbols on a reel that pays out when a winning combination of symbols is hit. There can be as little as three paylines on an online slot or as many as 100. A payline can be a straight line across all the reels or it can take the form of a variety of predetermined shapes. For example, vertical along a single reel or zigzag across multiple reels.
The money received by the player from a win.
The statistical percentage of every bet wagered that will be returned to the player. This is always less than 100%, and the lower the percentage, the more profitable the machine for the casino. For example, a game with a 96% payout percentage is expected to pay out $0.96 for every dollar wagered. The other $0.04 is retained by the casino, and represents the house's statistical edge.
Bets.
A poker variant similar to Hold'em with multiple betting rounds using one deck of cards and played against other opponents. Players are dealt three hole cards and share community cards. Players must discard one of their hole cards after the flop is dealt.
To finish in the top three, four or sometimes top five in a competition or event.
A bet that wins if a specific number is rolled before the round ends and similarly loses if the shooter hits the point, or a 7, before hitting the specific number.
The terms that an online casino places on its bonuses. Generally playthrough requirements require players to place a specified number of bets, or spend a specified amount of money at the casino, before they can release any winnings generated by the bonus cash. Typically only select casino games qualify towards the playthrough requirement. Not all games contribute equally either.
The facedown cards that a player or dealer gets.
Paired hole cards.
The number established by the come-out roll. It can be any number other than a natural or craps.
The points given to the team less likely to win to even its odds against the team favored to win.
The generic name given to a wide variety of table card games, usually those that have set rounds of betting and where winning is determined by a hierarchy of card combinations.
Australian and New Zealand term for slot games.
The order in which a player acts during a round. Early position players are first to act, late position players act after other players have acted.
To place chips into the pot, usually an ante or blind.
A pattern where a 2x2 grid is formed in any of the four corners.
The amount of chips/money from blinds, antes, and bets that accumulates during each round and is eventually paid out to the overall winner of that hand.
A game with a fixed bet size per round which is equivalent to the size of the current pot.
The ratio of the amount of money in the pot. Compared to the amount of money needed to call a bet.
A lottery variant where the jackpot prize is won by matching five numbers and the bonus ball. Smaller prizes can be won by matching a lesser combination of numbers.
To wager a larger amount than usual.
To add winnings from the previous bet to the current bet.
The odds or point spread.
A jackpot game that grows larger over time and is often linked to a network of machines. The jackpot continues to grow until it’s won, at which point the machine resets back to a predetermined starting amount.
A slot game that is linked to other progressive jackpots that pool the prize across thousands of online players.
A special wager offered by the sportsbook on unique and various topics. These wagers can be on sporting events, politics, and even trial outcomes. The wagers use the money line format of payoff odds.
Giving odds of a goal spread in hockey instead of using a Canadian Line, where both a goal spread and money line are played.
A type of lottery ticket where the number or symbol is covered by something that must be pulled away to reveal the symbol.
The player. Also, the bet that is placed on the player winning and also the hand that sits opposite the Banco hand.
The underdog.
A tie situation where neither the house nor the player wins or loses. In this case the player's bet is returned and nothing further happens.
Q
A hand comprised of four cards of the same rank.
A bet on four numbers with a single wager. Similar to a corner bet.
A lottery ticket with numbers automatically selected by the computer instead of the player. Also known as a Lucky Dip.
R
Dealing out what would have been the remaining cards after a hand has ended, before all cards have been dealt.
A card that is of little value and doesn't improve the quality of the hand.
To observe, not play, a casino game.
Three or four cards that are of different suits.
Action taken to bet at least double the blind or ante.
A percentage or flat fee that is collected by the house for each hand of poker played.
A special set of mathematical instructions, known as algorithms, that ensure a fair and unbiased outcome in a casino's games.
The numerical value of a card.
A bet involving the same amount that was wagered in the previous game.
An additional amount of chips or money that a player can buy, either when knocked out of the hand or when running low on chips/money.
A made hand that has a draw to an even better hand.
The rotating element of a slot machine that's covered in symbols. Players spin the reels after placing their bet and where the reels come to rest determines if the bet is successful. Many online slots have five reels, but some games have three, seven, or even nine.
Bonus money players get for subsequent deposits.
To act in a way that indicates having a specific hand.
A player's total winnings on a bet.
Body language, expressions, and repeated actions in similar situations, that intentionally give false information about a hand that a player has.
The person betting with the shooter.
A regular poker game that is not a tournament.
The final community card dealt.
Abbreviation of Random Number Generator.
In seven card stud, a starting hand of three of a kind.
The rotating mechanism that determines which bets win and which bets lose. The roulette wheel typically contains either 37 or 38 distinct pockets.
Someone who plays well and makes a living from playing poker.
The top ranked hand comprised of the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, and ten of the same suit.
Special bonuses that can be won for playing pre-determined strong hands. For example, having quads or better on the back hand or using all 13 cards to make a single straight or a flush.
All the lines for a specific date, sport, time, etc.
In baseball, a spread used instead of the money line.
One who places bets for another.
S
Someone who attempts to profit from the differences in odds from book to book by betting both sides of the same game at different prices.
A community card that likely gives an opponent a better hand.
A bankroll that a player cannot afford to lose or a stake limit that is too high for a player's bankroll.
Special symbols that pay out when two or more appear anywhere on the screen during a slots game. Even outside of a winning payline. Scatter symbols, or scatters as they're also referred to, can serve as a special multiplier. To raise a player's bet by double, triple, or higher, And may also trigger free spins or bonus rounds when they randomly appear.
To win the entire pot, usually in high-low split games.
Person(s) who waits for what he thinks is an unusually strong wager. Also known as a "sports player".
A type of lottery ticket where the number or symbol is covered by something that must be scratched off to reveal the symbol.
To call a bet.
To make a play that represents having a strong hand when, in actuality, the hand is weak, although it has some potential to make a winning hand.
A hand comprised of three cards of the same rank. In games with community cards, a set is comprised of two hole cards and one community card.
A poker variant with multiple betting rounds using one deck of cards and played against other opponents. There are no community cards. Players are dealt one card face down in each of the first two rounds, one card face up in each of the next four rounds and one card face down in the final round.
When the shooter rolls a 7 before making the point and loses the pass line bet.
The fifth and final round of betting when players have all the cards for a seven-card hand.
Short handed.
An expert card player.
A player paid by the casino to make up numbers in underrepresented table games and tournaments.
The person rolling the dice.
Having a smaller number of chips compared to the other players in the game or compared to the maximum allowed buy-in amount. Usually less than 100 times the big blind.
A card game that is being played with fewer than the typical number of players.
When the remaining players at the end of a hand show their cards to determine who the winner is.
What happens to a bettor who tries to place a bet after the action closes. Also, when the losing team do not score at all.
A three-dice game where the player predicts the outcome of the roll of the dice.
A secondary pot that is formed when one or more players go all-in and there is still additional betting from other players remaining in the hand.
The two teams or athletes playing - the underdog and the favorite.
The player bets on one single number and the payout varies depending on the number of dice bearing the single number selected. The payout can range from 1:1 in the case of a single die to 10:1 for all three dice.
A bet on one selection to win. Also known as a straight up bet.
An online tournament with only one table of players.
The fourth round of betting when players have six cards for a seven-card hand.
A slot machine, also know as a fruit machine, is a gambling machine with three or more reels that spin when a button is pushed.
To play a strong hand as if it was very weak. Thereby misleading other players as to the true strength of the hand.
A bet that the sum of all three dice will be between 4 and 10.
The forced bet from the player in the seat directly to the left of the dealer.
Two 1s on the dice.
A hand that contains one or more aces that can be worth either 1 or 11.
Games that are usually played with a different set of card other than the pack purchased at admission.
A bingo variant where numbers are called very quickly and bingos can be made in as few as three numbers.
To split the initial two cards into two separate hands. This is allowed only when the initial two cards are of equal rank.
In seven card stud, when a down card matches the up card making a pair.
A pot that is shared by two or more players.
A keno ticket on which the equivalent of two or more straight or basic tickets are written. Each group of spots on a split ticket is evaluated separately.
A type of lottery where winners are selected based on outcomes of sports events.
The person, shop or website accepting bets.
Numbers that have been marked on a keno ticket.
A novice when it comes to sports betting.
Short Stacked.
A pay table that pays more to slots players that have wagered more.
The limit a given table has for betting and raising. Also, the maximum value of the blinds in blind games.
When both hands are of equal value. Also, a bet that the hands will tie.
When a line starts to move rapidly.
A special type of cash bonus that cannot be cashed out. It's used by casinos online to pad players' bankrolls. So that they can play more or at higher stakes.
An optional extra blind bet, typically made by the player one to the left of the big blind and equal to twice the big blind. The straddler acts last before the flop and may re-raise.
A hand comprised of five cards of consecutive rank.
A bet placed on a single number.
A wager on just one team, athlete or horse.
The second ranked hand comprised of five consecutive cards of the same suit (that isn't a royal flush).
A keno ticket on which a player selects spots without any groupings.
A bet placed on three numbers at once.
A bet on all three dice at once. For example, betting that the same number will appear on all three dice.
A poker variant played with both up cards and down cards.
The colored category into which cards are grouped. Traditionally red hearts and red diamonds and black spades and black clubs. Some online decks offer four colors: red hearts, blue diamonds, green clubs and black spades.
Cards of consecutive rank and of the same suit.
A poker variant played similarly to Caribbean Stud but with a progressive jackpot.
An option to pay a penalty and throw away a hand. To forfeit a blackjack hand and have half of the bet returned. This action can be taken only before any other action is made.
The pictures, numbers, or letters on a slot machine's reels that are used to determine winning combinations. Typically slots symbols include imagery that reinforces a game's theme. Such as fruit, dollar signs, or cartoon characters. Symbols in video slots games online are often animated (sometimes in 3D) and may talk or trigger music when hit.
T
To turn cards face up at showdown.
Another term for Sic Bo.
To accept a bet, or to make a bet, on terms not favorable to the other party (they would win less than they bet).
Betting the underdog and its advantage in the point spread.
Betting the underdog and accepting money odds.
To take time to think through a decision before making an action.
A player who is totally out of money.
A bet on two or more teams where the line on each team is adjusted in the favor of the bettor. Like a parlay, all selections must be correct for the teaser to win.
Body language, expressions, and repeated actions in similar situations that can give away information about a hand that a player has.
A bingo variant where the first number is called and depending upon whether that number is even or odd, all the even (or odd) numbers are considered wild and are matched. The game then proceeds to a blackout.
A poker variant with multiple betting rounds, using one deck of cards and played against other opponents. Players are dealt two hole cards and share community cards. The objective is to make the best hand using five cards (including one, two, or no hole cards).
The name given to the place where the casino keeps its money.
The position nearest to the dealer's right and the last to be played before the dealer's hand is played.
The first round of betting in seven-card stud, when players have three of the seven cards.
A hand comprised of three cards of the same rank.
The gridded form, numbered 1 to 80, that players use to place keno bets.
A sports betting wager.
A wager in which no money is lost or won because the teams' scores were equal to the number of points in the given line.
A player who doesn't play many hands and tends to play higher quality hands.
When a player has hit a losing streak.
Meaning to tip the dealer.
A hand comprised of a pair using the highest card on the flop.
A bet that indicates the total combined value of all three dice.
The combined amount of runs, points or goals scored by both teams during the game, including the overtime (see Over/Under).
A proposition bet in which the bettor speculates that the total score by both teams in a game will be more or less than the line posted by the sportsbook.
A consecutive series of keno games, where winning depends upon overall performance across all contributing the games.
A three.
A strong bet that all three dice will show the same number.
A hand comprised of three cards of the same rank. In games with community cards, trips are comprised of one hole card and two community cards.
The real odds of something happening.
A player who acts disrespectfully to the dealer.
The fourth of the five community cards dealt.
Thank you.
U
A wager that the total points scored by two teams will be under a certain figure.
The position sitting to the left of the blinds where players act first before the flop and immediately after the blinds on all other streets.
The team perceived to be most likely to lose. Also known as the "dog" for short.
A card that is dealt face up.
Under the gun.
V
Getting the best odds on a wagering proposition and the highest possible edge.
A bet made with the intention of getting called by a worse hand.
A measure of the swings in winning and losing in poker.
Five-card draw poker in the style of a slot machine.
The bookmaker's commission on a losing bet. Also known as "juice" or "vig" for short.
A number combination that has never been drawn before.
Online casino games that are computer-operated and determined by Random Number Generators.
W
A keno ticket on which a player selects at least two groups containing an equal number of spots, which are then combined to form several straight or basic ticket combinations within one ticket. Each group played must be wagered at the same rate.
A bet on a single number to appear on a single die.
A bad player with a very large bankroll.
Mega rich players who bet big and can afford to lose.
A five-card straight from ace to five.
To miss a draw.
The card in the deck (including the joker). That is designated to represent any other card to make the best possible hand.
A bingo variant where the first number called determines the wild number and then all numbers on the bingo card that end in that wild number are matched. For example, if 42 is called, all numbers ending in 2 are matched.
A symbol that can be substituted for other symbols on the reel. When a wild symbol appears it can be combined with the symbols around it to make a winning combination. In some games Wilds will pay out even if they aren't on a payline. They sometimes also serve as a special multiplier that can double, triple, or more the payout of a winning combination of symbols. Typically in video slots games online Wild symbols usually cannot be substituted for Scatter symbols.
A pair, trips, or four of a kind dealt consecutively or back-to-back in a hand. Also, when the two hole cards are paired.
A knowledgeable handicapper or bettor.
The casino employee conducting the keno action.
The person betting against the shooter.
Y
Your hand sucks.
The number 11
You're welcome.
A betting action whereby a player makes a raise after another player has bet.
A betting action whereby a player makes a raise after another player makes a 3bet.
Top 10 Gambling Terms and their origin
- 1. Casino
- 2. Blackjack
- 3. Texas Hold'em
- 4. Croupier
- 5. Gamble
- 6. Slots
- 7. Chips
- 8. Ace
- 9. Shark
- 10. Poker
1. Casino
Meaning a club or public building where social activities, including gambling, took place. Originated in Italy in the 19th century.
