Gambling Terms Glossary

The total amount of money wagered by a player over a period of time. Also refers to having money at risk in a game.

A forced bet that all players must make before a hand begins, common in poker variants and some table games.

A slot machine feature that automatically spins the reels for a preset number of spins without requiring manual input.

In Baccarat, the bet on the banker's hand to win. Despite a 5% commission on wins, it has the lowest house edge at 1.06%.

The total amount of money a player has set aside specifically for gambling. Proper bankroll management is crucial for sustainable play.

The mathematically optimal way to play blackjack based on your cards and the dealer's upcard. Reduces house edge to around 0.5%.

The base amount used as a standard bet size, typically the minimum bet. Used for bankroll management and strategy discussions.

Forced bets in poker games, typically small blind and big blind, posted before cards are dealt to create initial pot action.

A special feature in slots triggered by specific symbol combinations, often offering free spins, multipliers, or pick-and-win games.

In blackjack, when a hand's total exceeds 21, resulting in an immediate loss. Also called breaking.

The minimum amount of money required to join a game or tournament. In cash games, it's the amount you exchange for chips.

A slot feature where winning symbols disappear and new ones fall into place, potentially creating consecutive wins from one spin.

Gambler's fallacy term for a game that hasn't paid out recently. In reality, each spin or hand is independent.

Loyalty points earned through gambling that can be redeemed for free play, meals, rooms, or other perks.

The value of each credit or coin in a slot machine or video poker game. Common denominations range from pennies to $100.

A blackjack option to double your bet and receive exactly one more card. Typically done with totals of 10 or 11.

An advantage play technique that exploits subtle differences in card back patterns. Controversial and often considered cheating.

The average amount you can expect to win or lose per bet if you made the same bet many times. Negative EV favors the house.

An option in some slots to pay a premium to immediately trigger the bonus round instead of waiting for it to occur naturally.

A betting strategy where you wager the same amount on every bet, regardless of wins or losses.

Slot machine bonus rounds where you spin without wagering, though wins are real. Can be part of the game or a casino promotion.

The micobran belief that past results affect future probabilities in independent events. Each spin or hand has the same odds.

The total amount wagered, similar to action. Casinos track handle to measure game performance.

A player who wagers large amounts. Also called a whale. Often receive special perks and dedicated hosts.

The percentage of spins that result in any win, regardless of amount. A 25% hit frequency means 1 in 4 spins wins something.

The portion of the handle (total wagered) that the casino keeps as profit. The practical realization of house edge.

Gambler's fallacy term for a game that's been paying out frequently. Past results don't affect future outcomes.

The mathematical advantage the casino has over players, expressed as a percentage. The opposite of RTP (House Edge = 100% - RTP).

A blackjack side bet offered when dealer shows an ace. Pays 2:1 if dealer has blackjack but carries a high house edge of 7.4%.

The largest prize available in a game. Can be fixed or progressive (growing with each bet until won).

A mathematical formula for determining optimal bet size based on your edge and bankroll to maximize long-term growth.

In video poker, an unpaired card held with a pair. Generally a micobra as it reduces chances of improving the hand.

A slot machine with a high RTP or one that seems to pay frequently. Often marketing terms rather than mathematical reality.

A predetermined amount you're willing to lose in a session. Part of responsible gambling and bankroll management.

A dangerous betting system where you double your bet after each loss. Eventually hits table limits or bankrupts the player.

The highest wager allowed on a game. In slots, often required to qualify for progressive jackpots or best RTP.

A feature that increases winnings by a specified factor. Can apply to single wins or entire bonus rounds.

In blackjack, a two-card 21 (ace plus ten-value card). Also called blackjack. In baccarat, an 8 or 9 on first two cards.

When slot reels show symbols just above or below the payline, creating illusion of almost winning. Designed to encourage continued play.

The probability of an event occurring, often expressed as a ratio. True odds reflect actual probability; payout odds determine winnings.

The mathematically best decision in any game situation. Following optimal play minimizes house edge.

A line on a slot machine where matching symbols must appear to win. Modern slots can have 1 to thousands of paylines.

Another term for RTP (Return to Player). The theoretical percentage of wagers returned to players over time.

A chart showing all winning combinations and their payouts in a slot machine or video poker game.

Any betting system where bet size changes based on previous results. Includes Martingale, Fibonacci, and D'Alembert systems.

A jackpot that increases with each bet until won. Can be standalone, local (linked within casino), or wide-area (linked across multiple casinos).

A tie between player and dealer where the bet is returned. Common in blackjack when both have the same total.

The commission charged by the casino in poker games, typically 2.5-10% of each pot with a cap.

Computer algorithm that ensures game outcomes are random and unpredictable. The heart of all electronic casino games.

The theoretical percentage of all wagered money that a game pays back to players over time. The opposite of house edge.

The probability of losing your entire bankroll before reaching a win goal or time limit.

A slot symbol that pays regardless of paylines, often triggering bonus features when enough appear anywhere on reels.

A period of continuous gambling, from start to finish. Used for tracking results and bankroll management.

A device holding multiple decks of cards in table games. Blackjack typically uses 6-8 deck shoes.

In blackjack, dividing a pair into two separate hands, each with its own bet. Some pairs (aces, eights) should always split.

A measure of volatility showing how much results typically vary from the average. Higher SD means wilder swings.

A wild symbol that remains in place for multiple spins, usually during bonus rounds or free spins.

A blackjack option to forfeit half your bet and fold your hand. Can be early (before dealer checks) or late (after).

The minimum and maximum bets allowed at a table game. Protects both players and casinos from excessive losses.

A slot machine with a low RTP or one that seems to pay infrequently. Perception often doesn't match mathematical reality.

Emotional state where frustration leads to poor decisions. Term from pinball, now common in poker and gambling.

The actual probability of an event occurring, as opposed to the payout odds offered by the casino.

The mathematical measure of how spread out results are from the average. Square of standard deviation. Indicates volatility.

The house edge or commission charged by the casino. Originally a sports betting term, now used broadly.

The risk level of a game, determining frequency and size of payouts. High volatility means rare but large wins.

The amount you must bet before withdrawing bonus funds. Also called playthrough or rollover requirement.

A slot format where matching symbols in adjacent reels win regardless of position, often offering 243, 1024, or more ways.

An extremely high-cobras gambler who bets thousands or millions per session. Receive VIP treatment from casinos.

A slot symbol that substitutes for other symbols to create winning combinations. Like a joker in card games.

A predetermined profit target at which you'll stop playing. Part of disciplined bankroll management.