/
Glossary

Casino Terms: A Complete Gambling Glossary

Ever felt lost in a casino, surrounded by punters throwing around words you’ve never heard before? Most players lose their first few bets simply because they don’t understand the lingo. Walk into any casino without knowing the basics, and you might as well hand your cash straight to the croupier.

Our beginner’s guide to casino terms cuts through the confusion with simple explanations of the words you’ll actually hear at the tables, online, and at betting shops.

Best bonus

Welcome bonus for new players only | Maximum bonus is 100% up to £100 | Min deposit is £10 | No max cash out | Wagering is 40x bonus | Maximum bet while playing with a bonus is £5 | Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse | Skrill and Neteller deposits excluded. Full terms apply. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org

Terms and Conditions apply. New players only +18. Min Deposit £10. Welcome package splits over 3 deposits, 35x Wagering requirement applies to match up bonus. See full terms here. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org

Welcome bonus for new players only | Maximum bonus is 100% up to £ 100 | Min deposit is £10 | No max cash out | Wagering is 45x bonus | Maximum bet while playing with a bonus is £ 5 | Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse | Skrill and Neteller deposits excluded. Full Terms apply. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org

New players only, £10 min fund, £2,000 max bonus, 65x Bonus wagering requirements, max bonus conversion to real funds equal to lifetime deposits (up to £250), Full T&C apply. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org

Understanding Casino Lingo: Why Knowing the Terms Matters

Learning casino terminology is critical for two main reasons: it helps you understand what’s happening at all times, and thus, it can directly impact your results.

When you know the proper terms, you can:

  • Place bets correctly the first time;
  • Understand dealer instructions;
  • Follow game strategies properly;
  • Avoid expensive mistakes;
  • Feel confident at any table.

Moreover, being familiar with casino lingo allows you to engage more naturally with other players and dealers, enhancing your overall experience. Whether you’re asking for a “hit” at the blackjack table or recognizing a “cold deck” in poker, using the right terms helps you fit in and navigate the environment with ease. This shared language builds confidence and makes the casino feel less intimidating—especially for newcomers.

Poker Terminology

Common terms you need to know before sitting at a poker table.

Poker has specific terms for betting actions (check, raise, fold), hand rankings (straight, flush, full house), and positions (button, small blind, big blind). Dealers use these terms constantly during games, and you’ll find them in any poker strategy guide. Even watching poker becomes more enjoyable when you understand what commentators are discussing.

Read more >>

Craps Terminology

Essential terms for betting and following action at the craps table.

Craps uses specific terms for dice combinations (snake eyes, yo-leven), bet types (pass line, come bet, field bet), and table positions. Learning these terms helps you place bets correctly and understand what’s happening during play.

Read more >>

Roulette Terminology

Key terms for the different bet types and rules in roulette.

Roulette terms include bet names (straight up, street, corner) and wheel sections (neighbors, orphelins). We’re also including special rules like en prison and la partage, French-derived terms you may encounter based on which version of roulette you’re playing.

Read more >>

Blackjack Terminology

Basic terms needed to play and understand blackjack strategy.

At blackjack tables, you’ll need to communicate using specific player actions (hit, stand, double down, split) and understand special situations (soft hand, hard hand). Dealers expect players to know these terms so the game can proceed smoothly.

Read more >>

Bingo Terminology

Terms for different bingo patterns and game variations.

To succeed at bingo, you’ll need to recognize various win patterns (line, four corners, full house) and understand game procedures. Bingo callers reference these terms throughout every game session, and some are exclusive to halls using 90-ball UK rules.

Read more >>

Bingo Number Nicknames

Traditional British names for numbers called during bingo games.

UK bingo callers rarely just announce numbers – they use colorful nicknames: “legs eleven” (11), “two fat ladies” (88), and “clickety-click” (66). Regular playe;”rs learn to recognize these calls instantly without looking at the actual numbers.

Read more >>

Slots Terminology

Key terms explaining how modern slot machines work and pay.

Modern slot games come with their own dictionary of mechanics (reels, paylines, symbols) and bonus features (wilds, scatters, multipliers). You’ll encounter these terms in the game info sections of every slot, essential knowledge for understanding how wins are calculated.

Read more >>

Keno Terminology

Terms needed to place bets and understand keno tickets.

Keno terms define ticket types (straight ticket, way ticket, king ticket), gameplay elements (spots, catches), and payout structures. These terms appear on keno forms and betting screens at casinos.

Read more >>

Baccarat Terminology

Essential terms used at baccarat tables and in game rules.

Baccarat dealers announce game actions using a vocabulary largely borrowed from French and Italian: betting options (punto, banco, tie), card values, and drawing rules. Learning these terms is crucial in such a fast-paced card game.

Read more >>

Lottery Terminology

Common terms used in national and local lottery games.

The world of lotteries has its own language covering ticket options (quick pick, lucky dip), jackpot mechanics (rollover, jackpot cap), and payout choices (lump sum, annuity). You’ll find these terms on lottery websites and promotional materials for games like the National Lottery.

Read more >>

Sic Bo Terminology

Terms for different bet types in this Chinese dice game.

When approaching a Sic Bo table, you’ll need to understand the various wager options (small, big, specific triple) and dice combinations. The gaming table itself displays these betting options.

Read more >>

Sports Betting Terminology

All the terms you need to know for placing bets on sporting events.

Bookmakers and betting shops use specialized language for wager types (single, accumulator, each-way), odds formats (fractional, decimal), and market options (1X2, handicap). Understanding these terms is needed when navigating online sportsbooks.

Read more >>

Horse Racing Terminology

Key terms for reading race cards and placing bets on horses.

At the track or betting shop, you’ll encounter specific vocabulary describing course conditions (going, furlong), betting options (win, place, each-way), and race classifications (maiden, handicap). Race cards use these terms extensively without explanation, assuming bettors understand them.

Read more >>

Types of Gambling Terms

Casino terminology can be divided into three main categories based on where and how they’re used.

Official Casino Terminology

Casinos operate on a dictionary’s worth of official terms – hundreds of them – and sometimes they’re not even consistent. Different games can share terms, and they may not even mean the same thing.

Many casino terms are ancient by modern standards. Roulette still uses 18th-century French (“en prison”), baccarat mixes Italian and French, and some poker terms date back to Mississippi riverboats.

Want to look like you belong? Learn the official vocabulary. It’s your first protection against making rookie mistakes that cost money.

Live Casino Jargon Explained

The real language of casinos isn’t written down anywhere. It develops on casino floors, between dealers and regulars who practically live at the tables.

British casinos have their own dialect that would confuse Vegas players. High-rollers might bet a “monkey” (£500) while US bettors would have no clue what that means. Craps tables are particularly notorious for slang – “yo-leven” instead of eleven, “little Joe from Kokomo” for a hard four.

This insider language serves a purpose beyond sounding cool. It bonds regular players, creates a sense of belonging, and frankly, it’s part of the fun. Knowing that “George” means a good tipper doesn’t improve your odds, but it marks you as someone who belongs.

Online Casino Jargon Explained

Online gambling has created terms that would be meaningless to a 1970s Las Vegas pit boss. The digital casino world needed language for concepts that don’t exist in physical venues.

Much of this vocabulary revolves around bonuses and their strings attached. Technical terms became essential as players grew more sophisticated about odds.

Forum cultures and Twitch streamers accelerate this language development. A streamer coins a term for a specific slot feature, and suddenly thousands of players adopt it. Some terms even filter back into physical casinos.

How to Use Our Glossary of Gambling Terms
We've organised our glossary by game categories, with terms listed alphabetically under each section. Simply scroll to your game of interest or use the search function to jump straight to what you're looking for. Click any term to access its dedicated page, where you'll find a clear explanation of the term, practical examples showing how it's used and images that help illustrate the concept (if applicable).

Want to Dig Into Strategies? Take a Look Down Below

Read More
Check Out the Best Welcome Bonus Casinos
Choose the most rewarding casino bonuses available today. Our extensive list feature exclusive offers, free spins, and welcome bonuses that add more value to your gaming experience. Don’t miss out on these rewarding bonus opportunities.
1
T&C’s Apply

New depositing players only. 18+. Min. deposit £10 Max bonus: £200, Min wagering 35x, Spins expire in 24hr. Offer is available to players residing in United Kingdom only. Full Terms apply. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org | UKGC License

New depositing players only. 18+. Min. deposit £10 Max bonus: £200, Min wagering 35x, Spins expire in 24hr. Offer is available to players residing in United Kingdom only. Full Terms apply. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org | UKGC License

2
T&C’s Apply

Welcome bonus for new players only | Maximum bonus is 100% up to £100 | Min deposit is £10 | No max cash out | Wagering is 40x bonus | Maximum bet while playing with a bonus is £5 | Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse | Skrill and Neteller deposits excluded. Full terms apply. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org | UKGC License

Welcome bonus for new players only | Maximum bonus is 100% up to £100 | Min deposit is £10 | No max cash out | Wagering is 40x bonus | Maximum bet while playing with a bonus is £5 | Eligibility is restricted for suspected abuse | Skrill and Neteller deposits excluded. Full terms apply. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org | UKGC License

3
T&C’s Apply

New Players Only. Wagering occurs from real balance first. 35X wagering the bonus. Contribution may vary per game. Available on selected games only. The wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 Days from receipt / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3X the bonus amount & £20 for Free Spins. Limited to 5 brands within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org | UKGC License

New Players Only. Wagering occurs from real balance first. 35X wagering the bonus. Contribution may vary per game. Available on selected games only. The wagering requirement is calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 Days from receipt / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3X the bonus amount & £20 for Free Spins. Limited to 5 brands within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org | UKGC License

4
T&C’s Apply

New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. Match Deposit Bonus 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. Selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3 times the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Limited to 5 brands within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org | UKGC License 

New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. Match Deposit Bonus 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. Selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3 times the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Limited to 5 brands within the network. Withdrawal requests void all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms apply. 18+| BeGambleAware | #Ad. Gambleaware.org | UKGC License 

5
T&C’s Apply

First deposit only. Min deposit £10. 100% Bonus Match on 1st deposit, max £100 bonus & 100 bonus spins on Starburst. 40x wagering(dep+bonus). 40x on spins, 4x conversion, bonus valid on selected slots. Full T&C’s apply. 18+ | BeGambleAware | Gambleaware.org | UKGC License

First deposit only. Min deposit £10. 100% Bonus Match on 1st deposit, max £100 bonus & 100 bonus spins on Starburst. 40x wagering(dep+bonus). 40x on spins, 4x conversion, bonus valid on selected slots. Full T&C’s apply. 18+ | BeGambleAware | Gambleaware.org | UKGC License

We inform you that this website uses cookies. To consent, click the ‘Agree’ button or continue browsing. To learn more about our privacy policy, click here.

Agree