Casinos have a language all their own, full of insider terms and jargon that can be confusing for new players. As you embark on your casino adventures, you’ll likely hear words and phrases tossed around that sound like a foreign language.
To help you navigate casino culture and understand common gambling terminology, we’ve created this beginner’s guide to decoding lingo at Casino777. With explanations of the most common words and phrases you’ll encounter, you’ll be conversing like a casino veteran in no time.
Common Casino Games and How They Work
Before diving into casino terminology, it helps to understand the basic mechanics and rules of popular casino games. Here’s a quick overview:
Slots
Slots are machines with spinning reels that display symbols. To play, you insert money and spin the reels. Certain symbol combinations award cash prizes. Many slots have bonus features and mini-games as well.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a comparing card game played against the dealer. The goal is to make a hand totaling closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. Numbered cards are worth their face value while face cards are worth 10 points.
Roulette
In roulette, players bet on where they think the ball will land after the wheel is spun. They can bet on specific numbers, colors, odd/even, high/low and more. If the ball lands where you bet, you win.
Craps
Craps centers around the roll of two dice. A variety of bets can be made on each roll. A 7 or 11 on the first roll is a win for pass bettors. A 2, 3 or 12 is a loss. Other numbers establish the “point” – to win, that number must be rolled again before a 7.
Poker
Poker involves wagering which player has the strongest hand according to traditional poker hand rankings. Hands consist of two hole cards dealt face down and five community cards players share.
Now let’s explore some common casino terminology you’re likely to hear.
Common Casino Jargon and Slang Terms
Here are definitions of key casino words and phrases from each popular game:
Slots Lingo
- Payline – The line on the slots reels where winning combinations must align. Some slots have multiple paylines.
- Scatter Symbol – A special symbol that pays out wherever it lands on the reels, regardless of paylines. Often triggers bonus rounds.
- Wild Symbol – A symbol that substitutes for other symbols to help create winning combinations.
- Bonus Round – A secondary game unlocked by hitting a certain symbol or symbol combination during the main slots game.
| Term | Definition |
| Payline | The line on the slots reels where winning combinations must align |
| Scatter Symbol | Pays out wherever it lands on reels and triggers bonuses |
| Wild Symbol | Substitutes for other symbols to help make wins |
| Bonus Round | Secondary game unlocked inside the main slots game |
Blackjack Terminology
- Hard Hand – Any blackjack hand that does not contain an ace, or contains an ace valued at 1.
- Soft Hand – A hand with an ace valued at 11, allowing the total to go over 21 without busting.
- Hit – To take another card.
- Stand – To take no more cards.
- Double Down – To double your bet after receiving initial cards in exchange for one extra card.
- Split – To separate two cards of the same value into two hands. Requires additional bet.
Roulette Jargon
- Inside Bet – A bet on a single number or small range of pocket numbers on the roulette layout.
- Outside Bet – Bets on categories like red/black, odd/even, or 1-18/19-36 that pay lower but have better odds.
- Column Bet – A bet on an entire column of 12 numbers marked at the end of the roulette layout betting grid.
- Dozen Bet – A bet that one of the three dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36) will be hit.
- Corner Bet – Betting on four numbers by placing a chip at the intersecting corner.
Craps Terminology
- Pass Line – The main craps bet, won immediately with a 7 or 11 roll. Establishes the “point” number with other rolls.
- Don’t Pass – The opposite of the Pass Line, winning on 2 or 3 and losing when the point repeats.
- Come/Don’t Come – Additional pass line type bets made after the initial roll once the point is set.
- Odds – Additional bets made after a point is established, paying true mathematical odds.
- Seven Out – When a 7 is rolled before the pass line point, ending the round.
Common Poker Lingo
- Raise – To increase the size of the bet required for others to stay in the hand.
- Check – To decline to bet when it’s your turn, while keeping your cards.
- Call – To match the amount of a bet or raise.
- Fold – To discard your hand and leave the current round.
- Community Cards – Cards dealt face up in the center that all players may use in combination with hole cards.
No matter what games you play, you’re bound to hear insider gambling vocabulary tossed around. This glossary of common casino terminology should help you follow the action and conversate like a true player.
With key game rules and jargon for slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker explained, you have the basics covered to hit casino floors with confidence. Whether you stick to one favorite game or bounce around trying various tables, you’ll now understand the lingo flying around you.
As you spend more time in casinos and get deeper into your favorite games, even more niche terms will emerge. But consider this your starter guide to familiarizing yourself with common casino vocabulary for beginners.
Now that you can speak the language, it’s time to let the games begin! Brush up on casino etiquette basics, grab some chips, and put your newfound gambling glossary knowledge to the test at the tables.
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