Understanding gambling slang

As featured on Sloto Magazine

They say that gambling is as old as civilization itself. In its long history players and casino runners have come up with a lot of expressions regarding games or actions that are not common currency in our everyday language.

In this article you’ll learn some of the most popular casino slang so you are ready next time you talk or chat with a gambling fanatic.

Action: The amount of money wagered (put into action) by a player during an entire playing session.  Example: How much action did you put into that slot machine today?

Bankroll: The total money a player has available for gambling. Example: After winning that jackpot, I doubled my bankroll.

Casino advantage (also House Edge): The advantage (often represented by a percentage) that the casino has over a player. Example: Blackjack has a casino advantage of 0.05%.

Deuce: The number two in dice or cards. Example: Deuces are wild in this video poker machine.

Expected Win Rate (also Return to player, Pay-back or Pay-out percentage): The total amount (often a percentage) that you are expected to win back in the long run. Example: This slot has 99% Win Rate, so you’re likely to win $99 back of every $100 you wager this year.

Holding Your Own: Neither winning nor losing, breaking even. Example: I was able to hold my own after a week in Las Vegas.

Martingale: Betting system based on doubling-up after each loss. Example: I always use the Martingale when playing Roulette.

Paint card (also Face card): In poker or card games, Jack, Queen, and King cards. Example: I need a paint card to complete my Blackjack hand!

Snake Eyes: In Craps, when you roll a two, because the two dice look like eyes and they are bad news for the shooter. Example: I shot 3 Snake Eyes in a row, I need a break!

Whale: A high-roller player that makes very large bets. Example: This table is for whales only, minimum bet $100

chat icon