If you’re a newcomer to the casino scene or experimenting with a different game, it’s common to feel somewhat confused by the terminology and unfamiliar casino phrases.

Baccarat Terms

Commission

This is akin to a Vig. It refers to the portion taken from a winning hand and given to the House, typically set at 5%. In Pai-Gow, this applies to any winning hand, whereas in Baccarat, it only applies when a Banker bet is victorious.

Player

There are two possible outcomes that a gambler can choose to support in order to win a hand, and Player is one of those options. Both the Player and the Banker are independent of the house or the gambler.

Blackjack Terms

Blackjack

This occurs when your initial two cards consist of an ace and a card valued at 10.

Book, The

This refers to the small plastic strategy guide available for purchase at gift shops, which advises players on the best way to play their hand.

Break

Also referred to as Bust, this term describes the situation when a player exceeds 21 and loses the round.

Bust

Known as Break as well, this happens when a player goes over 21 and consequently loses the hand.

Cold Turkey

This term is used when two face cards are dealt.

Crimp

This involves the player bending or indenting the top or side of a blackjack card to keep track of it.

Cutting The Deck

After shuffling the deck, the dealer gives the player a yellow card, which the player is expected to insert into the deck somewhere in the middle.

Double Down

Typically, a player will double down when holding a total of 9, 10, or 11, making an additional wager equal to or less than their original bet. The player will receive only one more card.

Five (5) Card Charlie

This occurs when a player has five or more cards totaling 21 or less.

Hard Hand

This is a hand that would bust if it receives a 10 upon hitting.

Hit

This action involves drawing another card to add to your hand.

Hit Card

This is the additional card drawn or received.

Hole Card

When the dealer deals themselves a hand, they place one card face down and one face up; the face-down card is called the Hole Card.

Insurance

This is an optional bet that players can make if the dealer shows an ace, indicating they might have a blackjack. The payout for this bet is 2 to 1.

No Brainer

This expression is often used when a player gets a blackjack, as it guarantees a win without requiring any further action from the player.

Pat Hand

This refers to a situation where the first two cards yield a high total, making it unlikely that the player would hit.

Sand

This is when a player uses sandpaper to mark the edges of the card.

Shoe

This is the device used by dealers to manage multiple decks of cards, positioned on the dealer’s left side.

Soft Hand

This refers to a hand that contains an ace, which can count as either one value or another.

Sorting

This occurs when the dealer arranges the cards in a specific manner to maintain their order, in case the floor needs to verify the cards.

Tucked Cards

This term describes the action of a player sliding the corner of their cards beneath their chips, indicating that they are opting to stay.

Up Card

When a dealer deals themselves a hand, they place one card face down and one card face up; the face-up card is referred to as the Up Card.

Cards Terms

Suit

This refers to the collection of symbols and colors found on playing cards, such as Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades.

Carnival Games Terms

Community Cards

These are cards that are revealed face up and can be utilized by all players to create their strongest hand.

Casino Terms

All-In When a player wagers all their chips on a single hand.

Backer

A backer is someone who finances an active player but does not participate in the game themselves.

Bankroll

This term refers to the tray that contains the casino’s money, positioned in front of the dealer.

Barber Pole

A stack of chips that consists of multiple denominations.

Base

This indicates a player’s position at the table. First base is the spot farthest to the dealer’s left; second base is in the center, and third base is the position farthest to the dealer’s right.

Belly Strippers

This refers to cards that have been tampered with by having their edges slightly trimmed, tapering from the center to the edge.

Bet

A wager placed on the result of an event, typically made using clay chips.

Black Chip

Also referred to as Black or Blacks; this represents a $100 chip.

Blacklisted

Individuals who cheat or negatively impact business are added to a blacklist. If they return to the casino from which they were banned, law enforcement will be contacted and charges for trespassing may be filed.

Border Work

Also known as Edge Work; this involves a cheater marking the edges of cards to discern their value.

Breakage

This occurs when amounts are rounded up or down to benefit the casino.

Bullet

A slang term used for an ace card.

Burn

A method employed by dealers where they take the top card from the deck and place it into the discard pile without revealing its value.

Burn Card

The initial card from the deck that is burned.

Bust Out Joint

Also called a Flat Store; this is a casino that deceives its patrons.

Buy In

This is when a player exchanges cash with the dealer for chips.

C Note

Also known as Cecil; this refers to a $100 bill.

Cage

The cage is the area where players can exchange chips for cash.

Carnival Game

This term encompasses a variety of games including 3 Card Poker, Let It Ride, 3-5-7 Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’ Em, and Crazy 4 Poker.

Carpet Store

This refers to an unregulated casino or one that operates in a location where gambling is prohibited.

Case Bet

This is the final wager made by the player, typically using their last remaining funds.

Case Card

This usually denotes the last card of a particular suit or rank still present in the deck.

Cash Out

This occurs when a player exchanges their chips for cash.

Cecil

Commonly referred to as a C Note; this term signifies a $100 bill.

Change

This is the process where a player requests chips in return for paper currency.

Chemmy Shuffle

Also known as Washing the Deck, this technique involves shuffling. The dealer spreads the cards face down on the table and uses both hands to mix them in a circular motion.

Cheque

Also called a Chip; this term refers to any value chip that is currently in play during a live game.

Clean Money

This describes chips that are taken directly from the dealer’s tray.

Cold

This term refers to someone experiencing a series of losses.

Cold Deck

This is a deck of cards that has been secretly arranged in a specific order and then introduced into the game to facilitate cheating.

Color Up This is the act of exchanging smaller denomination chips for larger ones.

Comp

This refers to complimentary items provided by the casino, such as meals, accommodations, or other services, in appreciation of your gambling activity.

Counter

Also known as a Card Counter, this is a player who tracks the cards dealt during a Blackjack game.

Credit

This happens when there are excessive chips of one color in the rack, prompting the floorman to remove them and send them to the cage.

Cross Roader

This term describes a person who cheats at cards.

Cut Card

This is the colored plastic card used to divide the deck in Blackjack.

Dirty Money

This refers to cash or checks that were previously wagered but have lost.

Discard Rack

This is the plastic container located next to the dealer where they place cards after a hand concludes.

Double Up

This occurs when a player wagers twice the amount they bet in the previous hand.

Drop

This encompasses all the money collected at a table during a shift.

Drop Box

This is a metal container beneath the table that stores all the cash dropped during a shift.

Dual Rate

This describes a situation where a dealer is training to become a floorman. On certain days, they deal and receive tips, while on other days, they work as a floorman and are compensated for that role.

Edge

This signifies an advantage, typically referring to the casino’s edge.

Edge Work

Also known as Border Work; this involves a cheater marking the edges of cards to determine their value.

Eighty-six (86)

This term is used when the casino refuses entry, removes, or prohibits a player from participating at a table or even being present in the casino.

Even Money

Also referred to as a Flat Bet; this is a winning wager that pays out at a 1:1 ratio.

Eye-In-The-Sky

This term denotes the security cameras in the casino that monitor all activities.

Fill

When the chip rack is running low on a specific color of chips, the floorman will request additional chips to replenish the rack.

First (1st) Base

This position is the first seat to the left of the dealer and is also the first one to receive cards.

Flat Store

Also called a Bust Out Joint; this is a casino that deceives its patrons.

Fold

This action occurs when a player discards their hand, resulting in an automatic loss.

Foreign Cheques

These are checks that come from a different casino.

Fouled Hand

This refers to a hand that has been disqualified and is no longer in play.

Gaff

This refers to a device, tool, or method used by someone who cheats.

Grand

This term signifies $1,000.

Green Chips

Also referred to as Greens or Quarters; these are chips worth $25.

Grifter

A swindler or someone who engages in deceitful practices.

Grind Joint

This describes a casino with low betting limits that caters to smaller players.

Hand

This can refer to a single game within a series, one round in a card game, or the specific cards a player possesses.

Handle

This represents the total amount of money wagered in a casino.

High Roller

Also known as a Whale; this is an individual who bets significant sums of money.

Hold

Also called Percentage or P.C.; this is the portion of the drop that the casino retains as profit.

Hold Out

This occurs when a cheater hides a card for later use.

Hop

This refers to a technique used by a cheater to manipulate a deck without actually cutting it, effectively avoiding a proper cut.

Hot

Someone experiencing a winning streak.

House

Also known as a Store; this is slang for a casino.

In

This is an abbreviation for Buy In.

Jog

This denotes a deck that is unevenly stacked to indicate where a player should cut.

Lammer

Also known as a Button; this is a small plastic disc marked with numbers or words typically used as markers.

Lay Down

This means to place a bet or wager.

Layout

This refers to the felt covering used on all gaming tables.

Let It Ride

Also known as Parlay; this means to reinvest your winnings into your original bet.

Limit

This indicates the maximum allowable bet.

Live Game

This refers to any table game on the casino floor where real customers are playing for money.

Lock

This signifies a hand that is guaranteed to win.

Luminous Readers

These individuals cheat by marking cards with a special ink visible only through specific glasses.

Maximum

This denotes the highest wager permitted by the casino.

Minimum

This indicates the lowest wager allowed by the casino.

Misdeal

This occurs when a hand is dealt incorrectly.

Nailing

This is a cheating method where players mark cards by slightly tearing the edges with their fingernails.

Nickels

Also known as Red, Reds, or Red Chip; this refers to a $5 chip.

Nut

This term describes the total amount of money earned from a game, or the game’s expenses. It can also refer to the player’s costs.

Odds

This represents the ratio of ways to win compared to ways to lose, or the mathematical likelihood of a number occurring expressed as a ratio.

Pack

This refers to a set of cards that remain in their box and have not been shuffled or mixed.

Paddle

This is a plastic T-shaped tool used to push money into the table’s drop box.

Paint

This term refers to a face card or a 10-value card.

Palm

Also known as Muck; this describes the act of concealing a card or chip in one’s palm for future use.

Parlay

Also known as Let It Ride; this means to add your winnings to your initial bet.

Past Post

This happens when a player places a bet after a winner has been announced and expects to receive payment for it. This constitutes cheating.

Percentage

Also referred to as P.C. or Hold; this is the portion of the drop that the casino actually retains as profit.

Pinch

This refers to the act of removing losing chips from a losing bet. This is considered cheating.

Pips

These are the markings on a playing card that indicate its value. For instance, a 7 of hearts features 7 heart symbols, which are known as the Pips.

Press

This is when a player raises their bet.

Push

This signifies a tie, meaning the bet will neither be won nor lost.

Rat Hole

This term describes a situation where a player hides chips in their pocket while participating in the game.

Readers

This refers to a card that has been marked.

Red Chip

Also known as Red, Reds, or Nickels; this chip is valued at $5.

Ringer

This is when a player pretends to be inexperienced but is actually highly skilled.

Rounder

This term describes a player who is experienced and knowledgeable about gaming.

Run

Also called Streak, this occurs when a player wins or loses several hands consecutively.

Shill

This is a casino employee who is compensated to gamble with the casino’s funds to encourage gameplay.

Shuffle

This is the act of mixing cards using various methods such as riffling, stripping, and boxing.

Shy

This refers to a bet that does not meet the minimum required amount to participate in a hand.

Side Strippers

This term describes a cheater who alters or sands down cards for identification purposes.

Sleeper

This refers to money left on the table by a player who has forgotten about it.

Soft

This term denotes paper currency.

Stacked Deck

This is a deck of cards that has been arranged in advance to ensure a winning outcome for the player.

Stay

This is a general term used in various table games, indicating that the player chooses not to take any action with their hand.

Steam

This describes a situation where a player increases their bets significantly, often during a losing streak.

Stiff

This term refers to a player who wins but fails to tip the dealer.

Store

Also known as a House; this is slang for a casino.

Streak

Also referred to as Run, this describes a series of consecutive wins or losses.

Sub

This is a device worn under clothing by cheaters and dealers to hide stolen chips.

Sweeten a Bet

This refers to the act of legally adding chips to a bet before the cards are dealt.

T.I.S.

T.I.S. stands for Table Inventory Slip.

Table Marker

Also referred to as a Call Bet; this occurs when a player places a bet without actually wagering any cash.

Take A Shot

Also known as Make a Move; this is an action taken by a player to secure an advantage or deceive the casino.

Third (3rd) Base

This position is the last one next to the dealer’s immediate right, or it refers to the final player who plays a hand before the dealer’s turn.

Tie

This happens when both parties have hands of equal value, resulting in a draw. The dealer will push the hand, meaning the bet will neither be won nor lost.

Tray

This is the container that holds the dealer’s bankroll, situated directly in front of the dealer.

Two Way Bet

This describes a wager that is divided between the player and the dealer.

Under the Gun

This term refers to the first player sitting to the left of the dealer.

Unit

This represents a numerical value or denomination of a bet.

Wager

This is the amount that a player decides to bet.

Washing the Deck

Also called Chemmy Shuffle, this is a technique for shuffling cards. The dealer spreads the cards face down on the table and mixes them using both hands in a circular motion.

Waving

This involves a player bending the cards to create a wave-like effect, making them easier to identify. This constitutes cheating.

Yard

This term refers to a $100 bill.

Craps Terms

Ace

This refers to a single die displaying one pip.

Aces

Commonly called Snake Eyes, this occurs when both dice show one pip each, totaling 2.

Air

This term describes the gap between the flat pass line bet and the odds bet placed behind it on the table’s edge.

All The Way Up

This expression is used by a player when their place or buy bet wins. The player instructs the dealer to wager the full payout along with the original bet instead of increasing the bet amount.

Alligator Skin

This refers to the raised diamond-shaped patterns located on the sides of the craps table.

Any Craps

This is a one-roll wager that bets on rolling a 2, 3, or 12. It pays 7:1 and has a house edge of 11.1%.

Any Seven

This bet predicts that the next roll will result in a 7. It pays 4:1 and has a house edge of 16.7%.

Backline

Also known as the Don’t Pass Line on the craps table layout.

Bar

The bar number on the don’t pass layout, typically a 12, indicates a push roll.

Bevels

This term refers to dice that have rounded edges rather than the usual sharp edges.

Big Eight

This is a self-service betting section where players bet that an 8 will be rolled before a 7.

Big Red

This is synonymous with betting on Any Seven.

Big Six

This is a self-service betting area where players wager that a 6 will come up before a 7.

Bones

This is a colloquial term for dice.

Bosses Cash Register

This phrase denotes the area in front of the dealers, specifically the boxes labeled 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10. Players are prohibited from reaching into this space.

Bowl

This is the receptacle used to hold the dice.

Hawking the Dice

This occurs when the base dealer at one end of the table observes the dice at the opposite end, which is not allowed.

High/Low

This is a split bet involving 2 and 12 in Craps.

Hop Bet

This is a single roll wager that can be placed at any time on a specific combination of dice. A hardway bet pays 30 to 1, while an easy combination pays 15 to 1. These bets are positioned in front of the box area.

Horn Bet

This wager covers the numbers 2, 3, 11, and 12 all at once.

Horn High

This is a variation of the horn bet where one of the numbers has double the stake compared to the other three.

Last Come Bets

These are bets made on the Come Line just before a 7 is rolled, resulting in a loss.

Lay Bets

This involves betting against a point number, wagering that it will not appear before a 7. The cost of this bet is 5% of the potential winnings.

Laying Odds

This occurs when a player wagers more than their potential payout. It typically happens on the Don’t Pass line when there is an established point and the player has a flat bet.

Little Joe

This refers to rolling a hard 4.

Loads

These are dice that have been tampered with to favor certain outcomes; this constitutes cheating.

Making a Point

To successfully roll the designated point number before rolling a 7.

Midnight

This is when a player bets on the next roll being a 12.

Craps Dealers Terms

Change Only

This refers to a request made by the dealers when a player places cash or high-value checks on the table without verbalizing their intention.

Down

This term typically signifies a wager or currency that is no longer active on the table.

Heeling

This action involves the dealer positioning the top chip so that it is partially visible beneath the rest of the stack. This indicates that the chips are not currently being bet and are awaiting the player’s decision. The dealer may also heel a bet on a Don’t Come, Don’t Pass Line, or behind a number to signify an odds bet.

Inside Hand

This is the dealer’s hand positioned closest to the boxman.

Late Bets

These are wagers placed after the dice have moved away from the center of the table. A Late Bet can only be considered valid if the dealer, boxman, or floorman accepts the bet before the outcome is revealed.

Off

This indicates that there is a wager on the layout that is inactive. Typically, the dealer will place an off button on the stack of chips to signify this.

Outside Hand

This refers to the dealer’s hand that is farthest from the boxman.

Working Bets

These are bets that remain active at all times. The term “on” is also used to indicate that the player’s bets are in play.

Working Stacks

These are the stacks of chips located directly in front of the dealer, which are utilized for taking and paying out bets.

Dealers Terms

Agent

A participant collaborating with the dealer to defraud the casino. This term may also refer to someone who manages money on behalf of another player.

Backing Up The Cards

A floor manager will back up the cards to validate a hand. They will retrieve cards from the discard pile and arrange them sequentially to reveal what each player’s previous hand was.

Bleed

Also referred to as Bleeder or Sweating the Money; this typically describes a casino supervisor who is anxious about players winning.

Book

Also known as Cover, Booking the Bet, or Fade; this term means to accept a wager.

Booking the Bet

Also referred to as Cover, Book, or Fade; this indicates the acceptance of a wager.

Bottom Deal

This occurs when cards are dealt from the bottom of the deck while giving the impression that they are being dealt from the top.

Break-in Dealer

This term refers to a novice dealer who possesses little to no experience or knowledge.

Break-in House

This describes a casino that employs new dealers. Such casinos are generally more forgiving of mistakes and are more inclined to teach new games.

Bubble Peek

This is when the dealer applies pressure to the top cards while holding the deck, allowing a glimpse of the next card, which is considered cheating.

Buzz

Also known as Hustle; this refers to a dealer attempting to solicit a tip from a player or encouraging a player to place a bet on their behalf.

Clapping Out

The dealer claps their hands to signal to the cameras that they are not engaging in theft.

Count

Dealers use the term Count when assessing the value of the bankroll. This term is commonly heard during the opening or closing of a game.

Cover

Also known as Book, Booking the Bet, or Fade; this signifies the acceptance of a wager.

Cross-Firing

This occurs when two dealers converse with one another while dealing in a live game. If the conversation is unrelated to the game, such behavior is not allowed.

Run It Down

This refers to a dealer confirming a stack of identical denominations.

Seconds

This term describes when the dealer deals the second card from the deck rather than the top card, which constitutes cheating.

Seven (7) Day Split

This refers to the practice of pooling tips collected by dealers over the past week and distributing them equally among all dealers who were on duty during that time.

Shadowed

This occurs when the main dealer stands aside to observe the second dealer as they conduct the game, ensuring that it is dealt correctly.

Shiner

This is a reflective device used by cheaters to view the dealer’s hole card.

Slug

This term is used when a dealer shuffles the cards but leaves a section or block of cards unshuffled.

Square

This refers to the action of the dealer straightening out the cards or deck.

Strip

This is one of several techniques dealers use for shuffling. It involves the dealer removing the top portion of the deck and breaking it down into smaller sections before placing the remaining deck on top.

Stroker

This individual seeks out inexperienced or poor dealers. They play at that dealer’s table and make unusual or confusing bets that are typically not placed. If the dealer pays the Stroker more than they should, the Stroker remains silent and takes the money. However, if the dealer pays less, the Stroker will loudly complain about being cheated and insist that the dealer should know the correct payouts.

Sweating the Money

Also known as a Bleeder, this usually refers to a casino supervisor who is concerned about players winning.

Swing Shift

The standard swing shift for dealers typically runs from 8 PM to 4 AM, although this can vary by casino, with starting times ranging from 5 PM to 10 PM.

Take Out

This term is used to instruct a dealer on which table to go to, such as “Take out Pai-Gow 5.”

Toke Box

This is the container attached to the table where dealers deposit their tips.

Toke Committee

This group consists of dealers who are elected to the committee by their fellow dealers in the establishment. Their responsibilities include gathering tips, tallying them up, determining the amount each dealer receives, and completing all necessary documentation.

Tokes

Commonly referred to as Zuks; this term is slang for the tips given to dealers. The term Toke originates from the expression tokens of appreciation.

Top Peek

This refers to a method where the dealer reveals the top card, allowing the player to cheat.

Whale

Also known as a High Roller; this term describes an individual who wagers significant sums of money.

Zuks

Another term for Tokes; this is slang for the tips received by dealers.

European Roulette Terms

Top Line

This wager encompasses the initial four digits: 0, 1, 2, and 3. The payout is 8 to 1.

Las Vegas Terms

The Strip

This slang refers to Las Vegas Boulevard, the area that houses the majority of the casinos.

Let-It-Ride Terms

Let-It-Ride

This refers to a carnival game where the participant receives 2 cards, and the dealer reveals 3 community cards. The objective for the player is to create a strong 5-card poker hand from these cards.

Pai-Gow Terms

Commission

This is akin to a Vig. It refers to the portion taken from a winning hand and handed over to the House, typically set at 5%. In Pai-Gow, this applies to any winning hand, whereas in Baccarat, it is only applicable when a Banker bet is successful.

Joker

The Joker Card functions as a Wild Card, capable of completing Straights or Flushes, or it can act as an Ace.

Pai-Gow Poker Terms

Banker

The term “Banker” refers to the House in this game, and players have the choice to take on the role of Banker themselves. Typically, the dealer acts as the Banker, but players can opt to play as Banker if they wish. By doing so, players will receive the same benefits and House Edge that are typically granted to the House.

Poker Terms

Absent Button

Also referred to as the Missed Blind Button, this indicator is situated in a player’s area to signify that the individual has previously failed to place their Blind Bet and remains absent from the table.

Action

This term refers to when a player takes their turn to act.

Ante

This is a set amount contributed to the Pot by all players prior to the dealing of any cards.

Bad Beat

This occurs when a player holds a strong hand but cannot fold, only to be defeated by an even stronger hand.

Betting Round

This encompasses the entire sequence from the first bettor to the last player who calls.

Big Blind

This is the larger of the two mandatory pre-flop bets.

Blind

This refers to a compulsory pre-flop bet, typically consisting of two types: the Big Blind and the Small Blind.

Bluff

This is when a player wagers or raises despite having little to no chance of winning, hoping that their opponent will fold.

Board

This consists of the five community cards displayed face up on the table, which all players can use to create their best poker hand.

Call

This action occurs when a player matches the current bet or raise.

Rake

Also known as Commission, this is the process of taking a percentage of the pot as payment to the house for facilitating the game.

River Card

This is the last card revealed, placed face up on the board.

Round

This refers to the cycle of betting conducted by players following the dealing of cards or a series of hands.

Royal Flush

This hand consists of a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace all of the same suit, making it the highest-ranking hand in poker.

Short-Buy

This occurs when a player buys chips for an amount less than the table’s minimum. Short-buys are permitted only for players who have already purchased the required minimum amount.

Showdown

After all betting concludes, the remaining players reveal their cards to determine the winner.

Side Pot

This is an additional pot created when one or more players go All-In.

Splashing the Pot

This occurs when a player tosses chips near the main pot, either intentionally or by mistake, causing the funds to mix and making it difficult to identify the original bet amount.

Straight

A hand consisting of cards that are in consecutive order.

Straight Flush

A hand where all cards are in consecutive order and belong to the same suit.

Stub

The leftover portion of the deck after all cards have been distributed.

Tap Out

Also referred to as All-In, this is when a player wagers all their chips on a single hand.

Turn Card

Known as the 4th Street; this is the fourth card out of five that is revealed face up on the table.

Well

A specific area within the Float Tray used for storing a deck of cards.

Roulette Dealers Terms

Mucker

A mucker is an additional dealer at a roulette table, assigned during peak times to assist the main dealer by collecting chips and organizing them into stacks of 20. The mucker also verifies the calculations made by the primary dealer and ensures that the correct payouts in roulette chips are given.

Mucking

Mucking refers to the method employed by dealers to gather chips and arrange them into stacks of 20. This process is typically performed quickly, as muckers are generally required only when the table is full and busy.