Casino & Gambling Glossary
From table games to slots, casinos have a language of their own, filled with unique terms and phrases that can be confusing to outsiders. Whether you're just browsing PennStakes, signing up for a new online PA casino, or off to visit a casino for the first time, we created a glossary of common terms and what they mean as you become accustomed to popular casino games.
General Casino Terms
Here's a list of all the typical terms you could come across on any casino apps in PA:
Action
The total amount of money wagered.
Bankroll
The total amount of money a player sets aside for gambling.
Bet/Wager
The amount of money wagered on a game.
Bonuses/Promos
These are typically PA casino bonuses provided by an operator to entice you to sign up for their online casino.
Bonus Codes
A code provided by a casino for the user to become eligible for a bonus.
Cage
The cashier’s area in a casino.
Cold Streak
Periods of losing multiple hands in a row.
Comp
Complimentary rewards given by the casino to players (e.g., free meals, rooms).
Edge
The advantage the casino has over players in a game.
High Roller
A player who bets large amounts of money. At times also referred to as a "whale".
Hot Streak
Periods of winning multiple hands in a row.
House
The casino or establishment running the game.
House Edge
The mathematical advantage the casino/dealer has over players.
Jackpot
A large prize for hitting specific combinations. This casino term is used often in slots or progressive games
Odds
The probability of winning or losing in a specific bet/wager.
Payout Percentage (RTP)
The percentage of money returned to players over time
Progressive Jackpot
A jackpot that increases over time as more players play the game.
Toke/Tip
Gratuity given to dealers.
Table Game Terms
Here are some terms you'll commonly find at table games such as Texas Hold'em, Roulette, Baccarat, and more:
All-In (Poker)
Bet all of your remaining chips.
Ante
An initial wager required to join a card game like poker.
Bluff (Poker)
Attempting to deceive your opponent(s) into thinking you have a better hand than you do.
Bust (Blackjack)
When your hand total exceeds 21.
Check (Poker)
Passing on any actions to the next player.
Corner Bet (Roulette)
Bet that covers four numbers.
Learn More: Playing Roulette
Dealer/Croupier
The person managing the game, dealing cards, or spinning the roulette wheel.
Double Down (Blackjack)
Flop (Poker)
The first three community cards in Texas Hold'em.
Fold (Poker)
Giving up a hand and forfeiting any bets already placed.
Hit (Blackjack)
Request an additional card from the dealer.
Inside Bet (Roulette)
A bet placed on specific numbers.
Outside Bet (Roulette)
A bet placed on broader categories (e.g., red/black, odd/even).
Press
Increasing your bet after a win.
Push (Blackjack)
A tie between both the player and dealer.
River (Poker)
The fifth and final community card in Texas Hold'em.
Split (Blackjack)
Separating two identical cards into two different hands, creating two simultaneous bets.
Split Bet (Roulette)
Bet covering two numbers.
Stand (Blackjack)
Declining any additional cards.
Straight Up Bet (Roulette)
Bet on just a single number.
Craps Terms
One of the more unique casino games comes with some unique terms.
Comeout Roll
The first roll in a round of craps.
Don't Pass Bet
A bet against the shooter’s success.
Hard Way
Rolling a pair of identical numbers (e.g., 4-4 for an 8).
Pass Line Bet
A bet that wins if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11 on the come-out roll.
Pressing Bets
Increasing your bet on a specific number or outcome during the game
Shooter
Referred to the player rolling the dice.
Snake Eyes
Rolling two ones (1-1) on the dice.
Slots Terms
Jackpot
The highest possible payout on a slot machine.
Max Bet
The highest amount allowed to be wagered per spin.
Payline
A line across the reels that determines a winning combination.
Progressive Jackpot
A jackpot that increases over time as more players play the game.
Reel
The spinning part of a slot machine with symbols.
RNG (Random Number Generator)
The algorithm that determines slot machine outcomes.
