Gambling Glossary: Complete Dictionary of Casino and Betting Terms

The total amount of money wagered over a period of time. "Getting action" means having bets placed. A player with $500 in action has wagered $500 total, regardless of wins or losses.

Legal techniques that give players an edge over the house, such as card counting in blackjack or finding beatable promotions. Learn more in our guide to advantage play techniques.

A bet on whether a team will cover the point spread, not just win the game. A team can lose the game but win ATS if they lose by fewer points than the spread.

Betting all remaining chips on a single hand. In poker, going all-in means you can't be forced out of the hand by subsequent bets, though you can only win the pot up to your contribution.

A forced bet all players must make before cards are dealt, creating initial pot value. Antes are separate from blinds and typically smaller.

Betting on all outcomes of an event at different sportsbooks to guarantee profit regardless of result. Possible when odds discrepancies between books are large enough. See our arbitrage betting guide.

A card game comparing hands between "player" and "banker." Has one of the lowest house edges in the casino (1.06% on banker bet). See our baccarat rules and odds guide.

Losing a bet or hand that you were heavily favored to win, often due to unlikely circumstances. In poker, getting your aces cracked by a runner-runner flush is a bad beat.

The total funds set aside specifically for gambling. Proper bankroll management involves determining bet sizes based on bankroll to minimize risk of ruin.

The mathematically optimal play for every blackjack situation, considering your hand and dealer's upcard. Reduces house edge to about 0.5%. See our blackjack basic strategy guide.

A platform where bettors bet against each other rather than against a bookmaker. Betfair is the largest exchange. Exchanges charge commission on winning bets. See our betting exchanges guide.

The larger of two forced bets in poker, posted by the player two seats left of the dealer button. The big blind sets the minimum bet for the first round.

A card game where players try to beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over. Also refers to a hand of ace + 10-value card, which typically pays 3:2.

Promotional offers from casinos including deposit matches, free spins, or no-deposit offers. Most bonuses have wagering requirements that must be met before withdrawal. See our casino bonuses guide.

Short for sportsbook or bookmaker - an entity that accepts sports bets. Legal sportsbooks are licensed and regulated; illegal bookies operate outside the law.

In blackjack, exceeding 21 points results in an automatic loss called a bust. Dealers must hit until reaching 17, so they can bust too.

The amount required to enter a poker tournament or sit at a table game. Poker tournaments have fixed buy-ins; cash games have minimum and maximum buy-ins.

Tracking the ratio of high to low cards remaining in blackjack to gain an advantage. Legal but casinos can ban suspected counters. Part of advantage play.

An option to settle a bet early for less than the potential payout. Sportsbooks typically offer less than fair value on cash outs. See our cash out calculator.

The percentage of money wagered that the casino actually keeps. Different from house edge because it includes player behavior like poor strategy and chasing losses.

The favorite in a betting market. "Playing the chalk" means betting on favorites. Heavy chalk refers to a big favorite.

The final odds offered before an event starts. Beating the closing line consistently indicates betting skill. See our CLV guide.

Complimentary rewards casinos give players based on their action - free meals, rooms, show tickets, or cashback. See our comps and loyalty programs guide.

Winning against the point spread. If a team is -7 and wins by 8+, they covered. If they win by exactly 7, it's a push.

A dice game with numerous betting options. Pass Line and Don't Pass have low house edges (~1.4%), while proposition bets have very high edges. See our craps rules and odds guide.

Money in the pot from players who have folded. Also used to describe weak tournament players who are unlikely to win.

Odds format showing total return per unit staked. 2.50 decimal odds means $2.50 returned for every $1 bet ($1.50 profit + $1 stake). Common in Europe. See our odds formats guide.

The team or player expected to lose. Underdogs have positive odds (American) or odds greater than 2.00 (decimal).

In blackjack, doubling your bet after seeing your first two cards in exchange for receiving exactly one more card. Optimal on 10 or 11 against weak dealer cards.

A hand that needs one or more cards to become strong. A flush draw has four cards of the same suit and needs one more.

The total amount of cash and chips exchanged at a table game. The casino's win divided by the drop gives the hold percentage.

Betting on multiple selections in the same event with stakes calculated to return equal profit regardless of which selection wins. See our dutching calculator.

Any advantage one party has over another. The house edge is the casino's advantage; advantage players seek a player edge. Edge is typically expressed as a percentage.

A bet that pays 1:1 - you win the same amount you wagered. Also written as +100 (American), 2.00 (decimal), or 1/1 (fractional).

The average outcome of a bet if made many times. Calculated as (probability of winning × win amount) - (probability of losing × loss amount). See our EV guide and EV calculator.

Any bet beyond simple win/lose wagers. Includes parlays, teasers, props, and futures. Generally have higher house edge than straight bets.

The team or player expected to win. Favorites have negative American odds (-150) or decimal odds below 2.00 (like 1.67).

A weak, losing player. Skilled players seek tables with fish. Also called "donkey" or "whale" (if the fish has lots of money to lose).

Betting where the payout odds are agreed when the bet is placed and don't change, regardless of later odds movements.

Wagering the same amount on every bet regardless of outcomes. Considered the safest betting system for bankroll preservation.

To surrender your hand and forfeit any money already in the pot. You cannot win the pot after folding.

Odds expressed as a fraction (5/1, 6/4). Shows profit relative to stake. 5/1 means $5 profit for every $1 wagered. Traditional in UK horse racing.

A promotional bet where the sportsbook covers your stake. You keep the profit but not the stake if you win. Free bets have lower value than cash.

Bets on events that will be decided in the future, like championship winners or season award recipients. Your money is tied up until the event concludes.

The mistaken belief that past independent events affect future outcomes. Believing red is "due" after black comes up 10 times at roulette. Each spin is independent. See our gambling fallacies guide.

The percentage of wagering on a game that counts toward bonus playthrough. Slots typically count 100%; blackjack might count 10-20%; some games count 0%.

Methodically playing for small, consistent wins over time rather than seeking big scores. Professional poker players often grind.

Points added to or subtracted from a team's score for betting purposes. A -7 spread means the team must win by 8+ to cover.

The total amount wagered. A sportsbook's handle for Sunday NFL might be $50 million. Not the same as profit, which depends on outcomes.

One-on-one play between two players. Can refer to a tournament final or a dedicated heads-up format.

Placing a bet on the opposite side of an existing bet to guarantee profit or reduce risk. Common with futures bets as teams approach championships. See our hedge calculator.

A player who wagers large amounts. Also called a "whale." Casinos provide special treatment and perks to attract and retain high rollers. See our VIP programs guide.

In blackjack, to request another card. You can hit until you're satisfied with your hand or bust (exceed 21).

How often a slot machine produces any winning combination. A 30% hit frequency means roughly 30% of spins return something. See our slot mathematics guide.

The percentage of money wagered that the casino keeps. Higher than theoretical house edge because of player errors and behavior patterns.

The mathematical advantage the casino has, expressed as a percentage of each bet. A 2% house edge means the casino expects to keep $2 of every $100 wagered long-term. Use our house edge calculator.

The ratio of what you expect to win on future streets if you hit your hand, compared to what it costs to continue now. Important for drawing hands.

The probability of an outcome implied by the betting odds. -200 odds imply 66.7% probability; +200 implies 33.3%. Comparing implied to true probability reveals value.

Betting on events while they're in progress. Odds change in real-time based on game developments. See our live betting guide.

A side bet in blackjack offered when the dealer shows an ace. Pays 2:1 if dealer has blackjack. Mathematically a poor bet for most players.

The top prize in a game, especially slots. Progressive jackpots grow with each bet until won. See our progressive jackpot guide.

Another term for vig - the commission sportsbooks charge on bets. Standard juice on spreads is 10% (-110 odds on both sides). See our vig calculator.

A formula for calculating optimal bet size based on edge and odds to maximize long-term bankroll growth. Full Kelly is aggressive; many use fractional Kelly. See our Kelly calculator.

An unpaired card used to break ties when players have the same hand. If both players have a pair of aces, the highest kicker wins.

On betting exchanges, to bet against an outcome (acting as a bookmaker). Also used to describe betting on favorites ("laying points").

The maximum bet a sportsbook or casino will accept. Sharps get limited quickly. Recreational players rarely hit limits.

The odds or point spread on a game. "What's the line?" means "What are the current odds?" Lines move based on betting action and information.

Online casino games dealt by real humans via video stream. Combines online convenience with traditional casino atmosphere. See our live dealer guide.

A bet claimed to be a sure winner. In reality, no bet is truly a lock - injuries, weather, and randomness affect all outcomes.

Continuing to gamble specifically to recover previous losses. A dangerous behavior that typically leads to larger losses. See our loss chasing guide.

A betting system where you double your bet after each loss to recover losses plus one unit profit. Fails due to table limits, bankroll limits, and exponential risk. See our betting systems guide.

Betting both sides of a line after it moves, creating a chance to win both bets if the final score lands in the "middle." Example: Bet Team A -3, then later bet Team B +5. If Team A wins by 4, you win both.

A bet on which team will win straight up, without a point spread. Favorites require risking more to win less; underdogs pay more for smaller stakes.

To fold and return cards to the dealer face down without showing. Also refers to the pile of discarded cards.

In blackjack, an ace plus a 10-value card dealt as the initial two cards (21). In baccarat, an 8 or 9 total on the first two cards.

A bet that loses money on average over time. All standard casino bets are -EV due to the house edge.

A casino bonus that doesn't require a deposit. Usually has high wagering requirements and withdrawal limits. See our no-deposit bonus guide.

The best possible hand given the board cards. "I had the nuts" means having an unbeatable hand at that moment.

The ratio expressing the likelihood of an event and determining the payout. Can be expressed as American (+150), decimal (2.50), or fractional (3/2).

When a sportsbook removes betting options for an event, usually due to injury news or other factors requiring line reassessment.

Cards remaining in the deck that would improve your hand to a likely winner. A flush draw typically has 9 outs.

A bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a specified number set by the sportsbook.

British term for vig or margin. The amount by which implied probabilities exceed 100%. A market with 105% overround has 5% built-in margin.

A single bet combining multiple selections where all must win for the bet to pay. Higher payouts but lower probability. See our parlay calculator.

The most common bet in craps. Wins on 7 or 11 on the come-out roll; loses on 2, 3, or 12. Has a 1.41% house edge.

In blackjack, a hand totaling 17-21 that doesn't need another card. Players should typically stand on pat hands.

A line on a slot machine across which winning symbol combinations must appear. Modern slots can have 1 to 1000+ paylines.

Same as RTP - the percentage of wagered money returned to players over time. A 95% payout means 5% house edge. See our payout percentage guide.

A game where neither team is favored - the spread is 0. You're simply picking which team wins.

A casino supervisor overseeing a group of table games. Handles disputes, approves large bets, and monitors for cheating or advantage play.

The margin of victory a favorite must exceed to win the bet. Team A -6.5 must win by 7+ to cover.

The total chips/money available to win in a poker hand. Players contribute to the pot through antes, blinds, and bets.

The ratio of the current pot size to the cost of calling a bet. Used to determine whether calling is mathematically profitable. See our pot odds calculator.

A jackpot that increases each time the game is played until won. Can reach millions of dollars across networked machines.

A proposition bet on specific outcomes within a game, like player statistics or whether something specific will happen. See our prop bets guide.

A tie where no money changes hands and the original bet is returned. In blackjack, when player and dealer have the same total. In sports, when the final margin equals the spread exactly.

The commission the house takes from each poker pot, typically 2.5-10% up to a cap. The rake is how poker rooms make money.

The software that determines outcomes in online casino games. Tested and certified by regulators to ensure fairness. See our RNG guide and game fairness article.

The probability of losing your entire bankroll. Depends on edge, variance, and bet sizing. See our risk of ruin calculator.

Profit or loss expressed as a percentage of money wagered. A 5% ROI means earning $5 for every $100 bet over time.

Wagering requirements on bonuses - how many times you must bet the bonus amount before withdrawing. 30x rollover on a $100 bonus means wagering $3,000 total. See our wagering requirements calculator.

The percentage of wagered money a game returns to players over time. A 96% RTP means 4% house edge. Higher RTP is better for players.

Needing the turn AND river cards to make your hand. Runner-runner flush requires two more cards of your suit.

Voluntarily banning yourself from gambling venues or sites. Programs like GAMSTOP facilitate this. See our self-exclusion guide.

A professional, sophisticated bettor who consistently wins. Sportsbooks limit or ban sharps. Sharp money moves lines.

A device holding multiple decks of cards for dealing. Blackjack typically uses 6-8 deck shoes. Deeper into the shoe = better for card counters.

When remaining players reveal their cards after all betting to determine the winner.

Optional additional wagers in table games, like Perfect Pairs in blackjack. Usually have much higher house edges than main bets. See our side bets guide.

A blackjack hand containing an ace counted as 11. Soft 17 (A-6) can't bust with one more card since the ace can become 1.

In blackjack, dividing a pair into two separate hands, each with its own bet. Basic strategy dictates when to split.

See Point Spread. Also used in card counting to describe the range between minimum and maximum bets.

A recreational bettor who bets casually without sophisticated analysis. Opposite of sharp. Squares tend to bet favorites and overs.

The amount of money wagered on a bet. Your stake is at risk until the bet is settled.

In blackjack, to keep your current total and take no more cards.

Rapid line movement caused by heavy betting, often from sharp syndicates. Steam moves can shift lines by several points quickly.

A simple bet on one outcome - a moneyline, spread, or total. No parlays or other complications. The most basic sports bet.

In blackjack, giving up half your bet to forfeit the hand without playing. Advantageous in specific situations like 16 vs dealer 10.

A parlay where you get extra points on each spread in exchange for lower payouts. A 6-point teaser moves each spread 6 points in your favor.

A physical or behavioral cue that reveals information about a player's hand. Skilled players hide tells and read opponents'.

The amount a casino expects a player to lose based on their action and the house edge. Used to calculate comps. See our comp calculator.

Emotional state leading to poor decision-making, usually after bad beats or losses. On tilt, players make irrational bets. See our tilt guide.

A tip for casino dealers. Some players place bets for dealers; others tip after winning sessions.

See Over/Under. The combined score of both teams that bettors wager will be over or under.

Odds that accurately reflect actual probability with no house edge. A coin flip's true odds are 1:1. Casino odds are worse than true odds. See our true odds calculator.

A bet that the total combined score will be less than the posted number.

A standardized bet size, typically 1-2% of bankroll. Tracking results in units allows comparison across different bet sizes. See our betting unit calculator.

In blackjack, the dealer's face-up card visible to players. Basic strategy decisions depend heavily on the upcard.

A bet with positive expected value - where the odds offered are better than the true probability. Sharps constantly seek value.

The statistical measure of how results deviate from expected value in the short term. High variance means bigger swings. See our variance guide and slot variance simulator.

The commission sportsbooks charge on bets, built into the odds. Standard vig is -110 on spreads (bet $110 to win $100). Lower vig = better for bettors.

How much and how often a slot pays out. High volatility = rare but large wins. Low volatility = frequent small wins. Related to variance.

The amount you must bet before withdrawing bonus money. 30x wagering on $100 means betting $3,000 total before cashing out.

A very high roller who bets extremely large amounts. Casinos compete aggressively for whales with comps and perks.

A card that can substitute for any other card to form winning combinations. Common in video poker variants like Deuces Wild.

The percentage of bets won. Different from profitability - you can have a 40% win rate and still profit if your wins pay more than your losses cost.

US federal law originally targeting interstate sports betting. Later interpretations affected online gambling legality. See the Department of Justice opinion for details.