Decoding Casino Slang: A Glossary For New Players

Walking into a casino can feel like entering a foreign country where everyone speaks a completely different language.


Learning this terminology will not only make you sound like a pro but also help you avoid costly misunderstandings.

Slang Related to Bankrolls and Bets

Your 'bankroll' is your gaming budget, and protecting it should be your top priority.


A 'high roller' or 'whale' is a VIP gambler who wagers tens of thousands of dollars per hand.

A 'marker' is basically an IOU or a line of credit extended by the casino'Action' refers to the total amount of money wagered over a specific period'Vig' or 'Vigorish' is the fee the house takes on certain bets
Game-Specific Terminology

When playing 21, the term 'bust' indicates that a hand has gone over the maximum limit and lost.


At the craps table, rolling a seven after the point is established is known as 'sevening out'.

TermGameDefinitionShoeBlackjack/BaccaratThe box that holds the decks of cardsPit BossAll Table GamesThe supervisor monitoring a group of tables

Knowing the lingo adds an extra layer of enjoyment and authenticity to your gambling experience.