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.

Mastering this slang ensures you know exactly what is happening during fast-paced games.

Slang Related to Bankrolls and Bets

The term 'bankroll' refers strictly to the funds you are willing to risk on the casino floor.

If someone refers to a 'whale,' they are talking about an incredibly wealthy player who bets massive amounts.

• 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

Slang Used at the Tables and Slots

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

In Craps, the 'shooter' is the person currently rolling the dice, and a 'snake eyes' is a roll of two.

While it seems overwhelming at first, you will pick up this vocabulary very quickly once you start playing.