
Usually, players new to the gambling scene might find it challenging to learn all the casino terms they usually encounter at the table. Therefore, we believe a quick guide to the most common gambling lingo is necessary.
Thus, if you want to get some action at the table, you’ll need to understand the language of whales and high rollers. We recommend you stick with us until the end to discover fun facts about gambling and the glossary that you need so much to be part of the casino action. So, let’s roll.
- Action: This term refers to several things. It can mean the turn of play, how much cash you want to bet, or the total bets from a table. High rollers usually bring the “Action” to the table by putting down money and chips. It’s a term that’s part of the poker terminology.
- Bankroll: You refer to your funds this way. It refers to the amount of money you are ready to play, or you placed into your gambling budget.
- Buy-in: This is also a term specific to poker terminology with two meanings. The first one is about the action of exchanging cash for chips. The other refers to a fee allowing you to enter tournaments and play at certain tables.
- Blood Game: It refers to a high-stakes poker game. It is actually the opposite of a social game.
- Card Washing: A technique dealers use to shuffle cards and guarantee the randomization of the deck. The name comes from the procedure itself, as the dealers have to spread the cards face down on the table and muddle them with “washing” motions.
- Cold/Hot: Players use these terms for losing and winning streaks. You can learn more about these terms and an overview of the games you want to play in SlotsCalendar slot reviews.
- Double or Nothing: If your bet on red or black in roulette succeeds, your winnings double. However, if you lose, you walk away with nothing.
- Down and dirty: In seven-card stud poker, “down and dirty” means the last card dealt face down out of seven. It’s also used to describe aggressive betting and competition.
- El Paso: “I will pass”
- Eyes of Texas: In Texas Hold ’em poker, when a player’s initial two cards are both aces, it’s commonly referred to as “pocket rockets.”
- Fever: In Texas Hold ’em, “fever” refers to either a $5 card or a $5 bet. If a $5 appears in the game, the dealer might announce: “Fever in the north, and the doctor went south.”
- Fillet Gumbo: It’s another term for “Full House”.
- Face Cards: The group names for the picture cards are Jacks, Queens, and Kings.
- High Roller: It refers to gamblers who wager large sums of money and typically prefer higher-stakes bets, finding less enjoyment in lower-stakes wagers. They often receive special treatment, mainly if they are frequent visitors to a casino.
- House Edge: A casino’s obvious advantage over players is the house edge. On the other hand, the opposite concept is referred to as RTP or ‘return to player.’ This ensures that, in the long run, the casino generates profits from its services to cover operational costs like rent, cleaning services, and staff salaries.
- Juice: This fee, also known as the rake, the cut, the margin, or vig, is charged by the house for participation in games such as poker and craps.
- “Let it ride”: This is the title of a casino card game. “Let it ride” is also a phrase used by gamblers who leave their winning chips on the table in roulette, anticipating another win on the same number.
- Pit Boss/ Manager: This individual oversees table games within a designated area, ensuring smooth operations while supervising both players and dealers. They handle challenges such as disgruntled players and are regarded as authoritative figures within the casino environment, deserving of utmost respect.
- Whale: Wealthy punters aren’t always concerned about winning or losing. They’re just there for fun. And when casinos comp them, they don’t expect to pay for anything!
- Zombie: A poker player who keeps a straight face, shows no emotion, and reveals nothing about the cards they hold.
Here are just a few examples of the many casino slang words you might hear in gambling, whether you’re in a real casino or playing online.

You’ll learn what all these words mean and more as you keep gambling, but it’s a good idea to get to know them quickly. Being able to talk easily with other players and dealers can make your gambling experience better.
Next time you go to a casino or start playing games on your computer, try using one of these words. You’ll feel like an expert in no time.

