Walking into a casino can feel like entering a foreign country where everyone speaks a completely different language.
Before sitting down at a high-stakes table, you should familiarize yourself with these common phrases.
Basic Betting and Money Slang
Your ‘bankroll’ is your gaming budget, and protecting it should be your top priority.
Conversely, a ‘grinder’ is a player who makes small bets over a long period to slowly build a profit.
- 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
Important Phrases for Specific Games
At the blackjack table, a ‘hard hand’ is any hand that does not contain an Ace acting as an 11.
In Craps, the ‘shooter’ is the person currently rolling the dice, and a ‘snake eyes’ is a roll of two.
| Term | Game | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Shoe | Blackjack/Baccarat | The box that holds the decks of cards |
| Pit Boss | All Table Games | The supervisor monitoring a group of tables |
Do not be afraid to ask the dealer to explain a term if you are confused; they are there to help.