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.

Common Financial Terms in the Casino

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


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
Important Phrases for Specific Games

In Blackjack, 'busting' means your card total has exceeded 21, resulting in an automatic loss.


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

Slang WordContextMeaningEye in the SkySecurityThe network of cameras watching the floorEdgeMathematicsThe casino's statistical advantage

Do not be afraid to ask the dealer to explain a term if you are confused; they are there to help.