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.

Basic Betting and Money Slang

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


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
Game-Specific Terminology

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.

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.