Entering a casino can feel like stepping into a foreign land. Casinos have their own unique language and customs which, to an outsider, can seem like a gibberish from Mars.
From blackjack and roulette to craps, poker and slot games for real money, each game comes has its own set of terms and phrases that can seem confusing to newcomers. You can make your way around the casino if you don’t understand the different terms but it’s not as fun – and you might miss out on some valuable information that would enhance your gaming adventure.
Regardless of whether you’re playing at a land-based or online casino there are some common casino terms that you should know. Becoming familiar with these terms can help you to more successfully navigate the exhilarating world of gambling.
House Edge
The “house edge”, also called the “casino advantage,” refers to the casino’s statistical advantage that it has over players for each game. A game’s house edge represents the percentage of every wager that the casino expects to win in the long run.
The house edge differs, depending on which game is being played. Some games have a higher house edge while others have a lower house edge. In general, games where the results are completely random, like scratch cards and slot machines, have a house edge that ranges from 5% to 25% (or more).
Games like blackjack, poker and baccarat, which involve an element of player skill and decision-making, generally have lower house edges, typically around 1% or even less.
Return to Player
Every electronic gaming machine at the casino is built with a computer algorithm, called a Return to Player, that ensures that the outcomes of every spin of the reels, every deal of the deck and every throw of the dice are random and unpredictable.
Players rely on this software to ensure all moves are independent and unpredictable so that the game is completely fair. Games’ RTPs are checked periodically by licensing and regulatory authorities to guarantee that they are functioning properly.
Volatility
volatility refers to potential fluctuations in winnings and the level of risk associated with a particular game.
These elements change over time and the volatility of a game (also called “variance”) is an indication of what the player can expect. A high volatility game typically offers larger potential payouts but with less frequent wins, while a low volatility game tends to offer smaller, more frequent wins, but the potential for large payouts is reduced. A game’s volatility is especially noticeable in slots so gamers who prefer the excitement of big wins and are prepared to sit out long losing streaks generally prefer high volatility games.
Conversely, players who prefer a lower-risk game with more consistent wins are likely to gravitate towards low volatility games.
Comp Points
Casino comp points are loyalty points or reward points that the casino awards to players for their gaming activity. Gamers earn comp points when they wager real money on casino games. The number and value of the comp points that are given out by the casino are based on the amount of money wagered, the number of games played and the length of time spent playing.
You earn comp points when you place real money deposits on casino games. The higher your bet, the more points you’ll earn. In general, you get more comp points for games like poker and blackjack. Once you accumulate a specific number of comp points you can convert them into rewards such as bonus credits, cashback deals, free spins and casino cash.
If you’re playing at a land-based casino you can often use your comp points for discounts on meals and accommodations. . Sometimes you can unlock additional perks and benefits like bigger bonuses for crypto deposits, faster withdrawals and higher deposit limits.
Before you begin to play, review the terms and conditions of your casino’s loyalty program so you’re prepared for what you need to do to earn comp points, how you can redeem your comp points and what restrictions there may be on comp point conversions.
Bankroll
A player's bankroll refers to the amount of money that the individual has set aside for gambling. Players need to learn to manage their bankroll wisely so that they stay in control of their finances and avoid excessive losses.
Each individual player must keep track of their bankroll by planning out their initial investment of money that they will put towards their gambling pastime, managing their finances by setting win and loss limits and adjusting betting sizes based on the bankroll’s size and planning for the gaming session’s end when the bankroll runs out.
The effective management of one’s bankroll is the key to maintaining a healthy relationship between financial responsibility and entertainment.
High Roller
A high roller is a player who deposits large sums of money on his bets and receives special treatment and perks in return. VIP players enjoy exclusive rewards and privileges. Read the casino’s Terms and Conditions to learn how you can join the VIP Club and what is expected of you if you join.
Progressive Jackpot
A progressive jackpot is a continuously growing prize pool that accumulates as gamers from around the world, who are all playing the exact same game, make bets on that game. This side bet goes into a special jackpot pool and when one player hits the jackpot trigger, he collects the entire jackpot prize.
It's important to understand the language of casino if you’re going to maximize your casino visit. Familiarize yourself with these common terms and phrases so that you can more easily and effectively navigate the gaming floor. Top of Form
