Gambling Terms: Your Complete Online Casino Glossary

If you’re new to online casinos, there are plenty of casino terms to learn! But with our A to Z glossary, you’ll find everything you need to get started.

We’ll guide you through the gambling slang you’re likely to come across, whether you’re playing online pokies, table games, making a sports bet and much more. Whether you’re ready to place your first bet or want to learn about poker tournaments or strategy-based table games, we’ve got you! This guide covers the most essential gambling terminology in the Aussie online casino industry.

Below is our comprehensive A to Z list of the most common gambling terms, casino slang, and betting phrases every Aussie player should know. From bonus hunting to bankroll management, and everything in between, consider this page as your go-to gambling dictionary!

A-Z of Gambling Terms

A

ABC Poker: A predictable and straightforward poker style that relies on basic strategies, avoiding overly risky or creative plays. Typically used to describe conservative or beginner-level gameplay.
Accumulator (Acca): A popular bet in sports betting where multiple selections are combined into a single wager. All selections must win for the bet to pay out, meaning higher risk but potentially higher returns.
Aces: In craps, this term refers to a bet that the next roll will be a 2 (a pair of ones).
Across the Board: A horse racing bet combining three separate wagers on a horse to win, place, and show. If the horse wins, all three bets are paid out.
Action: Common in blackjack, roulette, and online poker. Can refer to a player’s turn, the total money wagered, or active gameplay at a table.
Active Player: Used in poker to describe a player still actively playing.
Add-on: Used in poker tournaments to refer to additional chips players can purchase during the game.
Advantage Player: A player who uses skill or knowledge to gain an edge over the casino (legally). For example, card counters, bonus hunters, or players who leverage optimal strategy and promotions.
Against the Spread (ATS): A sports betting term describing a wager that accounts for the point spread. Bettors predict the margin by which a team will win or lose, instead of just picking a winner.
Aggregate Limit: The maximum total payout a casino will allow for a specific bet or event.
All-In: When a poker player bets all their remaining chips. This high-stakes move forces your opponent to match the amount or fold.
Ante: A small, mandatory bet required before a hand starts in poker and some blackjack variants. The ante helps to build the pot.
Arbitrage: In sports betting, this strategy involves placing bets on all possible outcomes using different bookmakers. The goal is to guarantee a profit regardless of the result.
Auto Cashout: A feature in crash games and some online pokies where players can set a multiplier or win value to cash out their bet automatically.
Autoplay: A feature found in online pokies (and some Slingo games) that lets players automatically spin the reels for a set number of rounds.
Average RTP: Refers to the typical Return to Player percentage for a specific game type. For example, most pokies have an average RTP of 95%–96%.

B

Baccarat: A classic card game where players bet on whether the player hand (Punto), banker hand (Banco), or a tie will win. The aim is to get as close to nine as possible.
Backdoor: A poker term for making a winning hand using the turn and river cards.
Backed: A bettor is said to have backed a team or player if they placed a wager in their favour – popular in sports betting.
Backroll: Funds a third party provides, usually in high-stakes poker games. The player plays on behalf of the backer, who takes a cut of the profits.
Bad Beat: A term used when a strong hand loses to an even stronger hand, even though it’s statistically favoured to win. Often leads to intense emotional reactions in poker!
Balance: The amount of money in a player’s online casino account that’s available for betting.
Banco: The banker bet in baccarat. It can also refer to the casino in some cases.
Banker: The dealer or the person controlling the bankroll during a game.
Bankroll: The amount of money players put aside for gambling online.
Barred: Refers to a player being banned or excluded from an online gambling platform. Typically happens due to suspected cheating or violating the casino’s terms of service.
Bet: A wager placed on the outcome of a game, match, spin, or hand.
Bet Limit: The minimum and maximum amounts players can wager on specific casino games.
Bet Max (Max Bet): The highest amount a player can wager on a single spin or hand. Many online casinos and bonus features require players to make a maximum bet to unlock the full payout potential.
Beginner’s Luck: Used to describe when a new player gets a string of wins early on.
Bingo: A game where players match randomly drawn numbers to a card. The goal is to complete a winning pattern.
Bingo Board: The visual display that shows which numbers have been drawn in a bingo game.
Bingo Bonus: An online casino bonus that provides extra funds or free tickets to play bingo games.
Blackjack: One of the most widely played card games at online casinos (and physical casinos). The aim is to reach 21 without exceeding it.
Blind Bet: A mandatory poker bet placed by one or more players before any cards are dealt.
Blinds: Refers to the small and big blind bets placed before cards are dealt in poker games.
Blocker: A card held by a player that reduces the chance of an opponent having a strong hand. It’s useful if you’re using a bluffing strategy.
Bluff: A tactic used to represent a stronger hand than a player has. The goal is to force your opponent to fold.
Bonus: An incentive online casinos offer, like free spins, cashback, or matched deposits, to encourage players to sign-up or make regular deposits.
Bonus Buy: A feature in many online pokies that lets players buy immediate access to a bonus round, without having to wait.
Bonus Hunt: A strategy where players accumulate bonuses in multiple games and open them simultaneously. These are popular with YouTube streamers!
Bonus Round: A special mini-game or feature when playing an online pokie triggered by specific symbols. These rounds often include free spins, multipliers, or additional wilds.
Bookmaker (Bookie): A person or organisation that accepts and pays out bets on sporting and other events with pre-agreed odds.
Bottom Paid: A poker term that refers to a pair made using the lowest card on the board.
Breaking the Bank: Refers to a player winning a large amount, or the casino reaching its payout limit for a game or table.
Broadway: A straight made up of A-K-Q-J-10. This is one of the best straights you can get in poker.
Burn Card: In poker, this is the card discarded by the dealer before dealing community cards.
Bust: In blackjack, busting is when a player’s hand exceeds 21, which means an automatic loss.
Buy-In: The amount of money a player has to pay to be able to enter an online gambling tournament or cash game.

C

Cage: The banking or cashier section at an online casino where deposits and withdrawals are processed.
Calling: In poker, calling means matching the current bet to stay in the hand.
Cap: A limit on the number of raises allowed during a betting round in limit poker games.
Card Counting: A legal strategy used primarily in blackjack to track which cards have been dealt to gain an edge over the house.
Card Washing: A technique where the dealer spreads cards face down and mixes them before shuffling, often used in live casinos.
Caribbean Stud: A version of poker where players compete against the dealer rather than other players. Uses five-card stud rules.
Cascading Reels: A popular pokie feature where winning symbols disappear and are replaced by new ones. This allows multiple wins in a single spin and can be known as tumbling reels or avalanche feature.
Cashback: A promo offered by online casinos where players receive a percentage of their losses back. This is either given as bonus credit or withdrawable cash.
Cash Bonus: A bonus given when you make a deposit. Given in cash or bonus funds, usually with wagering requirements.
Cash Out: The process of withdrawing winnings or active bets. Some platforms offer a ‘cashout’ button to end bets early, particularly in sports betting and crash games.
Chalk: A gambling slang term for the favourite in sports betting.
Check: In poker, checking means passing the action to the next player without placing a bet.
Chemin De Fer: A French version of baccarat, where players take turns being the banker.
Chinese Poker: A poker variant where players are dealt 13 cards divided into three hands.
Chips: The currency used at physical and online casino tables. Chips represent different monetary values.
Chop: When a pot is split between players due to identical hands or a tournament agreement.
Circled Game: In sports betting, this is a game where the bookmaker limits betting because of uncertainties like player injuries.
Cold Deck: A poker term for a deck that seems to deliver bad cards consistently. It can also refer to rigged or manipulated decks.
Cold Streak: A term used when a player has an extended losing run.
Colour Up: When you exchange smaller denomination chips for bigger ones.
Combination Bet: A bet that combines multiple outcomes in a single wager, like a forecast or tricast in racing.
Commission: A fee taken by the casino on certain games, like the 5% commission on banker bets in baccarat.
Community Cards: Cards dealt face-up in the centre of the table, shared by all players in games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
Comp Points (Comps): Loyalty rewards earned through real-money play.
Complete Bet: In stud poker, this is the first full bet a player makes following the bring-in.
Continuation Bet (C-Bet): A follow-up bet made by the player who raised pre-flop in poker, regardless of whether the flop improved their hand.
Corner Bet: In roulette, a bet that covers four numbers placed at the intersection of the numbers on the layout.
Crash Game: A fast-paced online casino game where a multiplier increases and players must cash out before the game ‘crashes’. The longer they wait, the higher the reward — but the risk is losing the entire bet. Learn more about crash games.
Credits: Units used to represent currency or bet sizes in online pokies and video slots.
Croupier: The French term for a dealer. You’re likely to see this in roulette and baccarat.
Cut: Dividing the deck before dealing cards in table games.
Cycle: In pokies, this refers to the average number of spins required for a jackpot or bonus round to appear.

D

D’Alembert Strategy: A progressive betting system used in roulette where players increase their bet after a loss and decrease it after a win.
Dead Heat: In sports or horse racing, when two or more participants tie for a finishing position.
Deal: The distribution of cards to players.
Dealer: The person responsible for dealing cards and managing gameplay during live casino streams at online casino sites.
Deck: A standard set of 52 playing cards in most casino card games.
Deposit: When a player adds money to their online casino account.
Deposit Method: The banking method used to deposit money into an online casino account. For example, PayID, Visa, Mastercard, e-wallets, bank transfers, crypto etc.
Dime: Sports betting slang for making a $1,000 wager.
Discard Tray: A tray the dealer uses to hold played and discarded cards.
Dollars: A slang term for betting $100.
Dolly: A roulette marker that shows the winning number after a spin.
Dominate: In poker, a hand is said to dominate another when it has a big advantage — for example, AK dominates AQ.
Don’t Come Bet: In craps, a bet against the shooter. Wins if the shooter rolls a 7 before the point number.
Double: In craps, a wager that the next roll will be a specific double (e.g., two 4s).
Double Down: In blackjack, the option to double your bet after you get your first two cards, in exchange for only getting one more card.
Double or Nothing: A bet where you either double your winnings or lose it all, often used in even-money wagers like red/black in roulette.
Draw: When a poker player hopes to complete a hand by receiving one of a few remaining cards.
Drawing Dead: Where no card in a poker match can improve a player’s hand enough to win.
Drop: The total amount of money exchanged for chips or taken in by the casino.
Drop Percentage: The percentage of the drop that the casino keeps as profit.
Dry Board: In poker, a flop with unconnected cards that makes it unlikely any player has hit a strong hand.
Duo: In craps, a bet on two specific numbers appearing on the roll of three dice.

E

Easy Way: A number that is rolled as a non-double in a craps game. For example, a 4 made with a 3 and 1 (instead of two 2s).
Edge: The advantage the casino or player has over the other. Also referred to as ‘house edge’ or ‘player edge’.
Eighty-Sixed (86’d): Gambling slang for being banned from a casino, usually because a player has broken the house rules or there’s been some suspicious behaviour.
En Prison: A roulette rule used in European versions that lets players recover their even-money bets if the ball lands on zero.
Encryption: The technology online casinos use to secure user data and financial transactions, ensuring privacy and protection from hackers.
Equity: In poker, equity is a player’s share of the pot based on the probability of a winning hand.
Even Money Bet: A wager that pays out 1:1 — such as betting on red or black in roulette.
Expected Value (EV): A mathematical calculation showing the average amount a player can expect to win or lose per bet, over the long term.
Exposure: The total amount a casino or sportsbook stands to lose on a specific event.

F

Face Cards: The King, Queen, and Jack of any suit. Each one is worth 10 points in blackjack.
Favourite: In sports betting, the team or sports person expected to win (usually offers lower payouts).
Fill-Up: In poker, when a player hits a full house (see below).
Fish: A casual or inexperienced player, especially in poker, who makes poor betting decisions and loses cash.
Fixed Odds: A betting format where the payout is determined when the bet is placed.
Flat Betting: A strategy where the player consistently bets the same amount regardless of wins or losses.
Flop: In community card poker games like Texas Hold’em, the first three shared cards are dealt face-up.
Flush: A poker hand comprising five cards of the same suit, regardless of numerical order.
Fold: To discard a poker hand and forfeit the round.
Free Bet: A sports betting promo that lets players place a bet without risking their own money.
Free Spins: A popular online pokie feature where players are awarded spins at no cost, usually tied to bonus rounds or promo offers.
Freeroll: A free to enter tournament (usually in poker) with real prize money or rewards.
Full House: A strong poker hand with three cards of one rank and two cards of another (e.g., three 7s and two 10s).
Futures Bet: A wager on the outcome of a future event, like predicting which team win the AFL Grand Final early on in the season.

G

Gambler’s Fallacy: The false belief that past random outcomes influence future ones. For example, assuming a roulette wheel will hit red after landing on several blacks in a row.
Garbage Hand: A weak starting hand in poker with little to no improvement potential.
Grind: A slow and steady strategy of playing low-stakes games to build up a bankroll over time.
Gross Winnings: The total amount won from a bet before subtracting the stake or associated fees.
Guaranteed Prize Pool (GPP): In poker tournaments, this is the minimum total prize pool guaranteed by the casino, no matter how many players enter.
Guide Bet: A strategic wager aligned with a specific betting system, like the Martingale or Fibonacci system.
Gun (Poker): Gambling slang for a skilled or aggressive player, also known as a ‘shark’.
Gutshot: A type of straight draw in poker where only one specific rank can complete the straight. Also known as an inside straight draw.
Game of Chance: A gambling game where the outcome is random, rather than skill-based. For example, online pokies, roulette, and crash games.
Game of Skill: A game where the outcome is heavily influenced by the player’s choices and strategies. For example, poker or sports betting using informed analysis.

H

Half-Time Bet: A wager placed on the outcome of only the second half of a sporting game.
Hand: The cards a player holds in a casino game like poker or blackjack.
Hand History: A record of all actions and results in an online poker hand, which players can use to review and analyse strategy.
Handicapping: The process of analysing and predicting the outcome of a sports event using stats, trends, and other factors to improve betting accuracy.
Handle: The total amount of money wagered by all players on a specific event or at a casino.
Hard Hand: In blackjack, a hand without an ace or with an ace valued as 1. Hard hands are riskier because they can’t adjust in value.
Heads-Up: A one-on-one poker match between two players. Also refers to when only two players are still in the hand.
Hedging: A strategy where a player puts a second bet on the opposite outcome of their original bet, to help lessen the risk or lock in profit.
High Card: The card with the highest value in a player’s poker hand, when no combinations are made.
High Roller: A player who regularly bets large amounts of money. Also known as a whale.
Hi-Lo: A side bet in blackjack where players predict whether their total will be above or below a specific number.
Hit: To request another card in a game of blackjack.
Hole Cards: The face-down cards dealt to each player in games like Texas Hold’em or the dealer in blackjack.
Hot Streak: When a player has a run of consecutive wins, they’re on a ‘hot streak’.
House: The online casino or gambling operator.
House Edge: The statistical advantage the casino has over the player. Expressed as a percentage of every bet the casino expects to keep over time.

I

Implied Odds: Refer to a poker player’s estimated odds for winning a bigger pot in future betting rounds if they hit their drawing hand.
In the Money (ITM): A poker term meaning a player has reached a paying position in a tournament.
Inside Bet: In roulette, a bet placed on the numbered portion of the layout, including straight-up, split, street, and corner bets.
Inside Straight Draw: A draw where one specific card is needed to complete a straight. Also called a gutshot draw.
Insurance: In blackjack, a side bet is offered when the dealer shows an ace. It pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack.
Instant Win Game: A game where there’s an instant outcome, like scratch cards or crash games.
Interval Game: A game that requires betting on events at set intervals. For example, horse races or game show-style casino games.

J

Jackpot: A large prize pool in games like online pokies, often progressive and growing until it goes off.
Jackpot Slot: A pokie machine with a top prize, which can be fixed or progressive.
Jacks or Better: A popular video poker variant where the minimum winning hand is a pair of jacks.
Juice: Also known as vig or vigorish, the commission taken by a bookmaker for accepting a bet.
Junket: A VIP program or casino package that includes travel, accommodation, and entertainment for high-rollers, often used to attract big spenders.
Just for Fun Mode: A feature that allows players to try out a casino game without risking real money. Also regularly known as demo or practice mode.

K

Keno: A lottery-style game where players choose numbers hoping they’ll match those randomly drawn. Popular at pubs, online casinos, and clubs across Australia. Play Keno online.
Key Number: In sports betting, a score that frequently appears as a final margin — like 3 or 7 in American football — used to assess risk in point spread bets.
King Ticket: In Keno, a ticket where one number (the king) is used in multiple groups or combinations.
Knockout Tournament: A poker tournament where players receive a bounty for eliminating others.
Kicker: The side card used in poker to break ties between hands with similar combinations.
Kill Pot: A mandatory bet triggered after a player wins consecutive pots, increasing the stakes.
Keep It Simple (KIS): A gambling strategy prioritising straightforward bets and basic principles to keep the game simple.

L

Ladder Bet: A betting strategy where you reinvest your winnings into progressively riskier bets to try to build a bigger payout.
Lay Bet: In sports betting, a bet placed against a certain outcome. In craps, it refers to betting that a specific number won’t be rolled before a 7.
Laying the Odds: A type of bet in craps that pays true odds and carries no house edge, placed behind a Pass or Don’t Pass bet.
Limit: The minimum or maximum a player can bet on a table.
Line: The odds or point spread a sportsbook sets for a specific game or sporting event.
Linemaker: A sportsbook employee who sets and adjusts betting lines based on betting activity and risk exposure.
Live Dealer: A real dealer who hosts a casino game streamed in real time, offering interactive gameplay just like visiting a physical casino.
Loyalty Program: A rewards program for players offering benefits based on their level of activity. Often includes cashback, bonuses, and VIP perks.
Loose Slot: A pokie machine that’s believed to offer more frequent payouts than others.
Lowball: A poker variant where the lowest hand wins.
Lump Sum: A one-time payment, typically offered in lotteries as an alternative to annuity payments.

M

Main Pot: In poker, the central pot that all players can win. Side pots are created when one or more players go all-in.
Martingale System: A betting strategy where a player doubles their bet after every loss, aiming to recover previous losses with a single win.
Match Bonus: A common type of casino bonus that matches a player’s deposit up to a certain percentage.
Max Bet: The highest amount a player can wager on a single round or spin.
Maximum Payout: The most money a casino will let you win or withdraw from a single bet, promo, or bonus.
Megaways: A popular online pokies mechanic with thousands of potential paylines that change with every spin.
Middle: In sports betting, a bettor can win both sides of a wager by betting on different lines.
Mini Game: A smaller bonus round or side feature in an online pokies game that’s triggered within the base game.
Minimum Bet: The smallest amount required to play a casino game.
Multi-Hand: A type of video poker or blackjack game that lets players play multiple hands simultaneously.
Multiplier: A feature in many online pokies and Slingo games that increases winnings by a fixed factor.

N

Natural: In blackjack, a two-card hand worth 21. In baccarat, a two-card total of 8 or 9.
Net Winnings: The total profit after subtracting losses and stakes from total winnings.
No Action: A wager that the sportsbook cancels because of an unexpected event, like a postponed game.
No Deposit Bonus: A bonus awarded without having to make a deposit, usually for new players. Typically comes with strict wagering requirements.
No Limit: A poker structure that lets players bet any amount of chips at any time.
Nosebleed Stakes: Extremely high betting limits, usually seen in elite poker games.
Number Pool: The range of numbers available to bet on in lottery-style games like Keno or Bingo.

O

Odds: The likelihood of a specific outcome occurring determines a winning bet’s payout. It can often be expressed as fractions (2/1), decimals (3.00), or moneyline (+200).
Off the Board: When a sportsbook temporarily removes an event from betting because of uncertainties like an injury or weather.
Off-Suit: Cards of different suits in poker.
Omaha: A poker version like Texas Hold’em, but players receive four hole cards and must use exactly two with three community cards.
On Tilt: Describes a player who is frustrated or emotional, often resulting in poor decisions or aggressive betting.
Open-Ended Straight Draw: A hand where one of two cards can complete a straight at either end (e.g., 5-6-7-8 can be completed with a 4 or 9).
Outside Bet: In roulette, bets are placed on the outer edge of the betting layout. These include red/black, odd/even, and high/low. They usually have lower payouts but higher win probability.
Overlay: When a poker tournament’s guaranteed prize pool exceeds the total buy-ins collected. It means more added value for players.

P

Pair: Two cards of the same rank in a poker game. Also refers to a hand containing that combination.
Parlay: A single bet that links two or more wagers; all bets must win for the parlay to pay out. Offers high payouts but more risk.
Pass Line Bet: The most basic wager in craps. Wins if the come-out roll is 7 or 11, and loses if it’s 2, 3, or 12.
Payout: The amount of money returned to a player after a winning bet.
Payout Percentage: Also known as RTP (Return to Player), this figure is the average amount a casino game pays back to players over time.
Paytable: A chart that shows the payouts for different combinations in an online pokies or video poker game.
Penny Slot: A pokie where bets can start as low as $0.01 per line, though minimum total bets are often higher.
Perfect Pairs: A blackjack side bet that pays out when the first two cards are a pair.
Pick’em: A betting situation with no favourite or underdog. The odds are equal.
Pit Boss: A casino employee who oversees table game operations and ensures the casino rules are followed.
Place Bet: A bet in craps that a certain number will be rolled before a 7.
Playthrough Requirement: Another term for wagering requirement, which is the number of times a bonus amount needs to be wagered before you can request a withdrawal.
Pocket Cards: The private cards dealt face down to each player in Texas Hold’em or Omaha.
Poker Face: A blank or unreadable expression a player uses to avoid giving away their hand (more relevant in physical casinos or live casino play).
Progressive Jackpot: A jackpot that increases over time as players make bets, usually across multiple linked games.
Push: A tie between player and dealer in blackjack. The original bet is returned.

Q

Quads: A four-of-a-kind poker hand.
Quarter Bet: A single bet in roulette that covers four numbers (also called a corner bet).
Quick Pick: A random number selection tool often used in lottery and Keno games, where numbers are automatically generated.

R

Rag: A low-value card in poker that typically doesn’t help complete a hand.
Railbird: A poker game spectator, often offering unsolicited advice or observing for fun.
Rake: A percentage or fixed amount that the casino takes from each pot or tournament entry as a fee.
Re-Bet: Placing the same wager as the previous round, commonly used in online casino games with repeat bet options.
Re-Buy: An option in poker that lets a player buy back into a tournament after being eliminated or when low on chips.
Reels: The vertical columns in an online pokie game that spin and display symbols to determine outcomes.
Reload Bonus: A deposit bonus offered to existing players, encouraging them to pop more money onto their online casino account.
Reverse Tells: Deliberate behaviours players use to mislead their opponents about the strength of their hand.
RNG (Random Number Generator): Software used in online casino games to ensure random and fair outcomes.
Roulette Wheel: A spinning wheel with numbered pockets used in the roulette game. The ball lands in a pocket to determine the winning number and colour.
Royal Flush: The highest-ranking poker hand, made up of A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit.
Royalties: In some poker variants, extra bonuses or payouts are given for achieving rare or strong hands.

S

Scare Card: A community card that could potentially improve opponents’ hands, often prompting cautious play.
Scatter Symbol: A special symbol in pokies that can trigger bonus features like free spins or multipliers.
Seven Card Stud: A classic poker variant with no community cards. Players are dealt face-up and face-down cards over several betting rounds.
Shark: A skilled or professional gambler, especially in poker.
Shoe: A device that holds multiple decks of cards, used in games like blackjack to speed up dealing.
Shooter: In craps, the player who rolls the dice.
Shuffle: Mixing cards to randomise their order before dealing.
Side Bet: A wager made in addition to the main game bet, often on a specific outcome. For example, a pair in blackjack.
Side Pot: A separate pot created in poker when one or more players are all-in and additional betting continues among others.
Simple Bet: A single, straightforward wager with no combinations or parlays.
Slingo: A hybrid game combining online pokie and bingo mechanics. Players can spin reels to match numbers on a grid and complete Slingos (lines) for cash and prizes. Play Slingo games.
Slow Roll: An unsportsmanlike move in poker where players unnecessarily delay revealing their winning hand.
Split: When a blackjack player is dealt two cards of the same value and chooses to split them into two hands.
Sportsbook: A casino service or section offering betting markets on sports and events.
Spread: In sports betting, the margin a team is expected to win or lose. Players can bet on a team to cover the spread.
Stake: The amount of money risked on a single bet or game.
Sticky Bonus: A bonus that can be wagered but not withdrawn. Only winnings from the bonus may be cashed out after wagering requirements are met.
Straight Bet: A wager on a single outcome, such as a team winning a match. In games like roulette, it refers to betting on a single number.
Street Bet: A roulette bet that covers three numbers in a horizontal line on the table.
Stud Poker: A version of poker where players are dealt face-up and face-down cards with no community cards.
Suit: One of the four categories in a deck of cards: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades.
Surrender: In blackjack, a rule that lets players forfeit half their bet and end their hand after the first two cards.
Symbols: The icons on online pokie reels, including standard, scatter, and wild symbols.

T

Table Games: Games played on a casino ‘table’, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
Tank: A poker term that refers to a player who takes a long time to decide their move.
Tap Out: When a player runs out of money and has to leave the game.
Tell: A physical or behavioural clue that can give away a player’s hand strength when playing live poker.
Texas Hold’em: One of the most popular versions of poker, where players use two private cards and five community cards to make the best hand.
Three of a Kind: A poker hand made up of three cards of the same rank.
Tie: When two hands have equal value and the pot is split.
Toke: A tip given to a dealer.
Tournament: A competitive event where players buy in and compete for a prize pool, usually in poker or online pokies.
Trifecta: A racing bet that predicts the first three finishers in the exact order (first, second and third).
True Odds: The real mathematical probability of an outcome, as opposed to odds adjusted by the bookmaker.
Turn: In Texas Hold’em, the fourth community card is dealt after the flop.
Turnover: The total amount wagered by a player over time, often used to work out bonuses or rewards eligibility.

U

Under: A bet that the total combined score or result will be below a specified number, commonly used in over/under sports betting markets.
Underlay: When the odds offered are lower than the true probability, resulting in a bet with negative expected value.
Underdog: A team or competitor expected to lose, typically offering higher odds and bigger payouts.
Upcard: The dealer’s visible card in a game of blackjack.
Up the Ante: To raise the stakes or increase the minimum required bet.
User Interface (UI): The layout and design of an online casino site or game that impacts user experience and how easy it is to navigate.

V

Value Bet: A wager believed to have a higher probability of winning than the odds suggest, offering long-term profitability.
Variance: A measure of the swings in a player’s bankroll. High variance means larger wins and losses, while low variance means steadier, smaller results.
Vegas Strip: A version of blackjack commonly used in Las Vegas, typically played with four decks and the dealer peeking for blackjack.
Video Poker: A casino game based on five-card draw poker that combines elements of online pokies and poker.
Vigorish (Vig): Also known as juice, this is the commission a bookmaker charges for taking bets.
VIP: A very important player who usually places large bets and qualifies for special bonuses, support, or promos.
VIP Program: A loyalty or rewards scheme to retain high-value customers with perks like cashback, gifts, and dedicated account managers.

W

Wager: Another word for a bet.
Wagering Requirements: The conditions that need to be met before bonus funds or winnings can be withdrawn. Usually requires betting a multiple of the bonus amount.
Welcome Bonus: A promotional offer is given to new players when they register. Usually includes deposit matches, free spins, or no-deposit rewards.
Whale: A high-stakes gambler who wagers large amounts, often targeted by casinos with premium services.
Wheel: Gambling terminology for the lowest possible straight in poker (A-2-3-4-5).
Wild Card: A card that can substitute for any other card in a game to complete a winning hand.
Wild Symbol: A symbol in pokies that replaces others to help form winning lines.
Withdrawal: Cashing out funds from an online casino account.

X

X-Factor: Refers to a poker player’s unpredictability, which makes their strategy harder to read.

Y

Yankee: A sports bet made up of 11 individual wagers across four selections: six doubles, four trebles, and one fourfold accumulator.
Yield: A measure of a player’s profitability, calculated by dividing profit by total amount wagered.
Yo: A gambling term in craps for a bet on 11.

Z

Zero: In roulette, the green 0 (and 00 in American roulette) gives the house its edge on even-money bets.
Zero Sum Game: Where one player’s gain is equal to another player’s loss.