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.


Before sitting down at a high-stakes table, you should familiarize yourself with these common phrases.

Slang Related to Bankrolls and Bets

A 'bankroll' is the total amount of money you have specifically set aside for your gambling session.


A 'high roller' or 'whale' is a VIP gambler who wagers tens of thousands of dollars per hand.

'Toke' is the casino slang for a tip given to the dealer'Color up' means exchanging your small denomination chips for larger ones before leaving'Comp' refers to free gifts, rooms, or meals given by the casino to reward your play
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.


For slot machines, a 'loose' machine is one that supposedly pays out more frequently than others.

TermGameDefinitionShoeBlackjack/BaccaratThe box that holds the decks of cardsPit BossAll Table GamesThe supervisor monitoring a group of tables

While it seems overwhelming at first, you will pick up this vocabulary very quickly once you start playing.