Gambling Terms I to O
Have you ever been puzzled by a gambling term? This is the perfect page to have those questions answered and to brush up your betting knowledge.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
I
Inside Bet
In roulette, an “Inside Bet” refers to a bet placed on the numbers on the inner section of the roulette table. These bets are on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. They include betting on a single number (straight up), two numbers (split), three numbers in a row (street), four numbers in a square layout (corner), five numbers (including the 0 and 00 in American roulette), and six numbers in two adjacent rows (six line).
Inside bets offer higher payouts than outside bets, like red or black, odd or even, because the probability of winning an inside bet is lower. The appeal of inside bets lies in their potential for significant winnings, which attracts players looking for bigger payouts.
Instant Win
In the context of lotteries, “Instant Win” refers to a type of lottery game where players can immediately find out if they have won a prize. Unlike traditional lotteries, where players have to wait for a scheduled drawing to determine the winners, instant win games provide immediate results.
These are often in the form of scratch cards or digital games where the player reveals symbols or numbers to see if they have a winning combination. The appeal of instant win games lies in the immediate gratification of finding out if you have won, and they often offer a range of smaller prizes along with the possibility of larger payouts.
Insurance
In blackjack, “Insurance” is a side bet that players can make when the dealer’s upcard is an ace. This bet is essentially a wager on whether the dealer has a blackjack (a 10-value card as the hole card). Insurance is offered before the dealer checks their hole card and can be up to half of the player’s original bet.
If the dealer has blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2:1, which can offset the loss of the original bet. However, if the dealer does not have blackjack, the player loses the insurance bet. While it might seem like a safe option, mathematically, insurance is generally considered a bad bet for players who are not counting cards, as the odds of the dealer having blackjack are not favorable enough to justify the cost of the bet.
J
Jackpot
A jackpot in gambling refers to a large cash prize or payout, often accumulated from the stakes of players over time. In slot machines or lottery games, it’s the highest prize awarded when a player hits a specific winning combination. In other games, like poker, it can be a special bonus paid to a player holding a particularly high hand under certain conditions.
Jackpots are known for their potential to offer life-changing sums of money, making them a highly sought-after win in gambling.
Junket
A “junket” in casino terminology is a trip organized by a casino to attract high-rolling gamblers. The casino typically offers complimentary travel, accommodation, and other luxuries to these players, who are expected to gamble with large sums of money during their stay.
These trips are often marketed to wealthy gamblers as exclusive experiences, where they can enjoy VIP treatment while participating in high-stakes gambling. Junkets play a significant role in the casino industry, especially in attracting players to resort destinations or special events.
K
Keno
Keno is a lottery-like gambling game often found in casinos and also offered as a game in some lotteries. Players choose numbers, typically between 1 and 80, and mark them on a keno card. A set number of these numbers are then randomly drawn. The more numbers a player matches with the drawn numbers, the greater the payout.
Keno is known for its simplicity and the potential for large winnings, making it a popular choice among casual gamblers. The game’s outcome relies entirely on chance, with no skill involved in predicting the numbers that will be drawn.
L
Lay Bet
A Lay Bet in craps is a wager that a 7 will be rolled before a chosen number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10) is rolled again. It’s essentially the opposite of a Buy Bet, where you’re betting against a number. In Lay Bets, you’re betting that a 7 will appear before the chosen point number.
These bets usually require a commission to the house and are considered a type of “wrong bettor” play, as you’re betting against the other players. Lay Bets are attractive for their potential to win on a commonly rolled number (7), but they involve specific odds and payouts that vary depending on the number being laid against.
Little Joe
“Little Joe” in craps is a slang term referring to a roll of four. Specifically, it describes the combination of a two on each die (2 + 2), which is one of the ways to roll a total of four. Craps, known for its unique jargon, often uses such colorful terms to make the game more engaging and lively. “Little Joe” is just one example of the many distinctive phrases used by players and dealers in this fast-paced and exciting casino dice game.
Live Dealer Games
Live Dealer Games in casinos refer to online table games that are streamed in real-time and feature a human dealer. These games bridge the gap between online and traditional land-based casino experiences. Players can engage in popular games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, interacting with a live dealer through a digital interface.
The dealer, situated in a studio or a real casino setting, deals cards, spins roulette wheels, and interacts with players, enhancing the authenticity of the online gaming experience. Live Dealer Games have grown in popularity due to their ability to replicate the social and interactive aspects of casino gaming from the comfort of one’s home.
Longshot
A “longshot” in gambling refers to a bet that has a relatively low probability of winning, but offers a high reward if successful. This term is commonly used in sports betting and horse racing, where it describes an underdog or a contender not expected to win. The odds against a longshot are typically high, reflecting the perceived low chance of victory.
For gamblers, betting on a longshot can be appealing due to the potential for a significant payout from a small wager, despite the high risk involved. The term encapsulates the allure of gambling, where sometimes the least expected outcomes can yield the greatest rewards.
Low Bet
In roulette, a “Low Bet” (also known as “Manque” in French Roulette) is a wager that the ball will land on a low number in the range of 1 to 18. This type of bet is one of the even-money outside bets, meaning it pays 1:1. When a player places a Low Bet, they are essentially betting that the outcome of the spin will be any number from 1 through 18.
If the ball lands on any of these numbers, the bet wins; if it lands on 19 to 36, zero, or double zero (in American Roulette), the bet loses. Low Bets are popular for their simplicity and relatively high probability of winning compared to inside bets, which involve specific numbers or small groups of numbers.
M
Martingale
The Martingale is a betting strategy often used in roulette and other gambling games. It’s a system of doubling your bet after each loss, with the idea that any eventual win will recover all previous losses plus win a profit equal to the original bet. For example, if a player starts with a $1 bet and loses, they bet $2 next time. If they lose again, the next bet is $4, and so on.
This strategy is typically applied to bets that have roughly a 50% chance of winning, like red or black, odd or even, or high or low in roulette. The Martingale is simple and can be initially effective, but it carries significant risks. The potential for large losses and the limits of a player’s bankroll and table betting limits can make this strategy unsustainable in the long term. It’s a classic example of a high-risk, low-reward betting system.
Multi-Race Ticket
In Keno, a “Multi-Race Ticket” allows a player to use the same selected numbers across multiple consecutive games or “races.” Essentially, it’s a way to play several rounds of Keno without the need to choose new numbers and purchase a new ticket for each game. The player selects their numbers once and then decides on the number of games (races) they want to play with those numbers.
This approach is convenient and time-saving, especially for those who prefer to stick with a particular set of numbers. The number of races that can be played on a multi-race ticket varies by casino or Keno operator, and there are often discounts or bonuses for purchasing multi-race tickets. This type of ticket is popular among regular Keno players due to its ease of use and the ability to participate in multiple games with a single selection of numbers.
N
Nina from Pasadena
In the game of craps, “Nina from Pasadena” is a slang term for rolling a nine. This phrase is part of the colorful and unique jargon that is commonly used in craps. It adds a playful element to the game and is reflective of the lively atmosphere often found around craps tables.
Each number in craps often has its own nickname, and these terms can vary from casino to casino, contributing to the cultural richness of the game. Understanding these terms can enhance the playing experience, especially for those who enjoy the social aspect of craps.
No Limit
“No Limit” in gambling refers to a rule where there is no maximum limit on the amount a player can bet or raise during a round of betting. This term is commonly associated with poker games, particularly Texas Hold’em.
In a No Limit game, players can bet or raise by any amount up to their entire stack of chips at any point in the betting round. This allows for large bets and raises, making the game potentially more dynamic and strategic, as players can use their betting sizes to exert pressure on their opponents. The absence of betting limits can lead to significant swings in the size of the pot, making No Limit games particularly exciting and, at times, risky.
No-Deposit Bonus
A “No-Deposit Bonus” in the context of casinos is a type of promotion offered to players without requiring them to deposit their own money into their casino account. Essentially, it’s a bonus that is given for free, allowing players to try out games without any financial commitment. This bonus is often used as a strategy by casinos to attract new players.
The no-deposit bonus can come in various forms, such as a small amount of cash to play with, free spins on slot machines, or free credits for table games. Players can use this bonus to play games and have a chance to win real money.
However, these bonuses usually come with certain conditions, like wagering requirements, which require players to bet a certain amount before they can withdraw any winnings made with the bonus. These bonuses are popular among players because they provide an opportunity to explore the casino and its games without risking their own funds.
Nosebleed
The term “Nosebleed” in gambling, particularly in the context of poker, refers to games with exceptionally high stakes. These games involve very large sums of money, so much so that the stakes are often dizzyingly high, metaphorically causing a ‘nosebleed’. The term is used to describe the level of the stakes rather than a specific game type or rule.
In nosebleed games, the amounts of money being bet and exchanged can be in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per hand or round. These games are usually frequented by highly experienced and often professional players who are comfortable with the high level of risk involved. Due to the huge amounts of money at play, nosebleed games can be quite intense and are not typical for the average recreational player.
O
Odds
In gambling, “odds” refer to the likelihood or probability of a particular outcome occurring. They are usually expressed as a ratio or fraction, indicating the relationship between the chances of winning and losing. For example, if the odds are 5 to 1, it means for every 1 time you win, you’re expected to lose 5 times.
The odds are crucial in determining potential payouts. Higher odds imply a lower probability of winning, but a larger payout if you do win. Conversely, lower odds indicate a higher likelihood of winning but with a smaller payout. Bettors often use odds to assess the risk and potential reward of their wagers.
One-Roll Bet
In the game of craps, a “One-Roll Bet” is a type of wager that is decided on the outcome of the next single roll of the dice. Unlike other bets in craps that may remain active over multiple rolls, a One-Roll Bet is either won or lost immediately based on the next roll.
This type of bet typically involves higher risk and potentially higher rewards, as it depends entirely on the immediate outcome. Common examples include bets on specific numbers or combinations that might appear on the next roll. Due to their immediate nature, these bets add an element of excitement and unpredictability to the game.
Outside Bet
In roulette, an “Outside Bet” refers to a wager placed on the peripheral sections of the roulette table. These bets cover larger groups of numbers and offer higher chances of winning compared to inside bets, but with lower payouts. Examples of outside bets include betting on red or black, odd or even, high (19-36) or low (1-18) numbers, and the first, second, or third dozen numbers. They are popular among players who prefer lower risk, as they offer a nearly 50% chance of winning, depending on the roulette variant.
Overdue
In bingo, the term “overdue” refers to a number that has not been called for an unusually long time. Players often consider such numbers as more likely to be called in upcoming games, based on the belief that every number has an equal chance of being drawn in each game.
This concept is a part of bingo strategy, where players may pay special attention to these overdue numbers when choosing their cards, hoping that their long absence will be corrected in the next draw. However, it’s important to remember that in a fair bingo game, every number has an equal probability of being called in each draw, regardless of past draws.