Glossary of terms

To feel more confident at the table, it helps to know the key terms. We have put together a short glossary of the words you will most often hear in poker, roulette and blackjack. The definitions are given in plain language.

Buy-in

The amount a player puts up to take a seat at a table or enter a tournament. It sets the starting size of the chip stack.

Bankroll

The total funds a player has set aside for gaming. Sound bankroll management is the foundation of responsible play.

Blind

A forced bet in poker posted before the cards are dealt. There is a small blind and a big blind.

All-in

A bet of all of a player's remaining chips. After going all-in, a player cannot be forced out of the hand for lack of funds.

Dealer (croupier)

The casino employee who runs the game: dealing the cards, spinning the wheel, taking bets and paying out winnings.

Jackpot

The largest payout, often progressive. The amount grows with every bet until someone hits it.

Zero

The "0" pocket on the roulette wheel. It is what distinguishes casino roulette from an even game and creates the house edge.

Call

In poker, to match the opponent's current bet in order to stay in the hand.

Preflop

In Texas Hold'em and Omaha, the betting round after the hole cards are dealt and before the first three community cards appear.

Rake

The casino's commission for hosting the game, usually a small percentage of the pot in cash games.

Split

In blackjack, dividing a pair into two hands; in roulette, a bet on two adjacent numbers along the line between them.

Straight

In poker, a five-card run in sequence by rank; in roulette, a bet on a row of three numbers.

Toke (tip)

A token of thanks to the dealer, given as a chip or a small bet placed on their behalf. It is entirely voluntary.

Chip

The gaming token that stands in for money at the table. It is exchanged for cash at the casino cash desk.