Welcome to the Ultimate Guide to Online Casino Terminology!
This comprehensive glossary covers over 50 popular terms, from bonuses and payment methods to gameplay terminology and security features. Dive into our detailed explanations and learn how to navigate the casino world with confidence!
We also have our detailed Slots Terminology page, packed with everything you need to know about online slot games and their lingo!
Casino Bonus
A promotional reward given by an online casino to attract or retain players, often given in the form of free spins or bonus funds in relation to a sign up, first deposit, promotion or as part of a loyalty program.
Welcome Bonus
A type of bonus offered to new players when they sign up. This can include match bonuses, free spins, no deposit free spins or a combination of all.
Match Bonus
A bonus where the casino matches a player’s deposit by a certain percentage, such as a 100% match bonus. For example you deposit 10 with 100% match bonus gives you an extra 10 in bonus money to play with.
Free Spins
A type of casino bonus that gives players a number of spins on a slot game without needing to wager real money.
Wagering Requirement
The number of times a bonus or free spins winnings must be wagered before it can be withdrawn. You can use our casino bonus calculator to find out how much you need to wager before taking a bonus offer.
No Wagering Bonus
A bonus where winnings can be withdrawn without meeting any wagering requirements.
Cashback Bonus
A bonus where the casino refunds a percentage of a player’s losses over a set period. All British casino offers UK players 10% cashback each week.
Deposit Bonus
A bonus offered when a player makes a deposit into their casino account.
No Deposit Bonus
A type of bonus where players receive a reward without needing to make a deposit.
Free Play
A period of time in which players can try a game for free, often as part of a promotion or a no-deposit bonus.
Loyalty Program
A rewards system designed to retain players, offering points that can be exchanged for bonuses or prizes. A great example of this is Casumo Casinos Casumoverse offering free spins, reload bonuses and more.
VIP Program
A tiered loyalty program where high-rolling players receive additional perks, such as personalized bonuses, higher withdrawal limits, and dedicated customer service.
High Roller
A player who wagers large amounts of money in online casinos, often qualifying for exclusive bonuses and perks.
Paylines
The lines on a slot machine where matching symbols need to land to win a payout.
RTP (Return to Player)
The percentage of all wagered money that a slot or casino game will pay back to players over time.
Volatility
The level of risk in a game, with high volatility games offering larger but less frequent wins, and low volatility games offering smaller but more frequent payouts.
Betting Limits
The minimum and maximum amounts a player can wager on a particular game.
Jackpot
A large payout that is won either from a game’s progressive jackpot or as a fixed payout.
Progressive Jackpot
A jackpot that increases over time as more players wager on the game until someone wins it.
Random Number Generator (RNG)
A system used to ensure that the outcome of casino games, such as slots or roulette, are completely random and fair.
Live Casino
A section of an online casino where players can interact with real-life dealers via a live video feed. This can include live blackjack, live roulette, live game shows, live baccarat and more.
Mobile Casino
An online casino optimized for mobile devices, allowing players to enjoy games on smartphones and tablets.
Betting Exchange
A platform where players can bet against each other rather than against the house.
Sportsbook
An online casino section dedicated to betting on sports events, such as football, basketball, or horse racing. Many casinos often have a section with one of out top sports betting sites being Leo Vegas casino.
Table Games
Traditional casino games like blackjack, baccarat, poker, and roulette, often offered in both virtual and live formats.
Roulette
A popular casino game where players place bets on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel.
Blackjack
A card game where players try to get a hand total as close to 21 as possible without going over.
Poker
A card game with many variations, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud.
Baccarat
A card game where players bet on the outcome of the game, either player or banker, trying to predict which hand will have a total closest to 9.
Craps
A dice game where players place bets on the outcome of a roll or series of rolls.
Keno
A lottery-like game where players pick numbers, and a drawing determines the winning numbers.
Slots
A type of casino game that involves spinning reels with various symbols, where matching symbols result in a payout.
Payment Methods
The various methods available to deposit and withdraw funds from an online casino, such as credit cards, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies.
E-wallet
A digital wallet that allows players to deposit and withdraw funds from online casinos, such as PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller.
Cryptocurrency
A digital form of currency, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin, used for making secure transactions at online casinos.
Bank Transfer
A payment method where players transfer funds directly from their bank account to their casino account.
Withdrawal Limit
The maximum amount a player can withdraw from their casino account over a specific time period. Some casinos don’t have withdrawal limits, but it’s best to check any limitations on getting your winnings out when signing up.
Instant Withdrawal
A withdrawal method that allows players to receive their funds almost immediately after a request.
Transaction Fees
Charges that some casinos impose for deposits or withdrawals, especially when using certain payment methods.
Verification Process
The process where online casinos verify a player’s identity before allowing withdrawals, usually by submitting documents like ID and proof of address. This ensures that you are of legal age and have the funds to gamble responsibly online.
Terms and Conditions
The rules and guidelines that govern a player’s interaction with an online casino, including bonus rules, wagering requirements, and payout limits.
Responsible Gambling
An initiative to promote safe gambling practices and prevent addiction by encouraging players to set limits and gamble within their means.
Self-Exclusion
A feature that allows players to voluntarily exclude themselves from a casino for a set period or indefinitely. If you think you have a gambling problem then there are responsible gambling authorities you can turn to for advice.
Casino License
An official permit issued by a regulatory authority, ensuring that a casino operates fairly and legally.
Regulatory Authority
A governing body that oversees online casinos and ensures they comply with industry standards and regulations. Examples include the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority.
Rake
A commission or fee taken by the casino from the total pot in poker games, typically a small percentage.
Tournaments
Competitive events in online casinos, where players compete against each other for prizes, typically in games like poker or slots. In mobile slot tournaments you typically can win free spins, or real money prizes.
Cashout
The process of withdrawing funds from a casino account to a player’s chosen payment method.
House Edge
The percentage of a bet that the casino expects to keep as profit over time, giving the house a statistical advantage.
Betting Strategy
A planned approach to placing bets, such as the Martingale system or Paroli system, used by players to try and maximize their chances of winning.
Casino Software Provider
A company that designs and develops casino games and software platforms, such as Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play and Playtech.
Live Dealer
A real person who deals cards or operates a roulette wheel in a live casino game, streaming the action in real time.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re just starting with online casinos, these tips will help you get familiar with the terminology and enhance your overall experience:
- Read the terms and conditions before claiming any bonuses to understand the wagering requirements
- Use low volatility slots if you prefer frequent but smaller wins
- Always choose casinos with a valid license to ensure a safe and secure environment for your transactions
- Take advantage of loyalty programs to earn rewards as you play
Recent Trends in Online Casinos
The online casino industry is constantly evolving, and there are a few trends that are changing how players interact with casinos:
- Cryptocurrency casinos: More casinos are accepting digital currencies like Bitcoin, making it easier for players to deposit and withdraw funds securely and anonymously.
- Game innovations: With new technologies like VR, players are now able to experience fully immersive gaming experiences, particularly in live casinos.
- Mobile-first approach: Many casinos are now designed with mobile users in mind, offering fully optimized apps and games to play on the go.
