Casino Glossary

House Edge

The mathematical advantage a casino has over players in any given game, expressed as a percentage of each bet the casino expects to keep long-term.

KYC (Know Your Customer)

The identity verification process online casinos use to confirm player identity, age, and address, required by gambling regulations to prevent fraud and money laundering.

RNG (Random Number Generator)

The algorithm used in casino games to generate random, unpredictable outcomes for each spin, hand, or roll, ensuring fair gameplay independent of previous results.

Variance

A statistical measure of how spread out outcomes are from the average. In gambling, high variance means results fluctuate wildly; low variance means results cluster near the expected return.

Bonus Buy (Feature Buy)

A slot feature allowing players to pay a set multiple of their stake (usually 50-100x) to immediately trigger the bonus round or free spins feature, skipping the base game.

Megaways

A patented slot mechanic by Big Time Gaming that uses randomly changing reel heights to create a varying number of ways to win per spin, up to 117,649.

Payline

A predetermined line across the reels of a slot machine on which matching symbols must land to form a winning combination.

Progressive Jackpot

A jackpot that grows over time as a small percentage of each wager contributes to the prize pool, continuing to accumulate until one player wins the entire amount.

RTP (Return to Player)

The percentage of all wagered money that a slot or casino game will pay back to players over time, typically calculated over millions of spins.

Scatter Symbol

A special slot symbol that pays or triggers features regardless of position on the reels — no need to land on a payline. Landing 3+ scatters typically triggers the free spins bonus.

Volatility (Slot Variance)

A measure of risk in a slot game that describes how frequently it pays and the size of wins. High volatility = rare but large wins. Low volatility = frequent but smaller wins.

Wild Symbol

A special slot symbol that substitutes for most other symbols to help complete winning combinations, functioning like a joker in card games.

Cashback Bonus

A promotion where the casino returns a percentage (typically 10-25%) of a player's net losses over a defined period, either as bonus funds or real cash.

Free Spins

Extra spins on slot games awarded as a bonus by the casino or triggered within a game, allowing players to spin without using their own funds.

Maximum Bet Rule

A bonus term that caps the maximum bet allowed per spin or hand while playing with active bonus funds, typically $5 or less per spin. Exceeding it can void all winnings.

No Deposit Bonus

A bonus awarded to new players upon registration without requiring a deposit — typically free spins or a small bonus cash amount, letting you try a casino risk-free.

No-Wager Bonus

A casino bonus with zero wagering requirements — any winnings generated from the bonus are immediately withdrawable without needing to bet through them.

Reload Bonus

A deposit bonus offered to existing players after their initial welcome offer, typically a smaller percentage match (25-75%) on subsequent deposits.

Sticky Bonus

A bonus that cannot itself be withdrawn — only winnings generated while playing with it can be cashed out. Also called a non-cashable bonus.

Wagering Requirements

The number of times you must wager a bonus amount (or bonus + deposit) before you can withdraw any winnings. Also called playthrough requirements.

Welcome Bonus

The introductory offer a casino gives to new players upon registration or first deposit, typically a match bonus on your deposit, free spins, or a combination of both.

Bankroll Management

The disciplined practice of managing your gambling funds by setting limits, sizing bets appropriately relative to your total balance, and knowing when to stop.

Live Casino

Online casino games streamed in real-time featuring human dealers operating physical equipment (cards, roulette wheels), providing an authentic casino experience remotely.

Responsible Gambling

The principle of gambling in a controlled, informed way — treating it as entertainment rather than income, using budget limits, and recognizing signs of problem gambling.

Self-Exclusion

A voluntary program that allows players to ban themselves from gambling at one or more casinos for a set period or permanently, as a responsible gambling tool.