Casino games seem to have a language all of their own. In fact, so many of the phrases we use in our day-to-day conversations originated on the gaming floor of a casino or started out at the poker tables.
Here we take a look at a few common phrases that started off in casino games and have now made their way into our daily lingo.
“Ace in the hole”
Meaning: To have an advantage that’s only revealed at the last minute, to hold something back in reserve. In poker, it means a player literally has an ace in their hole cards, ie. the cards they’re initially dealt.
For example, “He didn’t want me to know he was going to propose on vacation, but he had an ace in the hole and whipped out the ring on the last day” or “Everyone thought I was going to lose the poker hand but I had an ace in the hole and won on the river.”
“Ace up your sleeve”
Meaning: Similar to the example above, it refers to having a special strength or secret plan. It comes from use in a poker game, where a player may suddenly win when it looked unlikely, by showing an ace at the last moment that no one expected the player to have.
For example, “It looked like he was about to lose but he had an ace up his sleeve and won at the last moment.”
“All bets are off”
Meaning: Used when something that was once clear, is now not so certain or predictable. When playing casino table games, it can indicate that the bets already made will be considered null and void.
For example, “We were looking like we’d win the World Series but now our star player is injured, all bets are off.”
“Back in the game”
Meaning: To be back in with a chance of success or winning, when it previously looked unlikely, or to resume an activity after a long break.
For example, “I took a break from working but now I’m back in the game and looking for a job” or “It looked like he was losing at poker but now he’s back in the game and going really well.”
“Double down”
Meaning: To increase or strengthen your effort or investment toward a goal, action or strategy to increase its yield. On the blackjack table, it refers to doubling your original bet after being dealt the first two cards.
For example, “Now that we’re saving for a house, we need to double down and cut our spending on the weekends” or “There was no way my hand was going to lose, so I doubled down to try to win even more.”
“Hedge your bets”
Meaning: To minimize risk or failure by taking two lower-risk courses of action to cover any eventuality and offset any potential losses or negative effects. In gambling slang, it can involve betting on two different outcomes occurring.
For example, “I’m not sure I’ll get the job so I’m hedging my bets and will keep applying for others in the meantime” or “He hedged his bets by taking blackjack insurance in case his hand didn’t win.”
“Hit the jackpot”
Meaning: In slot machines and other casino games it refers to winning a huge amount of money, often literally via a jackpot. Outside of a casino environment, it suggests someone got very lucky and achieved an unexpected triumph, or found something they desperately wanted.
For example, “I’d been looking for an apartment for months and finally hit the jackpot when I found the perfect condo by the beach for a bargain price” or “Play slots for a chance to hit the jackpot and win big!”
“In the cards”
Meaning: When something is expected to happen, it’s in the cards (or “or on the cards” as they say in Britain and other parts of the world). The phrase gets its name from tarot cards which are used to predict the future.
For example, “I just knew I was going to win tonight, it was in the cards.”
“Keep your cards close to your chest”
Meaning: To keep your plans or intentions secret from others. In the gambling world, it refers to holding your cards against your chest so others can’t see them.
For example, “I kept my cards close to my chest because I didn’t want him to know anything about the birthday surprise I was planning.”
“Luck of the draw”
Meaning: Winning or achieving something at random, by chance or by pure luck.
For example, “It’s luck of the draw whether there will be any free parking spaces at the game” or “It’s just luck of the draw which cards you are dealt.”
“Play the percentages”
Meaning: To make a decision or wager on an outcome that’s statistically the most likely to occur.
For example, “I recommend you play the percentages and take the north route to the airport to avoid traffic” or “In Blackjack, you’re best to play the percentages and stand on 18.”
“Play your cards right”
Meaning: Managing a situation to steer it in the most advantageous direction as possible, to increase the chances of a favorable result.
For example, “If you play your cards right tonight and behave well, I’ll let you stay up late.”
“Put your money where your mouth is”
Meaning: To act upon your claims, threats or promises rather than just talking about them. In casinos, bragging players might be expected to “put their money where their mouth is” and increase their betting limits to a maximum bet when making wild statements about their gaming prowess.
For example, “If you think you’re better at basketball than me, then put your money where your mouth is and shoot a hoop from way back here” or “Go on, if you think you have a winning hand, put your money where your mouth is and bet big.”
“Raise the stakes”
Meaning: To increase your commitment, involvement or level of risk in a situation in the hope of achieving a better reward. In this context, “stakes” or “ante” refers to one’s level of involvement. On the gaming table, it can be used when increasing their original bet in order to put pressure on others and potentially reap a bigger amount of money from a winning bet.
For example, “She raised the stakes when she went all-in” or “The casino raised the stakes and offered to match the players’ next deposit.”
“Show your cards” or “Lay your cards on the table”
Meaning: To make it clear to others what your plans, ideas, thoughts or intentions are, especially after they were previously kept guarded or secret. The opposite also applies, “don’t show your cards” refers to not wanting to reveal your true plans or intentions.
For example, “Don’t show the customer your cards just yet – we don’t want them to think we’re happy to discount the price” or “Lay your cards on the table and tell them why you think you’re worth a raise.”
“Sweeten the pot”
Meaning: To make something more attractive, especially from a financial point of view.
For example, “The salesman knew I wasn’t convinced about buying the car so he sweetened the pot and threw cruise control in for free” or “Casinos like to sweeten the pot with extra bonus offers when you make a deposit.”
“The die is cast”
Meaning: The decision has been made and there is no turning back.
For example, “I decided to quit my job and move. I’ve already handed in my resignation so the die is cast” or “The die has been cast and all bets are closed.”
“To choose a safe bet”
Meaning: To select the safest option in order to minimize risk, or to go with something that appears most likely to occur.
For example, “It always rains in Florida when we go there on vacation so next year we’ll choose a safer bet and head to California” or “On my first roulette game, I wanted to choose a safe bet so I put my money on black.”
“Up the ante” or “Raise the ante”
Meaning: Increasing the stakes or prizes on a particular game or scenario, normally by also increasing the risk involved.
For example, “I was just starting to enjoy my job but my boss has really upped the ante and now expects me to work weekends too” or “Jon upped the ante when he went all-in on the last poker hand.”
“Winning streak”
Meaning: A run of good luck, to be highly successful or to win something continuously.
For example, “I’m on a winning streak – I keep missing every red light!” or “I kept betting on that slot machine because I was on such a winning streak.”
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