/bˈɛɾɪŋ ʃˈɑːp/
a physical or online location where people can place bets on various sporting events and other types of competitions, with odds determined by the bookmaker
A betting shop is a place where people can place bets on various events, such as horse racing, sports games, or other competitions. It is a business that allows individuals to wager money on the outcome of these events, hoping to win if their prediction is correct. Betting shops are regulated by local laws and provide information on the odds of different outcomes, helping customers make informed choices. The shop often has terminals where customers can place bets, and sometimes it also features live displays of event results. Betting shops are commonly found in many countries and are part of the broader gambling industry.
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a place where people play and bet their money on gambling games
A casino is a facility where people can engage in various forms of gambling, such as playing card games, slot machines, roulette, or other games of chance. Casinos are often located in large entertainment complexes, which may also include hotels, restaurants, and shows. The primary attraction in a casino is the opportunity to gamble and try to win money by betting on games where the outcome is mostly based on luck. Casinos are usually heavily regulated by government authorities to ensure fairness and prevent cheating. They are popular for offering a wide range of entertainment options alongside gambling.
to finish a game without any winning sides
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the action or activity of betting on uncertain outcomes or playing games of chance, hoping to win money or prizes
/ɡˈæmblɪŋ dˈɛn/
a place where gambling activities are conducted illegally or secretly
A gambling den is an illegal or unlicensed place where people gather to gamble, typically without following official regulations. These locations often offer games such as card games, dice games, or betting on various events. Unlike casinos, which are legally regulated and monitored, gambling dens operate in secrecy to avoid law enforcement. The atmosphere in a gambling den can be tense, as players may bet large amounts of money, and the risks of cheating or fraud are higher. Gambling dens are often hidden in private homes, backrooms of businesses, or other secluded areas.
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the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning, involves the payment of a price or consideration for the opportunity to win a prize or reward, which may include money, goods, or other valuable items
/nˈʌmbɚz ɡˈeɪm/
a form of illegal gambling that involves the selection of a series of numbers, often based on a publicly available source such as a lottery or race
A numbers game is an illegal form of gambling where players bet on the outcome of a randomly selected number. It became popular in the United States in the early 20th century, particularly in urban areas. In this game, a "bookmaker" or operator selects a number, often based on a daily drawing or random event, and players bet on what they think the number will be. If they guess correctly, they win money based on the odds. The numbers game is typically unregulated and is often associated with organized crime and illegal gambling networks.
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/wˈʌnˈɑːɹmd bˈændɪt/
a gambling machine with a lever on the side that players pull after inserting coins in order to spin the reels
A one-armed bandit is a slang term for a slot machine, a popular gambling device found in casinos and other entertainment venues. The name comes from the machine’s lever, which players would pull with one arm to start the game, while "bandit" refers to the way the machine takes money from players. Slot machines feature a set of spinning reels with various symbols, and players win by matching these symbols in specific patterns. Over time, most slot machines have become electronic, with buttons replacing the lever, but the term "one-armed bandit" remains widely used.
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a designated area within a casino or other gambling establishment where various table games, such as blackjack, craps, and roulette, are located
In the context of gambling, a pit refers to an area in a casino where table games, such as blackjack, poker, roulette, or craps, are played. The term "pit" comes from the layout of the casino floor, where these games are often grouped together in a designated space, sometimes surrounded by a low wall or railing. The pit is usually staffed by dealers and overseen by a casino manager or pit boss, who ensures that the games run smoothly and according to the rules. The pit is often where higher-stakes games are played, attracting serious gamblers looking for bigger bets.
/pɹˈiːmiəm bˈɑːnd/
a type of savings bond issued by the government, in which the bondholder is entered into a monthly lottery drawing for the chance to win a tax-free cash prize, with the prize amounts ranging from small sums to much larger jackpots
A premium bond is a type of investment offered by certain government institutions, where instead of earning regular interest, bondholders are entered into a prize draw for a chance to win tax-free prizes. In the United Kingdom, for example, Premium Bonds are issued by the government through National Savings and Investments (NS&I). People who buy these bonds do not receive interest payments, but each bond has a chance to win prizes, ranging from small amounts to large jackpots. The main appeal is the potential for winning prizes, though the money invested is fully refundable at any time without losing its value.
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a single instance of betting, such as a roll of the dice in craps or a spin of the roulette wheel
/skɹˈætʃkɑːɹd/
a small card made of paper or cardstock that features concealed areas or panels that can be scratched off to reveal a prize or other information
A scratchcard is a type of lottery ticket that offers players the chance to win money or prizes. The card has hidden symbols or numbers covered by a thin, opaque coating that can be scratched off using a coin or fingernail. Players reveal these symbols and compare them to the winning combinations listed on the card. If the revealed symbols match the winning ones, the player wins the corresponding prize. Scratchcards are widely available in many countries and are popular for their simplicity and instant results, as players know if they have won immediately after scratching.
a type of contest or promotion in which entrants are selected at random to win a prize or prizes, often without any purchase or payment required to enter
A sweepstakes is a type of contest or lottery where participants can win prizes, often without having to make a purchase. Entries are usually made by submitting a form or by completing a specific action, such as signing up online or entering a code from a product. The winners are chosen at random, and the prizes can range from small items to large sums of money or expensive goods. Sweepstakes are popular as a promotional tool for businesses to attract customers or increase brand awareness, and they are typically regulated by local laws to ensure fairness and transparency.
a physical or electronic document that represents the purchase of a chance to win a prize or participate in a game
In gambling, a ticket refers to a physical or digital slip that represents a wager placed on a game or event, such as a lottery, sports bet, or casino game. For instance, in lotteries, a ticket shows the numbers that a player has chosen and acts as proof of their participation in the draw. In casinos, tickets are often issued for slot machine games, representing the amount of money a player has put into the machine or won. The ticket is usually exchanged for cash or prizes, and it serves as a record of the player's bet and winnings.
/tˈɑːsˈʌp/
an unclear situation that either of two possibilities have an equal chance of happening
A toss-up is a situation in which the outcome is uncertain and could go either way. It is often used to describe a decision or event where the chances of one result happening are just as likely as another. The term comes from the act of tossing a coin, where both sides have an equal chance of landing face up. In casual conversation, a toss-up may refer to anything where there is no clear favorite or winner, such as a close contest, decision, or prediction. It emphasizes that the result is equally balanced and unpredictable.
to predict which side of a coin will face upwards after it is tossed
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/dˈʌbəl ɔːɹ kwˈɪts/
a phrase that is often used in gambling to describe a bet in which the player has the option to double their winnings or lose everything, depending on the outcome of a subsequent event
"Double or quits" is a gambling term where a person risks their current winnings in an attempt to double them, with the possibility of losing everything if they fail. In this scenario, the player has the option to bet their winnings on another round or event, aiming to either double their money or lose it all. This type of bet often adds excitement but also increases the risk. The term can also be used informally to describe any situation where someone decides to take a risky chance with the possibility of a big reward or complete loss.
/ˈiːtʃwˈeɪ/
a type of wager where two equal bets are placed on the same selection, one for the selection to win and the other for the selection to place
An each-way is a bet is placed in two parts: one part to win and the other part to place, used primarily in horse racing. The "win" part of the bet is for the horse to come in first, while the "place" part is for the horse to finish in one of the top positions, such as second or third, depending on the rules of the event. If the horse wins, both parts of the bet pay out, but if it only places, the "place" part of the bet still pays out at lower odds. This betting method reduces the risk of losing the entire bet, offering a chance for a smaller payout even if the horse does not win.
/ˈiːvən mˈʌni/
(gambling) a bet or wager that pays out at a 1:1 ratio, or in other words, a bet in which the potential payout is equal to the amount of the original wager
Even money is a term used in gambling to describe a bet where the potential payout is equal to the amount wagered. In other words, if a player bets a certain amount and wins, they will receive that same amount in return, along with their original wager. This means the odds are 1:1, and the player has an equal chance of winning or losing the bet. Even money bets are common in many types of gambling, such as blackjack, where a player can bet on outcomes like a coin toss or betting on a team to win, with the payout being the same as the initial wager.
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/lˈɑːŋ ˈɑːdz/
bets or wagers with a relatively low chance of winning, but with the potential for a large payout if successful
Long odds refer to a betting situation where the likelihood of a particular outcome happening is low, meaning the potential payout is high. When a bet has long odds, it means the event is considered unlikely to occur, but if it does, the bettor will win a significant amount of money. For example, in sports betting, a team that is heavily favored to lose will have long odds, offering a larger payout if they unexpectedly win. While long odds can be tempting because of the large potential rewards, they also carry a higher level of risk.
/ʃˈɔːɹt ˈɑːdz/
referring to the likelihood of a particular event occurring, with a high probability of success or a low degree of uncertainty
Short odds refer to a betting situation where the likelihood of a particular outcome happening is high, meaning the potential payout is low. When a bet has short odds, it means the event is considered very likely to occur, and as a result, the winnings are relatively small. For example, in sports betting, a team that is favored to win will have short odds, offering a smaller payout for a successful bet. Short odds are less risky but also provide lower rewards compared to long odds.
the likelihood of a particular event occurring, typically expressed as the ratio of the potential payout to the amount of the original wager
/spɹˈɛd bˈɛɾɪŋ/
a type of gambling in which bettors place wagers on the outcome of an event based on a range of possible outcomes, with payouts determined by the accuracy of the bettor's prediction relative to the spread or range of outcomes set by the bookmaker
Spread betting is a form of betting where the bettor wagers on the outcome of an event, but instead of choosing a specific result, they bet on whether the actual outcome will be higher or lower than a set "spread" or range. For example, in sports, a bookmaker might set a spread for a game, such as a team to win by 5 to 10 points. The bettor can then bet on whether the team will win by more or fewer points than the spread. Spread betting allows for greater flexibility and can result in larger wins or losses, depending on how much the actual result differs from the spread.
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a pool betting system, in which all bets are pooled together, and the total amount is then divided among the winners, minus a commission taken by the bookmaker
The tote, or totalizator, is a system used in betting, particularly in horse racing, where all bets placed on a particular event are collected together. Instead of fixed odds, the payouts are determined by the amount of money wagered and the number of winning bets. After the race, the total amount collected is divided among the winning bettors, with deductions for the house or track's commission. The tote system allows for flexible betting, as the odds can change as more bets are placed, making it different from traditional fixed-odds betting.
/tə ðə bˈæd/
a gambling term used to describe a situation where a player has lost all of their money that they had intended to gamble with, and is now in a negative financial position as a result
a casual or impulsive bet, often made on a whim or without much forethought
A flutter is a small, casual bet, often placed impulsively or without much planning. It is usually a lighthearted wager made for fun or excitement, rather than for serious financial gain. People might place a flutter on various events, such as horse races or sports games, without thoroughly analyzing the odds or outcomes. The term suggests an easygoing approach to gambling, where the amount of money bet is typically modest, and the focus is more on the thrill of the bet than on making a significant profit.
/hˈaɪstˈeɪks/
describing a situation where a large amount of money or other valuable assets are at risk, often in the context of gambling or other forms of high-risk activity
a bet or a monetary stake placed on the outcome of an event
to risk money on the result of a coming event by trying to predict it
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the amount of money or other valuable asset that a player risks or wagers on a particular bet or game
A stake is the amount of money that a person wagers or risks on a bet or gamble. It represents the player's financial commitment to the outcome of an event, such as a game, race, or sports match. The stake can vary depending on the individual’s preferences or the type of bet being placed. If the bet is successful, the person wins the stake back along with any additional winnings, but if the bet fails, they lose the stake. The term is commonly used in various types of gambling and betting.
to place a bet on a particular outcome or event to occur
/pˌʊt ˈɑːn/
to place a bet on a particular outcome or event
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/plˈeɪs bˈɛt/
a bet on a particular horse or team to finish in either first or second place, depending on the terms of the bet
A place bet is a type of wager commonly used in horse racing, where the bettor bets on a horse to finish in one of the top positions, typically first or second. Unlike a win bet, where the horse must finish in first place to win, a place bet allows for more flexibility, as the bettor can still win if the horse finishes in second place. The payout for a place bet is usually lower than for a win bet, as the likelihood of winning is higher. The rules for place bets can vary slightly depending on the specific event or track.
the act of flipping a coin to determine the outcome of a bet or wager
to combine multiple individual bets into one larger bet, with the potential for a higher payout if all of the individual bets are successful
a person or organization that accepts bets on the outcome of sporting events, horse races, or other types of gambling activities
A bookie, short for bookmaker, is a person or organization that accepts and manages bets on various events, such as sports games, horse races, or other outcomes. The bookie sets the odds for these bets and collects wagers from bettors, taking a commission or a percentage of the total bets placed. In return, the bookie pays out winnings to bettors who successfully predicted the outcome of the event. Bookies can operate legally in regulated markets, but they may also run illegal betting operations in areas where gambling is prohibited or unregulated.
/kˈɑːɹd ʃˈɑːɹp/
a person who is highly skilled at manipulating playing cards for their own financial gain, often through cheating or deception
A card sharp is a person who uses skill, deception, or cheating to win at card games. Often, this term refers to someone who has learned tricks or techniques to manipulate the outcome of a game, giving them an unfair advantage over other players. Card sharps may use sleight of hand, marked cards, or other dishonest methods to cheat. The term is typically used in a negative sense, as it implies dishonesty and trickery in games that are meant to be based on skill or chance.
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/kɹˈuːpɪɚ/
a person who works in a casino or other gambling establishment, responsible for dealing cards, managing bets, and facilitating the game for players
A croupier is a person who manages and oversees the operations at a casino table, such as in games like roulette, blackjack, or poker. The croupier is responsible for dealing cards, spinning the roulette wheel, handling bets, and ensuring that the game runs smoothly and fairly. They also collect losing bets and pay out winnings to the players. The croupier is often seen as the face of the casino game, maintaining order and ensuring that the rules are followed during play. Their role is crucial in creating an organized and efficient gaming environment.
a person who participates in games of chance or bets on uncertain outcomes, often with the aim of winning money or other prizes
/hˈaɪ ɹˈoʊlɚ/
a person who bets on very large sums of money in casinos
A high roller is a person who regularly places large bets or wagers, typically at casinos. The term is believed to come from the practice of rolling dice, where "high" referred to rolling the highest possible numbers, implying a person who was willing to take big risks. These individuals are known for their readiness to gamble large amounts of money, often in games like blackjack, poker, or roulette. High rollers often receive special treatment from casinos, such as luxurious accommodations, exclusive services, or personal attention, in recognition of the significant sums they wager. The term suggests a level of wealth and influence, with high rollers seen as important clients in the gambling industry.
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/smˈɑːɹt mˈʌni/
bets or wagers made by experienced or professional bettors who have a reputation for making successful bets due to their access to insider information, advanced statistical models, or other tools and resources
In gambling, smart money refers to bets made by experienced or knowledgeable individuals who are believed to have a better understanding of the game or event. These bettors often have more expertise or inside information, which makes their wagers more likely to succeed. The term is used to distinguish these bets from those made by casual or inexperienced gamblers, who might place wagers based on luck or incomplete information. Smart money is often seen as a signal or indicator of a strong bet, as it is assumed that those making it are well-informed.
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/stˈɑːɹɾɪŋ pɹˈaɪs/
the odds or price at which a horse or other competitor is valued at the start of a race or event, as determined by the bookmaker or betting exchange
Starting price (SP) is the odds at which a horse or other participant in a race is offered to bettors just before the race begins. These odds are determined by the betting market, based on the amount of money wagered on each contender. The starting price is used in some betting systems to settle bets if the odds were not available at the time the wager was placed. It reflects the collective opinion of the betting public about the chances of each participant, and it can change up to the start of the race as more money is wagered.
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the amount of money or other valuable asset that a player or bettor receives as a result of a successful bet or wager
a person who deals with the funds or money in a game, typically in gambling or banking games, and may also refer to the dealer or player responsible for controlling the bank or funds
A banker in gambling is the person who is responsible for managing the funds and overseeing the betting activities in certain games. This role involves accepting wagers from other players and paying out winnings based on the outcomes of the game. In games like baccarat or certain card games, the banker may also be the one who acts as the organizer and controls the betting pool. The banker ensures the game runs smoothly and fairly, and they typically take on the risk of the game by placing bets on behalf of the organizer or other players.
/fˈaɪv kˈɑːɹd tʃˈɑːɹli/
a blackjack rule where if a player is dealt five cards without busting, they automatically win the hand, regardless of the dealer's hand
Five card Charlie is a rule in some card games, particularly blackjack, where a player automatically wins if they are dealt five cards without going over a total of 21. This rule is often used to add an extra level of excitement to the game. Even if the player does not have the best hand in terms of card values, the five-card combination is enough to win the round.
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/hˈɑːɹd hˈænd/
a hand in blackjack that does not contain an Ace or contains an Ace that can only be counted as 1, making it inflexible in its value
A hard hand in blackjack refers to a hand that does not contain an Ace, or contains an Ace that is counted as 1 rather than 11. For example, a hand with a 7 and a 9 is a hard 16. Unlike a soft hand, where the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11, a hard hand has less flexibility in how it can be played. This makes it more challenging, as the total value of the hand is fixed and cannot be adjusted by the value of the Ace. A hard hand is often considered riskier to play, especially when the total is close to 21.
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/pˈʊl tˈæb/
a type of instant win game or gambling ticket, typically made of paper, with concealed windows that can be opened to reveal if the player has won a prize
A pull tab is a type of instant-win game, often found in lotteries or as part of a promotional event. It consists of a ticket with hidden symbols or numbers, which are revealed by pulling back a tab or scratching off a cover. The player then checks if the revealed symbols or numbers match a winning combination. Pull tabs are similar to scratchcards but typically involve physically pulling a tab to reveal the outcome. These games are quick and simple, offering the possibility of an immediate payout based on the revealed results.
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a type of mechanical arcade game and gambling device that originated in Japan, in which players shoot small metal balls into a vertical playing field filled with pins, bumpers, and other obstacles
Pachinko is a popular Japanese game that combines elements of pinball and slot machines. Players load small steel balls into a machine and launch them into a vertical playing field, where they bounce off pins and obstacles before landing in pockets. If the balls land in certain pockets or hit specific targets, the player wins more balls. These balls can then be exchanged for prizes, or in some cases, for cash. Pachinko is often played in large arcades and is a common form of entertainment in Japan, blending luck with a bit of skill.
/klˈɔː məʃˈiːn/
an arcade machine that has a claw-like device used to grab prizes inside the machine and drop them into a chute for players to win
A claw machine, also known as a crane game, is a type of arcade game where players use a joystick to control a mechanical claw that is used to grab prizes, usually stuffed animals or toys, inside a glass container. The goal is to move the claw over a desired prize and then lower it to try to pick it up and drop it into a slot. The player usually has a limited amount of time or tries to grab the prize, making it a game of skill and precision. The claw machine is commonly found in arcades, malls, and entertainment centers.
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