Casino Terminology: Simply Explained - The Most Important Terms

ℹ️ Category: General

Virtual slot machines

Virtual slot machines are computer-based games that are entirely controlled by software. These reel games often come with a 5x3 grid and feature multiple paylines, various symbols, and special attributes. A win is achieved on a random basis when several identical winning symbols align on a payline.

Casino license

A casino licence is the permission to legally offer real-money gambling. In Ireland, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) will issue licences for online casinos in the future. Providers must adhere to regulations regarding player protection and data privacy.

Game manufacturer

Game developers are also referred to as game producers. They are responsible for creating various casino games. Some developers specialize in creating digital slot machines. Other companies produce games for both land-based casinos and the online sector.

For instance: The provider Merkur is known for its presence in both online and offline domains. On the other hand, Play'n Go is a game developer that exclusively focuses on the online market.

Minimum bet

Definition: The range of limits in every game includes both minimum and maximum bets. The minimum bet refers to the amount that you must wager per round as a minimum requirement. These limits establish the boundaries within which you can place your bets and determine the stakes you are willing to risk.

For instance, if an online slot machine sets a minimum bet of €0.20, you will be required to wager at least this amount per spin. Lower bets are not permitted.

Maximum profit

Maximum winnings are associated with a game in the online casino. This represents the highest potential profit you can achieve. The payout table of a game shows the possible maximum winnings for each symbol. Frequently, there is also a direct indication of the game's maximum win at the beginning. The extent of the maximum winnings depends on the game and its features.

Example: Achieving the highest rating on the payout table will reward you with the ultimate jackpot. By incorporating multipliers and additional functionalities, the potential for an even greater maximum win is made feasible.

Legal gambling

Legal gambling is a service provided by an officially licensed gambling provider. To be classified as legal, the licence must be issued by a reputable jurisdiction, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao.

Playing at licensed online casinos that accept Irish players is safe. Players should check the licence details in the casino footer to ensure a secure environment for their gambling experience.

Illegal gambling

Illegal gambling occurs when a gambling provider does not possess a valid licence from a reputable jurisdiction. In this scenario, online gambling is being offered without proper authorisation.

For instance, if an online casino possesses a licence from Malta, Gibraltar, or Curaçao, it operates under that jurisdiction's regulations, not Ireland's.

⭐️ Category: Bonus

Real money bonus

Definition: The real money bonus, a frequently used promotional campaign by online casinos, is available to players after they have made a deposit. A welcome bonus of 100% is usually granted to new customers. Loyal players can also benefit from real money bonuses. Such bonuses are made available to them.

For instance: At an online casino, you will come across a deposit bonus of 100%, capped at a maximum bonus of €100. Should you deposit €100, you would be rewarded with a €100 bonus. Consequently, you would have a total of €200 to play with.

No deposit bonus

Definition: A no-deposit bonus is occasionally available. In this case, no deposit is needed to benefit from a bonus. Such offers are usually aimed at new customers and can be considered a kind of welcome gift. These promotions are frequently found and allow users to benefit from additional advantages without financial commitments.

For instance: If you sign up at an online casino and come across a no deposit bonus, the bonus will be credited to your account immediately after registration. This means that you can claim the bonus without making a deposit.

Free spins

Description: Among the offerings provided by operators are free spins. Free spins refer to a set number of spins that you can utilize on slot machines. Typically, the game is predetermined. The value of the free spins is also predetermined.

For instance: If an online casino offers 50 free spins as a welcome bonus for a specific game, the free spins will be credited to you either before or after making a deposit, depending on the offer. Now you can take advantage of the free spins and start winning.

Bonus conditions

Definition: The bonus promotion requires adhering to the bonus conditions, which are considered the central element. All relevant guidelines regarding the bonus are detailed within. Key aspects include, among others, the minimum deposit amount, wagering requirements, the timeframe to meet the wagering requirements, the maximum bet amount, and the permitted games.

If the terms and conditions state that you must meet the wagering requirements within 20 days, it is imperative that you fulfill the turnover in a timely manner. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the bonus and any potential winnings from your player account.

Wagering requirements

Wagering requirements, also known as playthrough conditions, form an integral part of the bonus terms. Here, it is explicitly stated how many times the received bonus or bonus in combination with the deposit must be wagered. In the case of free spin offers, you are obligated to wager the winnings from the free spins according to the specified guidelines.

If the bonus terms stipulate that the bonus must be wagered at least 30 times, you must achieve this within the specified time frame. If you deposit €50 and receive a bonus of the same amount, the total amount would be €1,500.

Bonus rounds

Definition: When it comes to promotions in online casinos, you often hear about bonus rounds. These rounds are played with bonus funds and the amount of bonus money decreases with each round.

For instance, if you have been rewarded with a bonus amounting to 50 € and you wish to place a bet of 1 € per round, you will have the opportunity to participate in 50 rounds.

Cash-Back

Definition: A cashback bonus is offered by some providers. This bonus allows you to get a portion of your losses refunded for a set period. Both new and existing players can benefit from cashback bonuses, which are available either without or with minimal wagering requirements. With these bonuses, you have the chance to recover some of your losses and thus increase your chances of winning.

For instance: If a web-based gambling establishment offers a 5% cash-back for the previous week, they calculate the losses incurred during that week. As a result, 5% of those losses will be credited directly to your gaming account, which you can then use to play. With a stroke of luck, you won't have to comply with any wagering requirements.

✅ Category: Verification

Casino verification

To play in an online casino, it is necessary to undergo verification. Casino verification is one of the security checks designed to ensure compliance with youth protection regulations. It serves as a means of identity recognition, as well as a measure to prevent money laundering and other criminal activities. Ultimately, it is imperative to uphold a safe and secure gaming environment.

Know Your Customer

The abbreviation KYC, which stands for Know Your Customer, is commonly used to refer to the practice of "Understanding Your Customers." Online casinos are obligated to identify new customers based on anti-money laundering regulations. The KYC process verifies whether the registered user is indeed the person they claim to be, helping to detect and prevent fraudulent activities.

🎰 Category: Slots

Slots

Slots are one of the most popular games on the internet. These are reel games developed by various creators. When you place bets and start the game, the reels spin. Whether winning combinations are formed in the end is left to chance and never predictable. It is a pure game of chance, which is software-controlled.

RTP/payout ratio

Definition: Online casino games are accompanied by payout percentages, also known as RTP values. The RTP value represents the average amount of money that is returned to players in the long run. The higher the value, the more favorable it is for players.

Example: We estimate a payout rate of 96%. In this scenario, if a player wagers 100 €, they would receive a total of 96 € in returns. However, this calculation is conducted over an extended period of time. It is important to note that this does not mean that every time a player bets 100 €, they will always receive exactly 96 € in return.

volatility

Definition: Variance is another term for volatility. This metric affects how frequently winning combinations occur and what values can be expected. Games vary in their volatility and can be low, medium, or high. Different games exhibit different volatility levels.

For instance: Slot machines with low volatility often yield winnings that are situated in the lower range. If there is high volatility, there are less frequent wins, but higher amounts of winnings.

Paylines

The arrangement of lines in slot machines determines where winning combinations can arise. The number of these lines can vary significantly. Certain online slot machines feature only 1 to 5 paylines. Meanwhile, other games boast an impressive 100 paylines. The majority of slots typically offer between 20 and 30 paylines.

Example: The more paylines there are, the more advantageous it is for players. The likelihood of forming winning combinations increases significantly with numerous lines. Players have a higher chance of hitting winning combinations when playing with a larger number of active paylines.

rollers

Virtual slot machines are equipped with reels, also known as wheels or reels. These refer to the vertical mechanisms that start spinning when the start button is clicked. When the reels come to a halt, a picture filled with symbols appears, which may result in a winning combination if luck is on your side. Numerous slots feature either 3 or 5 reels.

Bonus rounds (in-game)

Definition: In addition to the customary bonus offers of online casinos, there are also in-game bonus rounds. Most slot machines come with special features such as free spins or respins. These are referred to as bonus rounds. In these bonus rounds, no money is deducted from your account balance.

For instance, should you receive a respin, the additional spin will take place without any further contribution from you. If, for example, you have been granted 10 free spins, you will be able to play 10 extra rounds without any deduction from your player account.