Top 47 Slang For Gambler – Meaning & Usage

From high-stakes poker games to thrilling spins on the roulette wheel, gambling has its own language. But fear not, because we’ve got your back. Our team of slang experts have scoured the gambling world to bring you a curated list of the top slang terms for gamblers. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this listicle is sure to up your game and have you speaking the lingo like a pro in no time. So, let’s roll the dice and dive into the world of gambler slang!

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1. Gamester

A gamester is someone who engages in gambling or playing games of chance. The term is often used to refer to a person who enjoys taking risks and participating in various forms of gambling.

For example, “He’s always at the casino, he’s a real gamester.”
In a discussion about different types of gamblers, one might say, “A gamester is someone who plays purely for the thrill of the game.”
A friend might jokingly tease, “You’re such a gamester, always willing to bet on anything.”

2. Bettor

A bettor is an individual who places bets, especially on sporting events or other forms of gambling. The term is commonly used to refer to someone who enjoys wagering money and predicting the outcome of various events.

For instance, “He’s a regular bettor at the horse races.”
During a conversation about sports betting, one might say, “A successful bettor knows how to analyze the odds and make informed decisions.”
A friend might ask, “Are you a bettor? Who do you think will win the game?”

3. Bookie

A bookie, short for bookmaker, is a person or organization that accepts and pays off bets on various outcomes. Bookies typically set the odds and take bets from gamblers, making a profit by ensuring that the total amount wagered is not evenly distributed among all possible outcomes.

For example, “I placed a bet with my bookie on the outcome of the boxing match.”
In a discussion about illegal gambling, one might mention, “Bookies operate outside of legal regulations in some countries.”
A person might ask, “Do you have a reliable bookie? I want to place a bet on the game.”

4. Bookmaker

A bookmaker, also known as an oddsmaker, is an individual or organization that sets and adjusts the odds for various gambling activities. Bookmakers calculate the probability of different outcomes and determine the payouts accordingly.

For instance, “The bookmaker set the odds for the upcoming football game.”
During a discussion about sports betting, one might say, “It’s important to compare the odds offered by different bookmakers.”
A friend might ask, “Which bookmaker do you trust the most? I need to place a bet on the race.”

5. Backer

A backer is someone who financially supports or invests in a gambler or gambling activity. The term can also refer to a person who places bets on behalf of someone else.

For example, “He’s a successful gambler with several wealthy backers.”
In a conversation about high-stakes poker, one might mention, “Professional players often have backers who provide the necessary funds.”
A person might ask, “Are you looking for a backer for your gambling venture? I might be interested.”

6. Cardsharp

A cardsharp is a person who is highly skilled in playing card games, especially in a way that allows them to cheat or manipulate the outcome of the game. The term is often used to describe someone who is an expert at card tricks or sleight of hand.

For example, “He’s a cardsharp who can deal a winning hand every time.”
In a discussion about poker strategies, someone might say, “Beware of cardsharps who can read your tells.”
A magician might reference cardsharps when performing tricks, saying, “Watch closely, just like a cardsharp would.”

7. Crapshooter

A crapshooter is someone who plays the game of craps, which is a dice game typically played in casinos. The term can also refer to someone who consistently plays and bets on dice games in general.

For instance, “He’s a skilled crapshooter who knows all the ins and outs of the game.”
In a discussion about gambling strategies, someone might mention, “Crapshooters often rely on luck and intuition.”
A person might say, “I’m not much of a card player, but I consider myself a decent crapshooter.”

8. Dicer

A dicer is someone who plays dice games, often referring to someone who consistently participates in gambling involving dice. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to someone who takes risks or is willing to gamble on uncertain outcomes.

For example, “He’s a seasoned dicer who’s always up for a game of craps.”
In a conversation about risk-taking, someone might say, “Entrepreneurs are like dicers, always willing to roll the dice on a new venture.”
A person might describe themselves as a dicer, saying, “I love the thrill of dice games, I’m a true dicer at heart.”

9. Player

A player is a term used to describe someone who is skilled and experienced in gambling. It can also refer to someone who is known for their success in attracting romantic partners.

For instance, “He’s a seasoned player who knows all the tricks of the trade.”
In a discussion about poker, someone might say, “Watch out for the players at the table, they know how to bluff.”
A person might describe themselves as a player, saying, “I’ve been gambling for years, I consider myself a true player.”

10. Plunger

A plunger is a term used to describe a high-stakes gambler who is willing to take significant risks and make large bets. The term is often associated with individuals who are wealthy and can afford to gamble large sums of money.

For example, “He’s a fearless plunger who never hesitates to bet big.”
In a conversation about high-stakes gambling, someone might say, “Plungers are known to win or lose fortunes in a single night.”
A person might refer to themselves as a plunger, saying, “I thrive on the adrenaline rush of being a high-rolling plunger.”

11. Shill

A shill is a person who pretends to be a customer or bettor in order to promote or create interest in something, often by providing false or misleading information. Shills are commonly used in gambling to attract other players or create the illusion of winning.

For example, in a poker game, a player might accuse another of being a shill, saying, “I think that guy is working with the dealer to cheat us.”
In a casino, a shill might be used to start a crowd around a particular table, making it appear more popular than it actually is.
A gambler might warn others, “Be careful of shills at the blackjack table, they might be working for the casino.”

12. Speculator

A speculator is someone who engages in financial or gambling activities with the hope of making a profit, often by taking calculated risks. Speculators often analyze market trends and make predictions based on their research and intuition.

For instance, a speculator might invest in a stock based on their belief that its value will increase in the future.
In sports betting, a speculator might analyze the statistics and performance of teams before placing a bet.
A gambler might say, “I’m not just blindly betting, I’m a speculator who carefully assesses the odds.”

13. Highroller

A high roller is a gambler who consistently wagers large amounts of money. These players are often associated with luxury and extravagance, and they are typically given special treatment and perks by casinos.

For example, a high roller might be given access to a private gambling room or offered complimentary hotel stays.
In a casino, a high roller might be seen playing at the exclusive high-stakes tables.
A gambler might say, “I wish I could be a high roller and bet like there’s no tomorrow.”

14. Numbers runner

A numbers runner is a person who illegally takes bets on the outcome of various events, typically using a system of numbers to represent the bets. Numbers running is often associated with illegal gambling operations and organized crime.

For instance, a numbers runner might take bets on the winning lottery numbers.
In a discussion about illegal gambling, someone might mention the role of numbers runners in the underground betting world.
A gambler might warn others, “Stay away from the numbers runners, they’re just looking to take your money.”

15. Risktaker

A risk taker is someone who is willing to take chances and embrace uncertainty in order to achieve a desired outcome, especially in gambling. Risk takers are often attracted to the thrill and excitement of uncertain outcomes.

For example, a risk taker might place a large bet on a long shot in a horse race.
In a casino, a risk taker might choose to play high-risk games with the potential for big rewards.
A gambler might say, “I’m a risk taker, I love the adrenaline rush of going all in.”

16. Whale

A whale is a term used to describe a high roller or a wealthy gambler who is known for making large bets in casinos. The term “whale” is often used in the context of casinos and gambling establishments to refer to these big spenders.

For example, a casino might offer special perks and privileges to whales in order to attract their business.
In a conversation about gambling, someone might say, “That whale just lost $100,000 in one hand!”
A casino employee might refer to a high roller as a whale, saying, “We’ve got a big whale coming in tonight, so make sure everything is ready.”

17. Gambler

A gambler is someone who participates in games of chance or places bets with the hope of winning money. The term “gambler” is a general term that can refer to anyone who engages in gambling activities, whether it be in a casino, online, or through other means.

For instance, someone might say, “He’s always at the casino. He’s a real gambler.”
In a discussion about gambling addiction, someone might mention the struggles of a compulsive gambler.
A person might refer to themselves as a gambler when talking about their experiences with different casino games.

18. Fever

Fever is a slang term used to describe a strong desire or craving to gamble. It refers to the excitement and anticipation that gamblers feel when they are about to place a bet or engage in a gambling activity.

For example, someone might say, “I’ve got a real gambling fever. I can’t wait to hit the casino tonight!”
In a conversation about the thrill of gambling, someone might mention the adrenaline rush and feverish feeling they get when they’re on a winning streak.
A person struggling with a gambling addiction might talk about the fever they feel when they’re unable to resist the urge to gamble.

19. Filet Gumbo

Filet gumbo is a slang term used to describe a gambler who has run out of money or has empty pockets. It refers to the idea that the gambler has lost all their money and is unable to continue gambling.

For instance, someone might say, “I had a great run at the blackjack table, but now I’m filet gumbo.”
In a conversation about the risks of gambling, someone might mention the importance of setting limits to avoid ending up filet gumbo.
A person might jokingly refer to themselves as filet gumbo after losing a bet or running out of money at the casino.

20. Let it ride

“Let it ride” is a phrase used in gambling to indicate that a player wants to leave their bet as it is and not make any changes. It is often used in games like poker or blackjack, where players have the option to increase or decrease their bets.

For example, a player might say, “I’ve got a good hand, so I’m going to let it ride.”
In a discussion about gambling strategies, someone might mention the decision to let it ride or to increase their bet based on their confidence in their hand.
A person might use the phrase “let it ride” metaphorically to mean going with the flow or not making any changes in a situation.

21. Toke

A “toke” is a gratuity or tip given to dealers in a casino. It is a way for players to show appreciation for good service and can be given as cash or casino chips.

For example, a player might say, “Here’s a toke for you, thanks for the great game.”
In a discussion about casino etiquette, someone might ask, “How much is the standard toke for a blackjack dealer?”
A dealer might say, “I always appreciate a toke from a lucky player.”

22. High roller

A “high roller” is a gambler who consistently wagers large amounts of money. They are often associated with luxury and extravagant gambling experiences.

For instance, a casino might offer special perks and privileges to high rollers, such as access to exclusive VIP lounges or personal concierge services.
In a conversation about gambling strategies, someone might say, “High rollers often have the bankroll to take bigger risks.”
A person might comment, “I felt like a high roller when I won big at the craps table.”

23. Card sharp

A “card sharp” is someone who is skilled at manipulating playing cards for their advantage in order to win at gambling. They are often considered to be experts in card games and can use various techniques to gain an unfair advantage.

For example, in a discussion about poker, someone might mention, “There are professional card sharps who can read opponents’ cards.”
A person might say, “Watch out for that guy, he’s a known card sharp.”
In a movie about gambling, a character might be revealed as a card sharp during a tense poker game.

24. Degenerate gambler

A “degenerate gambler” is someone who is unable to control their gambling habits and continues to gamble despite negative consequences. They often exhibit addictive behavior and may experience financial, emotional, and social problems as a result.

For instance, in a support group for gambling addiction, someone might share, “I used to be a degenerate gambler, but I’ve been clean for six months.”
A person might say, “He lost everything because he couldn’t stop gambling, he’s a degenerate.”
In a discussion about responsible gambling, someone might caution, “Don’t let yourself become a degenerate gambler, set limits and stick to them.”

25. Hustler

A “hustler” is someone who uses deception or clever tactics to gain an advantage in gambling. They are often skilled at manipulating others and may engage in various forms of cheating or hustling to win.

For example, in a discussion about pool hustling, someone might say, “He’s a legendary hustler, he can beat anyone at the table.”
A person might comment, “You have to watch out for hustlers in the casino, they’ll take your money if you’re not careful.”
In a movie about gambling, the protagonist might be a talented hustler who outsmarts his opponents.

26. Snake eyes

In dice games, “snake eyes” refers to rolling a pair of ones. It is considered unlucky and often used to describe a losing outcome.

For example, a person might say, “I rolled snake eyes and lost all my money.”
In a game of craps, a player might exclaim, “I can’t seem to avoid snake eyes today!”
Someone might warn a friend, “Be careful, the dice have been showing snake eyes all night.”

27. Pit boss

A pit boss is a casino employee who oversees the gaming tables and ensures that everything runs smoothly. They are responsible for managing the dealers and resolving any disputes that may arise.

For instance, a player might approach the pit boss and say, “I have a complaint about this dealer.”
In a movie scene set in a casino, a character might ask, “Where can I find the pit boss?”
A dealer might report an issue to the pit boss, saying, “There’s a player causing trouble at my table.”

28. Croupier

A croupier is a casino employee who operates the gaming table. They are responsible for dealing cards, spinning the roulette wheel, and facilitating the game according to the rules.

For example, a player might say to the croupier, “Hit me with another card, please.”
In a casino setting, a person might ask, “How much should I tip the croupier?”
A dealer might compliment a croupier, saying, “You’re one of the best croupiers I’ve worked with.”

29. Junket

A junket is a luxurious trip or excursion offered by a casino to attract and reward high-rolling gamblers. It often includes accommodations, transportation, and entertainment.

For instance, a casino might invite a high-roller on a junket to Las Vegas, covering all expenses.
A gambler might say, “I won big on my last trip, so the casino offered me a junket to their resort.”
Someone might ask a friend, “Have you ever been on a junket? It’s an amazing experience.”

30. Grinder

A grinder is a term used to describe a gambler who plays consistently and persistently, often with a disciplined approach. They are known for putting in long hours and grinding out small profits.

For example, a fellow gambler might say, “He’s a grinder. He’s always at the poker table, grinding out wins.”
A person might describe their gambling strategy, saying, “I prefer to be a grinder, steadily building my bankroll.”
A casino employee might comment, “Grinders are the backbone of our business. They keep coming back and playing.”

31. Bankroll

The term “bankroll” refers to the amount of money a gambler has set aside specifically for gambling purposes. It is the total funds available for placing bets or wagers.

For example, a gambler might say, “I need to build up my bankroll before I can start playing poker.”
In a discussion about responsible gambling, someone might advise, “Set a limit on your bankroll to avoid overspending.”
A professional gambler might boast, “I turned my small bankroll into a fortune through strategic betting.”

32. Parlay

In gambling, “parlay” refers to the act of using your winnings from one bet to place another bet, with the goal of increasing your overall winnings.

For instance, a bettor might say, “I’m going to parlay my winnings from this blackjack game into a bet on the roulette wheel.”
In a conversation about successful gambling strategies, someone might suggest, “Try to parlay your initial bet to maximize your potential winnings.”
A gambler might exclaim, “I hit a winning streak and parlayed my small bet into a huge jackpot!”

33. Vig

In gambling, “vig” is a slang term for the commission or fee charged by a bookmaker for accepting a bet. It is also known as “juice” or “the take.”

For example, a bettor might say, “The vig on this sports bet is 10%, so I need to win by a large margin to make a profit.”
In a discussion about the economics of gambling, someone might explain, “The vig ensures that the bookmaker always makes a profit, regardless of the outcome.”
A seasoned gambler might advise, “Consider the vig when calculating your potential winnings to make informed betting decisions.”

34. Grifter

A “grifter” is a slang term for a person who cheats or deceives others, particularly in gambling or other forms of financial transactions.

For instance, someone might say, “Watch out for that grifter at the poker table. He’s been known to use marked cards.”
In a discussion about gambling scams, a person might warn, “Don’t fall for the tricks of a grifter. They can be very convincing.”
A casino employee might explain, “We have strict security measures in place to catch any grifters trying to cheat the system.”

35. Punter

In gambling, a “punter” is a term commonly used in the United Kingdom to refer to a person who places bets, especially on sporting events.

For example, someone might say, “I’m a regular punter at the horse races. I enjoy the thrill of betting on the winners.”
In a conversation about sports gambling, a person might ask, “Are you a serious punter or do you just bet for fun?”
A sports enthusiast might say, “I’ve been a punter for years and have developed my own strategies for picking winners.”

36. Lady luck

This term refers to the concept of luck or chance, often personified as a female figure. It is used to describe the unpredictable nature of gambling and the belief that luck plays a significant role in winning or losing.

For example, a gambler might say, “I’m hoping lady luck is on my side tonight.”
In a casino setting, someone might exclaim, “Lady luck finally smiled upon me!”
A poker player might complain, “I can’t seem to catch a break with lady luck lately.”

37. Action junkie

This term describes a gambler who seeks excitement and enjoys taking risks. It implies a preference for high-stakes games or bets that provide an adrenaline rush.

For instance, someone might say, “He’s not satisfied with small wins, he’s an action junkie.”
In a discussion about gambling preferences, a person might admit, “I’m an action junkie, I love the thrill of big bets.”
A gambler might warn a friend, “Be careful with that action junkie, he’s known for making reckless bets.”

38. Gambolier

This term is used to describe someone who is passionate about gambling and enjoys participating in various forms of betting or games of chance.

For example, a person might say, “He’s a true gambolier, always up for a poker game or a trip to the casino.”
In a conversation about hobbies, someone might mention, “I’ve become quite the gambolier in recent years.”
A gambler might introduce themselves by saying, “I’m a gambolier, and I love the thrill of the game.”

39. Cardshark

This term refers to a skilled and experienced card player who is highly proficient in various card games. A cardshark is known for their ability to manipulate the outcome of a game through skillful play or deception.

For instance, someone might say, “Watch out for him, he’s a cardshark and rarely loses.”
In a discussion about poker strategy, a person might mention, “Becoming a cardshark takes years of practice and study.”
A player might accuse their opponent of being a cardshark, saying, “I can’t believe he knew exactly what cards I had. He must be a cardshark.”

40. Spinner

This term refers to a gambler who is willing to take chances and make bold moves in order to win big. It implies a certain level of fearlessness and a willingness to embrace uncertainty.

For example, someone might say, “He’s a spinner, always going for the highest risk bets.”
In a conversation about gambling personalities, a person might mention, “I admire the spinners who aren’t afraid to take big risks.”
A gambler might describe themselves as a spinner, saying, “I love the adrenaline rush of being a spinner and going for the jackpot.”

41. Capper

A capper is someone who provides tips or predictions on the outcome of a game or event, particularly in sports betting. They may claim to have insider information or expertise in making accurate predictions.

For example, “I follow this capper on Twitter for his sports betting picks.”
A capper might advertise their services by saying, “Get winning picks from our team of expert cappers.”
In a discussion about sports betting strategies, someone might ask, “Do you trust the cappers’ predictions?”

42. Whizgig

A whizgig is a slang term for a high roller, someone who consistently bets large amounts of money in gambling or takes high risks in games of chance. It is often used to describe someone who is wealthy and enjoys the thrill of gambling.

For instance, “He’s a real whizgig at the casino, always betting big.”
In a conversation about high-stakes poker, someone might say, “Only the whizgigs can afford to play in that game.”
A casino might offer special perks and benefits to whizgigs, such as free hotel stays or exclusive access to VIP areas.

43. Floorman

A floorman, or floor supervisor, is an employee in a casino who oversees the operation of a specific area, such as a poker room or blackjack table. They are responsible for ensuring fair play, resolving disputes, and managing the flow of the game.

For example, “If you have any issues during the game, speak to the floorman.”
A floorman might make announcements like, “Table 5 is now open for players.”
In a discussion about casino etiquette, someone might ask, “Should I tip the floorman if I win a big pot?”

44. Chancer

A chancer is someone who takes risks, particularly in gambling or betting. They may rely on luck or intuition rather than careful analysis or strategy. It can also refer to someone who tries their luck in various situations.

For instance, “He’s always taking chances at the blackjack table. He’s a real chancer.”
In a conversation about gambling addiction, someone might say, “Chancers often struggle to recognize when to stop.”
A friend might encourage someone to take a risk by saying, “Go on, be a chancer! You never know what might happen.”

45. Grease

In gambling, “grease” refers to offering a bribe or tip to influence the outcome of a game or to gain an advantage. It can also be used to describe the act of secretly adding extra money to a bet.

For example, “He tried to grease the dealer to get better cards.”
In a discussion about cheating in poker, someone might mention, “Greasing the pot is a serious offense.”
A casino employee might warn against greasing by saying, “We have strict rules against attempting to grease the staff.”

46. Grind

In gambling, “grind” refers to the act of consistently putting in effort and playing for long hours in order to slowly accumulate winnings over time. It can also refer to the process of slowly working towards a larger goal or increasing one’s bankroll.

For example, a gambler might say, “I’ve been grinding at the poker tables for hours, and I finally made a profit.”
In a discussion about gambling strategies, someone might advise, “If you want to succeed in the long run, you need to grind and be disciplined.”
A professional gambler might share their experience, saying, “Grinding is a necessary part of my routine to maintain a steady income.”

47. Fish

In gambling, a “fish” refers to an inexperienced or unskilled gambler who is easily taken advantage of by more experienced players. It is often used to describe someone who consistently loses money due to their lack of knowledge or skills.

For example, a seasoned poker player might say, “I love playing against fish because they make predictable mistakes.”
In a discussion about gambling strategies, someone might advise, “Avoid playing with fish if you want to maximize your chances of winning.”
A gambler might share their frustration, saying, “I lost all my money because I was playing like a fish and didn’t know what I was doing.”