A UK glossary of casino words
The lobby speaks in shorthand. These entries say what the shorthand usually means in the UK, and where a longer note lives when the word is doing real work.
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Money and maths
RTP (return to player) is the long-run share of stakes a game is designed to pay back. It is not a session forecast. Full note: RTP explained.
House edge is the other side of that figure, often 100% minus RTP. It is a property of the rules, not a fee printed on your receipt.
Volatility describes how bunched slot prizes are. It is not a second word for RTP. See slot volatility.
Stake is the amount you risk on one round, in pounds on a UK account. A maximum stake while wagering is a cap inside an offer, not your personal budget.
Offers
Wagering or playthrough is the stake total required before promotional winnings can be withdrawn. Calculate it before you opt in: wagering requirements.
Game weighting is the percentage of a bet that counts toward that total. A game at 0% does not move the requirement.
A matched deposit, free spins and cashback are different contracts. They are separated in bonuses explained.
Accounts and checks
KYC means “know your customer”: identity and address checks, sometimes source of funds. It is a normal pause before a withdrawal, not a personal accusation.
A cashier is the screen that lists methods, limits and request status. How to read one in Britain is covered in UK payments.
Pending means the operator or the payment network has not finished. It is not a promise of an hour.
Safer play, in the UK sense
A deposit limit caps what you can pay in over a period. A time-out is a short block. Self-exclusion is longer.
GAMSTOP is the national self-exclusion scheme for operators licensed in Great Britain. It is not run by Pi Media.
The National Gambling Helpline, 0808 8020 133, is free and open all day. BeGambleAware and GamCare publish independent help. The Gambling Commission is the regulator for Great Britain, not a complaints desk you use instead of the operator’s own process.
Frequently asked questions
Is this glossary a set of legal definitions?
No. Operators use these words in their own terms. If their definition differs, their terms are the ones that apply to your account.
What does “cash balance” mean next to a bonus?
Usually the funds that are not locked by an offer. The screen should distinguish them. If it does not, ask before you stake.
Where should I go after a definition?
Follow the guide linked in the entry. The glossary is a map, not the whole explanation.