Online Casino Terms You Should Know

Regional overviews, such as AZ casino options online, explain what is legal in Arizona, how access works, and which formats appear on licensed platforms.

RTP and house edge

Return to player, or RTP, is the share of total stakes a game pays back over time. A 96 percent RTP implies the game keeps 4 percent on average. House edge is the kept share. Both figures describe long-run behavior, not a promise for a single session. Reading them together gives a quick sense of cost.

Volatility and variance

Two slots can share the same RTP yet play very differently. Volatility, also called variance, describes how payouts cluster over time. High volatility leans toward dry spells and rare big hits. Low volatility feeds frequent small wins. Preference depends on mood and budget. The math stays the same; the pattern shifts.

RNG and fairness

A random number generator, or RNG, decides outcomes in digital games. A sound RNG resists prediction and tampering, which protects fairness. For a deeper dive into how randomness is evaluated in security contexts, see random number generators. The practical takeaway is simple: each spin or deal stands alone, and the game does not remember.

Wagering requirements and playthrough

Bonuses often attach a rule that asks for a certain multiple of the bonus amount to be bet before withdrawal. That rule appears as wagering requirements, or playthrough. A 30x playthrough on a 100-credit bonus means 3,000 credits must be staked before cashing out bonus funds. Terms usually exclude some games or cap contribution, so the fine print matters.

Bonus types explained

The welcome bonus pairs extra funds with the first deposit. No-deposit bonus unlocks a small balance for account holders without payment. Free spins credit is a fixed number of spins on named slots. Reload bonus repeats a top-up on later deposits. Cashback returns a fraction of net losses over a period. Each offer has caps, eligible games, and expiry windows. The value lives in those details, not in the headline number.

Lines, ways, and paylines

Classic slots use paylines, which are the lines that must match to win. Many modern titles use ways, where any matching symbols on adjacent reels pay left to right. Lines fix patterns in place. Ways count positions, which change the approach to bet size and feature triggers. The paytable explains which system applies.

Bankroll, unit, and tilt

Bankroll is the total amount set aside for play. A unit is the standard bet size within that bankroll. A unit in the one to two percent range keeps swings manageable. Tilt describes a state where emotion takes the wheel after a loss or a win. The cure is a break, a fixed stop, or both.

KYC and AML checks

Know your customer, or KYC, refers to identity verification. Anti-money laundering, or AML, covers checks that monitor unusual activity. Licensed platforms ask for documents to comply with the law and to protect accounts. Delays feel tedious, yet they keep payouts safer and reduce fraud. Keeping a clear copy of ID and a recent utility bill nearby speeds this step.

Withdrawal limits and pending period

Many platforms set daily, weekly, or monthly withdrawal limits. A pending period may apply before the payment leaves the platform. Processing windows vary by method, with cards and bank transfers usually slower than e-wallets. Reading the payments page before a first deposit avoids surprises at cash-out time.

Contribution, weighting, and eligible games

In bonus play, not all games count equally toward wagering. Slots often contribute 100 percent. Table games may count at a reduced rate, and some titles may not count at all. This weighting steers play. The terms page lists the current table.

Expected value in plain terms

Expected value, or EV, blends outcome size with outcome chance. A fair coin with a one-credit win on heads and a one-credit loss on tails has an EV of zero. EV explains why a high-RTP, high-volatility game can still feel rough in short bursts. A clear primer on probability theory lays the groundwork for this idea.

Comp points, rakeback, and loyalty tiers

Comp points accrue with play and convert into rewards. Rakeback returns part of the rake in games like poker, where the house takes a fee per pot or per hand. Loyalty tiers unlock perks for consistent activity. None of these systems change game math, yet they can reduce net cost for regulars. Value depends on rates and redemption rules.

Geo-fencing and location services

Licensed platforms restrict access by state or country. Geo-fencing uses IP data and device checks to confirm precise location. A secure, stable connection reduces false blocks. Privacy tools can disrupt checks, which can lock accounts or delay payouts.

Progressive jackpots and seed value

Progressive slots pool a slice of each wager into a shared pot that can drop at random or on a trigger. After a win, the pot resets to a seed value set by the provider. Contribution rates are small, volatility is extreme, and eligibility rules matter. Some progressives require a minimum stake or side bet to qualify, so check the paytable.

Max bet rules and feature eligibility

Promotions cap the maximum bet while bonus funds are active. Breaking that cap can void winnings. Some games tie features or bonus wheels to higher stakes or side bets. Knowing which bet sizes unlock which features prevents surprises and helps a player match intent, budget, and pace.

Responsible play tools

Time reminders, deposit caps, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion tools exist to keep sessions within healthy limits. Setting these controls before starting helps keep intent clear when emotions run hot. The most useful guardrail is a firm stop based on time or budget, set during a calm moment.