Glossary of Responsible Gaming Terms

The total amount of money a player has set aside specifically for gambling activities. A healthy bankroll should only consist of money you can afford to lose and should never include essential living expenses, savings, or borrowed funds. Proper bankroll management is fundamental to responsible gaming.

A standardized amount of money used as the basis for placing bets. Professional gamblers typically use betting units that represent 1-5% of their total bankroll. This strategy helps protect your funds from significant losses during losing streaks and extends your gaming duration.

A predetermined maximum amount of money you will lose before stopping your gambling session. Setting loss limits before you begin playing is a critical responsible gaming practice that prevents excessive losses and protects your financial wellbeing.

A target amount of winnings at which you will stop playing and cash out your profits. Establishing a win limit helps you avoid the common mistake of giving back winnings by continuing to play. This disciplined approach transforms short-term wins into lasting gains.

The mathematical advantage that the casino maintains over players in any given game. The house edge is expressed as a percentage and represents the average amount a player can expect to lose per unit wagered over time. Understanding house edge helps players choose games with better odds.

The percentage of total wagered money that a game returns to players over time, expressed as a percentage. A game with 96% RTP means players can expect to lose 4% of wagered amounts long-term. Higher RTP percentages indicate better odds for players.

The measure of fluctuation in game outcomes. High variance games offer larger wins and losses with unpredictable swings, while low variance games provide steady, smaller wins. Understanding variance helps players choose games matching their risk tolerance and bankroll.

Similar to variance, volatility describes how much a game's payouts fluctuate. This metric helps players understand the risk profile of different games and make informed decisions about which games suit their playing style and financial situation.