Glossary
B
Baccarat
A card game played in casinos in which two or more players gamble against the banker. The winner is the player who holds two or three cards that total closest to nine. There are a number of variations of Baccarat in the United Kingdom.
Backgammon
This is a board game for two players in which pieces are moved according to the roll of dice. The first player to remove all of his/her pieces from the board is declared the winner.
Bank
The hand against which all other players wager.
Bet
You make a bet when you risk money on a future outcome such as who will win the Grand National or the Eurovision Song Contest.
Betting
Making or accepting a bet on the outcome of a future event (such as who will win the Cricket World Cup, Grand National or Eurovision Song Contest) or on the likelihood of something happening (which city will host the 2016 Olympics).
Betting exchanges
Also know as person-to-person betting, where bets are matched between people with opposing views. Betting exchanges allow players to bet that an outcome will happen (back) or that it won’t happen (lay) at the odds they wish to play at. Unlike more traditional forms of gambling, players are able to bet on negative outcomes, such as a horse losing.
Big Six Wheel
The Big Six wheel, also known simply as The Big Six, is an unequal game of chance, played using a large vertical wheel that can be spun. The wheel is divided into a number of equal segments separated by spokes or pins. Each segment is associated with a number. The wheel is spun by a dealer, and the winning segment is indicated by a pointer mounted on a flexible piece of rubber or leather, which also rubs against the pins to impart friction and slow the wheel down. The player with max points at the end of the set will be the winner.
Bingo
A game where players receive a set of numbers on a card and mark off the cards as a caller selects and announces numbers at random. Players may win money or prizes as they complete a line, multiple lines or a complete card. Bingo is played in clubs and bingo halls or electronically at bingo terminals and over the internet.
Blackjack
A card game played in casinos and private venues. The object of the game is for the players to beat the bank by adding the values of the cards as close to 21 without going over. Also known as ‘21’.
Bookmaker
A person who carries out the business of receiving or negotiating bets.
Bridge
A game of cards developed out of whist. There are four players, one of whom is the dealer. The score is kept on paper.