Glossary

R

Raffle

A game, often to raise money for charity, in which numbered tickets are drawn from a container holding all the numbers sold. People holding the tickets that match the numbers drawn win prizes.

Random

A lack of purpose, cause, order, predictability or pattern.

Random number generator

A random number generator is a microprocessor inside a machine that generates the numbers that correspond with a gaming machine’s symbols. The device is designed to generate a random sequence of numbers or symbols. The Gambling Commission has the authority to test machines, software and equipment to ensure compliance with licence conditions.

Remote gambling – internet, television or phone

Remote gambling is when people gamble over the internet on a computer, laptop or handheld device, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) /internet text (SMS) on a mobile phone and/or an interactive or digital TV. People can gamble on activities such as the National Lottery, horse racing (through a betting exchange) and casino type games (eg roulette, bingo or poker).

Risk

The possibility of suffering a loss.

Roulette

In the game, a croupier spins a wheel in one direction, then spins a ball in the opposite direction around the circumference of the wheel. The ball eventually falls onto one of the 37 coloured and numbered pockets on the wheel. Players can place a variety of bets on specific numbers, the colour of the number (red or black), whether it is odd or even or on a grouping of numbers.

Royal flush

A straight flush consisting of the five highest cards of one suit, ranked as the highest hand in certain games of poker.