iGaming Glossary
Brief, plainly worded definitions of the vocabulary used throughout this guide. A bonus page or game guide therefore never relies on a term left unexplained.
RTP (Return to Player)
Theoretical portion of total stakes on a game that is paid back to players over a vast number of spins or hands. With 96% RTP, no individual session is assured to return 96%.
Volatility (or variance)
Describes the payout pattern of a slot over time. Low volatility brings smaller wins at a higher frequency; high volatility brings longer stretches without wins and larger payouts when they come.
Wagering requirement
How many times bonus funds, and frequently the winnings attached to them, have to be staked before a withdrawal is permitted. It is normally expressed as a multiplier such as x40.
KYC (Know Your Customer)
Checks on identity: documents proving who the player is, where they live and who owns the payment method. Almost all online casinos demand these before bigger cash-outs.
RNG (Random Number Generator)
Audited software that settles every spin or deal outside live play, with earlier results exerting no influence.
No-deposit bonus
Bonus money or free spins granted with no prior deposit. These are generally smaller than deposit bonuses and carry tighter wagering terms.
Opt-in
An action needed to switch on a promotion, taken at sign-up or on a promotions tab, before the offer is applied to the account.
Provably fair
A verification approach found mostly in crypto casino games. It allows a player to confirm independently that a round was not altered afterwards.
Self-exclusion
A voluntary lock placed on one's own account, or across a shared programme, for a fixed term or without an end date. Its purpose is the prevention of problem gambling.
Provider (game provider)
The studio responsible for building a given slot or live game, for example Pragmatic Play or Play'n GO. It is separate from the casino operator.
