Casino Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W

N

Natural

In blackjack, a natural is a two-card hand of twenty-one points. In baccarat a natural is a two-card total of eight, or nine.

Negative Expectation

The long-run disadvantage or loss of a given situation without reference to any particular outcome; that is, what you figure to lose on average after a considerable time of play, or after a large number of repetitions of the same situation.

Net Winnings

Total payout less your stake.

Non-negotiable Chips

Promotional casino chips that cannot be exchanged for cash.

Non-value Chip

A gaming chip which the dollar value is determined by the amount of the buy-in and the amount of chips taken (example: in roulette). Thus, a buy-in of $300.00 for 60 chips equals a value of $5.00 per chip. In roulette, this is uaually established by the "Table Minimum Bet" amount displayed on the table.

Number Pool

The range of numbers from which you select the ones you want to play. A typical lottery pool ranges from 1 to 60, and the keno pool is 1 to 80.

Nut

Either the overhead costs of running a casino, or the fixed amount that a gambler decides to win in a day.