If you’re new to the world of casino gaming, you’re sure to be finding loads of exciting games and slots to try out and enjoy. But you may also be encountering some confusing terminology and, especially, abbreviations. Like any other hobby with dedicated enthusiasts, casino gaming has its own language, including technical terms, slang, and shorthand for common features and situations.
In some cases, longer phrases are shortened to just their initials to save time when typing. That is especially the case when you’re reading about games on the internet or playing at an NJ online casino. With so many games to choose from, 24 hours a day, you don’t want to be put off by a confusing acronym. Here’s a handy guide to the ones you might encounter.
RNG
RNG stands for Random Number Generator. This is the software that powers all electronic casino games, whether they’re online or a computerized slot machine in a B&M (brick and mortar) casino. As the name suggests, an RNG is a computer program that uses an algorithm to generate numbers at random. This is used to determine the outcome of every spin on a slot and also the order that cards are dealt in a virtual table game or the numbers that come up on the roll of a dice.
RNGs keep online casino gaming fair and impartial. It means that they are entirely games of chance and can’t be hacked, rigged, or cheated.
RTP
RTP stands for Return To Player. This is the theoretical percentage of the money spent by a player that they would win back if they kept playing the same game forever. RTP is generally calculated over 10,000 to 100,000 or more test plays of a given game. The average RTP of an online slot is 96%, and they vary typically between 95 and 98%.
While game developers set the RTP, casinos can sometimes alter it. If they do so, they’re required to state this on their website.
VLT
VLT stands for Video Lottery Terminal. This is a freestanding electronic gambling machine operated by a state or other regional lottery. They’re generally found in bars or restaurants and resemble traditional slot machines. A VLT usually offers a selection of games, including slots, and are generally powered by an RNG but are connected to a central computer so the lottery board can monitor gameplay and collect revenue.
Also known as Video Gaming Devices (VDGs), Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs).
WAP
WAP stands for Wide Area Progressive and refers to a massive jackpot available on slot machines across several different casinos, though, of course, there can be only one winner. The prize may be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. It is usually paid out by the slot provider rather than the casino.
Also known as Linked Progressive Jackpot (LPJ).
AWP
AWP stands for Amusement with Prizes. It generally refers to an old-fashioned fruit machine and denotes a game with enough player interaction to count as entertainment, but one that doesn’t require any skill to win a prize. Games that do require or reward skill are known as SWPs: Skills with Prizes.
These are just a few of the acronyms you may come across as a casino gamer. Most are easily understandable once you’ve familiarized yourself with the gaming world, so have fun and don’t let them intimidate you.
