Casino app glossary
Casino app glossary from BestApps: plain-English definitions of the terms you meet in UK casino apps, from RTP, house edge and wagering to privacy labels, Face ID, KYC and GAMSTOP, each with an example and links to related terms.
By the BestApps editorial team. Last checked .
How to use the casino app glossary
Our casino app glossary explains each term in one or two plain sentences, then shows how it works, gives an example and tells you where you'll meet it in an app. Related terms are linked, so you can follow a thread from RTP to house edge to volatility without leaving the section.
Terms fall into five groups: the app itself, the games, bonuses, money and checks, and safer gambling. For the Gambling Commission's own regulatory definitions, see its glossary of terms (opens in a new tab).
Key casino app glossary terms at a glance
| Term | Short definition |
|---|---|
| RTP | The share of all stakes a game is designed to pay back over the long run |
| House edge | The share the casino expects to keep: 100% minus RTP |
| Wagering requirement | How much you must stake before bonus money becomes withdrawable; capped at 10x the bonus in the UK |
| KYC | Know your customer: the identity checks done before you can play |
| Privacy label | Apple's summary of the data an app collects and how it's used |
| Reality check | A reminder of how long you've been playing |
| Self-exclusion | Asking to be blocked from gambling for a set period |
If you're new to casino apps, start with wagering requirement and KYC. Those two explain most of the surprises people meet in their first week: why a bonus can't be withdrawn straight away, and why an app asks for documents before a payout.
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App and phone terms in the glossary
Some terms are about the app rather than gambling. A native app is downloaded from a store, while a web app runs in your browser and can sometimes be added to your home screen like an app. An APK is an Android install file, and installing one from outside Google Play is called sideloading. Face ID and other biometric logins let you open an app without typing a password; Apple says Face ID data stays on your device and is never available to the app.
These terms matter because they affect safety. An official store listing is easier to check than a file from a website, which is why our guides recommend the App Store and Google Play.
Bonus and money terms in the glossary
Bonus terms cause the most confusion. A deposit match adds bonus money in proportion to your deposit, and a no-wagering offer pays winnings as cash. Since 19 January 2026, wagering in Great Britain can't be more than 10 times the bonus. On the money side, net deposits means deposits minus withdrawals, and a pending period is the time before a withdrawal is approved.
A worked example shows why the definitions matter. A 50% deposit match on a £20 deposit adds £10 of bonus money. With 10x wagering, you'd need to stake £100 before that bonus could be withdrawn, and the house edge applies to every one of those bets. Terms always apply, and offers are for adults aged 18 or over.
Safer gambling terms in the glossary
The tools that help you stay in control each have a precise meaning. A deposit limit caps what you can pay in over a period, a time-out is a short break, and GAMSTOP self-excludes you from every GB-licensed online operator for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. Our safer gambling hub explains how to use each one, and the casino app questions section answers common follow-ups.
A reality check is a pop-up showing how long you've played. UK rules let you choose how often it appears, and you must acknowledge it before it goes away.
18+. Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: safer gambling tools and support. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.
Frequently asked questions
What does RTP mean on a casino app?
RTP stands for return to player: the percentage of all money staked on a game that it's designed to pay back over a very large number of plays. A slot with 96% RTP has a 4% house edge. RTP says nothing about a single session, which can go either way. Read the RTP entry and our guide to finding a game's RTP in an app.
What is the difference between RTP and house edge?
They are two sides of the same number. RTP is the share a game pays back over the long run, and house edge is the share the casino keeps, so they always add up to 100%. European roulette, for example, has a 2.70% house edge and so a 97.30% RTP. See the house edge entry and the house edge by game table.
What is a wagering requirement?
A wagering requirement is the amount you must stake before bonus money, or winnings from it, can be withdrawn. It's written as a multiple: 10x on a £20 bonus means £200 of bets. Since 19 January 2026, UK wagering can't be more than 10 times the bonus. Read the wagering requirement entry and the wagering cap entry for the rule.
What does KYC mean in a casino app?
KYC means know your customer: the checks an operator runs to confirm your identity, age and address. In Great Britain they must be done before you can deposit or gamble. Larger deposits can also lead to questions about where your money comes from. See the KYC and source of funds entries.
What is a privacy label on a casino app?
A privacy label is the section of an App Store listing where Apple shows what data an app collects, whether it's linked to you and whether it's used to track you across other companies' apps. Google Play has a similar data safety section. Read the privacy label entry and our guide to reading a casino app privacy label.
What is the difference between a time-out and self-exclusion?
A time-out is a short break from gambling with one operator, while self-exclusion is a longer block meant for people who want to stop for a sustained period. GAMSTOP self-excludes you from all GB-licensed online operators at once, for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. If you're unsure which to choose, the longer option gives more protection. See the time-out and self-exclusion entries for the detail.