NEW ZEALAND
ENGLISH
Casino Terms Glossary
Bust — in casino gambling, to “bust” means exceeding a permitted total in card games (most famously going over 21 in blackjack) or depleting your bankroll to zero in a session. A busted hand automatically loses; a busted bankroll ends play. Recognizing bust risk helps you size bets, pace sessions, and protect your money.
Understanding Bust
In gambling, Bust meaning covers two uses: a hand that goes past the limit and a player’s bankroll that runs dry. The Bust definition in blackjack is precise—any total above 21 loses immediately, even if the dealer later busts. More broadly, “bust” describes going broke in a casino session. Knowing when and why busts occur lets you set loss limits, choose lower-volatility games, and tailor stake sizes. At 101RTP, you’ll find the best casinos and top slots via honest reviews plus tools like our Slot Simulator and Bonus Value Score to estimate bust frequency and refine strategy.
Examples of Bust
Here are common examples of bust in casino play:
- Blackjack: You hold 16, hit a 10, and go to 26—your hand busts instantly, regardless of the dealer’s result.
- Dealer bust: The dealer draws to 22; all remaining player hands that didn’t bust win even money.
- Bankroll bust: A player starts a slot session with $100, wagers $1 per spin on a volatile game, and loses the last dollar—session is busted.
- Table games: In baccarat, “bust” isn’t a formal term, but players may colloquially say they busted when their stake for the shoe hits zero.
FAQs
What is Bust in casino terms?
Bust meaning refers to exceeding a permitted total in card games (over 21 in blackjack) or exhausting your bankroll during a gambling session. In both cases, the outcome is a loss or end of play. This term helps players gauge risk, manage bets, and set limits.
How does a bust work in blackjack?
Any hand total above 21 is an automatic loss, paid immediately—your bet is collected even if the dealer later busts. Strategy minimizes busts by standing on made hands, avoiding risky hits, and adjusting for dealer upcards, shoe rules, and penetration.
Can I reduce my bust rate while gambling?
Yes—lower stakes, choose lower-volatility games, and use stop-loss and session bankrolls. At 101RTP, you can test stakes in our Slot Simulator and compare bonus rollover with our Bonus Value Score, helping you plan casino play that’s less likely to bust your bankroll.
Is bust the same as going broke?
The Bust definition in blackjack is specific—exceeding 21. In bankroll terms, “going bust” means your session funds hit zero. They’re related ideas: one is a hand outcome, the other a player’s balance. Good bankroll discipline reduces both.
Do slots have a bust condition?
Slots don’t “bust” a spin like blackjack, but a player can bust a bankroll. Volatility and RTP shape how often streaks deplete funds. Smaller bets, higher hit frequency, and conservative session goals reduce the chance of a slot session bust.
Why do players bust more with high-volatility games?
High variance clusters wins into rarer, larger payouts. Long dry spells increase the probability a player’s bankroll reaches zero before a big hit. If you prefer longer sessions, favor lower volatility and adjust stake size to your bankroll.
How can I practice to understand bust risk?
Keep a log of stakes, RTP, volatility, and session outcomes, then simulate changes before real-money play. 101RTP’s Slot Simulator shows likely bankroll swings by stake and game, while reviews explain rules that trigger busts in card games.
About the Author
