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Casino Terms Glossary
Buy-in — is the amount of money you commit to enter a casino game, table, tournament, or slot session. It’s your upfront stake that unlocks play, whether it’s a poker event fee, chips for blackjack, or a bankroll for spins. The buy-in sets your risk, table limits, prize eligibility, and overall session scope.
Understanding Buy In
In gambling, Buy-in meaning covers the upfront funds a player brings to the table or allocates to a slot session. The Buy-in definition often includes tournament fees (e.g., $100+$10) and the chips or bankroll you receive to start. Your buy-in influences variance you’ll face, session length, minimum and maximum bets, and bonus eligibility. Manage it well to size bets, pace play, and avoid overexposure. At 101RTP, we explain how buy-ins interact with game volatility and bonus rules, so you can choose casinos, slots, and strategies that fit your bankroll and goals.
Examples of Buy In
- Poker tournament: $200+$20. $200 goes to the prize pool; $20 is the house fee. Rebuys/add-ons may offer extra buy-ins.
- Blackjack table: $300 buy-in at a $10–$100 table, converting to chips; typical base bet $10–$25 to match bankroll.
- Online slots session: $60 bankroll with $0.20 spins, targeting 300–500 spins depending on volatility.
- Live roulette: $150 buy-in at a $1 minimum table, using $1–$5 units to spread risk over dozens/columns.
FAQs
What is Buy-in in a casino?
Buy-in is the upfront money you pay to start playing a gambling product—poker, blackjack, roulette, or a slot session. The Buy-in definition may include a tournament fee (e.g., $100+$10) or chips/credits for play. It sets your initial bankroll, affecting bet sizing, variance, and how long your session can last.
How should I choose a buy-in for slots or tables?
Start by matching buy-in to stake size and expected variance: aim for 100–300 base bets for low volatility, more for swingy games. Set stop-loss and duration goals. On 101RTP, use our Slot Simulator to test bankroll versus stakes and our Bonus Value Score to gauge profitable bonus clearing.
Can the buy-in include fees or rake?
Yes. In tournaments, the listed price often separates the prize-pool contribution and the house fee (e.g., $200+$20). Cash tables usually convert your buy-in entirely into chips, though the casino may charge small service fees elsewhere. Online sites may also set minimum deposits that function as session buy-ins.
Is buy-in the same as minimum bet or bankroll?
No. The buy-in is the amount you bring to play; the minimum bet is the smallest stake per hand or spin; bankroll is your total gambling funds. Your buy-in should be a subset of your bankroll, sized to tolerate variance and to meet the table or game limits.
Do larger buy-ins increase my chances of winning?
A larger buy-in doesn’t change house edge or slot RTP, but it can reduce the risk of early bust-outs and let you ride variance longer. That can improve the odds of reaching a game’s high-paying features or surviving downswings, especially at reasonable bet sizes matched to volatility.
Why does buy-in size matter for clearing bonuses?
Bonus wagering requires sustained action within eligible games and stakes. The right buy-in supports enough spins or hands to meet requirements without overbetting. 101RTP’s reviews outline fair rules, and our Bonus Value Score highlights where wagering is most efficient, helping you align buy-in, bet size, and volatility to maximize expected value.
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