What Does the Term “Monkey” Mean in Blackjack?
Whether you are brand new to blackjack or just starting to explore online casinos, you might come across some unusual words and phrases during play. One of these is the term “monkey,” which can leave newcomers puzzled, as it is not usually explained at the table or in game instructions.
Casino language can feel opaque when you are still getting comfortable with the basics. You will not find “monkey” in official rulebooks or regulator guidance, yet it often pops up in conversation with dealers or other players.
This guide explains what “monkey” means in blackjack, how it is used, and where you are most likely to hear it, whether you play in a land-based venue or online.
Why Do Players Shout Monkey at the Table?
At some blackjack tables, especially in busy casinos or live dealer settings, you might hear someone call out “monkey” when a card is about to be dealt. It is a playful way to ask for a card worth ten points.
In blackjack, a “monkey” means any ten-value card. That includes the 10 or face cards like the jack, queen, or king. In a single deck there are sixteen ten-value cards out of fifty-two, which is why players talk about them so often. The proportion stays the same in multi-deck games, so the idea carries across different formats.
Saying the word has no effect on the result. The next card is determined by the shuffle in a physical game or by the Random Number Generator (RNG) in a digital one. It is simply table chat that some players enjoy.
Online blackjack does not always have the same atmosphere as a busy casino floor. Dealers in digital games will not respond to chants, although you might see the term appear in the chat of live-streamed tables.
If you do decide to try your hand at blackjack, remember to do so responsibly and within your means; never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Origins of Monkey Betting Slang
The use of “monkey” in card play is believed to have originated in gambling communities in parts of Asia, where it provided a convenient way to refer to face cards. As these cards have a value of ten in blackjack, the term was gradually adopted in the game when players from different regions interacted. Over time, it became part of casual English-language conversation at the table.
The term can be confusing in the UK, as “monkey” has also been used historically in Cockney slang to refer to £500. In the context of blackjack, however, it indicates the value of a card rather than an amount of money. If a phrase is unclear during play or in a live chat, checking the game’s help section or asking the dealer politely could provide clarification.
Is Monkey Used in Other Casino Games?
The word “monkey” is mostly tied to blackjack and is not a common term in other classic casino games.
In poker, players usually refer to specific ranks, such as kings or queens, rather than using nicknames for point values. Baccarat handles card values differently altogether, with tens, jacks, queens, and kings counting as zero. That scoring style leaves little room for a ten-value nickname, so the term does not tend to appear.
Online, social chats in live dealer rooms may use playful language, but “monkey” outside of blackjack is still uncommon. Game instructions are written to be clear, so terminology stays straightforward.
How Common Is the Monkey Term in UK Casinos?
You may occasionally hear the word “monkey” at blackjack tables in the UK, particularly among regular players or those who have experience in international rooms. Many dealers use consistent and straightforward language, so the level of table conversation can vary depending on the venue and the group of players.
In online live dealer games, this term may appear in chat, but it is not part of the official game rules. If you are new to blackjack and come across a term you do not recognise, this is completely normal. Most online platforms offer help sections and responsive customer support, while staff in physical casinos are accustomed to explaining table conversation when needed.
Explore Blackjack Games Online
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**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.