Casino ABC: Letter I

Get ready for your next casino visit – equipped with comprehensive knowledge from A to Z. Everything you need to know about the world of MERKUR Casinos.

approx. 3 min.
Casino ABC: Letter I
Maya Maya

From “Impair” to “Insurance Line”

The 'I' section of our Casino A–Z glossary is packed with useful information. Some of these terms might seem a bit intimidating at first, but they're actually quite simple once you break them down. We've explained them in plain English, using real-world examples from our MERKUR Casinos, so you can walk in feeling confident and ready to play. MERKUR Casinos . That way, you’ll be perfectly prepared for your next visit.

Impair (French for “odd”)

In the world of Roulette, 'Impair' is the French word for odd numbers. This includes every number that can't be divided by two, ranging from 1, 3, 5, and 7, all the way up to 35. By betting on Impair, you're playing a 1:1 payout—meaning if the ball lands on any odd number, you double your money. It's a classic move that adds a touch of sophistication to your game and shows you know your way around the table. Roulette – that is, all numbers that cannot be divided by two: 1, 3, 5, 7 … up to 35. If you place your bet on them, you receive a 1:1 payout when the ball lands on an odd number. In other words: you double your stake. A classic term that brings plenty of style – and one that’s sure to make you shine at the gaming table.

Aachen Poker Tables

Implied Odds

If you want to master 'implied odds' in Poker, a little bit of mathematical thinking goes a long way. Imagine you're deciding whether to call a bet even though your current hand isn't a winner yet. Implied odds help you calculate the potential payoff: they estimate how much extra you stand to win from your opponent if the specific card you need actually hits the board. Poker , it helps to have paid attention in maths class. Imagine you’re considering whether it’s worth calling a round even though you don’t yet have the perfect hand. Implied odds help you assess that: they indicate how much you could potentially win if you hit your hand – that is, if the right card still comes.

Inlay

The inlay is that colorful disc in the center of a casino chip. It typically displays the chip's denomination and the casino's official logo. These aren't just for show; high-end inlays are designed to be impossible to counterfeit and have a distinct feel that separates professional casino gear from cheap home game sets. Just a reminder: while they look great, they are tools for gaming, not souvenirs to be taken home.

Aachen Roulette

Inside Bet

In Roulette, an 'inside bet' occurs when you place your chips directly on the numbers or small groups of numbers located in the center of the betting layout (the tableau). Because you are betting 'inside' the main number grid—for instance, picking a single number like 17 or a pair like 17 and 20—it's called an inside bet.

Because you're targeting a very specific outcome, the risk is naturally higher since the ball is less likely to land exactly there. However, the reward reflects that risk, offering a much larger payout than outer bets.

Inside Straight Draw

An 'inside straight draw' is simply the technical term for what poker players commonly call a 'gutshot.' gutshot .

This happens in Poker when you are just one card away from completing a straight (five consecutive cards), but the missing piece is located in the middle of your sequence rather than at either end.

For example, if you are holding a 5, 6, 8, and 9, you specifically need a 7 to complete the hand.

At this point, you're hunting for one of the four remaining 7s in the deck—known as your 'four outs.' While you're waiting for that card to appear, the key is to stay calm and keep your emotions hidden. That's where the famous 'poker face' comes into play.

Aachen Poker

In the Money (ITM)

Many players enter a poker tournament, but only a select few walk away with a prize. When people say they are 'In the Money' (or 'ITM'), it means they have survived long enough to reach the payout positions. Essentially, you've secured a profit.

To illustrate: if 100 people join a tournament but only the top 15 are paid, you are officially 'In the Money' the moment you secure 15th place or higher. At that point, your initial buy-in is covered, and you've earned a prize.

The most tense moment of any tournament is the 'bubble.' This is the final stage just before the prize positions start; it's a nerve-wracking time where one unlucky hand can be the difference between winning a prize and leaving with nothing.

Insurance

In Black Jack, the dealer may sometimes reveal an Ace as their first card. Since an Ace puts them halfway to a 'Black Jack' (a total of 21 with two cards), the tension rises. To mitigate this risk, you can opt for 'insurance'—a side bet that protects your original wager in case the dealer actually has 21. Here is the breakdown: Black Jack , it can happen that the dealer’s first card is an Ace. And since an Ace is already halfway to a “Black Jack” (21 points with just two cards), things get exciting at that moment. This is where insurance comes in – a kind of side bet that protects you against the dealer having Black Jack.
Here’s how it works:

  • You can place a separate side bet, which is typically half the amount of your primary wager.
  • If the dealer's hidden card is a ten-value card (completing the Black Jack), your insurance bet pays out at 2:1.
  • However, if the dealer doesn't have Black Jack, the insurance bet is lost, although the main hand continues to be played as usual.








Aerial view of Dortmund Black Jack under sunny skies

Insurance Line

When you look at a Black Jack table, you'll see specific markings on the felt. The 'Insurance Line' is one of these markers. If the dealer shows an Ace and asks 'Insurance?', this is where you place your chip to activate that side bet.

By placing a chip on this line, you've officially taken the insurance. If you leave it empty, you're playing without it. This system keeps everything transparent, allowing both the dealer and other players to see at a glance who has placed a side wager.

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