Betting slang adds colour to casino play, and few terms spark more curiosity than “monkey”. You might hear it at a blackjack table or see it used when talking about bet sizes, but the meaning depends on context.
This blog post explains what “monkey” means in blackjack, how it’s used in conversations around betting, and where the term is thought to come from. You’ll see practical examples, notes on regional differences, and a quick reference to common UK slang so you can follow the chat with confidence.
Read on to learn more.
What Does "Monkey" Mean In Blackjack?
In blackjack, “monkey” is casual table talk for a card worth ten points. That includes tens, jacks, queens, and kings.
You’ll often hear someone say “monkey!” when an ace is showing and they want a ten-value card to make blackjack, or when they want a dealer’s next draw to be ten to change the outcome of the round. It is not a specific rank, just any card counted as ten under the rules.
The term is informal. Players use it with each other; it is not official language and you won’t see it in game rules or payouts.
Where Does The Term "Monkey" Come From?
There isn’t one proven origin, but two explanations are commonly discussed:
- In British betting slang, “monkey” has long meant £500. Some link this to older banknotes or to the way larger cash amounts were nicknamed.
- In several Asian card rooms, “monkey” became common table slang for face cards and tens, a usage that has spread through international play.
Both ideas sit side by side today, which is why you might hear the word used for a ten-value card at the table and a £500 amount away from it. With that in mind, how does it sound in real play?
How Is "Monkey" Used At The Blackjack Table?
At the table, “monkey” tends to surface in lively moments. A player might call for a “monkey” when holding an ace, hoping the next card completes a strong total. Others use it when the dealer is drawing, wanting the next card to be ten because it affects the dealer’s total or the chance of going bust.
It is light, informal chat rather than a signal with any rule-based meaning. Dealers understand what players mean, but it is still just part of the table’s conversation.
Examples Of Bets Called A "Monkey"
Away from card values, “monkey” is traditional UK slang for £500. Someone placing a £500 wager might say they are putting a “monkey” on it. The same goes for chips: asking for “a monkey” in chips usually means £500 in total value. You may also hear “two monkeys” for £1,000 in casual talk.
At blackjack specifically, players more often use “monkey” to talk about ten-value cards rather than stake sizes, but both meanings are in circulation depending on the setting.
Meaning can shift with geography, though, which is where the next section comes in.
Does "Monkey" Mean The Same Across Regions?
Not always. In the UK, “monkey” commonly means £500 when talking about money. In many Asian-influenced card rooms, it is used for ten-value cards during play. In the United States, the term is less common and may not be used at all, or it might be understood only through exposure to international slang.
Because these meanings developed in different places, the context of the conversation matters. Hearing the term at a UK betting counter is likely about money; hearing it mid-hand at a live table is more likely about a ten-value card.
That overlap with money slang leads neatly to how the term shows up in chips and cash.
How Does "Monkey" Compare To Other Betting Slang?
“Monkey” sits alongside a handful of well-known UK money terms used in casual betting chat. People might say “score” for £20, “pony” for £25, “bullseye” for £50, “ton” for £100, “carpet” for £300, and “grand” for £1,000. Unlike “monkey”, which also appears at the blackjack table to mean a ten-value card, these others are almost always about amounts of money only.
Knowing which are money-only terms and which crop up in gameplay talk helps avoid crossed wires when stakes and hands are being discussed at the same time.
Recognising Chips And Notes When Someone Says "Monkey"
If someone asks for a “monkey” in a live casino, they usually want £500 in chips. Chip colours and designs vary by venue, and higher denominations are marked clearly, so a quick glance or a short check with the dealer will confirm what is what.
There is no £500 banknote in current UK circulation. Larger sums are therefore handled with chips, smaller notes, or electronic balances, depending on the venue’s setup. If anything is unclear, staff will explain the denominations before a bet is placed.
Keeping track of chip values and total stakes is a straightforward way to stay in control when playing.
Common Misunderstandings About "Monkey" In Blackjack
A few mix-ups come up time and again:
- Treating “monkey” as a single specific card rather than any ten-value card already covered above.
- Assuming it always means £500, even when used mid-hand at the table.
- Expecting the meaning to be universal. As noted earlier, usage shifts with region and setting.
If the context isn’t obvious, asking the dealer or the person using the term usually clears it up in a moment.
Quick Reference To Common UK Betting Slang And Values
Understanding betting slang can make conversations and transactions smoother in UK casinos or betting shops. Here is a quick overview of common terms and their usual values:
- Score – £20
- Pony – £25
- Bullseye – £50
- Ton – £100
- Carpet – £300
- Monkey – £500
- Grand – £1,000
These are informal expressions and may not appear on betting slips or digital screens. Usage can vary, so it is always fine to check if you are unsure. If you choose to play, set limits that suit you and keep betting occasional. If gambling starts to affect your well-being or finances, support is available through independent organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware.
Understanding the slang simply helps you follow the action with confidence.
**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.