Part V: Regional & Cultural · Casino Slang & Historical Terms

6.4 Donkey

Slang — Player Classification

A “donkey” is a slang term for a gambler who plays poorly, makes irrational decisions, ignores basic strategy, and relies heavily on luck. Donkeys differ from fish in that they may have some experience but continue to make fundamental errors. In poker, donkeys are known for calling with weak hands, chasing draws without proper odds, and displaying unpredictable betting patterns. While donkeys can be frustrating for skilled players, they represent profitable customers for casinos.

In practice

The term “donkey” is considered more pejorative than “fish” and is typically used among players rather than by casino staff in professional contexts.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.