What Does '86' Mean in Casinos? Exploring the Term's Origins and Usage

The term '86' is a widely recognized phrase in the casino industry, used to indicate that someone has been removed, excluded, or banned from a casino. This term is not only used in casinos but also in the broader hospitality and entertainment industry to signify that someone is no longer permitted to enter or has been removed from a venue.

Casinos use the term '86' to refer to individuals who have been asked to leave due to various reasons, including causing disturbances, being visibly intoxicated, cheating, or violating game rules. The severity of the case can result in a temporary or permanent ban from the casino property. It's important to note that being '86ed' is not always tied to criminal behavior; sometimes, individuals may simply be asked to leave for the night due to their behavior impacting other guests.

The origins of the term '86' are somewhat uncertain, with several theories suggesting different origins. One theory dates back to the 1920s and 1930s in America, linking the term to a bar at 86 Bedford Street in Lower Manhattan called Chumley’s. During the Prohibition era, when the bar was about to be raided by the police, the bartender would tell customers to exit on 86th Street to avoid law enforcement.

Another theory ties the term to the mafia, suggesting that '86ing' someone meant taking them 8 miles out of town and putting them 6 feet under. A similar interpretation suggests that 86 is tied to the approximate grave size, which is about 8 feet long and 6 feet deep. While these explanations are sometimes used, they are not as common as the term's use in casino gambling.

Different theories suggest the term 86 may be tied historically to the Prohibition, the mafia, the U.S. military and restaurant industries. Some users online suggest that casino slang 86 originated from the military. Between the 1980s and the 1990s, the U.S. military phased out the use of rotary phones. However, before that process, such devices were widely used. According to one theory about the origin of 86, the phrase was tied to 'throw out,' a term that was abbreviated with the letters T and O, located on the 8 and 6 dial of the rotary phone.

At the same time, 86 is believed to be related to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Cornell Law School data detailing 10 U.S. Code § 886 - Art. 86. highlights that it refers to 'Absence without leave.' Art. 86. is further explained as 'Any member of the armed forces who, without authority—(1) fails to go to his appointed place of duty at the time prescribed; (2) goes from that place; or(3) absents himself or remains absent from his unit, organization, or place of duty at which he is required to be at the time prescribed; shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.'

A much simpler explanation of the phrase 86 suggests the term is affiliated with restaurants and bars. This popular explanation of the 86 casino term suggests that restaurant workers used '86' to note when a menu item is unavailable or is sold out. In this context, the reference for 86 was also sometimes used when removing something, like a dish or a drink.