'banco' originates from Italian, specifically the word 'banco', where it meant 'bench' (a table or counter used by moneychangers).

'banco' came into Italian from a Germanic source (Old High German 'bank' meaning 'bench'); the Italian form was then borrowed into other languages (including Spanish and French) and entered English usage, particularly in gambling and banking contexts.

Initially it meant 'bench' (a physical seat or table). Over time the sense shifted to 'the table used by moneylenders or moneychangers', then to 'bank' or 'banker', and in modern English it is chiefly used for the banker or bank stake in certain card games.