The percentage of total wagers a casino keeps as revenue after payouts. It can represent earnings from a table over a long period or how much money the house made in one session. For example, if players gamble £/5,000 at a blackjack table and the casino wins £/500, the hold percentage is 10%.
It’s calculated by dividing the casino’s net winnings by the total amount wagered by players. For example, if players bet a total of £10,000 on a slot machine and the casino’s net winnings amount to £500, the hold percentage would be 5%.
This metric is crucial for casinos to assess the profitability of their games and to set appropriate payout percentages. While the house edge indicates the theoretical advantage a casino has over players, the hold percentage reflects actual outcomes, which can be influenced by factors such as player behaviour and game volatility.
It’s important to note that the hold percentage can vary significantly between different games and casinos. For instance, slot machines often have a higher hold percentage compared to table games like blackjack or baccarat. This variation is due to differences in game design, player engagement, and betting patterns.
