What is the “Hold”?

In the casino and gambling industry, hold refers to the percentage of total wagers that a casino or bookmaker retains as revenue after paying out winnings. It represents the casino’s built-in advantage, ensuring profitability over time.

How Hold Works

• Casino Hold: In table games like blackjack or roulette, the hold percentage is the amount the casino keeps from total player bets. For example, if a roulette table has a hold of 5%, the casino retains $5 for every $100 wagered.
• Slot Machine Hold: Slots have a programmed hold percentage, meaning the game is designed to retain a portion of all bets while returning the rest as winnings. If a slot has a 95% Return to Player (RTP), the hold is 5%.
• Sportsbook Hold: Bookmakers set odds to maintain a margin, ensuring they profit regardless of the bet outcomes. This is often referred to as the vig (vigorish) or overround.

Hold vs. House Edge

• House Edge is the mathematical advantage the casino has over players in each game.
• Hold is the actual percentage of money the casino retains after bets have been placed and settled.

Hold is a key concept in casino profitability, influencing game design, betting odds, and long-term revenue. Players should be aware of hold percentages when choosing games, as lower hold games often provide better chances of sustained play and potential winnings. Understanding hold helps players make informed gambling decisions.