Part III: Business & Regulation · Banking, Chips & Financial Operations

57. Drop

Count Processes

The drop is the process of collecting and securing the contents of table game drop boxes and slot machine cash storage boxes at the end of each shift or gaming day, and the total amount of cash and cash equivalents collected from those boxes. For table games, the drop box (a locked container attached to the underside of the gaming table) collects cash buy-ins, fill slips, credit slips, and other documentation during play. For slot machines, the cash storage box collects bills from the bill validator. The drop process involves removing locked boxes from tables and machines, transporting them under dual control to a secure storage area, and later processing them through the soft count. The drop amount is a key revenue metric — it represents the total cash deposited into the gaming system before payouts.

In practice

“Drop” and “handle” are often confused. Drop is the cash deposited; handle is the total amount wagered including chips already in play. Drop begins when the first drop box is removed from a table.

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.