Part I: Games & Gaming · Slot Machines & Electronic Gaming

Hold Percentage

Slot Operations

The percentage of coin-in (or drop, depending on the jurisdiction and context) that the casino retains as win after paying out prizes. For slot machines, hold percentage is calculated as: Win divided by Coin-In. The theoretical hold percentage is derived from the PAR sheet and represents the expected long-term hold given infinite play. The actual hold percentage fluctuates around the theoretical hold due to statistical variance and typically converges toward the theoretical figure over large numbers of plays. Casino operations monitor actual vs. theoretical hold daily to identify underperforming or overperforming machines, potential malfunctions, or advantage play activity.

In practice

Hold percentage is NOT the same as house edge in table games. For slots, hold percentage and house edge are mathematically equivalent concepts expressed differently. In Nevada, the statewide average slot hold percentage is approximately 7-8%.

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.