Hold Percentage Explained: Definition & Context
Hold percentage is the proportion of total wagers retained by the casino as profit, typically expressed as a percentage over the long term, calculated as (total wagers minus total payouts) divided by total wagers.
For example, a game with a 5% hold percentage means the casino keeps $5 for every $100 wagered across all players. This metric matters to Canadian players because it quantifies the house advantage in licensed online casinos, helping assess game fairness and long-term expected losses under provincial regulations like iGaming Ontario standards.
Hold Percentage Calculation
Hold percentage derives directly from game mathematics, where for slots it equals 100% minus RTP. A video slot with 96% RTP yields a 4% hold, meaning $4 retained per $100 wagered long-term. Table games like blackjack may show 1-2% holds under optimal play, while high-volatility slots can reach 6-8%. In Canada, operators report aggregate holds to regulators, ensuring transparency without player-level tracking.
Practical Implications for Players
Players cannot influence hold percentage, as it reflects certified RNG outcomes and paytable design. A 3-5% hold indicates balanced games; above 10% signals high house retention. Understanding hold aids bankroll management—expect 95% return over thousands of spins at 5% hold. Responsible gaming tools in Canadian sites monitor session wagers against these theoretical rates.
| Game Type | Typical Hold % | RTP Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | 3-8% | 92-97% |
| Blackjack | 0.5-2% | 98-99.5% |
| Roulette | 2.7-5.26% | 94.74-97.3% |
| Video Poker | 0.5-5% | 95-99.5% |
