Hold percentage in iGaming

Hold percentage shows the share of stakes retained as GGR. It is used in casino and sportsbook reporting, though variance can be high over short periods.

Formula

Hold % = GGR / stakes x 100

Example

If players stake $1,000,000 and GGR is $60,000, hold percentage is 6%.

Casino vs sportsbook

Casino hold is closely related to RTP and game mix. Sportsbook hold depends on odds margin, bet selection, event outcomes, bonuses, and trading strategy.

Interpretation

A low hold period is not always a problem. It can reflect player luck, jackpot activity, event outcomes, or a temporary game mix shift.