For players, the most important metric is RTP (Return to Player). But for casino operators, affiliates, and shift managers, the only numbers that matter are GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue) and Hold %.
Understanding the difference between the theoretical house edge and the actual money retained is the foundation of the iGaming business. Our Casino Hold & GGR Calculator is designed for industry professionals to calculate the “Unit Economics” of a game, a table, or an entire casino floor. It visualizes the waterfall from Total Handle (Drop) down to the final NGR (Net Gaming Revenue).
Casino Hold / GGR Calc
Operator MathHow to Use the GGR & Hold Calculator
This tool follows the standard financial reporting structure used by online and land-based casinos. Here is how to input your data:
1. Revenue Inputs (The Raw Data)
- Total Drop / Coin-In: The total amount of money wagered. In land-based casinos, this is the “Drop.” In online casinos, this is “Coin-In” or “Turnover.”
- Total Payouts: The total amount of money paid back to players as winnings.
2. NGR Deductions (The Net Calculation)
- Bonus Costs: The value of free spins, match bonuses, or cashback given to players. This is a marketing cost that reduces GGR.
- Tax/Admin Fees: The gaming tax rate (GGR Tax) or platform fees associated with the jurisdiction.
3. Interpreting the KPIs
- GGR: (Bets – Payouts). This is the topline revenue.
- Hold %: (GGR / Drop). This tells you how efficient the game is at retaining money.
- NGR: (GGR – Bonuses – Taxes). The actual profit before operating expenses.
Related Tools: To compare “Actual Hold” against “Theoretical Hold,” use our Blackjack House Edge Calculator to find the theoretical margin. To analyze if a specific player’s results are anomalous or just variance, use the Slot RTP Estimator.
Real-World Examples: Operator Economics
Why does a high GGR not always mean a high profit? Let’s break down the math.
Example 1: High Turnover, Low Hold (Video Poker/Blackjack)
A VIP player wagers $1,000,000 on Blackjack over a weekend.
- Payouts: $980,000.
- GGR: $20,000.
- Hold: 2.0%.
- Analysis: While the volume was massive, the Hold % is low because Blackjack is a low-margin game. If the casino spent $5,000 on comps (bonuses) for this player, the NGR drops significantly.
Example 2: The “Bonus Abuse” Scenario (Negative NGR)
An online casino runs an aggressive promotion. Players wager $100,000 on slots.
- Payouts: $94,000 (Standard 6% margin).
- GGR: $6,000.
- Bonuses Issued: $7,000.
- NGR: -$1,000.
- Analysis: Even though the game performed mathematically correctly (retaining 6%), the marketing costs exceeded the GGR. This calculation helps operators spot unprofitable campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between GGR and NGR?
GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue) is simply Bets minus Payouts. It is the raw money won by the casino. NGR (Net Gaming Revenue) takes GGR and subtracts costs directly related to the revenue, such as taxes, payment processing fees, and player bonuses. NGR is the true measure of profitability.
What is a “Normal” Hold Percentage?
This depends entirely on the game type:
- Table Games (BJ/Baccarat): 12% – 18% (Land-based metric based on Drop, not handle).
- Online Slots: 3.5% – 6% (Based on Handle/Coin-in).
- Sports Betting: 5% – 8%.
Why is Actual Hold different from Theoretical Edge?
Theoretical Edge (House Edge) is a mathematical constant (e.g., 2.7% for Roulette). Actual Hold fluctuates due to variance (short-term luck) and player behavior. Over millions of spins, Actual Hold should converge with Theoretical Edge, but in daily reports, they will always differ.
How do Affiliates use this calculator?
Most affiliate deals are based on “Revenue Share” of NGR. Affiliates use this tool to audit the reports sent by casinos. If a casino claims high deductions for “Admin Fees,” an affiliate can input the raw numbers here to see if the resulting NGR matches the payout.