In casino terminology, what does 'hold' refer to?

• A. The money paid to players who win.
• B. The total money wagered on a table.
• C. The money that remains in the pot after a hand ends.
• D. The money the casino keeps on hand after gaming activity ceases.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is liquidity—the cash the house keeps on hand after gaming activity ceases. Hold refers to the casino’s cash reserve that remains available to cover upcoming payouts, expenses, and operating needs once play has slowed or ended. It’s not the amount paid out to players winning a hand, nor the total money wagered on a table, nor the pot that stays or is distributed at the end of a hand. The hold describes the money the casino physically keeps on hand to manage ongoing operations.