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Las Vegas Sands Corporation (LVS) announced a change in how it calculates expected hold rates for rolling baccarat at Marina Bay Sands (MBS), following a steady rise in hold rates reaching 4.2 percent in the third quarter of 2025. The company shared this update alongside its financial results for the quarter released on Thursday.
Rise in Expected Hold Rates Enabled by Smart Tables
The expected hold rate for rolling baccarat has climbed gradually over the past year, starting at 3.5 percent in the third quarter of 2024 and increasing incrementally across subsequent quarters to 4.2 percent in September 2025. This precise data collection has become possible owing to Marina Bay Sands’ implementation of smart gaming tables. These state-of-the-art tables use Angel Group’s hybrid technology, which combines radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip tracking with AI-powered table-top cameras.
New Methodology Reflects Dynamic Player Betting Behavior
During the earnings call, LVS Chairman and CEO Robert Goldstein explained that the concept of a “correct hold” percentage no longer applies in its terms. Instead, hold rates vary each quarter based on the specific betting patterns of players at any given time. The smart tables allow operators to continuously monitor bets and calculate accurate expected holds tailored to the ongoing game dynamics.
Goldstein stated that holding to a standard percentage no longer reflects reality, as quarterly hold rates fluctuate depending on player behavior. Some quarters may see hold rates as high as 5.1 percent and others as low as 3.8 percent, influenced largely by the side bets players place.
Plans for Expansion of the Methodology to Macau
The company hinted that a similar approach could be applied to its Macau properties in the future, although data collection capabilities there have not yet reached the sophistication present at Marina Bay Sands.
Goldstein noted that Macau operators continue to experiment with the optimal mix of side bets to maximize returns, acknowledging that the early overuse of side bets may have lessened profitability, as reported earlier by industry observers.
He pointed out that growing adoption of smart tables in Macau could help increase theoretical hold rates while maintaining interest and variety in the baccarat game, making it attractive for both high-end and mass-market customers.
Baccarat Side Bets Growing in Importance
Bryan Jenkins, Managing Director of Angel Australasia, revealed earlier this year that baccarat side bets now contribute nearly 50 percent of baccarat gaming revenues in Macau. This rise is attributed to the widespread implementation of smart table technology, enabling precise tracking of chip movements and supporting the expansion of side bet offerings.
Enhancing Game Experience and Operator Insights
The transition to dynamic hold rate calculations represents a paradigm shift for casino operators, allowing more accurate measurement of game profitability and better understanding of customer betting behaviors.
This innovation benefits both operators and players, as it promotes more diversified gameplay while enabling casinos to adjust offerings to suit changing market preferences.
Source: Inside Asian Gaming (IAG)
