If you’re getting into sports betting, you’ve probably heard the term “handle” thrown around. But what exactly does it mean? Let’s break it down in plain, simple terms.

What Is the Handle in Betting?

In sports betting, “handle” refers to the total amount of money that people bet on a particular game, event, or series of events. It’s the sum of all the bets placed, no matter what type of bet they are. For example, if people wager $50 million on the Super Bowl, the handle for that game is $50 million.

The handle is like the pulse of the betting world. It shows how much interest there is in a particular game or event. The bigger the handle, the more action there is.

Why the Handle Matters

The handle is important because it tells you where the money is going. A big handle means a lot of people are betting on that event. It could be a sign that the game is generating a lot of buzz, maybe because it’s a big rivalry or a high-stakes match.

For sportsbooks, the handle is crucial because it’s how they measure their business. The more money that comes in, the bigger the handle, and potentially, the more profit they can make. But here’s the thing: the handle isn’t the same as profit. The handle is just the total amount of money bet. Profit is what the sportsbook makes after paying out the winners.

Handle vs. Revenue: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to mix up handle with revenue, but they’re not the same. Think of the handle as the total pot of money bet on a game. Revenue is what’s left for the sportsbook after paying out all the winning bets.

For example, if the handle on a game is $1 million and, after paying out winners, the sportsbook has $50,000 left, that $50,000 is the revenue. The handle is the full million. The revenue is just a small slice of that. This is why sportsbooks always aim for a healthy handle—it’s the starting point for their profits.

Percent Handle vs. Percent Bets: What’s the Difference?

You might also see terms like “percent handle” and “percent bets.” These show how much of the total handle or the total number of bets is on a particular team or outcome.

For example, if 70% of the handle is on Team A, that means 70% of all the money wagered on that game is backing Team A. On the other hand, if 70% of the bets are on Team A but only 40% of the handle is, it usually means there are a lot of smaller bets on Team A, and fewer, but larger, bets on Team B.

Understanding these percentages can give you insight into where the big money is going, as opposed to where the general public is placing their bets.

Handle in Different Contexts: Not Just for Sports

The idea of a handle isn’t just limited to sports betting. You’ll hear it in other types of gambling too, like horse racing or even at casinos. Anywhere people are placing bets, there’s a handle.

And if you’re into trading, you might have heard the term “handle” used there as well. In trading, “handle” often refers to the price level of a security. But in sports betting, it’s all about the total amount wagered.

How Understanding the Handle Can Help You Bet Smarter

Knowing what the handle is can actually help you make better betting decisions. If you see that a lot of money is being bet on one team, it might make you curious about why that is. Maybe the team has a strong record, or maybe there’s some inside information that’s influencing the bets.

But don’t just follow the money blindly. The handle is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s important to do your own research, look at other factors like team performance, injuries, and any other relevant info before placing your bet.

Real-World Example: The Super Bowl Handle

Let’s take the Super Bowl as an example. The handle on the Super Bowl can be huge—often over $100 million. That’s a lot of money riding on one game. Sportsbooks track this closely because it can have a huge impact on their overall profits for the year.

For bettors, the Super Bowl handle can show where the public is putting its money. If most of the handle is on one team, you might see the odds shift to balance the action. This can create opportunities if you’re looking to bet against the public or find value on the other side.

Wrapping It Up: Why Handle Matters

In the end, the handle is a key number in sports betting. It shows the total amount of money bet and can give you insight into how much interest there is in a particular game or event. For sportsbooks, it’s a measure of their business and a starting point for their profits.

Understanding the handle can help you make more informed betting decisions. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your strategy, knowing what the handle is and how it works is an important part of your betting knowledge.

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