What Does Handle Mean in Betting – Definition
In sports betting, handle means the total amount of money wagered on specific events over a certain period. It is an important metric for understanding the volumes of bets placed. The handle is different from “hold” and “payout.”
- Handle is the total amount of money wagered
- A hold is the profit of the sportsbook or bookmaker
- Payout is the money paid to winners
You must understand the difference between these terminologies to analyze market trends and performance.
Handle vs. Other Metrics in Betting
| Metric | Definition | Calculation | Importance |
| Handle | Total amount wagered | The sum of all bets | Measures betting volume |
| GGR | Total revenue before expenses | Handle payouts | Indicates overall revenue |
| NGR | Revenue after expenses | GGR operational costs | Reflects actual profit |
How To Calculate Handle in Sports Betting?
You can calculate the handle by summing up the total amount of money wagered on specific sporting events. It includes all bets placed regardless of winning or losing. For example, in football betting, if a match has bets of $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000 from different bettors, the handle for the game is $50,000.
Handle in Different Types of Betting
Sports, casinos, horse racing, and online betting are different types of betting where bookmakers, players, and bettors use the “handle.” Let me tell you about it in different types of betting:
Sports Betting
As explained earlier, the “handle” in sports betting represents the money wagered on events like basketball, football, and tennis. Bookmakers use this data to adjust odds and optimize financial risk management.
Casino Betting
The “handle” in online casinos refers to the total money wagered on games like slots, roulette, and blackjack. Casino experts and administrators use the data to understand players’ behavior and streamline game offerings.
Horse Racing
For horse racing, the handle is the sum of all bets on races. Race organizers and bookmakers must measure the event’s popularity and manage payouts. Again, bettors can use the data to place strategic bets.
Online Betting Platforms
Online betting platforms, such as Betfinal, track the “handle” across various bets, including sports, casino games, and eSports.
Factors Affecting Handle in Betting
Understanding the following factors can help casino players and sports bettors place strategic bets and increase winning chances. These factors include:
- Popularity of the Event or Game
- Betting Limits
- Market Conditions and Trends
Popularity of the Event or Game
The more popular the event or game, the higher the “handle” will likely be. For example, major sports events like the FIFA World Cup or the Super Bowl attract massive betting volumes. Similarly, games like slots and blackjack have higher “handles” in casinos.
You can leverage the popularity of an event, like the Super Bowl, and check the “handle” to see where bettors are placing the most bets. Next, analyze betting trends and compare odds. Consider betting on a less popular team for value if a large handle is on one team, but the odds remain stable. In addition, monitor handle changes for new insights and use live data for in-play bets.
Betting Limits
Betting limits set by bookmakers or casinos can affect the “handle.” Higher limits allow for larger bets, increasing the total amount wagered. For instance, a high-roller in a casino might place a $10,000 bet on a single roulette spin, boosting the total money wagered. On the other hand, lower limits can restrict the total betting volume.
Market Conditions and Trends
People usually have more disposable income during stable financial situations. So, this directly leads to a higher handle. On the other hand, economic downturns can decrease the handle. Trends in the betting industry, such as the rise of online casinos without license, also impact it. For example, the search in online casino games and sports betting during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a substantial increase in the handle for MGA casinos.
Final Words About the Handle in Betting
Now that you understand what does handle mean in betting, it is important to place your bets strategically. For example, if you are playing in an online casino, make sure you leverage bonuses, such as welcome bonuses and free spins, to streamline your gameplay. Play in licensed casinos for fair gameplay or sports betting.
