Handle

Definition:

In sports betting, the handle is the total amount of money wagered on a specific game, event, or sportsbook over a period of time. It measures betting volume, not profit.

They serve two main purposes:

1. Show how much action an event is attracting.

2. Provide sportsbooks and analysts insight into betting market size.

Real-World Example

• The Super Bowl generates a handle of $1 billion nationwide.

• That means bettors collectively wagered $1 billion across all sportsbooks, regardless of outcomes or payouts.