Betting Systems - Handle

Definition

The term ‘handle’ in sports gambling means the amount of money that a sportsbook is receiving on a sporting event.

Why is this relevant?

In pointspread games, such as the National Football League and the National Basketball Association, handle consideration is actually a key angle to observe. Since these major two sports attract many bettors, sportsbooks often shade a ‘public darling’. By going against these public darlings, and thereby going with the sportsbooks, one will generally win in the long run.

Line movements

When a lot of money is put on one side, the line usually will move. For example, if team A is favored by 6 points, and there is heavy action on this team, sportsbooks will usually move the line in the direction of the favorite (in this case to –6.5 points). When this occurs the sports bettor must be aware of what is going on. In the NFL, where lines are released approximately a week prior to the game, line movements at this time usually are the result of sharp money. Line movements close to game time (ie. on the weekend) usually are due to public money. Obviously, the sports gambler would want to follow the sharp, smart money and fade public money line movements.

Reverse line movements

In some cases, line movements are in reverse. For example, if team A is favored by 6 points, and the majority of the money is being poured in on team A, but the line reverses (team A is now favored by –5.5), then this is known as a reverse line movement. The explanation for this is clear—money that is being received by the sportsbook on team B is that from sharps (or professional gamblers). Sportsbooks respect sharp money and move their lines accordingly when these types of gamblers hammer a side. Even though the public is on one side, and the sportsbooks risk exposure if team A wins, they still hold and make team A a more attractive side to bet on by moving it in favor of team B. More people now see team A –5.5 and bet accordingly.

An NBA fade

If handle is too great on one side (>90%) on one side against the spread (ATS), then consider playing the opposite. In more instances than none, a side that is getting this much action is usually destined to lose. If such a game is on national television, the situation improves vastly. Another great angle is to go against the moneyline handle percentage. If people are pounding the moneyline on the underdog, hoping for a nice payout, the favorite usually destroys the underdog (by covering ATS quite comfortably).

Summary

In all, handle is the term used by the sportsbook to describe the amount of money they are receiving on a sporting event.

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