Handle
The total dollar amount wagered on a market, sport, or sportsbook over a given period.
Handle is the gross betting volume; the total amount wagered before payouts. Not to be confused with revenue or profit.
Examples:
- “The sportsbook reported $50M in monthly handle”
- “NFL handle is highest in September through January”
- “Super Bowl handle is the biggest single-event in US sports betting”
Handle ÷ revenue gives you the sportsbook’s hold; the percentage they kept after paying out winners. Typical hold rates are 5–8% on point spreads, higher on parlays and props.