How is Handle calculated?

Handle is defined as the total amount of money wagered by bettors or players in a gambling context. This figure encompasses all the bets placed across various events or gaming activities and provides a clear indicator of the volume of betting taking place.

When defining handle, it is crucial to differentiate it from other concepts in the gambling industry. For instance, total payouts to winners represent the amount given back to players who win their bets, but it does not account for the total money spent on wagers. Similarly, total revenue generated can be influenced by various factors such as operational costs and taxes, and it does not directly reflect the amount wagered. Lastly, while the total number of bets placed could give a sense of activity or frequency, it does not convey the overall monetary stakes involved in those bets.

Thus, understanding handle as the total amount wagered provides key insights into the scale and engagement of the betting market, making it a fundamental metric within the industry.