You may have heard the term “handle” being discussed in reference to sportsbook betting action. Handle is the total amount of money taken in or risked on a specific game or time period.

This doesn’t reflect sportsbook win or loss. That would be called the “take” or margin.

A standard sportsbook incorporates a 10% fee into each wager. It is usually 10%. A bettor wanting to win $100 on a game will risk $110. He will either lose the $110 or win $100.

Some sportsbook offer reduced betting fees and often refer to it as “reduced juice” or “reduced vig”. This practice is seen more often at offshore sportsbooks since their overhead is much lower than you brick and mortar shops.