What is a Sports Handicapper

What is a Sports Handicapper?

Sports handicapper is a term not everyone knows. We’re here to inform you on all aspects.

Key Points

  • The term “sports handicapper” is thrown around a lot but its definition isn’t easily understood.
  • Sports handicappers do a lot of research in an effort to make betting decisions for themselves and for others, often for a fee.

Whether you’re an experienced bettor or just new to the industry, it’s likely you have heard the term “handicapper” thrown around quite a bit. We are not referring to the person that sets a golfer’s handicap.

No, the sports handicapper is much different. The sports handicapper is an individual who researches sporting events searching for betting advantages. Some handicappers do this professionally to provide themselves a living.

Many handicappers also sell their services in an effort to make money. It can be long and tedious work, but it can pay off in the end. With the sports betting evolution, there are plenty of ways to profit from it. Paying for picks is one way.

What a Sports Handicapper Does

The sports handicapper pores over data. Most cappers will specialize in just a few sports and they will analyze all sorts of data trying to find any advantage to betting on a certain side, total, or even prop bet. 

After plenty of research, a handicapper will place his/her own bets. As mentioned, many cappers will sell their picks to bettors willing to pay for their information. Many handicappers have their own formulas or models they use to help them predict winners and losers.

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Specialization of Sports

It is typical for a handicapper to specialize in certain sports. Some prefer football and basketball. Others may specialize in golf and tennis or other “niche” sports.

Find Your Niche Sport

Find Your Niche Sport

Some handicappers will vary on the types of bets they like too. Some may prefer moneyline bets over spread bets or totals wagers over spread picks. Others may offer parlays and other special bets. 

Regardless, bettors can find handicappers that specialize in just about anything. 

Transparency and A Sports Handicapper

When searching for a good sports handicapper, it helps to find one that is transparent about records. Sports betting is not an absolute science. Handicappers will have some bad runs, but the best of the bunch won’t have a problem sharing that with customers.

Sports handicappers with proven track records are more trustworthy and typically have outstanding betting records.

Free vs. Pay Capper

Bettors can usually follow some outstanding handicappers for free picks. You might find a capper with his/her own website. Some may have a daily newsletter or, even better, a daily free pick. Find a handicapper that has a strong track record in the sports you like to bet on and follow them on social media and/or sign up for any type of free pick or newsletter.

The market is flooded with pay services for handicappers. Bettors can pay for one days’ picks, a week of picks, or more. These picks can help a bettor improve his/her winning percentage and increase the size of that bankroll. 

There are all sorts of handicapping services out there. Do your own homework and find the one that best suits you before you begin paying for service. Make sure paying for picks makes financial sense as well.