How to Choose a Handicapper

People who are professional sports bettors will utilize every tool that they can to give them an edge. The fact is if you can increase your winning percentage by a few points that can mean the difference between showing a profit or a loss that week and, overall, it can have a huge effect on your rate of success.

Professional Handicapping Services

Handicappers are the folks who develop the spreads, lines and over/unders for games. They are professionals who know specific sports thoroughly and possess keen analytical skills. They often utilize computer software, inside information and industry sources to develop their odds for sportsbooks.

Handicappers also work for sports bettors, providing picks for events. They often do this through a pick service. This time instead of creating the line or spread, they are telling the professional sports bettor how to beat the line or spread. When you think about it setting a line or creating the spread for a game requires the same skills as picking the winner.

One question beginning sports bettors often have concerns the usefulness of a handicapper. Bettors want to know if a professional sports handicapper’s services are really of value. The answer is that it depends upon the handicapper or the handicapping service. They can be extremely useful in getting you a few extra solid picks a week and that can be the difference between making some cash and a lot of cash.

A Handicapper’s Success Rate

When you start to look around the Internet at the numerous handicapping providers, you’re going to find a range of prices, services and claims. The first thing to be wary of is any handicapper who makes outrageous declarations or promises. If they say they’ve been 100% right during an entire season or their success rate is 85%, you’re going to require an explanation of what they mean by that.

The best of the best handicappers tend to be correct over the course of a season about 65% of the time. Yes, a knowledgeable, skilled handicapper can have a run of picks that gives them a 100% pick rate. But eventually that percentage will go down when they have an average run and a subpar week or two of picks. Why? Because this is a human endeavor and no one can be right all of the time.

What to Look for in a Handicapper

• Compare services and prices. Look for value.
• In finding value, make sure you’re going with someone with a proven track record.
• You also want a handicapper who offers some sort of guarantee. They won’t make you a money back guarantee but a handicapper should offer you something if they falter. Something such as a week of free picks or a discount on their services would be appropriate.
• Look for packages. Usually if you buy an entire season of handicapping services or a combination of different sports picks you can save a lot of cash.
• Season packages that include the playoffs can be a great buy.
• Go with a handicapper who has been around at least five years.
• You don’t want a generalist. Hire a handicapper who specializes in one or two sports or a service that uses specialists.
• The handicapping service should be available to you either via the phone, chat or email. You want to be able to ask them questions about their services and you should get answers. Don’t hire a handicapper who won’t communicate with you.
• If it sounds too good to be true, then chances are it is too good to be true.

Final Words on Handicappers

Remember that the handicapper is working for you and whatever claims he/she makes should be backed up. Utilize a handicapper’s knowledge as one of the many tools at your disposal. Don’t lose touch with the sport. Wagering blindly is never a good idea.