Professional sports handicappers tend to paint a very rosy picture with their touts of success against the standard betting lines.

They are like cockroaches on the radio and TV stations, endlessly advertising their services in the hours before the Saturday and Sunday football games kick into gear. The handicappers, and there are many, favor strong language such as “guarantees” and “locks” on the games they pick.

A simple Internet search will yield hundreds of alleged handicapping pros.
Every handicapper tries to outdo the other in an attempt to lure customers to subscribing to their services. Naturally, none of them are losers, and they all claim win rates that border on ludicrous.

There is a running joke — and it makes a lot of practical sense — that these guys may not be as good at what they do as they think. If their picks are constant “locks,” then the money should take care of itself via personal bets. There would be no financial need to sell the information with others.

Professional handicappers range in price structures. Some will allow gamblers to purchase access to their picks and information on a weekly basis.

Others ask for an annual commitment, that sometimes includes all sports in a calendar year. The information is provided to the customer either on a recorded message or exclusive Web content.

Almost all of them will try to get a customer in the door by providing a handful of free picks on upcoming games. If they hit and win the customer some money, there is a good chance for a long-term relationship.

It would, however, be a mistake to discount the value of handicappers entirely.

They have value for gamblers who don't want to take the time to do their own research but tend to bet a lot of money.

Handicappers make a living out of being right and making good cases for their bets. All good ones will easily double the analysis of any good amateur.

If there is a game with a betting option that seems really attractive, it can be worth seeking out the advice of the handicappers. With some good luck, there is a chance that this game may be one of the freebies offered every week. It's worth it to check around.

A handicapper that agrees with your bet is a nice source. If the handicapper goes against it, perhaps it's time to reconsider.

Handicappers are not worth the money for small-stakes players though. It makes no sense financially to spend $50 on a handicapper when betting $10 per on a dozen games each week.
 

Learn the lingo
 
HANDICAPPER: A sports professional who determines the strengths of each team, then leverages points in favor of the lesser team with the intent of providing an equal playing field.

Chuck Blount | 210SA Contributor