Handball

Learn how to bet on handball with our complete guide. Discover the sport’s rules, betting markets, legendary teams and players, plus winning strategies and promotions from Everygame Sportsbook.

Why Handball? Why Now?

Handball is one of the most electrifying sports in the world, blending speed, strategy, and nonstop scoring. While hugely popular in Europe, it’s now making waves in the US, especially among bettors looking for fresh and dynamic opportunities. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned punter, this tutorial-style guide will walk you through the essentials of betting on handball — from understanding the game to mastering advanced betting markets and leveraging promotions from Everygame Sportsbook.

From Court to Cash: Get to Know Handball

Handball is a fast-paced, high-scoring team sport played on an indoor court. Two teams of seven players (six outfield players and one goalkeeper) compete to throw the ball into the opponent's goal. Each match consists of two 30-minute halves.

While the sport has a stronghold in Europe — with nations like Germany, France, Spain, and Denmark leading the charge — it is growing in reach globally. Handball tournaments like the EHF Champions League, IHF World Championship, and the Olympic Games attract significant international interest, including at Everygame Sportsbook.

Basic Handball Rules Every Bettor Should Know

• Match Format: Two 30-minute halves with a 10-minute halftime.
• Scoring: Each goal equals one point. Teams frequently score 25–35 goals per match.
• Draws: Allowed in league matches; knockout games use overtime or shootouts.
• Fouls & Suspensions: Physical play is common. Two-minute suspensions and red cards impact team dynamics.
• Fast Transitions: Quick counterattacks lead to high scoring totals, which fuels live-betting opportunities.

Understanding these rules helps bettors evaluate tempo, fatigue, and momentum which is essential for making informed wagers.

Global Hotspots and Emerging Markets for Handball

Handball is a global sport with deep roots in Europe and growing traction in North America and other regions. Understanding where the sport thrives can help bettors gauge league quality, tournament importance, and regional fan engagement — all of which influence betting markets and odds behavior.

Established Powerhouses

Germany is arguably the world leader in handball infrastructure and fanbase. The Handball-Bundesliga is widely regarded as the most competitive domestic league, with packed arenas and high broadcasting reach. Similarly, France, thanks to its dominant national team and elite clubs like PSG Handball, has become a breeding ground for top-tier talent.

Spain is another major hub, with FC Barcelona Handbol leading the way in both domestic and continental play. The sport also enjoys strong popularity in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Hungary, and Croatia, where handball often ranks just behind soccer in national interest.

Rising Nations and New Fanbases

In Egypt, the sport has surged in popularity following the successful hosting of international tournaments and strong performances by its national team. Countries in Eastern Europe — like Slovenia, Serbia, and Poland — also maintain vibrant handball cultures, consistently producing top-level talent.

Brazil and Argentina have made significant strides in recent years, with increasing international exposure and investment in youth development programs.

The “As-Is” Status in the USA and Canada

In the United States, handball remains a niche sport but is growing in visibility, especially during the Olympics and global championships. Everygame Sportsbook has begun to offer handball markets during high-profile tournaments, and awareness is increasing due to streaming accessibility and international sportsbook expansion.

Canada follows a similar trend, with grassroots development efforts underway and modest representation in international competitions. While the domestic fanbase is still small, the growth of multi-sport betting platforms such as Everygame has made handball more accessible to curious bettors.

Key Handball Leagues and Tournaments

• EHF Champions League – Europe’s premier club competition featuring elite teams.
• Handball-Bundesliga (Germany) – Arguably the toughest national league.
• Lidl Starligue (France) – Features powerhouse PSG Handball.
• Spanish Liga ASOBAL – Home of FC Barcelona, one of handball’s most iconic clubs.
• IHF World Championship – Biennial tournament showcasing the world’s best national teams.
• European Championships – High-level continental competition that draws betting interest worldwide.

Most Famous Handball Clubs

PSG Handball (France)
Dominant in France and a regular contender in European competition, PSG fields star-studded rosters and a fast-paced attack.

FC Barcelona Handbol (Spain)
With over 10 EHF Champions League titles, Barcelona is the most decorated handball club in history. Their dynamic style and depth make them perennial favorites.

THW Kiel (Germany)
Germany’s most successful club and a constant threat in Europe. Known for physical play and tactical discipline, THW Kiel is a favorite among serious bettors.

Veszprém KC (Hungary), SG Flensburg-Handewitt (Germany), and Montpellier HB (France) are also elite clubs often involved in tight, high-stakes matches that attract sharp betting action.

Handball Legends and Current Stars

Ivano Balic (Croatia)
Widely regarded as the best playmaker in handball history. His vision and creativity changed the sport forever.

Talant Dujshebaev (Spain)
A dual-world champion player turned master tactician as a coach. Dujshebaev brought flair and power to the court.

Magnus Wislander (Sweden)
Named the IHF’s Best Player of the 20th Century, Wislander led Sweden to global dominance in the 1990s.

Current Stars

Mikkel Hansen (Denmark)
Arguably the greatest active player, known for his powerful left arm and consistent goal scoring.

Nikola Karabatic (France)
A three-time Olympic medalist and multiple World Championship winner, Karabatic’s impact spans decades.

Dika Mem (France)
A new-generation star with elite speed, vision, and defensive presence. Integral to FC Barcelona’s recent success.

These players often shift betting lines and carry significant influence in player prop and MVP markets.

Popular Handball Betting Markets

Match Winner (Moneyline)
A basic bet on which team will win. Draws are possible in league games, so Everygame Sportsbook offers 3-way betting (home win, draw, away win).

Over/Under (Total Goals)
Wagering on whether the combined total goals will go over or under a bookmaker’s set line — commonly between 50 and 60 goals.

Handicap Betting
This adjusts the perceived skill gap between teams. For example, a favorite might be listed at -3.5 goals. They must win by four or more for the bet to succeed.

Outright Winner
Betting on the overall winner of a tournament or league, either before it starts or during the event.

Half-Time/Full-Time
Predicting the result at both halftime and fulltime. These bets often offer higher odds due to added complexity.

Live/In-Play Betting
Real-time betting as the match unfolds. Markets adjust with every goal, card, or timeout — ideal for bettors who can read shifts in momentum.

First to Score
Wagering on which team will net the first goal. Especially useful in matchups where one team is known for fast starts.

Handball Betting Strategy Tips

Analyze Team Form and Playing Style
Track performance trends and understand whether teams are offensive-minded or defense-oriented. Fast teams often lead to higher total goals.

Understand Home-Court Advantage
In European handball, home teams tend to perform better due to strong fan support and familiarity with court dimensions.

Watch for Injuries and Suspensions
A single star player missing a game can significantly affect both the odds and the outcome.

Use Historical Data
Review head-to-head matchups. Some underdogs may consistently outperform certain teams due to style clashes or historical rivalries.

Bankroll Management
Stick to a unit-based betting approach. Avoid chasing losses, especially in fast-changing live betting markets.

Promotions for Handball Bettors at Everygame Sportsbook

Deposit Bonuses
Everygame Sportsbook offers a first deposit match bonus and recurring deposit bonuses over the course of a season. These can be used on handball bets unless otherwise stated in the small print.

Free Bets
Check our Special Offers page for free bets that are regularly published there.

Stake-Back Offers
Money-back promotions if your bet loses under certain conditions — like if your team draws or loses in overtime.

Parlay Boosts
Receive a payout boost on winning multi-leg parlays. Particularly useful on busy weekends with several club games.

Always check the Everygame Sportsbook terms and opt-in requirements for promotions. Target promos during the EHF Champions League, World Championship, and European finals.

Conclusion

Handball offers a unique betting experience with rapid scoring, momentum shifts and deep strategy. Whether you're backing European giants like FC Barcelona or betting on live over/unders, the sport rewards preparation and insight.

As handball increases popularity in the US, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve. With this guide, you’re ready to approach handball betting with confidence — armed with knowledge, strategies, and a firm grasp of both the sport and the Everygame Sportsbook platform.