past, very few people did any mathematical calculations when handicapping sporting events. Predictions were usually made from hunches or information not readily available to the public. However, with the advancement of technology computers powerful enough to run advanced simulation models now frequent homes and offices. Advanced statistics such as DVOA, Win Shares and Points per Possession are talked about in mainstream media. Brian Burke, author of The Fifth Down blog featured in The New York Times, wrote a formula using advanced statistical techniques that has shown consistency correctly predicting NFL winners. Handicapping, as a profession, is very similar to being a stock analyst. Like Wall Street did in the 1970s, the sports handicapping industry is undergoing a quantitative revolution. Many successful handicappers also use money management systems similar to financial investment professionals. The most popular, and mathematically superior, system is the Kelly criterion. It is a formula for maximizing profits and minimizing losses based on payout odds and win probability of the underlying asset. See also Political handicapping Bookmaker Handicap race (disambiguation) Match fixing Point shaving Sports betting Tipster Handicap principle References External links An article describing handicap bicycle racing in Australia United States Golf Association Handicap Manual An Online Kelly Calculator Handicapper Competition by Kingpin Exploring Handicap 1 in Sports Betting Sports terminology Horse racing Gambling terminology Sports betting