Gone are the days when sports betting meant simply wagering on which team won an event. These days, sportsbooks offer a number of intriguing bet types, and one of the most popular options is over-under betting.
However, I’ve often noticed bettors wondering, “What does over/under mean in betting?” Despite being one of the most common markets, many people don’t fully understand what it actually involves. That’s why I’ve decided to create this guide about over/under betting, breaking everything down using real examples and key strategies that you can use to maximize your bets.
Quick Over/Under Betting Facts
- Most over and under betting includes points scored in overtime unless stated otherwise.
- Many bettors favor overs, making unders quite valuable.
- Weather significantly impacts totals for outdoor sports.
What does over and under mean in betting?
Over-under betting, also known as totals betting or win totals, is a type of bet where you focus on the total goals or points scored. With this kind of betting, you do not worry about who the winner of the game will be. Instead, you need to choose whether a particular outcome in a game (like combined points or goals) will go “over” or “under” a value set that the sportsbook has set. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the bet.
For instance, imagine you’re watching a nail-biting NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. The sportsbook sets the over/under total at 51.5 points. If you pick “over,” you think that the total score will be 52 or above. Meanwhile, if you select “under,” then you think the score will be 51 or lower.
From this simple explanation, you can tell that totals betting is one of the easiest and most beginner-friendly markets out there. If you’re new to betting and want more insights into other types of wagers, check our
betting guide online.
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How to place over/under bets
Now that I have answered the question “What is over-under in betting?”, we can move on to the next step in the betting journey. Placing an over-under or totals bet is not as complicated as you think. There are a few basic steps that need to be followed at almost every sportsbook. Let’s take a closer look at the process.
| Find your favorite sportsbook | The first thing you’ll need is a reliable and trustworthy sportsbook. Look for one with a license from a reputable organization and good features, such as competitive odds and decent promotions.
Hint: check out the recommendations you’ll find displayed on the banners of this page.
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| Create an account | Once you’ve chosen a sportsbook, create an account by filling out your basic details and verifying your identity. Most platforms have a simple registration process that only takes a few minutes. |
| Navigate to the sports betting section | Head over to the sports betting section and browse for the sport you’re interested in, such as football, basketball, or baseball. You might find over/under markets listed as “totals” or “win totals” categories. They’ll display the total predicted points for each game.
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| Place your bet | You need to choose an event that you want to bet on. Select over or under, then confirm your bet and sit back and wait for the result.
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Once I got the hang of placing totals bets, it quickly became one of my go-to methods for wagering on sports like football and basketball. You can also check out my other guides and find out about other bet types, like learning what
Draw No Bet means, as this is another exciting betting option I often use.
Strategies that can boost your totals betting success
While there is no surefire way to guarantee a win, there are a few steps you can take to improve your chances of being successful with totals bets. Here are a few of my top approaches:
To be able to make a good educated guess about which way the win totals will fold, you need to have some insight into the teams playing and their stats. For instance, if both teams favor defensive play, you are likely to see a low-scoring match. Player injuries are another aspect to keep an eye out for. If a team loses a star player, then the total score is also likely to be lower than expected.
Odds change as more bets are placed. Sportsbooks will usually offer odds earlier on, allowing you to get in on the action. However, it’s best to wait for late adjustments before betting. By then, you would know if there are any significant changes that can affect the possible overall score of a game.
💰 Shop Around for Better Lines
Comparing lines between sportsbooks is totally worth the effort. You should specifically compare the total market across sportsbooks to find slight differences that can boost your payout potential. While shopping for the most competitive odds, also look for the
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The weather and the location of a match also affect the final score. For instance, windy weather at a football game usually keeps the total lower. By understanding these influences, you can better predict shifts in totals and get a step ahead of the game.
Pros and cons of over-under betting
Here are the advantages and drawbacks of this betting market:
Advantages
- Easy to understand, even for beginners
- Applies to multiple sports
- No need to predict winners or margins
- Available at several sportsbooks
Disadvantages
- Lower odds compared to other markets
What is over/under in betting? – final thoughts
If you are looking for a straightforward and exciting way to bet on your favorite team sports, over-under betting is a good choice. This betting market is common and typically applies to most sports. Remember not to rely solely on gut feelings, but also conduct research to make better-informed wagers.
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Over-Under Betting FAQ
❓ What happens if the final total matches the line?
This is referred to as a “push” in betting, and in this case, your stake is refunded. In other words, the sportsbook returns your bet amount to your real money balance.
⏱️ Does overtime count?
Yes, overtime is almost always included unless stated otherwise by the sportsbook.
🔢 How do sportsbooks set totals?
Most sportsbooks have teams to analyze team stats, recent form, weather, even public betting patterns, and advanced analytical tools to calculate and predict these numbers.
