What Does Over/Under Mean In Sports Betting?

What is over/under betting?

Over/under betting is a type of sports betting in which you can wager on areas such as whether the total combined score of a game or event will be higher or lower than a predetermined number set by the sportsbook. The goal is to correctly predict whether the final total will be over or under that set number.

Over/Under (Totals) Betting Explained

Over/under betting, also known as totals betting or the ‘game total’, is a popular form of sports betting in which you can wager on events that don’t necessarily rely on a singular team’s outcome. The over/under number, commonly referred to as the totals line, is a projection set by oddsmakers that represents the expected combined score of both teams or participants in a given event.

In over/under sports betting, your goal is to correctly predict outcomes like whether the final score will be over or under that set number. For example, in a basketball game, the over/under total may be set at 200.5 points. If you place a wager on the over, you are betting that the combined score of both teams will be 201 points or more. If you wager on the under, you are betting that the combined score will be 200 points or fewer.

Over/under totals can be set for a variety of different statistics, including total points, goals, runs and more. They are often bet on by the public in games in which one team is heavily favored over the other, as the over/under line can provide an opportunity for bettors to make a wager on a more even market without worrying about lines such as the point spread. For example, if the New England Patriots are heavily favored to win a football game, the over/under line may be a more enticing option since the money line price would be steep and you also may not want to bet on such a large point spread.

How to bet over/under points totals

Here are some steps to help you place a successful over/under totals bet:

1. Do your research: Before placing an over/under bet, you should research the teams or participants involved in the event, their recent performances, any player injuries and other factors that may impact the market on which you want to bet.
2. Check the totals line: The totals line set by the sportsbook represents the expected combined score of both teams or participants in a given event. You should analyze the line and determine whether you think the result will be over or under that set number.
3. Consider the matchup: You should take a look at the specifics of the matchup and determine if it is likely to be a high-scoring or low-scoring game. For example, a game between two high-scoring basketball teams is more likely to go over the totals line than a game between two low-scoring, defensive NHL teams.

By following these steps and utilizing your knowledge of the sport or event, you can increase your chances of successfully placing over/under sports bets.

Once you have made your decision on what to bet on, whether that be on the number of points in an NFL game or the number of goals in an NHL game, follow the next steps to place your bet:

1. Pick your over/under selections.
2. Open your betting slip.
3. Enter the amount you wish to wager.
4. Confirm your bet.
5. Wait for the outcome.

Can you get a push when betting the over/under totals?

Yes, it is possible to get a push when betting on over/under totals in sports betting. A push occurs when the final score of the game or event exactly matches the predetermined totals line set by the sportsbook.

For example, if the over/under line for a basketball game is set at 216 points and the final score is 116-100, the total combined score of both teams would be exactly 216 points – resulting in a push for both over and under bets. In this scenario you would receive your initial wager back, as the bet neither won nor lost.

While a push may seem like a wasted bet, it is actually a favorable outcome compared to a loss. In the event of a push, you do not lose the wager and the amount of it remains in your account to either withdraw or use for other bets. However, if you place a parlay bet and one of the over/under picks results in a push, the entire parlay will be adjusted as if that bet did not exist – potentially resulting in a lower payout but still giving you a chance to win.

In many cases, however, sportsbooks that will add a decimal place to the end of the over/under totals on offer. For example, you could place a bet on Patrick Mahomes to throw over 1.5 touchdowns. By adding a decimal place, it makes an over/under bet more definitive and removes the chance of a push occurring.

What happens if a game goes to overtime in over/under bets?

Whether or not a game going to overtime will count toward your bet will depend on the sportsbook you use and the bet you place. Some sportsbooks will only count totals at the end of regulation time; others will carry over into overtime. There are also sports betting sites that will offer bets for both occurrences with different odds as overtime gives you an extra chance of a bet winning if it occurs.

If a game goes to overtime in over/under sports betting and your sportsbook accepts this, the total combined score of both teams or participants will include the points scored in the overtime period. This means that if you placed a bet on the over or under and the game goes to overtime, the outcome of the bet will be determined by the total combined score of both teams at the end of the overtime period.

For example, if the over/under line for a football game is set at 30.5 points and the game goes to overtime with the score tied at 13-13, the total combined score of both teams would be 26 points at the end of regulation time. If the overtime period results in a total of six points, the final combined score would be 32 points – resulting in a win for over bets instead of unders.

If that same bet ended at regulation time, the under bet will have been the winning outcome. This is why it is important to be aware of the impact of overtime on over/under bets and to consider this possibility when placing your wagers.

What are the best sportsbooks for betting on over/unders?

When selecting a sportsbook for over/under sports betting, it is important to consider factors such as the sportsbook’s reputation, user interface, odds and promotions. You should also make sure to check the sportsbook’s policies regarding overtime and other special circumstances that may impact the outcome of your bets.

There are many sportsbooks that offer betting on over/under totals, and the best one for one bettor may differ from another as they will depend on personal preferences and needs. Some of the most popular sportsbooks for over/under sports betting include:

Bet365 Sportsbook

Bet365 is a highly respected sportsbook that offers a wide variety of betting options, including over/under totals. It has competitive odds and a user-friendly platform that makes it easy to place bets. 

New Bet365 customers can choose between two welcome offers. The first gives $150 in bonus bets from a $5 first wager, whatever its outcome. The second is first-bet insurance worth up to $1,000. You'll get your first bet back in bonuses if it doesn't win, up to the $1,000 maximum.

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings is a well-known sportsbook that offers a variety of betting options, including a great selection of live over/under totals. This allows you to place over/under live bets during ongoing games.

New members who sign up for an account with DraftKings Sportsbook can claim $150 in bonus bets from just a $5 first bet, no matter the result of that first wager. You don't even need a DK promo code. After signing up and depositing $5+, you can wager $5 or more on any betting market without worrying if you win or lose, because you'll automatically earn 8 $25 bet credits from DK either way.

FanDuel

FanDuel is another popular sportsbook that offers a variety of betting options, including over/under totals. It has competitive odds and a user-friendly platform, and also offers a range of promotions and bonuses including free-to-play games with real cash prizes. You can also live stream NHL games so you can see if your bet comes in while watching the game for free. 

New customers can claim $150 in bonus bets from a $5 wager. Once your first bet settles, you'll receive your bonus bets so long as you meet the key terms and conditions. There is no odds restriction tied to your qualifying wager, so you can risk $5+ on any bet you'd like.

BetMGM

BetMGM is a reputable sportsbook that offers a variety of betting options and has an excellent rewards program in which you can earn points for placing bets including over/under totals. You can then redeem these points for excellent rewards like bet credits.

BetMGM Sportsbook's new-user promotion gives a $1,500 worth of first-bet protection. Make a first bet up to $1,500, and if that bet loses, you'll get it back in bonus bets.

Football over/under betting

Over/under sports betting is a popular option in football, as it allows bettors to wager on things like the total number of points scored by both teams in a game, the number of interceptions or touchdown passes thrown and the amount of rushing yards gained. Many of these options are also available to cover individual teams or both teams combined and specific players.

In football, the over/under line is typically set with a half point – such as 45.5 points. Bettors can then place a wager on whether they believe the total combined score of both teams will be over or under that line.

Basketball over/under betting

Basketball under/over betting is another popular form of sports betting that allows bettors to place wagers on the total number of points that will be scored, how many three-point shots a player makes and other special player props. Again, these can be placed to back specific teams or individual players. In basketball, the over/under line is also usually set with a half point on the number.

You will often find totals in basketball a lot higher than in other sports, with the total points in a game often reaching over 100 and reaching as high as 200 in many NBA games. This is in part due to the fast-paced nature of the game.

Baseball over/under betting

You will also find a number of over/under bets available in the MLB and other baseball leagues around the world. There are different types of over/under bets available in baseball that bettors can place their wagers on, including game totals, team totals, first five innings totals and many more.

Baseball does tend to have a lot more individual over/under bets, as well, involving player runs scored and pitcher strikeouts.

Hockey over/under betting

The final major sport in the US that offers a good selection of over/under bets is hockey. In terms of total goals scored, hockey has lower totals – but it does offer many extra options to bet on like total shots on net and penalties given.

Hockey totals combine elements of other sports and events like empty-net goals, penalties and power plays, which can all sway the outcome. Even a strong power play from a team can have a big impact, so there is a lot to consider when placing these bets on NHL games.