Understanding Over/Under Betting: A Complete Guide to Point Totals in Sports

Understanding Over/Under Betting: A Complete Guide to Point Totals in Sports

By Michael Davidson

December 12, 2024 at 09:57 PM

An over/under bet (also called totals) is a wager on the combined final score of a sporting event being above or below a predetermined number set by the sportsbook.

The concept is simple - you're betting on whether the total points, runs, or goals scored in a game will be higher or lower than the line. For example:

San Francisco 49ers vs. Cleveland Browns Over/Under 45 (-110)

This means if you bet the over, you need 46+ total points to win. If you bet the under, you need 44 or fewer points. A score of exactly 45 results in a push (bet refunded).

Key points about over/under bets:

  • Odds are typically -110 on both sides but can vary
  • Many basketball and baseball totals use half points (222.5) to prevent pushes
  • Only regulation time counts unless specified
  • You can bet team-specific totals in addition to game totals
  • Popular for keeping interest throughout the entire game
  • First half totals can be more predictable than full game

Important considerations before placing an over/under bet:

  • Research team scoring trends and history
  • Check weather conditions that may impact scoring
  • Look at defensive/offensive rankings
  • Review head-to-head scoring history
  • Consider pace of play and game scripts

Aerial view of football stadium

Aerial view of football stadium

Over/under bets are great for beginners since they're straightforward to understand and keep you engaged throughout the entire game, regardless of which team is winning.

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