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