Over/Under Betting: How to Bet on Totals Explained

Over/Under betting is one of the most popular and straightforward ways to wager on sports. Whether you're a beginner or experienced bettor, understanding how Over/Under betting works is essential. In this guide, we'll break down what Over/Under means, how to bet on totals, and provide examples from sports like the NFL, NBA, and MLB to help you place your next wager.

What is Over/Under Betting?

Over/Under betting, also known as totals betting, involves wagering on whether the total points, runs, or goals scored in a game will be over or under a number set by oddsmakers. This total is essentially a prediction of the combined score for both teams in a given game.

• Bet the Over: If you think the total score will exceed the oddsmaker's set number, you bet the Over.

• Bet the Under: If you believe the final score will be lower than the total, you bet the Under.

Over/Under betting is a popular betting option in many sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA football, and NCAA basketball, offering bettors a chance to focus on the game's total points rather than the final outcome.

How Does Over/Under Betting Work?

To understand how to bet on Over/Under, let's use a real-world example.

Example: Super Bowl LIV

In Super Bowl LIV between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, the total was set at 53 points. Bettors could choose either:

• Over 53: Predicting that the combined total of both teams' scores would exceed 53 points.

• Under 53: Predicting that the combined score would be under 53 points.

The final score was Kansas City 31, San Francisco 20, totaling 51 points, which meant the Under bet was the winner.

How to Bet on Over/Under Totals

Before placing your Over/Under bet, consider the following steps:

1. Predict the Total Score: Decide whether the combined score will be higher or lower than the set total.

2. Check the Vig (Juice): Most Over/Under bets have a vig (or juice) of -110 on both sides, meaning you need to wager $110 to win $100. Understanding the vig helps you determine how much you need to bet to win your desired amount.

3. Monitor Line Movement: Over/Under totals can change as the game approaches, so keep an eye on the lines to ensure you're placing your bet at the right time.

Examples of Over/Under Betting in Different Sports

NBA Over/Under Example

Consider an NBA game between the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers. The Over/Under is set at 222.5 points with the vig at -110 for both sides.

• Bet the Over: You predict the total score will be 223 or more points.

• Bet the Under: You predict the total score will be 222 or fewer points.

The half-point eliminates the chance for a push (a tie), ensuring a definitive win or loss.

MLB Over/Under Example

For an MLB game between the Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Over/Under is set at 7.5 runs.

• Bet the Over: You predict 8 or more total runs.

• Bet the Under: You predict 7 or fewer total runs.

In this case, the vig for the Over is -120, meaning you need to bet $120 to win $100 on the Over. The Under is at +100 (even money), so a $100 bet on the Under would win you $100 if successful.

What is the Payout on Over/Under Bets?

The most common vig for Over/Under bets is -110. This means that to win $100, you must wager $110. The payout for such a bet is typically 91 cents for every dollar wagered.

Sometimes sportsbooks will adjust the vig to encourage more balanced betting. For example, if there’s heavy betting on one side (like the Over), the sportsbook might adjust the vig to Over -115/Under -105 to attract bets on the opposite side.

How is the Over/Under Total Determined?

Oddsmakers consider a variety of factors when setting the Over/Under total for a game. These include:

• Team Performance: Offensive and defensive stats of both teams.

• Weather: Outdoor sports like football and baseball are influenced by weather conditions, such as wind and temperature.

• Injuries: The availability of key players can impact scoring expectations.

• Home/Away: Teams often perform differently at home compared to on the road.

• Other Factors: Coaching strategies, recent form, and matchup history all play a role in the oddsmaker's decision.

Additionally, the amount of money being wagered on each side of the Over/Under can also affect the line. If more money is placed on the Over, sportsbooks may raise the total to balance the betting action.

Use an Over/Under Betting Calculator

To help calculate your potential winnings, use our Over/Under betting calculator. This tool will show you how much you can win based on the amount you wager, the vig, and the odds.

Final Thoughts on Over/Under Betting

Over/Under betting is a fun and engaging way to wager on sports, as it focuses on the total score of a game rather than just picking a winner. By understanding how to read Over/Under odds and knowing when to place your bet, you can enhance your sports betting experience and increase your chances of success.

Whether you're betting on the NFL, NBA, MLB, or any other sport, Over/Under betting gives you the chance to profit based on the total points scored, offering a thrilling alternative to traditional betting methods like point spreads and moneylines. What type of betting do you prefer? Share your opinion with us.