In a Nutshell,
Choosing whether a game will exceed the listed point total or fall short of the listed point total.
For example, if you bet Lakers -5.5 (+100), they will need to win by over 5.5 points for the bet to win. If you had bet $100 on Lakers -5.5, then you would profit $100.
Over/under betting involves a bet where you have to precisely predict the combined score of both teams. Therefore, you must pick if the total score for both teams will be lower or higher than the number set by oddsmakers. For instance, if a game between team A and team B has the total set at 49.5, you would select Over if you think the final combined score will be 50 points or more. You will select Under if you think it will be 49 points or less.
Over/Under Definition, Examples & How To Read
An over/under in sports betting is a bet on the total number of points in a game, which is why it is also referred to as the total. The bettor doesn’t try to guess the exact amount. For instance, if you bet on team A and B for a total of 55.5 and team A wins 23-20 (43 points), under bettors win. However, if team B wins 35-25 (60 points), the over bettor wins.
What Is An Over/Under in Sports Betting?
An over/under is a wager on whether or not the combined points scored by two teams will go over or under a certain amount. Therefore, the bettor wagers on the total number of points in a game. As a bettor, you only need to predict whether the score to win the game will be over or under a specific amount set by the sportsbook. Over/under bets are available in all shapes and sizes.
Over/Under Bets Defined
An over/under bet is a bet on whether a specific number for a game will be higher or lower than a predetermined value. This type of bet is known as a total bet, and the most common type of over/under is on the combined score of two teams in a game. In this instance, a bettor will wager that the total number of points scored in a game will be higher or lower than the set value.
NFL Over/Under Bets Explained
NFL total bets focus only on the number of points scored in the game. The football oddsmakers will set a total that bettors must decide whether they think the final score will be higher than or lower than. For instance, if the total is 45.5 points, you will bet under 45.5 if you think the combined score will be 45 or below or bet over if you think the combined score will be 46 or above.
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Super Bowl Over/Under Bets
When you bet on the Super Bowl over/under, you are betting on the total number of points scored in a game. Using the 48.5 point total, if you want to bet that there will be 49 or more total points scored in the Super Bowl, you will bet on the over. If you believe there will be 48 total points or less scored in the match, you will bet on the under.
NBA Over/Under Bets Explained
In NBA, an over/under bet is the number of points odd makers expect will be the total score for the contest. This includes both teams combined and overtime included. You wager on whether the gross points scored will be more or less than this number. To win, you must wager $110 to win $100. Unders are a smart bet because the public is often biased toward overs.
MLB Over/Under Bets Explained
When betting the over/under in MLB, the game must go 8 ½ innings or nine innings if the home team is leading. The two listed pitchers must start the game, or the bet is refunded. All the runs scored in extra innings are important in over/under bets. For instance, a wager of $11 would win $10 for a total payout of $21 if the odds are -110 on either side.
MLS Over/Under Bets Explained
An over of 3.5 means that both teams must score at least four goals combined for you to win. If the teams score below 3.5, you will lose the bet. On the contrary, under 3.5 means that both clubs must score a combined sum of 3 goals at most. If the teams score anything over that, you will lose the bet.
NHL Over/Under Bets Explained
In NHL over/unders, the total number for each game is set by sportsbooks. The number is usually between 5.5 and 6.5. Bettors then wager on whether the final combined score of the game will be under or over that set number, i.e., 5.5. If you bet on the over, you are cheering for goals, and if you bet on the under, you are hoping the goaltenders will win.
UFC Over/Under Betting Explained
Over/under in UFC betting look similar to other sports, but they differ in that the 0.5 means halfway through the round. This means if you bet over 2.5 rounds, the fight will not need to go three full rounds, so you win the bet. You will win if the fight crosses the halfway point of the specific round. Fights usually have different totals depending on fighter style.
How To Make An Over/Under Bet
When you bet on over/under, you are betting on teams to score either more than the total or less than the total. For instance, if the combined total is 42.5 and the game ends in 27-21, the over would win since the combined total would be 49 points. If the game ends 14-10, the under will win since the combined total is 23.
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What Is the Payout on An Over/Under Bet?
Most over/under bets have a flat rate of -110 on both the over and under. This means that for each $100 you bet to win, you must wager $110 or a payout of 91 cents for each $1 you wager. Sometimes, sportsbooks adjust the flat rate on the over/under to entice you to wager more money on one side. If more money is being wagered on the under, the sportsbook may reduce the total to draw money to the over.
How Are Totals Made?
Totals are the sums of something in a sporting event, most often the points scored. Totals are made by factors such as the quality of the offenses and defenses and the weather in outdoor sports. Totals are also made by factors such as the aggression of the teams and venue considerations. Computer models also weigh the variables and then generate an expected total.
Best Over/Under Betting Strategies for Beginners
The first strategy should be to focus on the defenses instead of offenses alone. You should also consider weather conditions because if the conditions are favorable for scoring, you can expect the total points or goals scored to be higher. You should also break the game down into segments because when you look at the game as a whole, you may feel overwhelmed. In addition, understand the coach’s history and plans as the coaches decide how aggressive the game plan will be.
Over/Under Bets: 3 Things To Avoid
Avoid overreacting to recent trends because they make you think that teams coming off a win are undervalued. You should buy on unpleasant news and sell on good news.
Avoid changing your unit size based on how well or how poorly you are doing.
Avoid betting on non-reputable sites because you will be putting your money at risk and exposing your personal information to unauthorized people.
Over/Under Sports Betting FAQS: Answered
What is over/under betting?
This is a sort of betting that enables players to bet on a threshold for the occurrence of a given event like a goal, point, or issuance of cards.
Do Own Goals Count for Over 2.5 Goals?
Yes. As long as the referee accepts the goal, it counts toward fulfilling the requirement for winning the game.
Which Sports Use Over/Under Bets?
Ice hockey, football, golf, basketball, and American soccer.
Does Overtime Count for Over/Under Bets?
No. Goals scored in extra time beyond the stoppage time don’t count toward fulfilling the requirement for over/under betting. This means that any penalty shootouts and scores in the added time are not considered when settling the bet. The updates of the game are cut off once the game reaches the end of the stoppage time, meaning the scores made during the period count toward the bet settlement.
How do Over/Under Bets Work in Soccer?
Over/under bets in soccer give you a ton of added betting flexibility by letting you bet on the flow of the game independently from the actual game outcome. The sportsbook sets the gross number of goals or other events during the match, and you decide if there will be more or less than that number for you to win. What matters is how many times something happens and not who wins or loses.
What Happens If the Over/Under Lands on the Number Exactly?
If over/under bets land exactly on the posted number, it’s a push, and the sportsbook will return your original bet. For instance, the over/under line is set at 54 points exactly and you decide to bet under. If the game ends with a 34-20, your wager will be returned because the game didn’t go over or under the total.
