Over/Under, also known as totals betting, is a popular form of wagering in sports betting that doesn’t involve picking a winner or loser. Instead, it focuses on the total combined score of both teams in a game, and you can place bets on whether the total score will be over or under a predetermined number.
In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand Over/Under betting and how to make informed bets on totals.
What is Over/Under Betting?
In Over/Under betting, the sportsbook sets a total for the combined score of both teams in a game, and bettors can wager on whether the actual total score will be over or under that set number. The sportsbook will typically set the total using half-points to avoid ties, known as a “push.” A push results in a refund of the bet, and no winnings or losses are incurred.
Example
Let’s take an example of an NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. The sportsbook might set the total at 215.5 points. If you bet on the over, you are betting that the total combined score of both teams will be more than 215.5 points. If you bet on the under, you are betting that the total combined score will be less than 215.5 points.
How Does Over/Under Betting Work?
When you place a bet on Over/Under, you are essentially predicting whether the total combined score of both teams will be higher or lower than the set total by the sportsbook. You will need to consider various factors, such as the teams’ offensive and defensive capabilities, playing style, recent performance, injuries, and other relevant factors that may impact the game’s total score.
Example
Let’s continue with the example of the Lakers and the Warriors game. If you bet $100 on the over with a total of 215.5 points, and the final score of the game is Lakers 110, Warriors 105, the total score would be 215 points, which is over the set total. In this case, your bet is a winner, and you will receive your original bet amount plus your winnings. However, if the final score is Lakers 105, Warriors 100, the total score would be 205 points, which is under the set total. In this case, your bet would be a loser, and you would lose your original bet amount.
Calculating Payouts
The odds for Over/Under betting are typically set at -110, just like in point spread betting. This means that you need to bet $110 to win $100, and the sportsbook charges a small fee or “juice” for facilitating the bet. If your bet is a winner, you will receive your original bet amount plus your winnings. If your bet is a loser, you will lose your original bet amount.
Example
Let’s say you bet $110 on the over with a total of 215.5 points, and the total score of the game is over the set total. Your bet is a winner, and you will receive your original bet amount of $110 plus your winnings of $100, for a total payout of $210. However, if the total score is under the set total, your bet will be a loser, and you will lose your original bet amount of $110.
The Takeaway
Over/Under betting provides an exciting and different approach to sports betting, as it focuses on the total combined score of both teams rather than the outcome of the game. It requires careful analysis of various factors that may impact the total score, and bettors need to do their research and consider all relevant information before placing your bets.
As with any form of sports betting, do your research and gamble responsibly. Good luck!
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