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Over Under Betting Guide: How to Bet on Totals in Sports Betting

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by Lines
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In the sports betting world, one of the most popular bet types is known as over/under betting, also known as totals betting. This type of bet lets you bet on the total points in a game. You have to guess: will the total score be higher or lower than what the sportsbook predicts? This bet is all about scoring, not who wins or loses.

The excitement was real during Super Bowl 59 with the Eagles vs chiefs predictions. The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles scored 62 points together. This was way over the expected 48.5 points. Over/under betting is thrilling because it depends on the game’s scoring pace and teams’ defense.

Key Takeaways

  • Over/under betting, a popular gamble in sports betting, focuses on the total points scored, independent of the game’s winner.
  • It requires keen insights into factors like team performance, weather conditions, and even new rules that could influence scoring.
  • Bettors can engage in different types of over/under bets, such as totals for specific halves or teams, and even player performance totals.
  • Odds, often set at -110, reflect sportsbooks’ standard vigorish on over/under bets, with alternative totals offering varied payouts.

What Does Over/Under Mean in Betting?

Over/under betting is quite popular in sports like football and basketball. It involves predicting if the total score will be over or under a set number. This number is the “betting total” and is set by sportsbooks. Bettors guess if the score will be higher or lower than this number. It’s simple to grasp but needs a good knowledge of the sport.

If a basketball game’s total is 210.5 points, betting “over” means you think the score will go above 210.5. Betting “under” means you expect it to stay below 210.5. The half-point helps avoid ties, or “pushes,” when the score matches the betting total.

NFL betting odds totals can change due to many things. These include bets made, team changes, or other news that could affect the game. Let’s check some examples:

  • During Super Bowl LIV, the over/under was 53 points. The game totaled 51 points. So, “under” bets won as the score didn’t pass 53.
  • In the NBA, a game total might be 222.5 to stop exact score ties which prevent bet pushes.

The vig, or vigorish, is key in sportsbooks’ risk management. Typically, with a -110 vig, you bet $110 to win $100. If too much money bets one way, the book might tweak the odds. This helps balance the betting.Knowing how over/under bets work and what affects the points total helps those looking to bet on sports. Combine that knowledge with the latest NFL predictions for every game from Lines.com and you’ll be building your bankroll in no time! 

How Do Total Bets Work?

Over/under betting is popular in different sports. It makes betting more exciting beyond just who wins. In these bets, every point matters, adding fun to the last minute of the game.

Over/Under Betting Explained

In over/under betting, you guess if the total points in games like NFL, NBA, or MLB will be over or under a set line. The common odds are -110, meaning you bet $110 to win $100. This includes the sportsbook’s fee.

The line could be set at a half-point, like 45.5 points for an NFL game. This avoids a push, where the game’s total points exactly match the set line, leading to refunds. The half-point ensures a clear outcome and payouts.

Examples of Over/Under Bets

Imagine an NBA game with an over/under at 200.5 points. If the total is 201 or higher, the ‘over’ bets win. If it’s 200 or lower, the ‘under’ bets win. Player injuries, weather, and defensive plays can change the score.

SportLine ExampleImpact Factor
MLBO 7.5 / U 7.5Weather conditions and pitching strength
NFLO 45.5 / U 45.5Late game strategy and weather
NBAO 200.5 / U 200.5Overtime scoring and key player availability

Knowing the small details in each sport can help bettors. For example, sunny weather in MLB games can mean more runs. In the NFL, bad weather can lead to lower scores. Being alert to these can lead to wins and big payouts.

Learn more about moneyline bets explained here. 

Over/Under Betting in Different Sports

Each sport has its own set of rules that affect over/under betting. Bettors must know these details to place smart bets. This includes knowing how the total points in games are likely to add up.

Over/Under Betting in NFL

For NFL bets, it’s key to know how good the teams are on offense and defense. A game’s over/under might be around 54 points. Yet, things like weather and recent plays can change that. Bad weather can make scoring harder, leading to fewer points. This makes the under bet more appealing in those conditions.

Over/Under Betting in Basketball

Basketball games, especially in the NBA, tend to be high-scoring. The game’s speed is important to consider. Scores in basketball can range from 159 to 220 points, showing how different each game can be. The pace and scoring of NBA games can change, especially if teams are tired. This impacts over/under betting lines when games are close together.

Over/Under Betting in Baseball

Baseball bets focus on how many runs teams score and the pitchers’ skills. Strong pitchers can lead to lower scores. Thus, over/under totals in baseball can be as low as 6 or up to around 9.5.

Over Under Betting in Hockey

Similar to run totals in baseball, NHL over under betting analyzes how many goals are likely to be scored in a game. NHL predictions are often between 4-6 goals, depending on injury, winning trends, and offense vs defense matchups. Be sure to check the latest NHL Draft board to get the latest on who will be the next big breakout star. 

To win over/under bets in the NFL, NBA, and MLB, deep understanding is crucial. This includes looking at team stats and other factors like weather. Knowing these details can help bettors decide if a game will have many or few points.

Strategies for Over/Under Betting

Over/under betting is a challenge in games like football. You need to master betting strategies, stay updated on game changes, and use advanced tools. 

Tips for Successful Over/Under Betting

Winning at over-under betting starts with knowing your strategy and connecting with sportsbooks early. This is because odds and lines change due to public bets or other influences. Here’s what helps:

  • Analyze team and player performances. High-scoring teams or those with strong defenses play a big role in the total score.
  • Consider external factors like weather, as they can change how the game is played. For example, strong winds might lower scores by affecting passes and kicks.
  • Pay attention to line movements. They show where smart money goes, revealing underrated betting options.
  • Look at past trends and data, such as NFL games often scoring under the total points line.

Common Mistakes in Over/Under Betting

Avoiding errors in over/under betting means doing your homework and not just following the crowd. Here are mistakes to steer clear of:

  1. Don’t ignore important game conditions like key player injuries or last-minute changes in the lineup. They can shift the expected game outcome.
  2. Avoid overlooking the ‘hook’ in betting lines, a half-point sportsbooks add to avoid ties.
  3. Don’t bet based on a belief in always high-scoring games. Instead, consider the unique aspects of each matchup.

Use The Edge AI Sports Betting Tool

AI sports betting tools like The Edge AI use machine learning to evaluate many factors quickly and accurately. For bettors, this means:

  • Getting predictions from thorough data analysis, which leads to better betting strategies.
  • Learning about line changes and their effect on potential payouts allows for faster betting decisions.
  • Understanding the risks and rewards of different bets helps identify good odds at sportsbooks.

By using a disciplined approach and leveraging betting tools, you can avoid mistakes and improve your betting strategy. This helps lower risks and boost your chances for better payouts in over/under betting. Sign up today!

Pros and Cons of Over/Under Betting

Over/under betting is straightforward, with only two choices: over or under a set number. This simplicity helps bettors decide easier than figuring out point spreads or moneylines. Each play adds to the total points, making any bet interesting. It’s about the total score, not just who wins or loses. For instance, DraftKings might set an NBA game’s over/under at 215 points, offering a clear target for your bet.

However, this simple approach has risks. The total line might change due to betting trends or game events that affect scoring. Keeping an eye on player performance, team status, injuries, and even weather is crucial. An off day for a key NFL quarterback could tilt the score unexpectedly. 

Bettors need deep research on past games and the current situation. An analysis might reveal that NFL teams score more after halftime, suggesting a bet on second-half totals. Plus, live betting lets you interact with the game directly, like betting over 48.5 points in the NFL while it’s happening. This requires more knowledge, fitting our goal to make you a smarter bettor.

Over Under Betting Guide FAQs

What is Over/Under Betting?

Over under betting, or totals betting, lets you bet on the total points in a game. You choose whether the score will be above or below a sportsbook’s set number. This bet doesn’t depend on the game’s winner or loser.

What does Over/Under mean in betting?

Over under in betting means predicting if the total score of both teams will exceed or fall short of the sportsbook’s total. It focuses on the overall points scored in the game.

How does Over/Under betting work?

You bet if the total score will be over or under the sportsbook’s number. Most bets have odds and may include half-points to avoid a tie, known as a “push.”

Over/Under Betting in NFL

NFL over/under betting requires looking at team strengths and weather. These help guess if the score will top the set line, involving thoughtful team analysis.

Over/Under Betting in Basketball

Betting on basketball totals means considering the game’s pace and team scoring averages. Factors like player fatigue may influence the over/under sportsbook line.

Over/Under Betting in Baseball

Baseball’s over/under bets consider teams’ offensive and defensive gameplay. Betting on MLB totals needs a detailed look at stats like runs and home runs.

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