What is an Over Under or Total Bet? Betting Totals Explained

In the world of sports betting, over/under bets (also called totals) are among the most popular and straightforward wagers. Unlike betting on which team will win, with over/under bets, you're focusing on the combined scoring output of both teams. This guide will explain everything you need to know about over/under betting, from the basics to advanced strategies.

An over/under bet in sports betting is a wager on the total number of points, goals, or runs scored in a game by both teams combined. The sportsbook sets a number, and you bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.

The important thing to note is that you are not trying to guess the exact amount, just if the total number of points scored will go over or under a specific threshold. The terms "total bet" and "over/under bet" are used interchangeably in the betting world.

Betting on over/unders is one of the most straightforward wagers in sports betting. The total is typically listed as one of the three main markets for every sporting event, alongside the point spread and moneyline.

Here's how to place an over/under bet:

1. Navigate to your desired game on your sportsbook of choice
2. Look for the total/over-under section (usually presented as "O/U" followed by a number)
3. Click on either the "Over" or "Under" option depending on which side you want to bet
4. Enter your stake amount in the bet slip
5. Review your bet for accuracy and submit it

It's important to note that the over option will always be displayed on top, with the under displayed below. The odds for both sides are typically around -110, though they can vary based on betting action and other factors.

Sportsbooks employ sophisticated methods to determine total lines. There are numerous factors that go into creating these numbers:

• Team Offensive and Defensive Efficiency: How well teams score and prevent scoring
• Pace of Play: Teams with faster pace tend to have higher totals
• Weather Conditions: Particularly important for outdoor sports
• Player Injuries: Key offensive or defensive players being out can significantly impact totals
• Historical Matchup Data: How teams have performed against each other previously
• Venue: Some stadiums are more conducive to scoring than others
• Recent Form: How teams have been scoring in their most recent games

Sportsbooks run thousands of game simulations using these variables to arrive at a total that will attract balanced action on both the over and under. This helps them manage their risk and ensure profitability regardless of the outcome.

Developing a successful approach to betting totals requires research, discipline, and an understanding of key factors that influence scoring. Here are some effective strategies to consider:

1. Focus on Line Movement

Sharp bettors pay close attention to how total lines move after they're initially posted. Significant movement can indicate where the smart money is going. For example, if a total opens at 52 and drops to 49.5 despite most public bets being on the over, it suggests that professional bettors are heavily backing the under.

2. Consider Weather Impacts

For outdoor sports like football and baseball, weather conditions can dramatically affect scoring. Wind, rain, snow, and extreme cold tend to suppress scoring, while ideal conditions can boost offensive output. This effect is often underestimated by casual bettors.

3. Target Early Season Trends

Early in seasons, totals markets often have inefficiencies as oddsmakers are still calibrating their models based on new players, coaches, and rule changes. These inefficiencies create value opportunities for attentive bettors.

For example, the NBA's 2021 season saw unders hitting at a historic rate early on due to new foul rules. Sportsbooks took weeks to properly adjust their totals, creating a profitable opportunity for those who identified this trend quickly.

4. The Contrarian Approach

Public bettors generally prefer betting overs—it's more enjoyable to cheer for scoring than defensive stops. This bias can create value on unders, especially in high-profile games where public money disproportionately affects the lines.

Historical data supports this approach: unders consistently hit at a slightly higher percentage than overs across most sports, though not at a high enough rate to blindly bet every under.

5. Look for Playoff Patterns

Playoff games in many sports tend to be more defensive and lower-scoring than regular season games. This is particularly true in Game 7 scenarios, where teams play more conservatively and the pressure affects shooting/scoring percentages.

Since 2000, the average score for NBA Game 7s is approximately 90-88, significantly lower than typical regular season totals.

Yes, for standard total bets, overtime periods count toward the final score. This is a crucial consideration when betting totals that are close to the closing line.

For example, if you bet under 220.5 in an NBA game that's tied at 107-107 at the end of regulation (214 total points), your bet would lose if the teams score 7 or more combined points in overtime, which is highly likely.

There are exceptions to this rule:

• Quarter/Period/Half Totals: Bets on specific segments of the game only count scoring within that timeframe
• Regulation Time Only: Some sportsbooks offer special "regulation time only" totals that exclude overtime
• Live Betting: For in-game total bets, make sure to verify the terms as they can vary by sportsbook

Most sportsbooks offer alternative totals with adjusted odds. For example, if the standard NFL total is 49.5 at -110 odds, you might find:

Live betting on totals has become increasingly popular, allowing you to wager on adjusted totals as the game progresses. This can be particularly valuable when:

• You notice a change in game conditions (weather improving/worsening)
• A key player gets injured
• The pace is significantly different than expected
• Teams are shooting unusually well or poorly compared to their averages

The "Grand Salami" is a popular specialty total bet that covers all games being played on a given day in a specific league. Instead of betting on a single game's total, you're betting on the combined total across all games.

For example, if there are 10 MLB games scheduled for the day, the Grand Salami might be set at 85.5 runs. You would then bet on whether the total runs scored across all 10 games will be over or under 85.5.

Grand Salami bets are most common in hockey and baseball but are sometimes offered for basketball and football as well. They're particularly popular for casual fans who want action across multiple games without having to research individual matchups in depth.

When betting on point totals, consider these advanced strategies to improve your chances of success:

• Line shopping: Check multiple sportsbooks to find the best total and odds for your bet. Even a half-point difference can be significant over time.
• Situational awareness: Teams in must-win scenarios, rivalry games, or coming off embarrassing losses often play with different intensity levels that can affect scoring.
• Travel impact: Teams on long road trips or in the second game of a back-to-back often experience fatigue that leads to lower scoring.
• Referee/umpire tendencies: Some officials call more fouls/penalties than others, which can lead to more scoring opportunities.
• Correlated parlays: Consider how total bets might correlate with other wagers. For example, if you expect a high-scoring game, a parlay with the over and team player props for high yardage might make sense.