Last updated on March 11th, 2025 at 01:48 pm
Over/under betting, also known as totals betting, is one of the most popular and straightforward bet types. It’s a great way to wager on your favorite sports without picking a winner. The only thing you need to do is predict whether the total number of goals, points, or runs set by the sportsbook also known as the “line” goes over or under at the end of the game.
If you’re just getting your feet wet in sports betting, looking at a bunch of numbers and predicting whether it goes “over” or “under” can be intimidating. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide on over/under betting, its sports applications, and practical advice on totals betting strategies.
What Is Over/Under Betting?
Every sport has some permutation of totals betting markets set by the sportsbook represented in numbers called “lines.” In football, it could be the total number of goals scored or corner kicks during the match. In basketball and American football, it could be the total number of points scored. In baseball, it could be the total number of runs scored. In tennis, it could be the total number of games, points, or sets. The list goes on.
Your objective is to predict whether the combined goals, points, or runs scored or any totals market go over or under the line set by the bookie. If you successfully predict the outcome, you get paid based on the corresponding odds.
How to Place an Over/Under Bet
Betting on totals is straightforward. View the line set for the betting market in question. Then, predict whether both teams’ combined goals or points will go over or under the total. Lastly, finalize your stake size and confirm your bet.
Understanding the Line Set by Bookmakers
Bookmakers take a variety of factors into account when calculating over/under lines and their corresponding odds. These include recent form, player injuries and suspensions, and historical head-to-head results. Weather and venue factors can also influence scoring tendencies in football, baseball, and American football, as can the fixture schedule when setting over/under lines.
Deciding on Over or Under
Deciding on betting the over or under is simple. If you think the total number of points, goals, or runs scored will exceed the line, you should bet the over. If you think it won’t, you should bet the under. But it isn’t just a matter of blind intuition several factors play into whether a fixture goes over or under the total, as follows:
- Team form.
- Head-to-head history.
- Weather conditions and home-field advantage.
- Player availability.
- Refereeing.
Sports Where Over/Under Is Common
Totals betting is offered for almost all sports markets, with football, basketball, and American football dominating the betting volume.
Football/Soccer
Instead of trying to pick a winner between Manchester City and Manchester United, you could instead bet on the total number of goals going over or under the projected line. Assuming the bookmakers set the line at 2.5 goals, betting on the over means you expect a high-octane match with plenty of goals. Wagering on the under means you’re expecting a tightly-contested derby.
Basketball
In basketball, your objective is to predict whether the total number of points scored in the fixture will be lower or higher than the projected line set by the bookmaker. Suppose the Boston Celtics play the Atlanta Hawks with the line set at 251.5 points. A bet on the over means you expect both high-scoring teams to shoot the lights out while betting on the under means you’re expecting an off-night from both teams.
American Football
Similar to basketball, American football totals betting centers around the total number of points both teams will score in a game and predicting whether it goes under or over the bookmaker’s line. The recent Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs offered a line of 53 points at odds of 1.90. Since the Chiefs won the game by a final score of 31:20, bettors who backed the under won $90 for every $100 they staked, and punters backing both teams to go over the line lost.
Strategies for Over/Under Betting
Here is some practical advice to maximize your profitability when totals betting.
Analyze Offensive and Defensive Stats
How much do both teams score on average when they play each other? Does that number go over or under the projected lines? Certain fixtures, such as football derbies or basketball playoffs, may end up being closely contested due to the higher stakes involved. Teams that score a lot of points or goals could easily run up the score well over the total.
Consider Weather Conditions
Inclement weather can influence scoring patterns in outdoor sports. A water-logged football pitch may slow down the game’s pace, while windy conditions could ruin clean passes and shots on goal. Home-field advantage, meanwhile, may have the referee’s calls going in favor of the home team. Home teams are also more incentivized to score and put on a show for their supporters.
Recent Form and Injuries
Both teams’ recent performances can reveal scoring trends. Do the teams tend to score plenty of goals or points whenever they play? Is either team on a hot or cold streak? How many goals or points does the away team give up? How many does the home team tend to score?
Injuries to or absences of key players can also influence the total by skewing a team’s offensive and defensive performance. Therefore, make it a point to see the list of injuries or suspensions before making a bet.
Conclusion
Totals betting remains one of the most popular betting markets across all sports and it’s only growing in popularity as oddsmakers come up with more variations for punters to wager on. Over/under betting adds another dimension to enjoying your favorite sports, making it a worthwhile wager to add to your overall betting approach. As with any form of sports betting, be sure to gamble responsibly.
FAQ Section
What happens if the total score equals the over/under line?
If the total score matches the exact line, the bet is considered a “push.” Your stake will be returned to you. Lines are commonly set to increments of half-points (e.g., 210.5 points, 2.5 goals, 7.5 runs, etc.) to eliminate the push outcome.
Can over/under bets be combined in parlays?
Yes, totals can be added to parlays with handicap and moneyline bets in accumulators and parlays for bigger payouts.
Are over/under bets available for individual player performance?
Many sportsbooks offer totals betting markets on individual player performances. This includes the number of goals, points, assists, rebounds, blocks, steals, home runs, or touchdowns a player makes in a game.
How do overtime periods affect over/under bets?
Most totals cover overtime periods in games such as basketball, baseball, or handball. If a basketball game goes into overtime and the total exceeds the line, the over bet wins.
Do bookmakers adjust over/under lines during live betting?
Many sportsbooks offer totals on live games. They adjust the over/under lines as the game progresses, factoring in the game as it unfolds, such as changes in momentum, injuries, or player expulsions. This enables bettors to maximize the value they get from odds as they change along with the match state.