While sports betting, have you been asking, “What does over under mean?” Also known as totals betting or placing a totals bet, this form of gambling is a popular category in the sports world — especially when combined with a parlay bet. Yet, it can be challenging to jump right into learning about it if you’re used to another form of gambling.
Once you learn the definition of totals betting, there’s still a lot to consider to make an informed prediction. If you understand the ins and outs of this type of wager, you may be able to win over and over again. This type of betting is great for any football game, college football and pro football. Over under betting is also a very popular bet in basketball, whether it is a college basketball game or an NBA game. Read this helpful guide if you’re interested in getting into the world of totals wagers. You can check out more of our sports betting guides.
Breakdown of Totals Betting
Totals wagers are unique in sports betting because you don’t have to bet on one single team. Instead of picking who will win, you’ll instead gamble on a total score presented by the bookmaker for that sport — for example, the football oddsmaker. Your goal is to decide whether the actual final score in the game will be over or under this projected number of points total. The sportsbook will give you odds to decide which side to place your bet on.
Totals wagers are unique in sports betting because you don’t have to bet on one single team. Instead of picking who will win, you’ll instead gamble on a total score presented by the bookmaker for that sport — for example, the football oddsmaker. Your goal is to decide whether the actual final score in the game will be over or under this projected number of points total. The sportsbook will give you odds to decide which side to place your bet on.
Over/Under in Prop Bets
Over and under proposition gambling works well in sports with less common scoring systems. In these instances, the proposition over under bet is tied to a specific scenario.
For example, you can make an over/under bet for a boxing match. Instead of guessing points, you would try to predict whether the fight would last for more or fewer rounds than the projection.
In modern times, more book operators are allowing bettors to play prop bets in various sports, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see an immediate opportunity to gamble this way in a less common sport.
Calculating the Total Points Scored
The score you’re betting over or under is usually computed by an algorithm that considers past and present results from games.
Many factors influence this algorithm, such as the average points scored by each team. The algorithm will also account for the game’s setting, important players who are injured, and more. A solely additive approach will not help you make a fully informed bet, though it could help you understand aspects of the calculation process before making a bet.
How to Handicap Total Bets
When handicapping totals, sports bettors typically want to decide how many points each of the two teams are expected to score. Handicapping totals can be difficult if you’re not used to the process. It’s recommended to handicap hockey-based wagers to start with, as the calculations you work out will be much simpler than other sports while sports betting.
A formula for handicapping over under betting in hockey can look like this: average scored goals + average goals allowed for the teams, divided by two. This equation is a simple way to get into handicapping over under outcomes to get the best results for your money.
However, other sports like baseball require more equations that can be hard to formulate accurately. As you practice handicap wagering, you can try your hand at more complex sports formulas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now you know the basics of over and under betting, but you may have some concerns before your first wager. Here are the most common questions people ask before getting right into totals betting:
Are totals bets a good bet to make?
While we cannot tell you if the individual bet is a good one to make, totals bets are very popular and almost all top sportsbooks (even online sportsbooks) will provide these betting options.
Is it Better to Bet Over or Under?
Unfortunately, there is no foolproof method that will tell you which way is the right choice. Some people have developed set systems that determine their decision based on game conditions — weather, team history, point progression, and more. Many of these systems exist, and you may be able to find an individual method that you will but your money on. Some people like to bet on games with more points, and will look for value there.
As with any form of gambling, be ready to deviate from your usual pattern or system if signs point to an exceptional outcome on your sportsbook.
Does Over/Under Include Overtime?
When sports betting, the set projection of the combined score is based on the number of points scored once the game is over. Points scored in overtime count towards the deviation from the total points you’re gambling on. The number that is used to grade the wager is the combined score when the game ends.
What Happens When the Final Score is Exact?
This scenario is called a push, in which case sportsbooks will return wagers.
What is a 3-Way Total Bet?
In the case of a 3-way bet, you will predict one of three options: the total points are over, under, or the same as the projection. Unlike with a usual wager, there’s no chance for a push. If the total points are the exact same as the projection, you will either win or lose based on what you wager. This is available in sports such as baseball and both teams can win.
Conclusion — Understanding Over/Under Betting
Over/under betting is relatively simple once you understand the ins and outs. The most important thing to remember is that you’re trying to predict whether the set projection is higher or lower than reality and wagering accordingly.
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