Betting Strategy Guide
Over/Under (Total) Betting Explained
Key takeaways
An over/under, or total, is a bet on the combined score of both teams. If the total is 47.5, the over wins with 48 points or more and the under wins with 47 or fewer. On a whole-number total, an exact result is a push and the stake is returned. Who wins the game does not matter.
With an over/under you do not pick a winner. The sportsbook sets a number for the combined score, and you bet that the final total goes over it or stays under it.
How a total works
Say an NFL game has a total of 47.5, with both sides at -110.
| Final score | Combined points | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 27–24 | 51 | Over wins |
| 24–23 | 47 | Under wins |
| 17–10 | 27 | Under wins |
With a whole number, such as 47, a final combined score of exactly 47 is a push and your stake comes back.
Totals in each sport
- Football: NFL totals usually sit between the high 30s and low 50s; college totals vary more.
- Basketball: combined points, typically above 200 in the NBA.
- Baseball: combined runs, often between 7 and 10.
- Hockey: combined goals, usually 5.5 or 6.5.
- Soccer: combined goals, most often 2.5.
Whether overtime or extra innings count depends on the market. In most full-game totals they do; check the house rules for the sport you bet.
What moves a total
- Weather: strong wind and heavy rain lower football and baseball totals.
- Injuries: a missing quarterback or star scorer lowers a total; a missing defender can raise it.
- Pace: teams that play fast create more possessions and more points.
- Pitching matchups: in baseball the starting pitchers drive the number.
Totals on halves, quarters and teams
Most games also have totals for each half and quarter, and team totals for one side's points only. They let you bet on how a game unfolds, for example a slow first half followed by a fast second one.
Next: learn the point spread and the moneyline, or combine a total with a side in a parlay.
Betting at Betcris Arizona
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does over/under mean in betting?
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A bet on whether the combined score of both teams finishes above or below the number the sportsbook sets.
What happens if the total lands exactly on the number?
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On a whole-number total the bet is a push and the stake is returned. Totals ending in .5 cannot push.
Does overtime count in an over/under bet?
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In most full-game totals overtime and extra innings count, but it depends on the market. Check the house rules for the sport.
Does it matter who wins?
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No. Only the combined score matters.
