Understanding Over/Under Betting in Sports: A Complete Guide
An over/under bet (also called totals) is a wager on the combined final score of a sporting event being above or below a predetermined number set by the sportsbook.
For example, in an NFL game between the 49ers and Browns with an over/under of 45:
- Over bet wins if total points exceed 45
- Under bet wins if total points are less than 45
- If exactly 45 points are scored, the bet is a "push" and stakes are returned
The odds are typically displayed as:
Over 45 (-110) Under 45 (-110)
This means you need to bet $110 to win $100 on either outcome.
Aerial view of football stadium
Key points about over/under bets:
- Popular across all major sports
- Keeps games interesting regardless of winner
- Decimal points (like 45.5) are often used to prevent ties
- Only regulation time counts unless specified
- Can bet team-specific over/unders
- First half totals may be more predictable due to game script
Tips for betting totals:
- Research team scoring trends
- Consider weather conditions
- Look at head-to-head history
- Factor in injuries/lineup changes
- Study pace of play statistics
Over/under bets are great for beginners since they're straightforward and keep you engaged throughout the game. Success requires understanding scoring patterns and factors that impact total points.
Common FAQs:
- Ties result in pushed bets with stakes returned
- Overtime usually doesn't count unless specified
- Neither over nor under is inherently better - research each game
- Half-point totals eliminate possibility of pushes
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