Understanding Over/Under Betting in Sports: A Complete Guide

Understanding Over/Under Betting in Sports: A Complete Guide

By Michael Peterson

December 12, 2024 at 09:57 PM

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

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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