Over/Under betting, also known as Betting on Totals, is a type of sports betting where you wager on the total number of points that will be scored in a game. The sportsbook sets a line before the game predicting how many points both teams will score combined, and you get to choose whether you think the final total will be Over or Under that line.
Over/Under bets are becoming increasingly popular, and you can find them in many different sports, including in-game live prop bets. Oddsmakers are also coming up with new and exciting variations of Over/Under bets for you to wager on.
It used to be that Over/Under bets were limited to traditional sports like basketball and football, but now you can find them for almost anything, including tennis matches and individual player statistics like free-throws made in a basketball game.
If you’re new to Over/Under betting, it can be a bit confusing at first, but don’t worry, there are plenty of strategies you can use to increase your chances of winning. And with a little practice and knowledge of the different sports, you can start to identify good opportunities for Over/Under bets.
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How Does Over/Under Betting Work?
Over/Under betting is an easy and potentially profitable type of sports betting that is available in every sport. The oddsmakers calculate how they think each team will perform in the game, and then they combine those numbers to predict how many total points will be scored by both teams.
When you bet on the Over/Under line in sports, you are wagering only on the total points scored in the game. For example, if the casino’s line for a baseball game Totals bet is 5.5, a bet on the Over will win if both teams score a combined six or more points, and a bet on the Under will win if they score a combined five points or less.
Regardless of whether one team is likely to dominate the other, you can always bet on the total points line in any sport. Typically, the odds on both the Over and Under bets are the same, as the casino tries to set a line that will attract equal action from the betting public on both sides of the line.
The odds on Over/Under bets are usually -110, with the extra 10% representing the casino’s commission. A line with -110% odds is called a Dime Line. However, sometimes the line may shift, and you may see odds like O -105 / U -115 or even O +105 / U -125. This shift usually occurs because the house is trying to balance the total action they’re taking on each side of the line by making one side more appealing.
As a general rule of thumb, you can expect the line to be similar or close to -110, but this won’t always be the case. With some knowledge and experience, you can start to identify opportunities for profitable Over/Under bets in different sports.
OVER/UNDER Explained
An OVER/UNDER bet in sports betting is a prediction on the total score of both teams combined. The oddsmakers, who set the lines and odds at betting sites, will determine a number that bettors can wager on. The bettor must then decide if they think the total score will be higher (OVER) or lower (UNDER) than that number.
For example, if the total score for a Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys game is set at 48.5 points, a bettor who chooses the OVER would win if the combined final score is 49 points or higher. Conversely, a bettor who chooses the UNDER would win if the final score is 48 points or less.
At a sportsbook, the odds for an OVER/UNDER bet might look like this:
- 48.5 OVER -110
- 48.5 UNDER +105
If a bettor wagers ₱50 on the OVER and the final score is 56 points, they would receive a payout of ₱95.45, which includes their original ₱50 bet and ₱45.45 in winnings. On the other hand, if the final score is 47 points (a pooled score of 27-20), a bettor who wagered ₱50 on the winning UNDER would receive ₱102.50, which includes their original ₱50 bet and ₱52.50 in winnings. The Odds Calculator can help bettors estimate potential winnings based on their wager amount.
How to Read Over/Under Betting Lines ?
Over/Under betting lines can be confusing, but they’re actually simple to understand. Let’s take an example of a Totals Bet from MLB baseball where the odds are the same for the Over and Under. The Over/Under line in this game is set at 8.5 runs, which means that if both teams score 9 or more combined runs, the result counts as Over. If less than 9 runs are scored, the result counts as Under. The odds in this case are -110, meaning you have to bet ₱110 on either team to win ₱100 in profit.
In another example, the casino is offering slightly different odds on each team. The Over/Under line is still set at 8.5 runs, but the odds for the Padres’ Over is -110, while the Dodgers’ Under is +105. This means that if you bet ₱110 on the Padres to win, you’ll make ₱100 in profit, but if you bet ₱100 on the Dodgers to win, you’ll make ₱105 in profit.
It’s important to note that the O and U on the betting line don’t correspond to either team; they’re just the standard written layout for the Over/Under betting line at sportsbooks, with the home team often listed at the bottom.
How to Calculate Over/Under Betting ?
Understanding the payout odds is essential when betting on totals. Let’s take a closer look to ensure it’s clear. Suppose two people bet on opposite results for the same game with equal payout lines of -110 for both Over and Under.
If Person A believes the game will have more than 8 runs (9 or more) and wants to make a profit of ₱100, the -110 line means they need to wager ₱110 on the Over to receive a total return of ₱210 (₱110 initial investment returned plus ₱100 profit).
If Person B predicts a lower-scoring game with less than 9 runs, they would bet ₱110 on the Under to receive a total return of ₱210.
In this scenario, the sportsbook takes in ₱220 (₱110 from each bettor) before the game, and they pay out ₱210 to the winner after the game, leaving them with a ₱10 profit. This is why the house wants equal action on both sides of the line when the odds are the same – it guarantees them a profit regardless of the game’s outcome.
What Is a “Push” When Betting Totals?
In gambling, a push refers to a tie bet where the bettor gets their original wager back, but no winnings. Totals lines are usually set at a half-point, such as 8.5 in the example above, which eliminates the possibility of a push. However, if the line is set at a whole number, such as 8, and the game’s final score matches the line exactly, then all totals bets will be a push and the bettors will receive their original wagers back.
Over/Under Betting Strategy
To increase your chances of success with Over/Under bets, it’s important to do your research and approach your decisions with logic rather than emotion. Here are some top Totals betting strategy tips to help you gain an edge:
- Analyze each team independently, taking into account their offensive and defensive strengths, as well as the impact of key players such as power hitters or star pitchers.
- Consider the venue of the game, including whether the team is playing at home or away, and any unique environmental factors that could impact the game such as weather.
- Compare the recent statistics of both teams, looking for hard evidence rather than relying on reputations. For example, teams that are known for high scoring may actually only score an average amount overall.
- Take your research to the next level and think about outcomes from the perspective of professional oddsmakers. Look beyond just the number of goals or points scored and consider factors such as shots on goal, powerplays, and penalty minutes.
- Consider any circumstantial factors that could impact the game, such as playoff implications or unique coaching strategies.
By taking these factors into account and doing your research, you can increase your chances of making informed decisions and placing successful Over/Under bets.
Over/Under Betting in Boxing/UFC
When it comes to combat sports, Over/Under betting is based on the number of rounds that you expect a fight to last. Boxing championship bouts consist of 12 three-minute rounds, while UFC title fights last for five rounds of five minutes each. Non-title/undercard fights are typically 10 rounds or fewer in boxing and three rounds in UFC.
When one or both fighters are known for their knockout power, the Over/Under number set by oddsmakers will be lower. Conversely, two fighters who don’t typically knock each other out will have a higher Over/Under number.
For example, when Mike Tyson fought in his prime and was scheduled for a 12-round fight, the total number of rounds posted at sportsbooks was often low, especially if Tyson’s opponent had a weak chin. However, when Floyd Mayweather fought Manny Pacquiao in 2015, the Over/Under for their 12-round bout was set at 11.5 rounds (and the fight went the distance).
Betting totals in UFC and boxing comes down to one question: Do you believe the fight will last until the later rounds or go the distance? If you think it will, bet the Over; if not, take the Under. Keep in mind that plus-minus odds come into play with Over/Under betting in both boxing and the UFC, so always understand the potential payout and shop around for the best price.
Baseball
Baseball Over/Under betting can be highly profitable, but it requires thorough research to be successful. Here are some tips to get started:
- Consider the weather and stadium: Each stadium is unique, and weather conditions can have a significant impact on the game. For example, wind and rain can affect the outcome of a game, and a dry, sunny day can lead to more scoring.
- Analyze the defensive strength of each team: If both teams have strong starting pitchers, a deep bullpen, or a powerful infield, it may present opportunities to bet on the Under. Conversely, if both rosters are stacked with power hitters, it might make betting the Over more appealing.
- Take note of each team’s managerial decision-making: Coaches have a significant influence on the game, and their strategies can affect the outcome. For example, if a coach likes to use the hit-and-run or encourage stealing, it can impact the game’s pace and lead to more scoring.
- Pay attention to at-bat stats: If you believe the home team is likely to be in the lead in the later innings, this may influence at-bat stats since they wouldn’t play the bottom half of the 9th inning. This could play a huge role in the ‘make or break’ of your Over/Under wager.
Over/Under Betting in NBA Basketball
Basketball Over/Under betting can be both exciting and frustrating, but there are ways to increase your chances of winning. Unlike other sports, basketball games can have significant fluctuations in the final point total, even if the score is not close.
To prepare for NBA Over/Under bets, start by examining recent results for both teams and determine how many of their recent games finished Over or Under. Look for teams that consistently finish on the same side of the line and calculate the average point totals in those games.
This information is readily available on various websites. When you identify teams with a streak of Over/Under outcomes and see a point total line that differs significantly from their recent average, you have found good value and should bet accordingly.
In addition, be aware that garbage-time free throws or layups can significantly affect the outcome of your wager, so keep this in mind while betting. Lastly, make sure to check if sports betting is legal in your state before placing any bets on the NBA.
Over/Under Betting in NHL Hockey
In the NHL, predicting a straight-up winner can be very challenging due to the high number of games that are decided in overtime or a shootout. This is why Over/Under bets are more appealing to many gamblers. Here are some key points to keep in mind when betting on hockey totals:
- Research the home and away scoring stats for each team. This includes shots on net, powerplay/penalties, special team numbers for home and away, and overall scoring chances per game at home and on the road.
- Follow streaking teams, both those on winning streaks and those on losing streaks. Also, pay attention to streaking players, including scorers and hot goalies.
- Pay attention to streaking powerplays, which can vary depending on whether a team is home or away.
- Look more closely at how each team plays at home and on the road, as this can make a huge difference. Consider how each team does with their 5v5 scoring as compared to their special teams and whether this changes if they are home or away.
- Be aware of recent scoring for and against each team, but pay close attention to outliers in those games. One or two high-scoring games within a stretch of 8-12 games can dramatically change how a team is expected to perform in terms of totals.
- With ice hockey Over/Under betting, there is some consistency in the range of lines offered. Generally, the NHL Over/Under line ranges from 5.0 to 6.5, with 5.0 or 5.5 being the most common lines.
- Don’t mistake this predictability for reduced difficulty. Hockey Over/Under betting can be very challenging, especially since late-game outcomes are often influenced by one team pulling their goalie for an empty net.
- Another unique aspect of Over/Under bets in hockey is that you will see individual team totals listed. The line on a single team’s total scoring is often 2.5 or 3.5. Keep an eye on these scores as there can be good value in betting on a big favorite to exceed 3.5 goals, particularly if you don’t think the underdog will contribute much scoring or have many scoring chances.
Over/Under Betting in Football
In football, Over/Under bets for full-time scoring (up to 90 minutes plus stoppage time) typically have a line of 2.5. Your job is to predict whether there will be more than two goals or less than three goals. However, if you want to increase your potential payout, some sportsbooks offer a range of totals to bet on, with longer odds for each. You can also find lines for predicting 1 goal or a scoreless draw, although the range varies between sportsbooks.
For in-play betting, point totals update frequently, so keep checking the lines for potential good value. By observing the flow of the game and changes in coaching strategies, substitutions, and injuries, you may gain an edge.
Start to Place Winning Over/Under Bets.
This article has provided a lot of information on Over/Under betting for different sports, and it’s clear that each sport has unique factors that impact point totals. However, there are some tips that apply to all sports when it comes to successful Over/Under betting.
The most important thing is to be informed about both sides of the bet. Research each team’s home and away performance, as well as any weather or environmental factors that may impact the game. This will help you make a more informed decision when placing your bet.
It’s also important to be aware of in-play betting opportunities, particularly for sports like football where point totals can change quickly. Pay attention to changes in coaching strategies, substitutions, and injuries, and keep an eye on point total lines to find good value.
Ultimately, betting on point totals can be a great way to add excitement to your favorite sport, or to gain an edge as a serious sports gambler. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to successful Over/Under betting.
