What Is the Over Under in Sports Betting? Totals Explained

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An Over/Under bet, likewise called an overall, is a wager on the combined number of points, runs, or goals scored in a video game. The sportsbook sets a line, and bettors select whether the final rating will review (more than the posted total) or under (less than the published total).

It's one of the most popular bet types across major sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, giving fans a way to wager on the circulation of the video game rather than which team wins.

Totals Betting Explained

Oddsmakers set an overall by predicting the combined rating of both groups in a video game, factoring in offensive and defensive strength, speed of play, and current type. Bettors then decide whether the final score will go over or under that published number.

The rules are easy: if the game reviews the overall, Over bets win; if it ends up under, Under bets money. Overtime counts towards the overall unless otherwise specified, which typically makes a difference in close games.

If the last combined rating lands precisely on the posted number, the result is called a push, and all wagers are reimbursed.

How to Bet on Over/Unders

Let's review how to put an Over/Under wager step-by-step:

1. Open the sportsbook app and discover your game: choose the sport/league, then tap the match you desire.

2. Select the Totals (Over/Under) market: search for "Total," "O/U," or "Over/Under." You'll see a number (e.g., 47.5) and odds for Over and Under (often around -110). Remember: overtime generally counts towards overalls.

3. Choose Over or Under: tap the side you desire to bank on.

4. Enter your stake and examine the slip: type your quantity; the slip auto-calculates prospective payout. Double-check the total number, odds, which you chose Over or Under properly.

5. Place the bet: confirm to submit. You can track it in "Open Bets."

Example: if an NFL overall is 47.5 at -110, picking Over 47.5 methods you require 48+ integrated indicate win (47 or fewer loses). At -110, a $100 bet returns $190.91 overall ($ 90.91 revenue) if it hits.

It's also worth mentioning that you can likewise bet totals throughout the video game. Lines upgrade in real time with speed and scoring. For example, an NBA game opened at 212.5, but after a quick very first quarter, the live total dives to 224.5. If you think scoring will cool down, you may take Under 224.5 at the listed live odds.

How are Over/Under Lines Set?

Oddsmakers set totals by analyzing a mix of data, matchup elements, and betting market trends. At the core, they look at group offensive and defensive effectiveness, rate of play, gamer injuries, current efficiency, and even head-to-head history.

Each sport has its own wrinkles that impact the Over/Under line:

NFL, college football: weather conditions, offending vs. defensive line matches, and quarterback play.

NBA, college basketball: rate, shooting effectiveness, protective rankings, and gamer schedule.

MLB: starting pitcher matchups, bullpen fatigue, ballpark dimensions, and even wind conditions.

NHL: goalie matchups, recent scoring type, and power play vs. penalty eliminate stats.

Soccer: playing styles, formation modifications, importance of the match, and travel tiredness.


Finally, the market itself matters. As money is available in, especially from sharp bettors, oddsmakers will adjust overalls before video game time to stabilize action and manage risk.

Best Sportsbooks for Over/Under Betting

There are several sportsbook where which you can bet on the Over/Under for video games. Two of the best options are DraftKings and FanDuel, thanks to their deep menus of live betting markets and alternate lines.

DraftKings consistently provides a wide variety of alternate overalls, letting you change the number up or down with corresponding chances. They also tie many player props to Over/Under markets, providing gamblers more ways to construct same-game parlays around scoring.

FanDuel stands out for its live totals markets, which update quickly as the video game unfolds. You'll frequently discover multiple alternate overalls offered mid-game, enabling you to get value if you think the rate of play will alter.

Both sportsbooks provide wagerers flexibility beyond the standard total, making them strong options if you like to blend in alt lines and prop-based Over/Under bets.

Why Do Lines Shift in Totals Betting?

Totals don't stay fixed, as they often move when sportsbooks respond to new information or heavy betting action. Oddsmakers adapt to keep lines sharp and balance risk.

Common reasons for these shifts consist of:

Injury news: the star quarterback or top scorer being ruled out can press the total down.

Weather updates: wind, rain, snow, or extreme heat frequently drive football and baseball totals lower.

Public betting patterns: if many of the cash is on one side, sportsbooks may move the line to balance action.

Sharp money: large wagers from respected gamblers can move lines rapidly and substantially.

For instance, an NBA overall may open at 228.5, however if a star scorer is scratched before tip-off, the line could drop to 224.5. Early gamblers often target softer opening numbers, while late bettors react to confirmed injury reports and other news.

How to Calculate the Vig on Totals

Vig (brief for "vigorish") is the bookie's built-in commission. On totals, it's typically baked into the odds, with the standard -110 chances on both sides. Let's break it down step-by-step:

1. Convert each side to implied likelihood: let's say the Over/Under for an NFL game is 47.5 with -110 chances on both sides. The implied probability for both sides is calculated as such:

Negative chances:|X |/(|X|+ 100) x 100, so|-110 |/(|-110|+100) x 100 = 110/210 = 52.38%.

Positive odds:|X |/(|X|+ 100) x 100, so|-110 |/(|-110|+100) x 100 = 110/210 = 52.38%.


2. Add the possibilities together.

52.38% + 52.38% = 104.76%.


3. Subtract 100% to discover the vig percentage.

104.76% - 100% = 4.76% vig.


Remember that the vig varies by sportsbook, sport, market liquidity, and timing.

Gambling disclaimer: Only people aged 21 and over are permitted to bet. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and desires assistance, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Gambling goes through regional state guideline and is illegal in some states. Please gamble responsibly - information relating to responsible betting can be found here.

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