One of the most popular types of bets in the sports betting world are totals bets. Also known as an over/under wager, this type of bet is unique as you are not pulling for one team. Instead of hoping a team wins, the only thing you are concerned with is the final score.
We explain exactly how the totals betting market works with examples and the value you can find with an over/under bet.
What is a Totals Bet?
Totals betting, also referred to as over/under betting, involves wagering on whether the combined score of both teams will exceed or be less than the total points set by the operator. Betting on total points scored is very different from point spreads or moneylines, where you are rooting for one team to win. With totals, it doesn’t affect your bet at all which team wins, only the total combined score.
Every oddsmaker sets a total that has an over and under that are possible. If you predict that both teams combined will score more points that the total given, you bet the over. If you think there will be less points scored than the total, you bet the under. For example, in a football game, the betting total projected from the bookmaker is 49.5 points. For the over to win, both must score more than 49.5 points. For the under to hit, it must be less than 49.5 points.
Many oddsmakers now give you the option of using totals bets for quarter totals, half totals or team totals, rather than just the final score. This adds flexibility and gives you more options, which is always a positive. For instance, I know certain NFL teams usually start really well, so I would look at the over in the first quarter if they are playing.
You will typically find that the odds on totals are the same on both sides. This is because the line is set so that the over and under have the same chance of happening. Betting sites will usually move the projected total rather than the odds to adjust.
Totals are really popular for players as they are easy to understand. It is simple to track team totals and you are not just relying on one team for your bet to come in.
How do you read Totals Betting Odds?
As mentioned above, you can wager on betting totals for the full-game, for a half or for a quarter/period. Although some bet types like point spreads can look different for different sports, totals look the same. Let’s look at some examples of how over/under betting works across the most prominent sports markets.
Football
NFL betting is huge, and people love to look at the totals for an NFL game. Oddsmakers typically set the totals for the NFL between 35 to 55 points. For college football, the numbers jump up massively due to the nature of the scoring at the college level.
Let’s look at an example. A match between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills has a betting total of 46.5. The total points must reach 47 for the over to win. Fewer than 46.5 points and the under will hit.
| Final Score | Result against betting total |
|---|---|
| Chiefs: 21 Bills: 28 | Over 47- Betting the over wins |
| Chiefs: 18 Bills: 21 | Under 47 - Betting the Under wins |
Basketball
The totals amount in the NBA and college basketball has grown massively in recent years as offenses dominate these days. In the NBA, betting totals are usually set above 200 points, while college basketball tends to be in the 110-150 range. Let’s look at an example with the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers with the total set at 230.5 points.
| Final Score | Result against betting total |
|---|---|
| Lakers: 120 Grizzlies: 114 | Over 230.5- Betting the over wins |
| Lakers 115: 18 Grizzlies: 106 | Under 230.5 - Betting the Under wins |
Hockey & Baseball
Of course, it is the same bet for NHL games and in the MLB, but the combined scores are much less than they are in football or basketball. The most common lines for an NHL game are 5.5 or 6.5 goals to be scored, while in baseball, betting totals are usually in the 8-10 runs range. Additionally, in baseball, if the projected betting total is 8 and that 8 runs are then scored in the match, this will result in a push. This means the stake of the bet is refunded.
What is the payout on a totals bet?
The aim for all of us in sports wagering is to make a profit, whether you are betting on NFL games, an NHL game of Major League Soccer, we are always looking for good value. It is also good to know the potential payouts available before you place your bets as it can help you plan. Most totals bets have a vig of -110 on both the over and the under, which is also known as the flat rate. So for every $100 you want to win you must bet $110.
Sportsbooks want to encourage you to stick around, of course, so sometimes they will shift the vig on the over or under to entice you to bet on one side. If a betting site has taken a large amount of money on one side, then they may change the vig on the other side.
Over/Under Betting Strategy
There are numerous strategies you can adopt to try and increase your chances of making long term profits on totals bets. One of the first things you should do is take advantage of any bonus bets you may have when you join a sportsbook. These are valuable, so make sure you maximize any promotion you can.
Let’s take a look at some other things to consider.
Use Stats & Analysis
Data has never been more valuable in the sporting world. Professional teams use data and analytics to make decisions, like in the NFL whether to go for it on fourth down. All of these stats and numbers are available to you, and can help you make an informed decision. For example, in soccer, does the team contain a goalscorer, are they known for attacking or defending, what is their usual xg (expected goals)?
Look at Weather Forecast
This doesn’t apply for indoor sports or an NFL game played in a dome, but weather can certainly affect the scoring in a game. If snow of extreme wind or rain is forecasted for a football game, this is likely to negative affect the quarterback and so will also affect the likely total points scored. If you know in advance, it gives you a chance to get ahead of the betting market.
Shop Around for Best Odds
Although sportsbooks offer very similar odds for most sporting events, there can be subtle differences here and there. It does you no harm to have a shop around before you start placing bets to see if you can find better value somewhere.
Best Sportsbooks for Totals Bets
Some of the best options for totals bets can be found below
All of these sites offer enticing lines and a wide range of markets for over/under betting.
