What Is The Over/Under (or Total) in Sports Betting?
Over/Under bets, also known as totals bets, are wagers on the combined score of both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a number representing the total score, and bettors wager on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.Â
Definition of Over/Under Sports Bets:
An Over/Under bet is a wager on whether the combined total score of a game will be over or under a specified number set by the bookmaker.
Reading Over/Under Odds:
The sportsbook will provide a total number, often with decimal points to avoid ties (e.g., 47.5 points). Bettors then choose whether they think the actual total will be higher (over) or lower (under) than this number.
Example:
For example, in a football game, if the Over/Under is set at 47.5, and the final score is 28-21, the total points scored is 49. So, the “over” bets would win.
Evaluating Value:
To find value in Over/Under bets, assess the offensive and defensive capabilities of the teams, recent scoring trends, and other factors that might affect the score like weather conditions.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros: Over/Under bets are straightforward and provide a simple betting option that doesn’t require picking a winner.
- Cons: They can be unpredictable as they’re affected by many variables that can change during the game.
Strategy:
Successful Over/Under betting requires analyzing historical scores, understanding team strategies, and considering external factors like weather conditions or injuries that might impact scoring.
Over/Under bets are a popular choice among sports bettors as they often provide an enjoyable way to bet on games without having to pick a side. It allows for a rooting interest in the game’s scoring, regardless of which team is ahead.