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Over/Under Betting Explained

Verah | February 8, 2020 | Updated on: December 21st, 2023

over under bettingSometimes, you don’t want to bet on who will win a sporting event. Rather you have a feeling about the overall score of the game. This where over/under betting comes in.

Over/under betting (also known as total wagers) refers to betting on the total number of points scored by both teams in a game combined. It is considered one of the easiest bets within sports betting.

This is because you don’t have to focus on who is going to win the game like in moneyline or spread betting. In fact, in this case, the winner of the match is irrelevant. In addition, you also not specializing who will score the goals like in prop bets, making these predictions easier to get right.

Over/under betting odds are available on most sports, including football, baseball, basketball, soccer, hockey, tennis and even MMA fights. So, it doesn’t matter if you want to bet on the Super Bowl or the Australian Open, you can place an over/under on the score in Las Vegas or online.

Often, due to how easy it is to get these bets right, a lot of people try to craft a solid over under betting strategy before moving on to other bet types.

If you would like to find out more about over/under bets, stick around because we about to get into it below. In our dedicated guide, we have a look at how these bets work and strategies to keep in mind when making these bets.

We also list all the best sportsbooks to place over/under bets, so that you can get started on your online gambling journey as soon as you feel comfortable.

Best Sports Betting Sites for Over/Under Bets

#1

$200 Bonus

97% Payout

Rating: 5/5

Rating: 5/5

 

 

 
 
$200 BONUS 97% Payout - Rating: 5/5
 
 
#2

$250 Bonus

97% Payout

Rating: 5/5

Rating: 5/5

 

 

 
 
$3,000 BONUS 97% Payout - Rating: 5/5
 
 
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$300 Bonus

98% Payout

Rating: 4.6/5

Rating: 4.5/5

 

 

 
 
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Sports Betting online

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Rating: 5/5

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$1,000 Bonus

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#8

$500 Bonus

Rating: 4.9/5

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#9

100% Bonus

97% Payout

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50% Bonus

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$2,000 BONUS 97% Payout - Rating: 4.7/5
 
 
#11

1000% Bonus

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Rating: 4.9/5

 

 

 
 
$3,000 Bonus 98% Payout - Rating: 4.9/5
 
 
#12

1000% Bonus

Rating: 5/5

Rating: 5/5

 

 
 
$2,500 BONUS 97% Payout - Rating: 5/5
 
 

Over/Under Betting Links

over under betting how it works

How Does Over/Under Betting Work?

As mentioned above, an over/under bet is about predicting the total points or goals scored in a game. When we say total, we refer to the total teams combined points. So, for example, if a soccer game ends with a score of 2-1, the total is 3.

With over/under betting options, sportsbooks will set a number of lines with combined scores at different odds. For example, in a football game, the following total set lines could be available:

Line Odds
Ov 30 -108
Un 30 -112
Ov 17.5 +105
Un 17.5 -110
Ov 16.5 -135
Un 16.5 -120

You can bet on any of the above outcomes. If it is correct, you will get paid out. However, we stress you note that there are over/unders including overtime and excluding. So, be sure that you have chosen the correct option before you place your bet.

Usually, sportsbooks will start the odds on an over/under betting line at -110. This means that you will need to bet $110 to win 100.

However, as people begin betting and trends become apparent, the line will be adjusted accordingly. So, a line that started at negative odds could later have positive odds, which is why it is important to shop.
over under betting online

Over/Under Push

As far as over/under betting rules go, there is one important facet of these bets you need to understand. Generally, sportsbooks will always set lines with 0.5 mark. For example, OV 17.5, etc. This is to prevent an over/under push, which occurs when you the final score of a game ends on the whole number of the line exactly.

For example, if the line on an NFL game is set at 17 and the game ends with 17 total points scored, the sportsbook would have to refund your bet because you neither won nor lost.

However, to avoid such situations, sportsbooks only use whole numbers for the last and most unlikely line, if at all.
over under betting strategy

Best Over/Under Betting Strategy

Over/under betting is a whole lot easier than point spreads or props. But that doesn’t mean that making game total bets is easy. There are a whole load of over/under tips you should keep in mind before to maximize your chances of winning and your profits:

Focus on Defense

So, a lot of people don’t take enough note of this, but defense can really win or lose a game for a team. When analyzing a matchup, you need to look at the how strong both teams are offensively and whether they have defensive players that are able to keep up with offensive players.

For example, in NFL betting, in a game featuring the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants, you would have to look at whether Dak Prescott is playing well. But you also have to pay attention to whether the New York Giants have a defensive unit who would make these hard for his playstyle.

Look at Multiple Lines

In sports like soccer, it is common for sportsbooks to set multiple lines. Try to take advantage of lines that will give you more bang for your buck. However, do this is within reason. Take some risks with high-scoring lines but only with teams you think are capable of reaching those margins.

A game like Barcelona vs Celta Vigo is more likely to end with a high score than a game like Barcelona vs Liverpool. So, pick your battles.

Understand a Team’s Playstyle

Famed soccer manager José Mourinho was once quoted as using “parking the bus” to describe Chelsea’s defensive nature of play. This statement alone makes it clear whether you should be placing an over or under bet on the team.

When you place over/unders, you need to have a look at the playstyle of both teams involved. Some coaches are offensive-minded whereas others are defensive-minded. Past results are usually a really good indicator of whether or not a team is good for the over or the under.

Over/Under Bets – FAQs

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