Verah | February 8, 2020 | Updated on: December 21st, 2023
Sometimes, 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
Over/Under Betting Links
- Best Sports Betting Sites for Over/Under Bets
- How Does Over/Under Betting Work?
- Over/Under Push
- Best Over/Under Betting Strategy
- Over/Under Bets – FAQs
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 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.
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
Over/under bets (also known as total bets) are wagers made on the total score of the game combined. An over is a bet made on the scoreline to exceed the prediction set by the sportsbook and the under is a bet made on the scoreline to come under the prediction made by the sportsbook.
If an over/under is exact, the bet is pushed and the sports bettor is paid back their bet.
You win over/under bets by correctly predicting whether a sports game’s final score is above or below a line set by the sportsbook.
Reading over/unders is pretty simple. Usually, the sportsbook will indicate if the line is an over with the word OVER or the abbreviation OV next to the total score. They will indicate the Under with the word UNDER or the abbreviation UN.
An over/under line with a 1.5 scoreline means that you can bet the score to come under 1.5 goals or above.
Over/under bets are usually easier to get right but you are less likely to win tons of money from these bets. So, yes and no, depending on your preference.
Check out our other sports bet guides: