What Is the Over Under in Sports Betting? Totals Explained

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An Over/Under bet, likewise called a total, is a wager on the combined number of points, runs, or goals scored in a video game. The sportsbook sets a line, and gamblers choose whether the last score will discuss (more than the posted overall) or under (less than the posted total).

It is among the most popular bet types across major sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, providing fans a method to bank on the flow of the video game rather than which group wins.

Totals Betting Explained

Oddsmakers set an overall by projecting the combined score of both teams in a game, factoring in offending and defensive strength, speed of play, and recent kind. Bettors then decide whether the last score will discuss or under that published number.

The rules are simple: if the video game discusses the overall, Over bets win; if it finishes under, Under bets money. Overtime counts towards the total unless otherwise mentioned, which often makes a distinction in close video games.

If the final combined score lands exactly on the posted number, the result is called a push, and all wagers are refunded.

How to Bank on Over/Unders

Let's discuss how to place an Over/Under wager step-by-step:

1. Open the sportsbook app and find your game: select the sport/league, then tap the matchup you desire.

2. Select the Totals (Over/Under) market: look for "Total," "O/U," or "Over/Under." You'll see a number (e.g., 47.5) and odds for Over and Under (frequently around -110). Remember: overtime typically counts toward totals.

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

4. Enter your stake and evaluate the slip: type your quantity; the slip auto-calculates potential payment. Double-check the total number, odds, and that you selected Over or Under properly.

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

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

It's also worth discussing that you can likewise wager overalls during the video game. Lines update in genuine time with speed and scoring. For example, an NBA video game opened at 212.5, but after a fast very first quarter, the live overall jumps to 224.5. If you believe scoring will cool off, you might take Under 224.5 at the noted live chances.

How are Over/Under Lines Set?

Oddsmakers set overalls by evaluating a mix of data, matchup aspects, and betting market trends. At the core, they take a look at group offensive and defensive effectiveness, speed 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: climate condition, offending vs. protective line matchups, and quarterback play.

NBA, college basketball: rate, shooting performance, defensive ratings, and player schedule.

MLB: starting pitcher matches, bullpen tiredness, ballpark dimensions, and even wind conditions.

NHL: goalie matches, recent scoring form, and power play vs. penalty kill data.

Soccer: playing designs, development modifications, significance of the match, and travel fatigue.


Finally, the market itself matters. As money comes in, particularly from sharp gamblers, oddsmakers will change overalls before game time to stabilize action and manage danger.

Best Sportsbooks for Over/Under Betting

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

DraftKings regularly provides a large range of alternate totals, letting you adjust the number up or down with matching chances. They likewise tie lots of player props to Over/Under markets, offering gamblers more methods to build same-game parlays around scoring.

FanDuel sticks out for its live overalls markets, which update quickly as the video game unfolds. You'll typically find numerous alternate totals offered mid-game, allowing you to grab worth if you think the speed of play will alter.

Both sportsbooks provide bettors versatility beyond the basic overall, making them strong choices if you like to mix in alt lines and prop-based Over/Under bets.

Why Do Lines Shift in Totals Betting?

Totals do not stay fixed, as they typically move when sportsbooks respond to new details or heavy betting action. Oddsmakers get used to keep lines sharp and balance danger.

Common reasons for these shifts include:

Injury news: the star quarterback or top scorer being dismissed can press the overall down.

Weather updates: wind, rain, snow, or severe heat typically drive football and baseball overalls lower.

Public betting trends: if the majority of the cash is on one side, sportsbooks might move the line to balance action.

Sharp cash: large wagers from respected gamblers can move lines quickly and substantially.

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

How to Calculate the Vig on Totals

Vig (brief for "vigorish") is the bookmaker's integrated commission. On overalls, it's generally baked into the odds, with the standard -110 odds on both sides. Let's simplify detailed:

1. Convert each side to implied probability: let's state the Over/Under for an NFL video game is 47.5 with -110 chances on both sides. The indicated probability for both sides is determined 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 likelihoods together.

52.38% + 52.38% = 104.76%.


3. Subtract 100% to discover the vig portion.

104.76% - 100% = 4.76% vig.


Bear in mind that the vig differs by sportsbook, sport, market liquidity, and timing.

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