What Is the Over Under in Sports Betting? Totals Explained

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

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

Totals Betting Explained

Oddsmakers set an overall by predicting the combined score of both groups in a game, factoring in offensive and defensive strength, rate of play, and recent type. Bettors then choose whether the last rating will discuss or under that posted number.

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

If the final combined rating lands precisely on the published number, the outcome is called a push, and all wagers are reimbursed.

How to Bet on Over/Unders

Let's review how to put an Over/Under wager step-by-step:

1. Open the sportsbook app and discover your video game: select the sport/league, then tap the match you want.

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

3. Choose Over or Under: tap the side you desire to bet on.

4. Enter your stake and examine the slip: type your quantity; the slip auto-calculates prospective payment. Double-check the total number, chances, 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 overall is 47.5 at -110, picking Over 47.5 means you need 48+ combined points to win (47 or less loses). At -110, a $100 bet returns $190.91 overall ($ 90.91 profit) if it hits.

It's also worth discussing that you can also bet overalls during the game. Lines upgrade in real time with speed and scoring. For example, an NBA game opened at 212.5, but after a fast first quarter, the live overall dives to 224.5. If you think scoring will cool off, you may take Under 224.5 at the listed live odds.

How are Over/Under Lines Set?

Oddsmakers set overalls by evaluating a mix of data, match factors, and wagering market trends. At the core, they look at team offensive and defensive efficiency, 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 matches, and quarterback play.

NBA, college basketball: speed, shooting performance, protective scores, and player schedule.

MLB: starting pitcher matches, bullpen fatigue, ballpark measurements, and even wind conditions.

NHL: goalie matchups, recent scoring kind, and power play vs. penalty eliminate statistics.

Soccer: playing styles, formation modifications, significance of the match, and travel tiredness.


Finally, the marketplace itself matters. As cash can be found in, specifically from sharp wagerers, oddsmakers will change overalls before game time to balance action and handle danger.

Best Sportsbooks for Over/Under Betting

There are a number of sportsbook where which you can wager on the Over/Under for video games. Two of the best options are DraftKings and FanDuel, thanks to their deep menus of live betting markets and alternate lines.

DraftKings regularly offers a large range of alternate overalls, letting you change the number up or down with matching odds. They also connect numerous player props to Over/Under markets, providing bettors more ways to build same-game parlays around scoring.

FanDuel sticks out for its live overalls markets, which upgrade quickly as the game unfolds. You'll typically discover numerous alternate overalls offered mid-game, enabling you to grab value if you believe the pace of play will change.

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

Why Do Lines Shift in Totals Betting?

Totals don't remain repaired, as they frequently move when sportsbooks respond to brand-new details or heavy betting action. Oddsmakers get used to keep lines sharp and balance danger.

Common reasons for these shifts consist of:

Injury news: the star quarterback or top scorer being eliminated can push the total down.

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

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

Sharp cash: large wagers from appreciated bettors can move lines rapidly and substantially.

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

How to Calculate the Vig on Totals

Vig (brief for "vigorish") is the bookie's integrated commission. On overalls, it's usually baked into the chances, with the standard -110 chances on both sides. Let's break it down step-by-step:

1. Convert each side to suggested probability: let's say the Over/Under for an NFL game is 47.5 with -110 chances on both sides. The implied probability for both sides is determined as such:

Negative odds:|X |/(|X|+ 100) x 100, so|-110 |/(|-110|+100) x 100 = 110/210 = 52.38%.

Positive chances:|X |/(|X|+ 100) x 100, so|-110 |/(|-110|+100) x 100 = 110/210 = 52.38%.


2. Add the probabilities together.

52.38% + 52.38% = 104.76%.


3. Subtract 100% to discover the vig portion.

104.76% - 100% = 4.76% vig.


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

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