What Is Over/Under in Sports Betting? (Video Guide)

The classic sports bet is on which team will win, but there are many other exciting outcomes to wager on.

One of the best is betting on how many total points you think will be scored in a game. This type of wagering is called Over/Under betting or betting on totals.

If you are not familiar with this style of betting, it might sound confusing at first. That’s ok because we’re here to help. This guide will explain how Over/Under betting works, strategy tips to win more betting totals, as well as give examples of what to look for across all the major sports when it comes to Over/Under betting.

How Does Over/Under Betting Work?

Over/Under betting is one of the easiest and potentially profitable bets, and since it’s available in every sport, it’s worth getting familiar with how it all works.

It all starts when the sportsbook sets a line before a game to predict how many combined points they think will be scored by both teams. As a bettor, you get to choose whether you think the final combined points scored for both teams will be more (Over) or less (Under) than the casino’s predicted line.

Oddsmakers calculate how they think each team will perform in the game and then they combine those numbers into one prediction of how many total points will be scored by both teams.

Here are the key points to remember about Totals bets:

• A bet on the Over/Under line in sports is a wager that only considers the total points scored in the game.

• If the sportsbook’s line for a baseball game Totals bet is 5.5, for example, a bet on the Over will win if both teams score a combined six or more points and a bet on the Under will win if they score a combined five points or less.

• No matter what sport you’re planning to wager on, and regardless of whether one team is likely to dominate the other, you can bet on the total points line.

• Typically the odds on both the Over and Under bets are the same. This is because the casino is always trying to set a line that will attract equal action from the betting public on both sides of the line.

• The odds on over/under bets are usually -110 with the extra 10% representing the casino’s commission. A line with -110% odds is called a Dime Line.

• As a general rule of thumb, you can expect the line to be similar or close to -110, but this won’t always be the case. At times you might see a line like O -105 / U -115. Or even O +105 / U -125.

• The reason we sometimes see this shifting of the “juice” in the lines is usually because the house is trying to balance the total action they’re taking on each side of the line by making one side more appealing.

How to Read Over/Under Betting Lines

Like all sports bets, Over/Under betting lines can be confusing at first. Once you know the basics, however, you’ll see they’re actually really simple. In this section, we’ll show you exactly what all the betting terminology and numbers mean, step by step.

Let’s look at a Totals Bet example from MLB baseball where the odds are the same on the Over and Under:

Over/Under

• Padres +8.5O (-110)

• Dodgers +8.5U (-110)

The Over/Under line in this game is 8.5 runs. This means that if both teams score 9 or more combined runs the result counts as Over. If less than 9 runs are scored, the result counts as Under.

With odds of -110, you have to bet $110 on either team to win $100 in profit.

In this case, the payout (odds) for both the Over (O) and the Under (U) is the same: -110. With O/U betting, don’t worry about where the O and the U are represented on the screen. It doesn’t correspond to either team; it is just the standard written layout for the Over/Under betting line at sportsbooks with the home team often listed on the bottom.

Now let’s look at an example where the casino is offering slightly different odds on each team:

Over/Under

• Padres+8.5O (-110)

• Dodgers+8.5U (+105)

In this example, you’d have to bet $110 on the Padres to win $100 in profit, but a $100 bet on the Dodgers will win you $105 in profit.

How to Calculate Over/Under Betting

Understanding payout odds when you’re betting totals is important, so let’s take an even closer look to make sure it’s clear. Let’s see what happens if two people bet opposite results for this (above) game so we can exactly what happens when both Over and Under offer equal payout lines of -110.

• If Person A thinks the game will have more than 8 runs (9 or more) and his aim is to make $100 profit, the -110 line means he needs to wager $110 on the Over in order to receive a return of $210 total ($110 initial investment returned plus $100 profit).

• If Person B predicts a lower-scoring game and he thinks there will be less than 9 runs, he would bet $110 on the Under to also receive a total return of $210.

In this example, the sportsbook takes in $220 ($110 from each bettor) before the game, and they pay out $210 to the winner after the game.

That leaves them with a $10 profit. The house wants equal action on both sides when the odds are the same. It guarantees them a profit regardless of the game’s outcome.

What Is a “Push” When Betting Totals?

In gambling, a “push” is another word for a tie bet where the gambler takes back their bet but no winnings.

Most of the time, you’ll see the line for Totals set at a half-point, like the 8.5-point line we used in the example above, and since teams can’t score half a point, there’s no possibility for a tie bet. Sometimes, however, the line will be set as a whole number. If the totals line was 8, for example, the game's outcome can match the line precisely.

If that happens all totals bets are a push and everyone gets their money back.

Over/Under Betting Strategy

Like all other forms of sports betting, you want to do your homework with Over/Under bets. The more you study and take into consideration, the more informed your decisions will be. You want to reduce emotion and maximize logic.

Use our top Totals betting strategy tips to give yourself an edge on your next wagers:

• Analyze both teams independently first. Are they offensive or defensive? Do they have power hitters that guarantee more runs or a pitcher that makes it impossible for their opponents to score?

• Consider where they are playing. Are they at home or on the road? Is the environment much different than they are used to? Will weather play a factor? If so, how?

• Once you form an opinion on each team and checked out their statistics, compare how they’ve formed against each other in the recent past.

• The keywords here are ‘recent’ and ‘statistics. Many punters tend to mentally overvalue teams’ reputations. Look for hard statistical data to use as evidence, the more recent the better. An example of this is teams that have earned a reputation for high scoring. It may be the case that they put up a lot of points in a few big games but score an average amount when you look at all their games as a whole.

• You also want to take your research to deeper levels to think about outcomes from the perspective of professional oddsmakers. This is good practice and will make you a better bettor in the long term.

For example, in a hockey game, instead of just seeing how often the two teams score, consider how many shots on goal they generate on the road or at home. Do they generate most of the shots at 5v5 or on the powerplay? If you spot an edge here, compare it to how many penalty minutes the other team takes on average per game.

Is there something circumstantial about the game at hand that would factor into play, coaching, or strategy? Are there playoff implications for the teams? Go as deep as your creativity and critical thinking can take you.

Over/Under Betting in MLB

Baseball betting can be really profitable, but if you want to be a winning bettor, you have to do your research. Follow these tips to get your studies started:

1. Consider Weather and Stadium Conditions

• Start by checking the weather forecast and stadium type. If it’s an outdoor stadium, factors like wind and rain can have a significant impact.

• On sunny, dry days, fly balls might travel farther, leading to more scoring opportunities.

• Wind can affect ball movement, strong winds could alter pitching and batting performance.

2. Evaluate Pitching and Defense

• Pitching: Strong starting pitchers and deep bullpens may lead to fewer runs (Under bet opportunities).

• Defense: A powerful infield or a strong defensive team can also impact the number of runs scored. Consider the overall defense when deciding on bets.

3. Look for Offensive Lineups

• If both teams have power hitters, betting on the Over may be more appealing due to the likelihood of more runs.

• Pay attention to the strengths and weaknesses of both team rosters, power hitters can lead to high-scoring games.

4. Analyze Managerial Strategy

• Does the manager of one team encourage aggressive play, such as stealing bases or using the hit-and-run strategy? These tactics could significantly influence the game's pace and scoring.

• Managers who take risks could shift the game towards more runs, so it’s crucial to understand their tendencies.

5. Consider Late-Game Factors

• If the home team is likely to be ahead in the later innings, they won’t play the bottom half of the 9th inning. This can impact batting statistics and could ultimately affect your Over/Under bet.

All of these small factors, weather, stadium conditions, pitching, defense, and managerial decisions, add up. Gather as much information as possible to make informed betting decisions.

By thoroughly considering these elements, you can increase your chances of making more profitable baseball bets.

Over/Under Betting in NFL

Football Over/Under bets are influenced by factors like stadium conditions, weather, and each team's offensive and defensive strategies. To make the most informed bets, consider these key factors:

1. Weather and Stadium Conditions

• Just like in baseball, weather plays a big role in football betting. Wind, cold, and wet conditions can impact a team’s ability to execute their passing game, potentially lowering scoring totals.

2. Offensive and Defensive Strategies

• A team’s offensive strategy and how they adjust to game situations are crucial. If a team relies on the pass, they may struggle in bad weather. Also, consider if a team is more likely to play aggressively when trailing or play conservatively to manage the clock when leading.

3. Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

• Think through the entire game and imagine different scenarios: how will the teams score each quarter? Try exaggerating outcomes in one direction (high scoring) and the other (low scoring) to see how that impacts the total.

4. Defensive Strength

• The strength of the teams’ defenses is key to determining the total. Our NFL defense rankings can provide up-to-date insights to help you gauge how much impact each team’s defense will have on the game’s total score.

5. Review and Analyze

• After considering these factors, write down your predictions for each scenario. Cross-reference them with your research on teams, locations, and weather. If the outcome shifts towards your expected scenario, it could signal a good opportunity to bet on the totals.

6. Enjoy the Game

• Once you’ve done your research, make your totals bet and sit back to enjoy the game!

By using these strategies and considering all the factors, you'll be in a strong position to make informed NFL Over/Under bets. For more NFL betting strategies, take a look at our guide on how to bet on the NFL.

Over/Under Betting in NBA

Basketball Over/Under betting can bring both excitement and frustration, as the outcome can change dramatically in the final moments of a game. To increase your chances of success, follow these key tips:

1. Watch for Late-Game Point Fluctuations

• In basketball, even when a game isn't close, late-game free throws or layups (garbage time) can significantly affect the point total, so be prepared for swings that can impact your wager.

2. Study Recent Team Performance

• Review recent results for both teams involved, paying attention to how often their games have finished Over or Under the total. Look for trends in their performance and the consistency of their scores.

3. Analyze Team Averages

• Calculate the average point totals of the teams during their recent games. This data, available on various sports websites, will give you an understanding of their scoring patterns.

4. Identify Value Opportunities

• If you find a game where the Over/Under line significantly differs from the teams' recent scoring averages, you may have found good value. When this happens, consider placing your bet based on these insights.

By carefully tracking recent trends and late-game point fluctuations, you'll be better equipped to make informed and successful NBA Over/Under bets. See also, our guide on how to bet on the NBA for more types of basketball bets.

Over/Under Betting in NHL

Over/Under betting in the NHL is particularly appealing due to the unpredictable nature of games, especially with overtime and shootouts determining outcomes. To make informed betting decisions, consider the following key factors:

1. Research Home and Away Stats

• Analyze each team's home and away stats, including shots on the net, powerplay/penalty stats, and scoring chances. These factors can help you gauge how teams perform under different conditions.

2. Follow Streaking Teams and Players

• Pay attention to teams and players on hot streaks (both wins/losses and individual performance). This includes goal-scorers, goalies, and powerplays, which can heavily influence game outcomes.

3. Analyze Home vs. Away Performance

• A team's performance often varies depending on whether they are at home or away. Look into their 5v5 scoring versus special teams to see if any discrepancies exist that could affect the Over/Under line.

4. Spotting Over Value Opportunities

• If a team has been struggling to score but generating lots of chances, betting the Over may offer value, especially if the line is low.

5. Understand the Impact of Outliers

• One or two high-scoring games in a series of 8-12 games can significantly influence a team's perceived scoring potential. Be mindful of these outliers when placing bets.

6. Consistency and Predictability

• NHL Over/Under lines typically range from 5.0 to 6.5, with 5.0 or 5.5 being the most common. While this consistency is helpful, predicting outcomes is still challenging, especially with late-game empty net goals affecting totals.

7. Individual Team Totals

• Bet on individual team totals, which are often set at 2.5 or 3.5 goals. This is a great opportunity, especially if you believe a favored team will exceed the line, while the underdog struggles to score.

By focusing on these factors, you'll have a clearer understanding of how to approach NHL Over/Under betting and increase your chances of making successful wagers.

Over/Under Betting in Soccer

Soccer Over/Under betting typically revolves around predicting whether the total goals scored in a match will be over or under 2.5, which is the standard line. Here are key tips to help you succeed:

1. Basic Over/Under Predictions

• The typical line for full-time scoring is 2.5 goals, meaning you'll bet on whether there will be more than 2 goals or fewer than 3.

2. Explore Alternative Lines

• Some sportsbooks offer a wider range of total lines, with higher or lower odds depending on the outcome. If you expect more goals, you can place a bet on a higher total, while lower totals are also available for predictions like a scoreless draw.

3. In-Play Betting Opportunities

• Soccer in-play betting provides constant updates to point totals during the match. If you want additional action, keep an eye on these changing lines for potential value.

4. Consider Game Flow

• Pay attention to the match’s flow, including changes in coaching tactics, player substitutions, and injuries, as these can impact the number of goals scored and give you an edge in making informed bets.

By following these tips and staying alert to match developments, you can improve your strategy for soccer Over/Under betting.

Start Placing Winning Over/Under Bets

We’ve covered much ground in this guide and seen how different sports provide different opportunities for Over/Under betting.

While each sport is different and has unique elements that allow for smart point total wagering, some things carry across all of them.

First and foremost, the best advice is to always go into each bet with an informed opinion.

You want to study both sides of the wager. Which team is home? How do they play there? Flip it for the visitors and ask the same question. Then, look at the elements. Is this game outdoors? What’s the forecast, and how does that impact the players?

The bottom line is that betting totals is a great way to put money on your favorite team or get an edge if you’re a serious sports gambler. Stick to our tips, and you’ll have another effective tool in your sports betting bag.