In American sports betting, one of the most popular betting types beyond the moneyline is the Over/Under bet—also known as a Totals bet. Rather than wagering on who wins, you’re betting on how many points (or goals, etc.) will be scored in total. In this guide we’ll explain:
- What Over/Under (Totals) betting means
- How sportsbooks set totals
- How to interpret Over/Under odds
- Strategies, tips, and pitfalls
- Examples
- FAQs & summary
What Is Over/Under / Totals Betting?
With an Over/Under bet, the bookmaker publishes a total (e.g. 48.5 in an NFL game). You bet whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under that total. You don’t care who wins the game—just whether the final total is higher or lower than the line.
For example, if the total is set at 48.5, and the teams end up scoring 27 + 24 = 51, the Over bet wins. If the result is 20 + 26 = 46, the Under bet wins.
Because most Over/Under lines have a half-point (e.g. 48.5), there’s rarely a “push” (tie) scenario, but some sports or bookies may use whole numbers (e.g. 50) in which case pushes are possible (stakes refunded).
Over/Under betting is available across many sports:
- NFL / NBA / MLB / NHL — total points, total runs, total goals
- Soccer / Football (international) — total goals
- Other sports — similar approach adapted to scoring rules
How Do Sportsbooks Set Totals?
Bookmakers set totals by combining statistical models, historical trends, and market expectations. Key considerations include:
- Team offensive & defensive strength — how many points they tend to score / allow
- Recent trends — pace, momentum, injuries
- Venue & conditions — indoor vs outdoor, weather (for football)
- Public betting patterns — how bettors are wagering can shift lines
- Adjustments — late injuries, lineup changes, etc.
Sportsbooks aim to set a total such that roughly balanced money comes in on Over and Under, allowing them to manage risk and collect the vig (their margin).
Over/Under Odds & Payouts
As with other bets, each side (Over or Under) has an associated price (odds). Often in U.S. sports the odds may not be exactly even — one side may carry slight juice (e.g. –110) to encourage balance.
How to read the odds:
- American format: e.g. Over 48.5 (–110) vs Under 48.5 (–110). In this case, you stake $110 to win $100.
- Decimal odds: e.g. Over 48.5 (1.91) means your $1 returns $1.91 (i.e. $0.91 profit).
- Fractional odds: e.g. Over 48.5 (10/11) — stake 11 to win 10.
If Over is –110 and Under is –110, the sportsbook builds in vig to both sides. If more money comes in on Over, the sportsbook may adjust and shift the total to 49 (or 48) to get balance.
Strategies, Tips & Things to Watch
Here are some strategic considerations when betting Over/Under:
- Pace & tempo matter
Teams that push up tempo (fast possessions) tend to lead to higher totals. - Matchups & styles
Two high-scoring offensive teams = Over is more attractive; two defensive teams = Under. - Injuries & availability
Key offensive injuries often push the total downward; missing defensive players can push Over. - Weather & venue
Outdoor football in bad weather usually depresses scoring (favor Under). - Line movement
If the line moves dramatically, that can signal heavy action (smart money) or sharp bets. - Partial bets
You might bet Over/Under for halves, quarters, or even for specific halves of games. - Avoid bias
Don’t let fandom or expectations override the objective data—stick to value. - Shop for the best total
Different sportsbooks may set slightly different totals (e.g. 48.5 vs 49), or different odds.
Examples of Over/Under Bets
Example 1 — NFL Game
Total line: 46.5
You bet Over 46.5 at –110.
Final score: 24 + 23 = 47 → Over wins.
Example 2 — NBA Game
Total line: 215.5
You bet Under 215.5 at –108.
Final score: 112 + 102 = 214 → Under wins.
Example 3 — Push scenario (if whole number line)
Total line: 50.0
You bet Over 50.0.
Final: 28 + 22 = 50 → push, your stake is refunded.
Common FAQs
Q: Can Over/Under bets tie (push)?
A: Yes, but only when the total is a whole number and the final total exactly equals it. Then stakes are refunded.
Q: Are Over/Under bets available live (in-play)?
A: Yes, many sportsbooks now offer live Over/Under as scoring happens (with dynamic odds/lines).
Q: Can you bet totals on subsets (halves, quarters)?
A: Absolutely. You may see lines like Over 24.5 in the first half of an NFL game, etc.
Q: Is Over or Under more profitable generally?
A: It depends on matchups, public bias, and line quality. There's no inherent edge to Over or Under.
Summary
- Over/Under (Totals) betting is about predicting whether the combined score will exceed or fall short of a set line.
- It’s independent of who wins or loses.
- Odds are adjusted to balance betting action and include the sportsbook’s margin.
- Good strategy relies on tempo, matchups, injuries, and attention to line movement.
- Use live markets, subset lines (halves, quarters), and always compare totals across sportsbooks for the best value.
👉 For more on the other main betting lines, see our guides to Moneyline betting and Point Spread betting.