A clear, practical guide to understanding Over/Under bets and how totals work across every major sport.
An Over/Under bet, also known as a total, is a wager on the combined number of points, runs, or goals scored in a game. The sportsbook sets a line, and bettors choose whether the final score will be over (more than the posted total) or under (less than the posted total).
It’s one of the most popular bet types across major sports—including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL—because it lets fans bet on the overall pace and scoring rather than picking a winner.
Totals Betting Explained
Oddsmakers set a total by projecting the combined score of both teams, taking into account factors such as offensive and defensive strength, pace of play, and recent form.
The rules are straightforward:
- If the game finishes over the posted total, Over bets win.
- If it ends under, Under bets win.
- Overtime counts toward the total unless stated otherwise.
If the final combined score lands exactly on the posted number, the wager is called a push, and all bets are refunded.
How to Bet on Over/Unders
Follow these steps to place an Over/Under wager:
- Open your sportsbook app and select the sport or league, then choose the specific matchup.
- Find the Totals (Over/Under) market, labelled “Total,” “O/U,” or “Over/Under.” You’ll see a number (e.g., 47.5) with odds for each side, often around -110.
- Select Over or Under based on how you think the game will unfold.
- Enter your stake and review your bet slip, confirming the total and odds.
- Place your bet and track it under “Open Bets.”
Example:
If an NFL total is 47.5 at -110, an Over 47.5 bet requires 48+ combined points to win. A $100 stake at -110 returns $190.91 total (£90.91 profit).
Live Totals
You can bet totals during the game. These lines adjust based on scoring pace.
For example:
An NBA total opens at 212.5. After a high-scoring first quarter, the live total may jump to 224.5. If you expect a slower pace later, you might take the Under 224.5.
How Over/Under Lines Are Set
Oddsmakers analyse a blend of statistics, matchup factors, and market behaviour. Key influences include:
NFL / College Football
- Weather conditions
- Offensive vs. defensive matchups
- Quarterback performance
NBA / College Basketball
- Pace
- Shooting efficiency
- Defensive ratings
- Player availability
MLB
- Starting pitchers
- Bullpen fatigue
- Ballpark dimensions
- Wind conditions
NHL
- Goalie matchups
- Recent scoring form
- Power play vs. penalty kill strength
Soccer
- Playing styles
- Formations
- Fixture importance
- Travel fatigue
Market movement also matters. As bets come in—especially from sharp bettors—totals shift to balance risk.
Best Sportsbooks for Over/Under Betting
Several major sportsbooks offer strong totals markets. Two standout options include:
DraftKings
- Wide range of alternate totals
- Over/Under-linked player props
- Useful for building same-game parlays
FanDuel
- Fast-updating live totals
- Multiple alternate totals during play
- Great for spotting in-game value
Both platforms offer flexible options beyond the standard line, ideal for bettors who enjoy alternative totals or prop-based Over/Under markets.
Why Totals Lines Move
Totals shift frequently as oddsmakers react to new information or betting pressure. Common reasons include:
- Injury updates: A star scorer being ruled out usually pushes the total down.
- Weather changes: Wind, rain, or snow often lower football and baseball totals.
- Public betting trends: Heavy money on one side can trigger line movement.
- Sharp action: Professional bettors can move markets quickly with large wagers.
Example:
An NBA total opens at 228.5. If a key scorer is ruled out pre-game, it could drop to 224.5.
How to Calculate the Vig on Totals
Vig (vigorish) is the sportsbook’s commission, usually built into the odds. With typical -110 odds on both sides:
- Convert -110 to implied probability:
110 ÷ (110 + 100) = 52.38%
- Add both sides:
52.38% + 52.38% = 104.76%
- Subtract 100% to find the vig:
104.76% − 100% = 4.76%
Vig varies by sport, sportsbook, and market timing.
An Over/Under bet, also known as a total, is a wager on the combined number of points, runs, or goals scored in a game. The sportsbook sets a line, and bettors choose whether the final score will be over (more than the posted total) or under (less than the posted total).
It’s one of the most popular bet types across major sports—including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL—because it lets fans bet on the overall pace and scoring rather than picking a winner.
Totals Betting Explained
Oddsmakers set a total by projecting the combined score of both teams, taking into account factors such as offensive and defensive strength, pace of play, and recent form.
The rules are straightforward:
- If the game finishes over the posted total, Over bets win.
- If it ends under, Under bets win.
- Overtime counts toward the total unless stated otherwise.
If the final combined score lands exactly on the posted number, the wager is called a push, and all bets are refunded.
How to Bet on Over/Unders
Follow these steps to place an Over/Under wager:
- Open your sportsbook app and select the sport or league, then choose the specific matchup.
- Find the Totals (Over/Under) market, labelled “Total,” “O/U,” or “Over/Under.” You’ll see a number (e.g., 47.5) with odds for each side, often around -110.
- Select Over or Under based on how you think the game will unfold.
- Enter your stake and review your bet slip, confirming the total and odds.
- Place your bet and track it under “Open Bets.”
Example:
If an NFL total is 47.5 at -110, an Over 47.5 bet requires 48+ combined points to win. A $100 stake at -110 returns $190.91 total (£90.91 profit).
Live Totals
You can bet totals during the game. These lines adjust based on scoring pace.
For example:
An NBA total opens at 212.5. After a high-scoring first quarter, the live total may jump to 224.5. If you expect a slower pace later, you might take the Under 224.5.
How Over/Under Lines Are Set
Oddsmakers analyse a blend of statistics, matchup factors, and market behaviour. Key influences include:
NFL / College Football
- Weather conditions
- Offensive vs. defensive matchups
- Quarterback performance
NBA / College Basketball
- Pace
- Shooting efficiency
- Defensive ratings
- Player availability
MLB
- Starting pitchers
- Bullpen fatigue
- Ballpark dimensions
- Wind conditions
NHL
- Goalie matchups
- Recent scoring form
- Power play vs. penalty kill strength
Soccer
- Playing styles
- Formations
- Fixture importance
- Travel fatigue
Market movement also matters. As bets come in—especially from sharp bettors—totals shift to balance risk.
Best Sportsbooks for Over/Under Betting
Several major sportsbooks offer strong totals markets. Two standout options include:
DraftKings
- Wide range of alternate totals
- Over/Under-linked player props
- Useful for building same-game parlays
FanDuel
- Fast-updating live totals
- Multiple alternate totals during play
- Great for spotting in-game value
Both platforms offer flexible options beyond the standard line, ideal for bettors who enjoy alternative totals or prop-based Over/Under markets.
Why Totals Lines Move
Totals shift frequently as oddsmakers react to new information or betting pressure. Common reasons include:
- Injury updates: A star scorer being ruled out usually pushes the total down.
- Weather changes: Wind, rain, or snow often lower football and baseball totals.
- Public betting trends: Heavy money on one side can trigger line movement.
- Sharp action: Professional bettors can move markets quickly with large wagers.
Example:
An NBA total opens at 228.5. If a key scorer is ruled out pre-game, it could drop to 224.5.
How to Calculate the Vig on Totals
Vig (vigorish) is the sportsbook’s commission, usually built into the odds. With typical -110 odds on both sides:
- Convert -110 to implied probability:
110 ÷ (110 + 100) = 52.38%
- Add both sides:
52.38% + 52.38% = 104.76%
- Subtract 100% to find the vig:
104.76% − 100% = 4.76%
Vig varies by sport, sportsbook, and market timing.
