Over/Under Explained
Want to branch out with your betting? An Over/Under wager is a surefire way to ramp up the excitement of your favorite pastime. Experimenting with Over Under Betting may seem daunting if you've never done it before, but it isn't complicated or difficult once you learn the basics. If you're ready to get started, OddsChecker has your back. Read on to dive deep into this betting style and discover everything you need to know about Over Under bets to start wagering with confidence today.
We're also joined by Jamie Kelton as she dives into Over/Under betting. Watch below as she breaks it all down.
What is an Over/Under Bet?
Also known as a total points bet, an Over Under bet is one of the most popular types of wagers around. What makes it so great? These bets are simple to make, yet completely unique in nature. Unlike other wagers, Over/Under bets are centered around the grand total of points scored during the game rather than which team wins.
When placing an Over/Under bet, you'll see a projected number of total points set by the sportsbook. You can either bet over or under this number, depending on if you think the total points scored will be higher or lower. If you guess correctly, you win your bet.
Over/Under Betting is a great choice for those hoping to inject a different sort of thrill into their wagering experience. If you're eager to get started, you can discover the best Over/Under odds of them all right here at OddsChecker under the "Total" tab.
How Do You Place an Over/Under Bet?
So, how can you place an Over/Under bet? Follow the steps outlined below to begin betting on totals in no time flat. Here's what you'll need to do:
- Log in to your betting app of choice, then navigate to your desired sport. The most popular include NFL Over Under and NBA Over Under, but you'll be able to bet the Over/Under with any sport that uses a points system.
- Once you're in the right spot, look for the Over/Under or totals icon in the betting module. The over is listed on top, and the under is listed on the bottom. The totals remain the same for both the over and under bets, but their odds and payouts may differ.
- Decide whether you want to bet over the projected total or under it. If you need some help deciding, you can always check out our picks section to see what our experts have to say. We provide top-notch NFL Picks, NBA Picks, and other predictions for your convenience.
- Click on either the over or under icon, depending on which one you've decided on. Then, follow your bookmaker's instructions and wait on the outcome of the game. Depending on the total number of points scored, there could be a prestigious payout in your future.
If you're looking to place an Over/Under bet but you're unsure of which betting provider to use, we can help you out with that. Check out the OddsChecker Free Bets section and discover top sportsbooks that give out free bets and rewards to new and existing players, so you can shop around for the best fit for your needs.
How Is the Over/Under Total Calculated?
So, you know by now that Over/Under Betting relies on the total points scored throughout the game. You also know that the projected total you're betting over or under is created by the bookmaker. But how does the bookmaker come up with that number? As it turns out, there are quite a few factors which contribute to your sportsbook's calculation:
- A team's efficiency at offensive and defensive plays
- A team's statistical history
- A team's current standings
- Weather and field conditions
- Player lineup
- Player injuries
Sportsbooks also use current betting stats for the specific Over/Under bet to recalculate their totals throughout the betting period. For example, if many more people are betting over the total, they may increase their total to entice more bettors to wager under the total and even out the lines.
All these factors mean that each sportsbook will have different totals and odds, and that can affect your payout. If you want to give yourself a leg up with Over/Under betting, you can check for the best odds available on our website.
What Sports Can You Bet the Over/Under Total On?
You can use this style of bet with most any sport that uses a points system. The most popular include NFL Over Under and NBA Over Under betting, but you can wager on other sports as well. Here are some fan favorites for Over Under betting:
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Baseball
- Hockey
You can bet the Over Under with both collegiate and professional-level sports. NCAA and NBA Over Under bettors can browse through lines here at OddsChecker, and football fans can view our extensive selection of NFL Odds as well. This comes in handy when preparing yourself for some sweet Super Bowl Over Under wagers or bets on other big games. No matter which sports you love, we'll keep you updated and ready with all the current odds—so feel free to start your betting engines today.
Over/Under Examples
So, what does Over Under Betting look like on paper? Let's break it down with a hypothetical Super Bowl Over Under betting example, wherein the Kansas City Chiefs face the Green Bay Packers. We would see the odds displayed like this:
As you can see, the total points line is in the middle. Our hypothetical sportsbook has set their Over Under total at 47.5, and our hypothetical lines have been set at -110 on the over and +110 on the under. So, what does this mean regarding your payout?
The lines can be confusing at first, but they're simple once you understand the concept. The number behind the + sign indicate the amount of money you would win if you bet $100. The number behind the – sign indicate the amount of money you would need to bet in order to win that $100.
In our example, say you bet on the total points to be over 47.5. With odds of -110, you would have to bet $110 to win $100. But if you bet on the total points to be under 47.5, you would have to bet $100 to win $110.
Not all sportsbooks use half points, but those that do ensure that the total points scored is indeed above or below their projections. In this way, they avoid a push or tie against punters, and they don't have to deal with refunding any money that has been bet.
The odds in this example are pretty normal for Over Under bets. However, odds can change depending on how many bets the sportsbook receives on each side and other factors. If you want to discover the best odds out there, you can look right here on OddsChecker to see them analyzed and compared right before your eyes.
What Happens to My Over/Under Bet if the Game Goes to Overtime?
So, what happens in the case of unexpected overtime? Never fear. Unless your sportsbook explicitly states that overtime points don't count towards the total, you can assume they do. If the game you bet on happens to go into overtime, it doesn't change anything about your bet. Remember, Over/Under bets are only dependent on just one thing: the final score at the end of the game.