What is Over/Under or Totals Betting?

Totals bets, often referred to as the “over/under,” can be compared to the iconic song “Baba O’Riley” by The Who. Similarly to how the song is commonly mislabeled as “Teenage Wasteland,” totals bets are frequently known by a different name.

If you have been referring to these bets as the “over/under” thus far, there’s no need to feel foolish or compelled to make a switch. Even seasoned gamblers use that term, and it is universally understood. We are only using the actual name for the bet to ensure technical precision. However, if you prefer to continue using “over/under,” feel free to do so.

With the increasing popularity of sports betting in New York, it is important to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of this particular type of wager. Total bets can be found in almost every sportsbook you come across, and they can also provide a great deal of enjoyment.

If you’re interested in incorporating the totals bet into your sports betting strategy, continue reading to discover all the information you need. The following sections will provide you with everything you’ve ever wanted to know about totals betting.

What are totals and over/under bets?

In a game or match, a totals bet is a wager placed on the combined points scored by two teams. The sportsbook sets an estimate for the total points, and bettors can place bets on whether they think the estimate is too low or too high.

The name given to this kind of bet is based on the action involved. Those who predict that the total will surpass the estimate are known as “taking the Over.” In some cases, these bettors are even referred to as “the Overs.” On the other hand, those who anticipate a lower total are said to have “taken the Under” and may be called “the Unders.”

The term “Over/Under” specifically pertains to the sportsbook’s own estimate. This term has become synonymous with this type of bet, likely because it is simpler and more descriptive compared to the word “totals.”

Total bets are available for almost every sport that can be wagered on. However, they are particularly favored in high-scoring games such as basketball or NFL betting, while they are not as commonly used in sports where scoring happens less frequently and is highly valued, like in soccer or baseball betting. Additionally, baseball has its own well-liked variation of this bet that spans the entire season, known as an over/under ‘win total’.

How do you read over under odds?

To better understand the appearance of a comprehensive sports bet listing, it is more convenient to refer to an actual illustration. Hence, here is an exemplar basketball betting listing extracted from Caesars Sportsbook:

This listing is for an NBA contest featuring the Utah Jazz versus the Atlanta Hawks. The totals option can be found in the third column. It is important to understand that there is no direct correlation between the Jazz and the Over, or the Hawks and the Under. This distinction is solely for the purpose of formatting.

Caesars has made an estimate that the total score of the game will be 225.5 points. Considering the average score of NBA teams in recent seasons, which is around 111-112 points per game according to Basketball Reference, Caesars predicts that the Jazz and Hawks will score slightly above average. However, this estimation does not provide the complete picture and analyzing wagers in this way proves to be unproductive, which we will discuss shortly.

It is important to observe that the total is expressed as a decimal of half-points. Although scoring in half-points is not possible, you might wonder why the total is presented in this format. The reason is that the sportsbook aims to avoid the possibility of the actual total matching the over/under. If that were to occur, the book would need to declare all bets void, refund the wagers, and crucially, not retain any profits for itself.

Another aspect to consider is the payout ratios for each possible outcome. The -110 signifies the amount that Caesars is willing to pay out for a successful bet on that option. If you wager $110, you can anticipate a $100 profit. However, the ratio will adjust accordingly based on your bet size, so there is no requirement to strictly adhere to those specific increments.

Many bets in a sportsbook have a standard payout ratio of -110. If you win a bet, the book will pay you almost the same amount you wagered. However, they will deduct a 10% premium, also referred to as the vigorish or “vig,” as compensation for processing the bet.

If both payout ratios are -110, it means that there has been an equal amount of betting on both sides or very little betting overall. However, if you notice changes in the payout ratios, it indicates that the sportsbook is trying to make one side more appealing to bettors. This adjustment is made because the sportsbook has an imbalance in the amount of betting and wants to attract more bets on the other side.

What over/under line movements can tell us

Similar to other odds listings, the over/under has the potential and inclination to fluctuate closer to game time. The sportsbook is limited in its ability to modify the payouts, thus it might be required to provide an alternative prediction for the total.

Typically, the over/under tends to align with the betting trend. When experienced bettors, such as professional handicappers, heavily favor one side of the wager, the sportsbook interprets this as a signal that the estimate may be inaccurate.

Additionally, sportsbooks have the ability to adjust the over/under line due to various factors that impact the upcoming game. Last-minute updates related to injuries, players’ recovery, suspensions, venue changes, or adverse weather conditions can significantly alter the dynamics of a game, affecting not only the final result but also the potential scoring.

Our live odds feed allows you to witness this in action.

Tips and strategies for betting on totals

Now that you have comprehended the concept and appearance of totals, let’s discuss ways to optimize your gains from these bets. While it is feasible to randomly select one option or the other, it is beneficial to employ a strategy when evaluating potential totals opportunities. Therefore, here are some guidelines for effectively analyzing such situations.

• Observe the fluctuations in the over/under: When selecting a game for betting, the initial step is to take note of the current over/under status along with the date and time. Subsequently, closely monitor the changes that occur. The direction in which the estimate moves can reveal valuable insights into the professionals’ perspectives on the bet.
• In addition to observing the movement of your over/under watch, it is essential to examine the various factors that may contribute to its movement. By investigating these reasons, you can gain insights into the potential outcome of the final score. If you identify elements that should have influenced the movement but did not, it presents an opportunity worth exploring.
• When evaluating teams on offense and defense, it may be tempting to predict their total scores solely based on their historical scoring averages. However, scoring outcomes are influenced by various factors, such as the opposing defenses. Therefore, it is important to consider two key points: a) how the teams have performed against each other in previous matches, and b) how the teams have fared against other teams with similar defensive attributes and strategies.
• Take a look at the past performances of each team in terms of over/unders. Additionally, examine the teams’ track records in previous games against the over/under. This data may not directly reflect the teams’ abilities, but it can give an indication of the sportsbook’s accuracy in making estimations. If a consistent trend emerges, it could potentially suggest the outcome in future games.
• After making your decision, take the time to compare options. Once you have finalized your betting strategy, take a moment to explore different sportsbook sites or casinos to find the best odds for the same wager. For example, if you have chosen to bet on the Over in a game, aim to find the lowest over/under available to increase your chances of winning. On the other hand, if you’re betting on the Under, look for the highest odds. Additionally, check if there are any special promotions or offers that can enhance your betting experience. Even if you don’t typically frequent a certain site, it’s worth considering if there’s a great opportunity available.

Wrap-up

Totals bets are intriguing as they solely focus on the offensive capabilities, regardless of the winning team or their performance. These wagers revolve around the amount of offensive power, or the lack of it, that is expected to be displayed in the game.

By completing your homework and following the aforementioned steps, you are likely to come across some fantastic betting opportunities. At the very least, you can place a wager on the overall outcome and enjoy the excitement of supporting something other than the leading team. Even if your team is facing a significant defeat, there may still be a reason to rejoice.