What Does ‘Game Total Bet’ Mean in Sports Betting?
This is one of the most popular bets you can make. A “Game Total” bet is more commonly known as the “Over/Under.”
It’s a simple bet where you are NOT worried about who wins or loses the game. Instead, you’re betting on the total combined score of both teams.
A sportsbook will set a number (the “total“), and you just have to pick one of two sides:
- Over: You think the total combined score will be higher than the number.
- Under: You think the total combined score will be lower than the number.
🏈 Football Example
Let’s say the total for the Cowboys vs. Eagles game is 48.5 points.
- If you bet the Over, you need the final score to be 49 points or more. A 28-21 final (49 total) would be a winner.
- If you bet the Under, you need the final score to be 48 points or less. A 24-21 final (45 total) would be a winner.
🏀 Basketball Example
Let’s say the total for the Lakers vs. Celtics game is 220.5 points.
- If you bet the Over, you need the final score to be 221 points or more. A 111-110 final (221 total) is a win.
- If you bet the Under, you need the final score to be 220 points or less. A 105-100 final (205 total) is a win.
A Few Quick Things to Know:
- Why the .5? You’ll often see a half-point (like 48.5) so that the bet can’t end in a tie. It either wins or it loses.
- What if it’s a whole number? If the total is exactly 48 and the final score is 28-20 (48 total), it’s not a win or a loss. This is called a “push,” and the sportsbook simply refunds your bet.
- Does overtime count? Yes! Almost all sportsbooks include any overtime scoring in the final total.