What Does ‘Over Under’ Mean in Betting?
What Does Over Under Mean?
Also referred to as a Total, the Over-Under betting is one of the most popular ways to bet on sports. Just about all team sports and many individual sports will have Over-Under odds on the game.
So how does Over-Under betting work exactly? The answer is quite simple. When you bet on the Over-Under for team sports, you are betting on how many points are scored in the game. Which team wins the game and by how many points does not matter.
The oddsmakers will set a total number of points they expect to be scored in a particular game. The bettor can choose to bet Over or Under the posted Total. Using Super Bowl LV as an example, this will give you a better idea on how an Over-Under sports betting works.
The oddsmakers set the Super Bowl LV Over-Under at 55.5 points, so bettors could either bet Over 55.5 points or Under 55.5 points. If the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers combined for 56 points or more, Over bets would be winners and Under bets would be losers. However, if the Chiefs and Bucs combined for 55 points or fewer, Under bets would be winners while Over bets would be losers.
Since the final score was Buccaneers 31 and the Chiefs 9, the total combined points scored was 40; resulting in Under bets as winners.
Please note: Team Totals are also offered in many sports. The Team Total works exactly like the Game Total; however, the odds are based on one of the team’s points; instead of the combined points of both teams.
‘Over – Under’ Betting in Different Sports
Even though the basics of betting the Over-Under are very similar across most sports, there are some important things to consider.
Football
As noted in the Super Bowl LV example above, the oddsmakers post a line on how many points will be scored in the game. Any points scored in overtime count towards the Over-Under.
When betting a football Over-Under, pay close attention to offensive vs. defensive matchups. Additionally, the weather can impact the listed Total as well, especially wind and snow.
Basketball
Basketball totals work exactly like Football totals. The number is a reflection of how many combined points will be scored in a game; including overtime. Like football, Team Totals are widely available in basketball.
One thing to note – due to volatility, not all sportsbooks offer an Over-Under on every college basketball game. If you enjoy betting college hoops, be sure to choose a sportsbook that offers Totals on every game as they often offer great value.
Baseball
In baseball, the Over-Under is the total number of runs scored in a game. It is important to note that the game must go the full 9 innings (8.5 if the home team is winning) for the bet to have action. If the game does not go the full 9/8.5 innings, bets will be no-actioned and stakes will be returned to the bettors. Any runs scored in extra innings count toward the Total.
There are many factors that will impact how high or low the listed Over-Under will be. Most importantly is the pitching match-up. Weather also factors into what odds the bookmakers will post. For example, if the wind is blowing out at Wrigley Field, expect a much higher total. Some advanced Over-Under bettors also examine which umpire is behind the plate as some have winder/tighter strike zones than others.
Hockey
The NHL Over-Under is the total number of goals scored in a game, including overtime. However, if the game goes to a penalty shootout, only one goal will be awarded to the winning team. In international hockey, the Over-Under is settled at the end of regulation – goals scored in overtime do not count.
Soccer
The Over-Under in soccer is the number of goals scored during regulation; goals scored after regulation do not count towards the Total.
Many sportsbooks will use an Asian Handicap for some of their Totals. So instead of seeing an Over-Under of 2.5 goals, you might see something like:
- Over 2, 2.5
- Under 2, 2.5
Betting on the Over would mean that half of the stake would be on Over 2 goals and the other half of the stake would be on Over 2.5 goals. Betting on the Under would mean that half of the stake would be on Under 2 goals, while half of the stake would be on Under 2.5 goals.
Boxing/MMA
When it comes to combat sports like boxing and MMA, the Over-Under is determined by how many rounds the fight will last. There will always be a half-round (.5) added onto the rounds. For example, if the Over-Under on a boxing match is 9.5 rounds, the fight must go at least 1:31 into the 10th Round for the Over to win.
Since MMA fights are shorter, the Totals are anywhere from 1.5 rounds to 4.5 rounds. Keep in mind that the length of an MMA round is five minutes instead of three minutes in boxing. So in MMA, the half-round will be worth 2 minutes and 30 seconds. If the fight goes to a decision, the Over is the winner.
Tennis
Not every book offers an Over-Under in tennis, so if you are betting tennis with any regularity, be sure to see if your sportsbook posts Totals. The Over-Under in tennis is the combined number of games played in a specific match. If the match is not completed in full, Over-Under bets will be no-actioned and stakes returned to the bettors.