What is Over/Under Betting? How to Bet the Over/Under
The primary focus of sports betting typically falls on point spreads and moneyline wagers, but in recent years action on Over/Under betting has carved out its own relevant niche. This guide will help explain Over/Under betting, teach you how to bet the Over/Under and share some betting tips when researching and handicapping point totals.
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Over / Under Sports Betting Explained
Over / Under betting is not complicated and does not take long to learn. The best part about Over/Unders, also referred to as “totals” betting, is that the wagers can be anything from the total score of an NFL game, how many points LeBron James scores against the Clippers or an exoctic prop bet like how many times will the president say the word “normalcy” during the next debate.
Oddsmakers simply set an Over/Under betting total and then you, the bettor, simply places a bet on whether the actual result (sum) will be higher or lower than that number.
For example, if the Over/Under total of Game 7 of the NBA Finals is 205.5 points and the Lakers and Nets final score is 103-102, the total of 205 means the UNDER bet cashes and the OVER ticket loses.
Over / Under Bet Outcomes
Over
There are three possible Over / Under betting outcomes.
The first is the OVER hits, when the total points, runs, goals, etc is higher than the wagered on point total.
For example, if the O/U is 44 and two teams combine for 45 points, the OVER has hit.
Under
The second possible O/U outcome is the UNDER. This is when the total points, runs, goals, etc is lower than the wagered on total.
For example, if the O/U total is 50.5 and the two teams combine for 47, the UNDER has hit.
Push
There are times when O/U totals are half-numbers like O/U 50.5, whereas other times they are whole numbers like O/U 50. If the O/U is a whole number, like 50, and the two teams combine for 50 points exactly, the wager is a push and the online sportsbook returns your bet.
Over / Under Betting Tips
One of the most common questions we hear from new sports bettors is, “Should I bet the OVER or the UNDER?” The answer to that question depends on who you ask. There are those who believe that life’s too short to bet the under. Others want you to consider several factors before placing an Over/Under total bet. Here are some of the most important Over/Under betting tips.
Injuries & Suspensions
Nothing impacts a point total more than the loss of a starting quarterback to injury. The point spread swings, moneylines flip and Over/Under betting point totals typically dip. Be sure you’re paying attention to injury reports, especially Friday afternoon and Sunday mornings. Early kickoff inactive reports are released at 11:30 a.m. ET.
Weather Forecast
With the challenges NFL kickers have endured over the past 5+ seasons, don’t think for a second a slick field or stiff winds won’t impact the final tally. Remember, the windy night game between the Bills and Patriots when Mac Jones attempted only three passes? Though an extreme example, be sure to pay attention to weather forecasts for wind, rain, and – to a less degree – snow.