What Is the Over Under in Sports Betting? Totals Explained

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An Over/Under bet, also called a total, is a wager on the yohaig code combined number of points, runs, or goals scored in a game. The sportsbook sets a line, and gamblers pick whether the last score will go over (more than the posted total) or under (less than the posted total).

It's one of the most popular bet types throughout major sports like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, providing fans a method to bet on the flow of the video game instead of which group wins.

Totals Betting Explained

Oddsmakers set an overall by projecting the combined score of both teams in a video game, considering offensive and defensive strength, pace of play, and recent type. Bettors then choose whether the last rating will go over or under that published number.

The rules are basic: if the video game goes over the total, Over bets win; if it ends up under, Under bets cash. Overtime counts toward the yohaig code total unless otherwise stated, which often makes a difference in close games.

If the final combined rating lands precisely on the published number, the result is called a push, and all wagers are refunded.

How to Bank on Over/Unders

Let's go over how to position an Over/Under wager step-by-step:

1. Open the sportsbook app and discover your video game: select the sport/league, then tap the match you want.

2. Select the Totals (Over/Under) market: search for "Total," "O/U," or "Over/Under." You'll see a number (e.g., 47.5) and chances for Over and Under (typically around -110). Remember: overtime normally counts towards overalls.

3. Choose Over or Under: tap the side you wish to wager on.

4. Enter your stake and review the slip: type your quantity; the slip auto-calculates potential payment. Double-check the total number, odds, which you chose Over or Under correctly.

5. Place the bet: verify to send. You can track it in "Open Bets."

Example: if an NFL overall is 47.5 at -110, choosing Over 47.5 methods you require 48+ integrated points to win (47 or less loses). At -110, a $100 bet returns $190.91 overall ($ 90.91 revenue) if it hits.

It's also worth pointing out that you can also wager overalls during the game. Lines update in genuine time with rate and scoring. For instance, an NBA game opened at 212.5, but after a fast very first quarter, the live total jumps to 224.5. If you believe scoring will cool off, you may take Under 224.5 at the noted live odds.

How are Over/Under Lines Set?

Oddsmakers set totals by analyzing a mix of data, matchup factors, and wagering market trends. At the core, they look at team offensive and defensive effectiveness, pace of play, player injuries, recent efficiency, and even head-to-head history.

Each sport has its own wrinkles that impact the Over/Under line:

NFL, college football: weather condition conditions, offensive vs. defensive line matchups, and quarterback play.

NBA, college basketball: speed, shooting performance, defensive ratings, and gamer accessibility.

MLB: beginning pitcher matchups, bullpen fatigue, ballpark dimensions, and even wind conditions.

NHL: goalie matches, recent scoring kind, and power play vs. charge kill stats.

Soccer: playing styles, formation modifications, significance of the match, and travel tiredness.


Finally, the marketplace itself matters. As cash can be found in, specifically from sharp wagerers, oddsmakers will adjust totals before video game time to stabilize action and manage risk.

Best Sportsbooks for Over/Under Betting

There are several sportsbook where which you can bank on the Over/Under for games. Two of the best options are DraftKings and FanDuel, thanks to their deep menus of live wagering markets and alternate lines.

DraftKings regularly provides a broad range of alternate overalls, letting you change the number up or down with corresponding odds. They also connect numerous player props to Over/Under markets, providing gamblers more methods to build same-game parlays around scoring.

FanDuel sticks out for its live totals markets, which update quickly as the video game unfolds. You'll frequently find several alternate totals offered mid-game, enabling you to get value if you think the pace of play will alter.

Both sportsbooks provide wagerers flexibility beyond the standard total, making them strong options if you like to mix in alt lines and prop-based Over/Under bets.

Why Do Lines Shift in Totals Betting?

Totals do not stay repaired, as they frequently move when sportsbooks respond to new details or heavy betting action. Oddsmakers adapt to keep lines sharp and balance danger.

Common factors for these shifts consist of:

Injury news: the star quarterback or leading scorer being eliminated can push the overall down.

Weather updates: wind, rain, snow, or extreme heat frequently drive football and baseball overalls lower.

Public betting trends: if the majority of the cash is on one side, sportsbooks may move the line to stabilize action.

Sharp money: large wagers from appreciated wagerers can move lines quickly and considerably.

For instance, an NBA total may open at 228.5, however if a star scorer is scratched before tip-off, the line might drop to 224.5. Early gamblers often target softer opening numbers, while late wagerers react to verified injury reports and other news.

How to Calculate the Vig on Totals

Vig (short for "vigorish") is the bookie's built-in commission. On totals, it's generally baked into the chances, with the standard -110 odds on both sides. Let's simplify detailed:

1. Convert each side to indicated likelihood: let's state the Over/Under for an NFL video game is 47.5 with -110 chances on both sides. The indicated likelihood for both sides is determined as such:

Negative chances:|X |/(|X|+ 100) x 100, so|-110 |/(|-110|+100) x 100 = 110/210 = 52.38%.

Positive chances:|X |/(|X|+ 100) x 100, so|-110 |/(|-110|+100) x 100 = 110/210 = 52.38%.


2. Add the possibilities together.

52.38% + 52.38% = 104.76%.


3. Subtract 100% to discover the vig portion.

104.76% - 100% = 4.76% vig.


Bear in mind that the vig varies by sportsbook, sport, market liquidity, and timing.

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