What is an Over/Under Bet?
An over/under bet—also known as a totals bet—is a wager on the combined number of points scored in a game by both teams.
Instead of picking a winner, you are betting on whether the total score will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook.
- Over: total points scored is higher than the line
- Under: total points scored is lower than the line
- Winner does not matter
Totals betting is one of the easiest ways to get started.
Over/Under Bet Example
Here’s a simple example:
- Total: Lakers vs Warriors = 220.5
- If you bet the over, you win if the total score is 221 or higher
- If you bet the under, you win if the total score is 220 or lower
The final score—not who wins—determines the outcome of your bet.
How Totals Are Set
Sportsbooks set over/under lines based on factors like team performance, pace of play, and scoring trends.
Totals can vary widely by sport:
- NBA: typically 210–240 points
- NFL: typically 40–55 points
- College Football: can exceed 70+ points
- MLB: typically 7–10 runs
- NHL: typically 5–6 goals
Over/Under Odds Explained
Most totals bets use standard odds of -110, but this can vary depending on the sport and the market.
In lower-scoring sports like baseball and hockey, sportsbooks may adjust the odds instead of the total:
- Over 7 (-135)
- Under 7 (+115)
This allows sportsbooks to balance betting action while keeping the total number consistent.
Over/Under vs Other Bet Types
Over/under bets are different from other common wagers like straight bets or moneyline bets.
- Totals: focus on total points scored
- Moneyline: pick the winner
- Spread: win by a margin
Because of this, totals betting can sometimes feel simpler than choosing a side.
When to Bet the Over or Under
Over/under bets are useful when:
- You expect a high-scoring or low-scoring game
- You do not have a strong opinion on the winner
- You prefer analyzing pace, defense, or scoring trends
Many bettors use totals as an alternative to picking sides.
Compare odds, bonuses, and betting features.
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