There's no hiding it, sports betting can be a tricky topic to approach as a beginner. Sure, you might know who you'd like to wager on (or what outcome), but finding the exact market does sometimes mean a lesson in terminology - and nobody wants that.
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When people talk about betting on sports, they usually think about picking which team will win or lose. But there’s another option that focuses entirely on how much action happens during the game, regardless of the outcome.
This betting option, known as over-under or totals, is quite popular among sports bettors. Its appeal lies in its versatility since it is available across all major sports and for everything from full games to individual player stats. This guide breaks down how over-under betting works and what to consider before placing a bet.
An over-under bet is a type of sports wager where you bet on whether the total amount of scoring in a sporting event will be higher or lower than the number set by the sportsbook. This number is often called the total or the line. Rather than choosing which team will win, you're simply guessing whether both teams together will score above or below a specific threshold.
For example, imagine you're betting on a soccer match with a total set at 2.5 goals. If the final score is 2-1, that’s 3 goals total, and a bet on the over would win. If the match ends 1-0, that’s just 1 goal, and the under wins.
Oddsmakers set over-under lines using a mix of data analysis, team trends, player availability, and situational factors. They look at how each team scores and defends, the pace at which they play, recent performance, injuries, scheduling, scoring trends, etc.
In outdoor sports like football and baseball, weather can affect how many points or goals a team might score. Wind, rain, or snow can bring totals down, while good conditions may lead to higher scores. In indoor sports like hockey or basketball, factors like player injuries, rest, and past matchups have more impact. The total is set to reflect what the sportsbook expects and to keep betting balanced.
Once the total is released, it can shift based on how people are betting. If most of the money is going on the over, the sportsbook may raise the line to encourage more under bets and reduce risk. If sharp bettors hit the under early, the line might drop. This is called line movement, and it can happen several times before the game starts.
Sometimes, instead of changing the total, the sportsbook will adjust the odds (also called the vig or juice), making one side more expensive to bet than the other. All of this is done to keep the betting balanced, so the sportsbook stays profitable regardless of the final score.
Betting on sports with the over-under bet is simple. Consider the following steps:
That’s it. From here, enjoy the game and remember to cheer your bet on.
Over-under betting is one of the most accessible and widely used forms of sports wagering and it’s available across nearly every major sport. Here's a look at where it’s most commonly found:
Football is a prime arena for over-under betting because of its structured scoring and week-by-week format. In the NFL, most totals range between the low 40s to mid-50s, depending on the teams and weather conditions. College football can be far more volatile, with some matchups set in the 70+ point range.
Basketball games, known for their high-scoring nature, offer ample opportunities for over-under betting. In the NBA, totals can be very high, with some games exceeding 230 points.
In Major League Baseball, over-under bets focus on the total number of runs scored in a game. Key factors include starting pitcher matchups, bullpen depth, ballpark dimensions, and weather. Games played in hitter-friendly parks or in conditions with wind blowing out often lead bettors to lean toward the over.
Over-under soccer bets are based on the total number of goals scored. The most common line is 2.5. A match ending 2-1 hits the over, while 1-1 stays under. Because goals are limited, a single red card or late goal can swing the result. This type of bet is widely used in leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, and the Champions League.
Over-under totals in hockey usually range from 5.5 to 6.5 goals. While scoring has risen in recent seasons, goaltending, pace of play, and team tendencies still shape the line. A high-scoring period or an empty-net goal late in the game can shift the result.
Over-under betting is also available in sports outside the mainstream. In tennis, bettors can wager on the number of games or sets played in a match. In MMA, the focus is on how many rounds a fight will last. In eSports titles like CS:GO or League of Legends, totals may be set on maps played or kill counts.
Below are the most common types of Over-Under bets available:
A full-game over-under bet involves predicting whether the combined final score will be over or under the number set by the sportsbook. For instance, in an NHL game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning, the total might be 6.5 goals. A 4-3 finish, with a total of 7, results in an over. A 3-2 result, totalling 5, results in an under.
These are similar to full-game totals, but they focus only on one half of the game. You can bet on whether the score in the first half or the second half will go over or under the line set.
Quarter totals focus on the combined points scored in a specific quarter. For example, in an NBA game, a sportsbook might set the third-quarter total at 55.5 points. If the teams combine for 60 points, the over wins. If they score 52, the under wins. These bets target scoring trends and momentum shifts within individual quarters.
Player prop totals take the over-under concept and apply it to individual player stats instead of team scores. You can bet on whether a player’s performance will go over or under a sportsbook’s projection. This can apply to goals, points, assists, yards, rebounds, shots on goal, strikeouts, or whatever the sport allows.
Team totals are about how many points, runs, or goals a single team scores, regardless of the opponent’s performance. It’s perfect when you have a strong read on one team but not the game overall.
In-game totals, also called live over-under bets, allow wagers during the game. The line updates in real time based on the score, time remaining, pace of play, injuries, and other situational factors.
Odds determine your potential payout and reflect how likely each outcome is. Understanding them helps you gauge whether an over-under bet offers fair value.
American odds use a minus sign for favourites and a plus sign for underdogs. A line of -110 means you need to risk $110 to win $100. At +120, a $100 bet returns $120. Most over-under bets are priced near -110 on both sides, but the odds can shift with betting activity.
In Canada, you're more likely to use and see decimal odds when sports betting. They show the total return for each dollar wagered, including your stake. For example, at 1.91 odds, a $1 bet returns $1.91 (your $1 stake plus $0.91 profit).
Fractional odds, like 10/11 or 5/4, are less common in Canada but are still used in some markets, like horse racing. They show profit relative to the stake. A 10/11 line pays $10 profit for every $11 bet, roughly equivalent to -110 in American odds (or moneyline odds), which you’ll also see in Canada, especially for US sports like the NFL or MLB.
Vigorish, or juice, is the sportsbook’s built-in margin. It’s why over-under bets are often priced at -110 instead of even money. This small edge ensures the book makes a profit regardless of the outcome. Understanding the juice helps you judge whether a bet offers value.
The same variables oddsmakers use to set over-under lines also apply when deciding whether to bet. Scoring pace, defensive strength, player availability, and weather all affect the total. Fast-paced teams or high-output offences can push the number up. Slower styles or strong defences tend to lower it.
Coaching tendencies also play a role. Teams that focus on ball control, clock management, or methodical play usually produce lower totals by limiting possessions.
Matchup history offers yet another angle. Some teams consistently produce certain scoring patterns against specific opponents due to style clashes or tactical trends. Looking at these details can help spot lines that may be off from true expectations.
These tactics help identify value and improve decision-making when betting on totals:
These are some of the most frequent errors that reduce long-term profitability when betting on totals:
Over-under betting stands apart by focusing only on total points. Here’s how it compares to other popular formats:
Below are some commonly asked questions related to over-under betting:
If the total lands exactly on the line, the bet is a push, and your stake is refunded.
Yes, most sportsbooks allow live over-under betting during the game.
No, profit depends on finding value, not on consistently betting the over or under.
Yes, over-under bets are simpler because you only predict the total score, not the outcome or margin.
Football is often preferred for over-under betting due to its structured scoring and the amount of available data.
Yes, weather can affect over-under outcomes, especially in outdoor sports like football and baseball. Wind, rain, and cold can lower scoring by disrupting offence and slowing the pace of play.
Learn more about sports betting in our guides