Over/Under (Totals)

An over/under bet, also called a totals bet, is a wager on the combined final score of both teams in a game. The sportsbook posts a projected total, and you decide whether the actual combined score will finish over (higher than) or under (lower than) that number. You don’t have to pick a winner here — just whether the game will be high-scoring or low-scoring compared to the posted line.

Oddsmakers set over/under lines using past data, team stats, weather, pace of play, and other things that affect scoring. Like point spreads, totals are usually offered at -110 on both sides, though the odds can move a little as bets come in. The total itself can also climb or drop based on betting volume or late news like an injury.

Example

An NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors has a posted total of 224.5. If you bet the over and the final is Lakers 118, Warriors 112 (combined 230), your bet wins because 230 is more than 224.5. If instead it ends Lakers 105, Warriors 108 (combined 213), the under wins because 213 is less than 224.5.

At standard -110 odds, a $110 wager on the over would return $100 in profit plus your $110 stake if the combined score tops 224.5.

Key Points

• No need to pick a winner: Over/under bets are all about total points scored, so they’re handy when you have a feel for the pace or style of a game but no strong take on who wins.
• Half-point totals prevent pushes: Totals ending in .5 guarantee a clear result. Whole-number totals (like 44) can push if the combined score lands exactly there.
• Not just for full games: Lots of sportsbooks offer over/under lines on team totals, half-time totals, quarter totals, and even player stats like points or passing yards.
• Weather and pace are big factors: Outdoors, wind, rain, and cold can hold scoring down. In basketball, fast-tempo teams tend to push totals higher.
• Overtime counts: Unless stated otherwise, overtime scoring is usually included in the final total for settling the bet.