Over/Under betting—also called Totals betting—is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly types of sports wagers. It involves predicting whether the combined score of both teams in a game will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your betting strategy, learning how Over/Under bets work can help you make more informed and confident betting decisions.
In this article, we’ll break down the Over/Under betting system, explain how odds are set, and share tips to help you get started.
What Is Over/Under Betting?
Over/Under betting (also called Totals betting) is when you bet on the total number of points, goals, or runs scored in a game — not who wins or loses.
The sportsbook sets a number called the "total." You then choose whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
✅ Example of Over/Under Betting
Let’s take a football match:
Manchester United vs Chelsea Over/Under Line: 2.5 Goals
Over 2.5 Goals: Your bet wins if the total goals scored is 3 or more.
Under 2.5 Goals: Your bet wins if the total goals scored is 2 or fewer.
📝 Note: The “.5” is used to prevent ties and ensure a clear win or loss.
How Are Over/Under Lines Set?
Bookmakers use several factors to set Over/Under lines:
Team statistics (average points/goals scored and conceded)
Player availability/injuries
Head-to-head history
Weather and venue conditions
Betting trends and market movement
The goal of the sportsbook is to balance the action on both sides to minimize risk.
Sports You Can Bet Over/Under
Over/Under bets are available in nearly every major sport, including:
Sport | Common Totals Example |
Football | Over/Under 2.5 Goals |
Basketball | Over/Under 220.5 Points |
Baseball | Over/Under 8.5 Runs |
Cricket | Over/Under 300.5 Team Runs (ODI) |
Tennis | Over/Under 22.5 Total Games |
American Football (NFL) | Over/Under 45.5 Points |
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