WHAT ARE TOTAL BETS?
Total betting better known as over/under is one of the easiest and most popular ways to bet on sports. Instead of picking who wins, you bet on the combined score of both teams: will it land over or under the number the sportsbook sets? The result of the game doesn’t matter for your ticket. Only the total does.
FORGET THE WINNER • BET THE NUMBER
3 CORE MARKETS
You’re not picking a team you’re picking over or under.
01
THE BOOK SETS A NUMBER
Their prediction for both teams’ combined points, runs or goals.
02
YOU PICK A SIDE
Over if you expect more scoring, under if you expect less.
03
THE FINAL SCORE DECIDES
Add both teams together and compare to the number.
IT’S THE COMBINED SCORE, NOTHING ELSE
When a sportsbook posts a game, they set a total: their prediction for the combined score of both teams. Your only job is to decide whether the real score lands higher (over) or lower (under). Who wins is irrelevant a blowout and a nail-biter pay exactly the same if the total falls your way. Books build that number from team performance, injuries, playing styles, and even the weather.
HOW IT WORKS, A QUICK EXAMPLE
The favorite gives points; the underdog receives them. If the Rams are -3 against the Cardinals, a Rams bet wins only if Los Angeles wins by more than 3. A Cardinals +3 ticket wins if Arizona wins outright or loses by fewer than 3.
Exactly 3? That is a push your stake is returned.
Rams vs. Seahawks, total set at 38.5.
Over = 39 combined points or more.
Under = 38 or fewer.
Final score:
24–14 Seahawks — a combined 38.
The under wins: the score never cleared 38.5
THE NUMBER ISN’T THE PRICE
Don’t confuse the total with the odds. A total of 38.5 is the score line you’re betting on; the price is what you risk to win. Most totals are posted at about -110 on both the over and the under risk $110 to win $100. That small margin is the sportsbook’s cut, and it’s exactly why line movement and timing (below) are worth watching.
Over 38.5 -110
risk $110 to win $100
Under 38.5 -110
risk $110 to win $100
OVER OR UNDER THE LINE
Picture the total as a line on a number line. Everything above it cashes the over; everything below cashes the under. Land exactly on a whole number and it’s a push your stake comes back. That’s why books post half-points like 38.5: it removes the tie and forces a winner.
UNDER ‹——— 37 · 38 ·
[ 38.5 ]
· 39 · 40 ———› OVER
TYPICAL TOTALS BY SPORT
Totals work the same way everywhere, but every sport scores differently — so the numbers change a lot from one to the next.
RAMS
-150
CARDINALS
+130
AVAILABLE ACROSS THE BOARD
You’ll find over/under markets on just about every sport on the board.
FOOTBALL
BASKETBALL
BASEBALL
HOCKEY
SOCCER & MORE
TOTALS VS. THE OTHER STRAIGHT BETS
1x
Straight
One pick. One result. Lower complexity.
ALL
Parlay
Multiple picks must all win for a larger payout.
IF
IF bet
A second wager activates only if the first wins.
2x
Reverse Bet
Two linked if bets run in opposite order.
WRAPPING IT UP
Total betting is a fun, straightforward way to get in on the action without sweating who wins points in the NFL, runs in the MLB, goals in the NHL. It looks simple, and it is, but a little homework on offense, defense, pace and weather goes a long way. Learn what moves a number and you’ll pick your over/unders with a lot more confidence.
DISCIPLINE > HUNCHES
FIVE RULES BEFORE YOU BET
Before placing any bet, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals. These five rules will help you stay disciplined, avoid impulsive decisions, and approach betting with a clear strategy.
01
DO THE HOMEWORK
Recent matchups, team trends, injuries and weather all move the number.
02
WATCH LINE MOVEMENT
Totals shift on betting action and breaking news the move often points to value.
03
BET EARLY
If you’re confident in your read, locking it in before the line moves can get you a better number.
04
KNOW THE TEAMS
Some teams live in high- or low-scoring games. Trends are your friend.
05
STAY LOGICAL
Don’t let one wild shootout or personal bias override your research.
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