What is Over Under Betting? + [Examples]

13.09.2023 20:00

The term Over/Under, also called totals betting, is a wager where bettors anticipate if the combined score of a game will surpass or be less than a specific number set by bookmakers.

If you expect the combined score or number of goals to be above the given total, you'd place an Over bet. If you think the total score will be below the set number, then you'd place an Under bet.

Over/Under betting, or simply totals betting, ranks as a favorite among sports enthusiasts, sitting alongside the point spread in popularity. The charm of totals betting lies in its focus on the cumulative score, independent of the game's final result. You'll find this betting approach in numerous sports, from football, basketball, ice hockey, cricket, to rugby, and many more.

 

Deciphering Over/Under Betting

Take this hypothetical to grasp Over/Under bets better: the Champions League final has an Over/Under set at 3.5 goals. Both the Over and Under wagers have their pricing, often termed as the vig or juice. The standard vig for many Over/Under bets is 10/11 (1.909), meaning a $110 wager might result in a $100 profit.

Let's assume Team A defeats Team B with a 2-1 score, amounting to 3 goals in total. It means the game met the total of 3 goals. As a result, those who placed Under bets would be in high spirits, while the Over bettors would be disheartened.

 

Strategies for Over/Under Betting

Before committing to an Over/Under bet, determine if the cumulative score will overshoot or stay beneath the bookmaker's total. It's crucial to consider potential changes in odds and the vig tied to the bet. Tools like the Over/Under betting calculator can be invaluable in such analyses.

For illustration, an NBA showdown between the LA Lakers and the LA Clippers might propose a total of 220.5 points with a vig of 10/11 (1.909) for both Over and Under.

Bookies might sometimes introduce half points in Over/Under totals, ensuring the final score doesn't match the predicted total exactly. If you choose the Over, you're predicting a score of 221 points or higher. Conversely, betting Under implies expecting 220 points or fewer.

 

Payout Dynamics in Over/Under Betting

The typical vig for most Over/Under wagers is 10/11 (1.909) on both sides, which means a $110 bet could lead to a $100 profit. Occasionally, bookies adjust the vig to draw more bettors to a specific side. A massive inflow of bets on Over at 10/11 (1.909) could result in revised odds of Over at 4/5 (1.80) and Under at 11/10 (2.10).

Such adjustments ensure an equilibrium in betting volume on both sides, guaranteeing bookmakers remain profitable.

 

Factors Influencing Over/Under Totals

Bookmakers don't pluck Over/Under totals from thin air; they account for a multitude of considerations. Weather conditions, particularly in outdoor sports like football or cricket, can significantly affect the game's dynamics. Other elements, including team lineups, injuries, coaching tactics, past performances, and game schedules, are factored in when determining Over/Under odds.

Moreover, the behavior of bettors can also influence these totals. An influx of Over bets may lead bookmakers to increase the total, thereby attracting Under bets. Conversely, a surge in Under bets might cause a reduction in the projected total to encourage Over wagers.

In the vast landscape of sports betting, comprehending the intricacies of Over/Under betting, along with other betting types, enriches your wagering journey and can optimize your success rate.

 

 

FAQ

1️⃣ What happens if the Over/Under is exact (e.g. O/U 3.0)?

If the combined score matches the Over/Under forecasted number, it's considered a push, and bettors receive their original amount back.

 

2️⃣ Do Over/Under bets include overtime?

Generally, Over/Under wagers encompass overtime unless the sportsbook indicates otherwise.

 

3️⃣ What does total mean in betting?

In the betting context, 'Total' is synonymous with Over/Under, which relates to wagering on the accumulated score.

 

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