A total bet ignores who wins. You bet on whether both teams' combined score lands over or under the line, like 44.5 points.
Totals exist for full games, halves, quarters and individual teams, and the same idea powers many prop bet markets, like a player's points or strikeouts.
Weather, pace of play and injuries move totals more than most markets. A whole-number total can push.
How it works
Totals are popular because you don't need to pick a winner. You just need a view on how the game will be played.
Sportsbooks set totals based on each team's offense and defense, pace, weather and venue. In outdoor football and baseball, wind and temperature move totals more than almost anything else. In basketball, pace of play and rest are big factors.
Totals come in several forms:
- Game totals: both teams combined, the standard version.
- Team totals: one team's score only.
- Period totals: first half, first quarter or first five innings.
- Player totals: points, yards or strikeouts, usually listed as a prop bet.
Overtime and extra innings normally count toward full-game totals, which can turn a sure under into an over late on. Like spreads, totals near -110 need about 52.4% to break even. In the UK, goal totals in soccer are often called over/under 2.5 goals.
Examples
- Example 1
Over 44.5. If the final score is 24-21 (45 points), the over wins.
- Example 2
MLB total 8.5 runs. The game ends 5-4, 9 runs, so the over wins. A $50 bet at -110 wins $45.45.
- Example 3
Chiefs team total over 27.5. They score 27. The over loses by half a point, even though the Chiefs won comfortably.
Common questions
Does overtime count in over/under bets?
In most US sports, yes. Full-game totals include overtime and extra innings unless the bet says regulation only.
What does o/u mean in betting?
Over/under, another name for a total. You bet whether the combined score will be over or under the number.