Over/Under (Totals)
A bet on whether the combined score of a game finishes over or under a set number.
An over/under bet, also called a totals bet, is a wager on the combined final score of both teams in an event. The book posts a projected total, and you decide whether the actual combined score finishes over (higher than) or under (lower than) that number. You do not pick a winner — only whether the game runs high-scoring or low-scoring against the posted line.
Oddsmakers set over/under lines from historical data, team stats, weather, pace of play, and other scoring factors. Like spread bets, totals usually post at -110 on both sides, though the odds can shift as action comes in. The total itself can also move up or down with betting volume or late news like injuries.
Example
An NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors posts a total of 224.5. Bet the over and the final is Lakers 118, Warriors 112 (combined 230) — your bet wins, since 230 beats 224.5. If the final is Lakers 105, Warriors 108 (combined 213), the under wins, since 213 is below 224.5.
At standard -110 odds, a $110 wager on the over returns $100 profit plus your $110 stake if the combined score tops 224.5.
Key Points
- No winner needed: Totals focus purely on points scored, handy when you read the pace or style but have no strong call on who wins.
- Half-point totals prevent pushes: Totals ending in .5 force a decisive result. Whole-number totals (such as 44) push if the combined score lands exactly there.
- Beyond full-game totals: Many books offer over/under lines on team totals, half-time totals, quarter totals, and player stats like points or passing yards.
- Weather and pace are key: Outdoors, wind, rain, and cold suppress scoring. In basketball, fast-tempo teams push totals higher.
- Overtime counts: Unless stated otherwise, overtime scoring is included in the final total for settlement.