Sports Betting Over Under Rules
A totals bet is a wager where you will predict that an occurrence will be over or under a certain threshold. You can probably guess why they are called over/unders now. For example, you could bet on the over/under total points score in a basketball game.
Sports books set over/under scores on games based upon numerous factors. In the NFL, most over/under scores are set in the low-to-mid 40s. In college football, over/under scores are usually in the.
- For wagering purposes, a football game (NFL or college) becomes official after fifty-five (55) minutes of play. Games lasting under 55 minutes constitute 'No Action' or 'Push/Cancel' and all money is refunded. Wagering on the game period spread, moneyline, or total (over/under) include any overtime scoring.
- Over / Under Betting Rules in NBA Basketball fans can get in on totals betting action as well and bet on the total points scored in a game, regardless of who wins or who loses. In the above example, the oddsmaker has decided that the total points scored in the game between the Raptors and the Celtics will be 205 points.
The bet might be over/under 165. If the total number of points scored by BOTH teams is over 165, the over bet wins. If the total is under 165, the under wins. Usually, the points will be in half points to prevent ties (Over/Under 165.5)
As you can see, this allows you to cheer for both teams to score a ton or for both teams to do terribly. Most sports games will allow you to bet on the over/under of how many points/goals/runs are scored. Some sports will also allow you to bet on the over/unders of other occurrences.
For example, golf betting sites will allow you to bet on how many birdies or how many eagles there will be on a particular hole or during a particular tournament round. Other sports may allow you to bet on how many fouls, penalties, or yellow cards there are during a game. Basically, anything that can be counted during a game or match is a candidate for a totals bet and is probably offered somewhere.
Much like in baseball where the traditionalists complain that the new wave of players are taking over and disrespecting the game, sports betting is slowly becoming geared to the younger generation of players. The demand for quick results and instant gratification have taken the sportsbooks by storm, and sportsbooks have replied by offering up more and more obscure bets. However, one of the simplest forms of betting has remained the same, and that is betting on the 'over/under' for a particular game or event.
How Does the 'Over/Under' Work?
If you hear the phrase 'over/under' being talked about during a sports betting discussion, it is referring to the options available when betting on the total of a specific game. In order to understand how the 'over/under' works, you must first understand what betting on totals entails.
To keep it short and sweet, linemakers set a total for the number of points they think the two teams will combine to score in a particular game. Bettors then have two betting options to choose from - the 'over' or the 'under'. Taking the 'over' means you think that both teams will combine for more than the linemakers posted total, while taking the 'under' is the exact opposite.
The concept is straightforward, but throwing in an example never hurt. Let's say you are looking at a baseball game between the Royals and Indians, and the linemakers set the total at 9.5 runs. If the teams combine for 10 or more runs, any bet on the 'over' would be graded as a winner. If there are nine or fewer runs scored, 'under' bettors would be the ones celebrating a winning bet.
Different Types of 'Over/Under' Bets
Almost every single sport available for wagering will have a posted total that you can choose to bet on. In its simplest form, bettors typically choose to wager on the 'over/under' for the entire game. This does not mean that it's the only option available.
Line Over Under Meaning
Sportsbooks give bettors the opportunity to wager on the 'over/under' for half time totals, team totals, individual performance totals, and future bets. To keep it simple, I will use the Indians and Royals example to explain each of these options.
The five-inning 'over/under' option means you will be wagering on the half time total -- which is generally half of what the full game total is. If you are playing team totals, the Indians may have a team total of 4.5 runs, in which case you would have to choose either 'over/under'.
In terms of individual performance totals, these are mostly related to football and include some of the following; the number of yards thrown by a certain quarterback or the number of rushing yards by a specific running back. And lastly, if you decide to lay a future bet down on the 'over/under', you will likely be betting how many games a particular team will win over the course of the season.
Betting Strategies for the 'Over/Under'
Just like any betting option, you will come across a totals opportunity every once in a while, that is just screaming out at you to bet it. These are the opportunities that you need to capitalize on in order to be a successful handicapper over an extended period of time.
Sports Betting Over Under Analysis
Betting strategies surrounding the total often time revolve around the weather in a particular matchup. In football, if it's snowing or raining profusely, the total could be affected, which is why the 'under' may be worth looking into further. Now, I'm not telling you to bet every game that has snow or rain 'under' the total. I'm telling you to do your research and understand that snow and rain effect all aspects of the game and could take away the part of the game a team has success in (think a pass-happy team playing in a snow storm - probably won't be the greatest result).
Sports Betting Over Under Rules 2019
In terms of totals betting in baseball, from my experience, I find betting the 'over' in games featuring two end-of-the-rotation type pitchers. Typically, these guys aren't that good and can be hit around more so then the aces of a team. However, it is vital that you do your research before wagering blindly on a total just because two bad pitchers are starting.
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