Over/Under (Totals) Betting
Learn how to bet totals, what factors affect over/unders, and when to take the over or under.
What Are Totals Bets?
An over/under bet is a wager on the combined score of both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a number (the total), and you bet whether the actual combined score will be over or under that number.
Factors That Affect Totals
Weather (wind, rain, cold), pace of play, defensive efficiency, injuries to key offensive players, and venue all significantly impact game totals. Indoor games tend to go over more frequently.
Totals Strategy
Track how a team's games relate to the total over the full season. Some teams consistently play in high-scoring games while others stay under. Recent trends (last 5-10 games) are more predictive than full-season data.
First Half vs Full Game Totals
First-half totals can offer value because they're less efficiently priced. Teams that start fast but slow down create opportunities on first-half overs with full-game unders.