What are Total Bets? Total Betting Explained
Total betting, also known as over/under betting, is one of the easiest and most popular types of wagers in sports betting. Instead of betting on who will win the game, you’re betting on the combined score of both teams. This means that the outcome of the game doesn’t matter for your bet you’re just trying to figure out whether the total points, goals, or runs scored by both teams will be over or under the number that the sportsbook sets.
Here’s everything you need to know about how total betting works, with examples from different sports, plus some tips on how to make smarter bets.
How Total Betting Works
When a sportsbook sets the odds for a game, they’ll also set a total, which is their prediction for the combined score of both teams. Your job is to decide whether you think the actual score will be higher (over) or lower (under) than that number. The total is based on a variety of factors like team performance, injuries, playing styles, and even things like weather conditions.
Example: NFL Total Bet
Let’s look at an example from the NFL:
- St. Louis Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks
The sportsbook sets the total at 38.5 points. - If you bet the over, you’re predicting that both teams will score a combined 39 points or more.
- If you bet the under, you’re predicting that both teams will score a combined 38 points or fewer.
If the final score ends up being 24-14 in favor of the Seahawks, the combined score is 38. In this case, a bet on the under would win because the total didn’t exceed 38.5.
Total Betting in Different Sports
Total betting works similarly across most sports, but each has its own scoring system, so the numbers vary. Here’s how it plays out in some popular sports:
NFL and College Football
Football totals are based on the combined points scored by both teams. The average NFL total falls somewhere between 37 and 50 points, depending on how high-powered or defensive the teams are. For instance:
- A shootout game like Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills might have a total around 50-55 points.
- A more defensive matchup like Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers might see a total closer to 40 points.
NBA (Basketball)
In the NBA, totals are based on the combined points scored by both teams, and because basketball games tend to be high-scoring, totals usually fall between 200 and 240 points. For example:
- If the Chicago Bulls are playing the New York Knicks with a total set at 200 points, and the final score is 104-99 (a combined score of 203), a bet on the over would win.
MLB (Baseball)
In Major League Baseball, totals are based on the combined runs scored by both teams. Since baseball is a lower-scoring sport, totals typically range from 7 to 10 runs. For example:
- A game between two ace pitchers like the New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros might have a total set at 7.5 runs. If the final score is 4-3, the under bet would win.
NHL (Hockey)
In hockey, totals refer to the combined goals scored by both teams, and since hockey games are usually low-scoring, most totals fall between 5 and 6.5 goals. For example:
- If the Boston Bruins are playing the Toronto Maple Leafs with a total set at 5.5 goals, and the game ends 3-2 (5 goals), the under bet would win.
What to Consider When Betting Totals
While betting on totals seems pretty simple, there are a few things to keep in mind to make smarter bets. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Team Offense and Defense
Look at how well each team scores and defends. High-powered offenses might push the score over, while teams with strong defenses could keep it under.
2. Pace of Play
In fast-paced sports like basketball, the pace of the game can heavily influence the total. Teams that play quickly and take lots of shots tend to push the score higher, while slower teams may keep it lower.
3. Weather Conditions
Weather can play a big role in sports like football and baseball. Rain, wind, or snow can limit scoring by making it harder to pass, kick, or hit home runs, which might make the under a smarter bet.
4. Injuries
Injuries to key players—especially quarterbacks in football or star players in basketball—can seriously impact the scoring potential of a game. If a team’s top scorer is out, the game might not hit the over.
5. Late-Game Strategies
In sports like basketball and hockey, teams often score more in the final minutes due to fouling in the NBA or pulling the goalie in the NHL. These late-game changes can push the score over the total at the last minute.
6. Garbage Time
When one team is dominating the other, they might take their foot off the gas, leading to fewer points. On the flip side, backups or relaxed defenses could lead to unexpected scoring, making totals harder to predict.
Challenges with Betting on Totals
Betting on totals isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes, unexpected things can swing a game’s final score at the last second, leading to frustrating outcomes:
- A last-second field goal or a buzzer-beater three-pointer can change the outcome of your over/under bet.
- Garbage time in blowouts might lead to surprise points from backup players or a sloppier defense.
- In hockey, when a team pulls their goalie in the final minutes, an empty-net goal can suddenly push the score over the total.
Tips for Betting on Totals
Here are a few smart tips to keep in mind when betting on totals:
- Do Your Homework: Look at recent matchups, team trends, and any key injuries or weather conditions that could affect the score.
- Watch the Line Movement: Totals can move up or down before the game starts, especially if there’s significant betting action or breaking news. Pay attention to these changes to find the best value.
- Bet Early: If you’re confident about your pick, placing your bet early can sometimes give you an edge before the line shifts.
- Know the Teams: Some teams consistently play in high-scoring or low-scoring games. Studying these trends can help you make more informed decisions.
- Stay Logical: Don’t let recent high-scoring games or personal bias influence your bet. Stick to your research and strategy.
Conclusion
Total betting (or over/under betting) is a fun and straightforward way to get in on sports action without worrying about who wins the game. Whether it’s betting on points in the NFL, runs in the MLB, or goals in the NHL, understanding how totals work and what factors influence them can help you make smarter bets. While it might seem like a simple bet, there’s more to it than meets the eye, and a little research and strategy can go a long way in improving your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is totals betting?
- Totals betting, also called over/under, is when you bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be higher or lower than a number set by oddsmakers.
How do totals work in sports betting?
- A sportsbook sets a total, and you bet on whether the combined score of both teams will go over or under that number.
Does totals betting include overtime?
- Yes, most totals bets include overtime, which can affect the final score.
What sports offer totals betting?
- Totals betting is popular in football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and many other sports.
What factors affect totals betting?
- Key factors include team offense and defense, pace of play, weather conditions, injuries, and late-game dynamics.
Can you bet totals during the game?
- Yes, many sportsbooks offer live totals betting, where you can place over/under bets as the game progresses.