What Does Over Under Mean? A Clear Explanation for Sports Betting Beginners

When you place an over/under bet, you are betting on whether the total score of a game will be over or under a specific number.

03 Oct, 2023 12 min read

Leonardo Maldonado

Leonardo Maldonado

what does over and under mean

When it comes to sports betting, there are many different types of wagers that you can place. One of the most popular types of bets is the over/under bet, also known as a total bet. This type of bet is popular in many different sports, from football to basketball to soccer.

The concept of an over/under bet is pretty simple. When you place an over/under bet, you are betting on whether the total score of a game will be over or under a specific number. The sportsbook determines this figure based on a number of variables, including the teams involved, their recent performance, and other pertinent statistics. If you place an over bet, you are wagering that the final score will be higher than the amount the sportsbook has set. In contrast, if you place a bet on the under, you are wagering that the final score will be lower than the figure the sportsbook has set.

Understanding Over Under

If you are into sports betting, you must have heard of the term over-under or total bet. This type of wager involves placing a bet on whether a specific statistic for a game will be higher or lower than a pre-agreed value. The pre-agreed value is called the total or over-under, and the bet is called an over-under bet.

For instance, if you are betting on a football game, you might place an over-under bet on the total number of points that will be scored. The sportsbook might set the total at 50, and you can bet whether the actual total will be over or under that number.

Over-under betting is not limited to just points scored in a game. You can also bet on other statistics, such as total yards gained, total number of turnovers, and more. The key is that the sportsbook will set a total, and you will bet on whether the actual outcome will be over or under that total.

One important thing to note is that over-under betting is not the same as betting on the winner of a game. With an over-under bet, you are simply betting on whether a specific statistic will be over or under a pre-agreed value.

When you place an over-under bet, you will typically see odds listed for both the over and under. These odds will include the total and a juice or vig, which is the commission that the sportsbook takes for facilitating the bet. The juice is typically 10%, meaning you must bet $110 to win $100.

Overall, over-under betting is a popular type of sports betting that allows you to bet on whether a specific statistic will be over or under a pre-agreed value. While it is not as simple as betting on the winner of a game, it can be a fun and exciting way to bet on sports.

Over Under in Different Sports

Football

Regarding football, the over/under bet is a popular way to wager the total number of points scored in a game. The sportsbook will set a projected number of total points, and you can bet over or under that number. This type of bet is also known as a total bet. In the NFL, the Super Bowl is one of the most popular events for over/under bets. Quarterback performance, turnovers, rushing yards, and down conversions can all impact the total number of points scored in a game.

Basketball

In basketball, the over/under bet is a popular way to wager on the total number of points scored. The sportsbook will set a projected number of total points, and you can bet over or under that number. This type of bet is also known as a total bet. In the NBA, point spreads, blocks, and steals can all impact the total number of points scored in a game. College basketball also offers over/under bets.

Baseball

In baseball, the over/under bet is a popular way to wager on the total number of runs scored. The sportsbook will set a projected number of total runs; you can bet over or under that number. This type of bet is also known as a total bet. In the MLB, home runs and RBIs can all impact the total number of runs scored in a game.

Hockey

In hockey, the over/under bet is a popular way to wager on the total number of goals scored in a game. The sportsbook will set a projected number of total goals; you can bet over or under that number. This type of bet is also known as a total bet. In the NHL, a team's offense and defense can have an impact on goals.

Soccer

In soccer, the over/under bet is a popular way to wager the total number of shots taken. The sportsbook will set a projected number of total shots; you can bet over or under that number. This type of bet is also known as a total bet. In soccer, prop bets and point spreads are also popular betting options.

Factors Influencing Over-Under

When placing an over/under bet, it's essential to consider several factors that can influence the game's outcome. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Predictions

Oddsmakers use various methods to predict a game's final score, including statistical analysis, historical data, and expert opinions. These predictions are used to set the over/under line, representing the total number of points the two teams are expected to score combined.

Weather

Weather conditions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game, particularly in outdoor sports. Rain, wind, and extreme temperatures can all affect players' performance and alter the final score.

Injuries

Injuries to key players can also have a major impact on the outcome of a game. If a star player is sidelined, the team's offensive or defensive efficiency may suffer, leading to a lower or higher final score than predicted.

Overtime

Games can go into overtime in some sports if the score is tied at the end of regulation. This can significantly impact the final score and make it difficult to predict the outcome of an over/under bet.

Total Bets

Over/under bets are also known as "total bets" because they involve betting on the total number of points scored in a game. This means that the outcome of other bets, such as point spread bets, can also affect the final score and the success of an over/under bet.

Wind

Wind can be a major factor in outdoor sports such as football and soccer. Strong gusts can affect the ball's trajectory and make it more difficult for players to score, leading to a lower final score than predicted.

Offensive and Defensive Efficiency

Finally, it's essential to consider each team's offensive and defensive efficiency when placing an over/under bet. Teams with strong offenses and weak defenses are likelier to score many points. In contrast, teams with weak offenses and strong defenses are likelier to have a low-scoring game.

Betting strategies and tips

When it comes to over- or under-betting, a few strategies and tips can help increase your chances of winning.

Firstly, it's essential to research and analyze both teams' statistics. Look at their offenses and defenses and any trends that may be relevant to the game. This will help you make an informed decision on whether to bet on the over or under.

The line that the sportsbook sets is another important factor to take into account. Pay attention to the whole number and adjust the juice accordingly. This can significantly affect your potential payout.

It's also important to be aware of the potential for a push, where the final score lands exactly on the line set by the sportsbook. In this case, your bet would be refunded.

If you're new to over/under betting, use an odds calculator to determine your potential payout based on different scenarios.

Finally, it's important to gamble responsibly and recognize the signs of a gambling problem. In states like New Jersey, where gambling is legal, resources are available for those needing help. Las Vegas casinos also offer resources for those struggling with gambling addiction.

Following these strategies and tips can increase your chances of success when betting on the over/under.

Understanding Betting Odds and Payouts

When it comes to sports betting, understanding betting odds and payouts is crucial. Odds are used to determine a bet's payout and reflect the likelihood of a particular outcome.

One common type of sports bet is the over-under bet, also known as a total bet. This type of bet involves wagering whether the total combined points, goals, or other statistical measures in a game will be over or under a specific number.

American odds are often used in sports betting to indicate the likelihood of a particular outcome. These odds are expressed as negative or positive numbers, with the negative number indicating the favorite and the positive number indicating the underdog. A negative number means how much you would need to bet to win $100, while a positive number indicates how much you would win if you bet $100.

For example, if the over-under for a football game is set at 45.5 and the odds for the over are -110, you would need to bet $110 to win $100 if you wagered on the over. If you bet on the under and the odds are also -110, you must bet $110 to win $100 if the combined points are less than 45.5.

In addition to the over-under bet, other types of bets can be placed on individual players or teams. For example, you might bet on a receiver to have a certain number of completions or a soccer player to have a certain number of assists. You might also bet on a football team to have a certain number of interceptions or sacks.

Ultimately, understanding betting odds and payouts is essential for anyone wanting to participate in sports betting. By understanding the odds and the various types of bets that can be placed, you can make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of an underbet in football?

An example of an over/under bet in football is when you bet on the total points that both teams will score in a game. The sportsbook will set a line, say 45.5, and you can bet on whether the total points scored will be over or under that number.

How do you win over and under a bet?

You must correctly predict whether the total number of points scored in a game will be over or under the sportsbook's set line to win an over/under wager. If the total points scored are the same as the line, it's considered a push, and your bet will be refunded.

What happens if you tie the over/under in a parlay?

If you tie the over/under in a parlay, the bet will be graded as a push. The payout for the parlay will be adjusted accordingly, based on the odds of the remaining legs of the parlay.

What does over/under mean on FanDuel?

When you see over/under on FanDuel, it refers to the total number of points that will be scored in a game. You can wager on whether the total number of points scored will be higher or lower than the line that the sportsbook has established.

What is an over-under example?

An example of an over/under bet is when you bet on the total points both teams will score in a basketball game. The sportsbook will set a line, say 215.5, and you can bet on whether the total points scored will be over or under that number.

What is the meaning of home team over/under?

The home team over/under refers to the total number of points the home team will score in a game. You can wager on whether the home team will score more or less than the line that the sportsbook has set.