Over under betting is one of the most popular ways to bet on sports, offering a simple yet exciting way to predict outcomes. It focuses on the total number of different outcomes, rather than picking a winner.
In this guide, we’ll break down how over/under betting works including the different types of bets you can place with examples from real sports. By the end of this you’ll be an expert in the world of over under betting. So get ready to shake up your sports betting experience with a new form of betting.
In sports betting, over/under refers to a bet on whether the total combined score (or other stat, like points, goals, or runs) in a game will be over or under a line set by the sportsbook. For example, if the over/under for a football game is set at 45 points, you can bet whether the final score will be more than 45 (over) or less than 45 (under). If the total score matches exactly the line, the bet is usually considered a push, and your stake is returned.
If you’re using a site like the BetMGM sportsbook, bet365 or any other top-rated sports betting provider, you’ll find a number of different over and under bets. Since over and under betting covers much more than simple match winners or final scores you can get very creative in a number of different sports. Whether it be the number of corners in a soccer match or number of home runs in a baseball game. Here’s the most popular over/under bets:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Goals | Betting on whether the total number of goals scored in a match will be over or under a set number. |
| Handicap | Betting on whether the favored team will cover a set handicap, with the total score adjusted by the handicap. |
| Point total | Betting on the total points scored in a game, often in sports like basketball or American football. |
| Sets | Betting on the number of sets in a tennis match, whether there will be over or under a set number. |
| Corners | Betting on the total number of corner kicks in a soccer match, whether it will be over or under a set number. |
| Rushing yards | Betting on the total rushing yards in an American football game, whether a team or player will rush over or under a set number of yards. |
| Home runs | Betting on the total number of home runs in a baseball game, whether the total will be over or under a set number. |
So, you’ve seen a generalized approach of what over/under in betting is. Now it’s time to look at real world examples from real sports:
In American football, over and under bets can be placed on anything from the number of points scored to the total rushing yards or touchdowns. For example, let’s say the sportsbook sets the over/under for an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs at 48.5 points. If you bet the over, you’re predicting that the combined score of both teams will exceed 48 points. If you bet the under, you’re predicting the total will be below 48 points.
The game finishes as:
Since 51 points is over 48.5, the over bet would win. However, if the total score was 21–20, the combined score would be 41 points, meaning the under would win.
Okay, next up in this online sports betting guide is soccer over under betting. This market allows you to bet on the total number of goals, corners, free kicks, yellow cards and a variety of other outcomes that can happen in the game. For example, the over/under line might be set at 2.5 goals for a match between Manchester United and Liverpool.
In this example the game finishes as:
If you bet the over, you win because the total goals (3) are greater than 2.5. On the other hand, if the final score was 1-1, the total goals would be 2, and the under bet would win.
Betting the half point in over under markets refers to setting the line with a .5 (half) added to the total, like 2.5 goals or 48.5 points. This is useful for a number of different reasons, although the main ones include:
Over/under betting is an exciting way to bet on your favorite sports without needing to pick a winner. While it may seem straightforward, a bit of strategy can go a long way in making smarter bets and increasing your chances of success. Here are five top tips to help you navigate under over betting more effectively:
High-scoring teams with strong offenses and weak defenses are more likely to push the total over, while teams that emphasize defense or have slow-paced offenses often lead to lower scores, making the under a better bet.
In outdoor sports like football or baseball, weather plays a big role in total points or runs. Rain, wind, or snow can lower scoring, so if the forecast is unfavorable, betting the under might be a smart choice.
Key players missing from a game, especially offensive stars, can significantly affect the total score. If a team's star quarterback or striker is out, the game’s total score may be lower than expected, making the under bet more appealing. On the other side of things, if a star defensive player is out of action, it might damage one team’s defensive capabilities, making the over bet more appealing.
Teams in poor form often struggle to score, so look at recent games to gauge whether a team is likely to hit the over or under. If a team has been held to low scores recently, betting on the under may be safer or for teams in a good vein of form, the over might be better.
Over/under lines often during a game based on early performance. If you spot a game starting slower or faster than expected, live betting can offer better odds or a more favorable total. Plus, if you’re actually watching the game, placing a bet can enhance the viewing experience and add a little bit of extra excitement.
Feeling like an over and under betting expert yet? With all of this knowledge under your belt it’s time to test out this betting strategy for yourself. You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of betting markets at the top sportsbooks. From American football to soccer, basketball, and many more, each has its own list of potential over and under bets. So pick a sportsbook and get started today!
Over and under betting refers to a type of wager where you bet on whether the total combined score of a game (or another specific statistic like goals, points, or runs) will be over or under a line set by the sportsbook.
If the line is a whole number (like 2 or 3 goals), and the total score matches that number exactly, your bet will be considered a push, and your stake will be refunded. If you want to avoid the possibility of this happening you can choose to only place over under bets on half-point lines.
To decide whether to bet the over or under, consider factors like team offenses and defenses, game pace, and any other variables like weather conditions or player injuries. The more research you can do the more informed you will be to place a bet, but ultimately there is no way to guarantee a correct prediction.
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