Everything You Need To Know About Totals Betting
One of the most common and popular forms of betting is over/under betting, also known as totals betting. This is the simplest form of betting, which can be a great starting point for beginners who are looking for a convenient way to bet on sports. It is because, rather than focusing on who wins or loses, what matters is the combined score of the two teams. It’s pretty easy to bet on the total score rather than predicting who wins. However, that’s not it! There’s more to total betting, and you can bet on several variations of total bets, ranging from props bets and team totals to season-long tournaments and points totals.
Here is the sports betting totals guide, allowing you to know what it is and how it works.
Here is the sports betting totals guide, allowing you to know what it is and how it works.
Totals Betting Explained: Learn the Basics of Over/Under Betting
Totals betting is also referred to as over or under bet because it involves a set line that determines whether the combined score of two teams will be less or more than the displayed odds by the bookmaker.
- Total bets are based on the total number of points scored in a game and have no connection with the outcomes of the game or events.
- If the predicted total points are more than the sportsbook line, the bettor places an ‘over’ bet.
- If the predicted total points are less, the bettor places an ‘under’ bet.
- The totals line represents the expected combined score of both teams as projected by the sportsbook.
Steps to Make a Totals Bet
Here is the sports betting totals guide explaining all the steps to be taken for making a total bet:
Start with the Research
Before you place an over/under bet, it is vital to explore the teams or participants in the game.
Evaluate their recent performances, past records, as well as any other physical injuries, as these factors impact the market you want to be in.
Examine the totals line
Total lines are predetermined or predicted lines set by the bookmakers, represented by a number, depicting the expected combined score of both teams in a match.
These lines are analyzed by the bettor to decide on whether they should bet over or under.
Consider the matchup
Regularly review matchup details to determine if the score would be low or high, so you can bet accordingly.
Decide on the game you want to bet on
Explore the variety of games and select the option you want to go with as per your interests. After this, choose whether you want to bet over or under, considering the game stats and market research.
Enter your Stake
Upon selection, enter the amount of money you want to bet, which you will record on your bet slip as well. It confirms your bet and finally allows you to go ahead with your move.
Confirm your wager & wait for the results
Double-check all information to ensure your selections, stake, and bet details are accurate. Once done, confirm your bet and wait for the results.
Types of Totals Bet
Here are the different types of totals bets. Let’s understand each type of totals bet one by one:
Half or Quarter, or Periods Total
The entire game is split up between smaller segments, allowing bettors to bet on specific periods such as half, quarter or period totals.
Game Totals
Allows bettors to wager on the game's total combined score of both teams at the end of the game.
Futures
Allows bettors to bet on the long-season tournaments or games on points totals, tournament-long player props, and win totals.
Team Totals
Involves betting on the total score of a single team in a match. It is mostly focused on the performance of a single team rather than the combined score of both teams.
Players Totals
Bettors place their bets on the players’ scores or assists in a game, focusing more on an individual player's performance than on a team.
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Best strategies for total betting
Below are the strategies bettors need to know before placing totals bet:
Keep a Consistent check on the Game when placing a Live Bet
It is a good practice to watch the game a little to understand where it will move or go, so you gain knowledge of the live movements and place bets when the value is high.
Track Shifting Totals Lines Movement
The totals lines set by the sportsbook keep adjusting because the results are impacted by various factors such as injuries, public actions, random stoppages or sudden weather shifts.
Hence, keep track of the line adjustments and bet accordingly.
Research Team you are choosing to bet on
Betting is nothing without knowledge or research; therefore, before placing your bet, it is best to do a quick research on your favourite team to know where it stands.
It will help you understand whether you are required to bet over or under based on their previous performance and gaming stats.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
The possible outcomes of an over or under bet include the over hits, the under hits and the push. This occurs when the combined score exceeds the over line. This occurs when the combined score is below the under line. A push occurs when the final score equals the over/under line, and the bet amount is refunded.
It depends on the number of odds accepted by the sportsbook as well as the amount you choose to bet. The odds are displayed after setting the bookmaker’s margin, which varies from sportsbook to sportsbook. A typical vig (house edge) is around 10% on each bet.
Generally, the points scored in overtime are added to the final score of the over/under bet made by the bettor.
Football, basketball, hockey and baseball are the most common sports bettors choose to place over or under bets.
