What Does Over/Under Mean in Sports Betting?

Over/under betting is one of the most common bet types in the American sports betting scene. But what does it mean, exactly? Check out our sports betting guide below to learn the basics of over/under wagering!

What is over/under in sports betting

What is Over/Under Betting?

In sports betting, over/under means that you are placing a bet on the total number of points/runs/goals in a certain matchup. This type of bet can also be referred to as a total sports bet.

When you make this type of bet, you are simply choosing between two options: over or under. There are no other options with this type of bet, which is why it’s popular among bettors and sports betting sites alike.

Let’s look at an example that you might see on a NBA betting site. Here, we will use a fictional matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls.

Let’s say that the over/under line is set at 221.5 points for this matchup. Before the game begins, you can take either the over or the under.

If the Bulls and Lakers combine for at least 222 points, then the “over” bet would hit. If these teams would score 221 points or less, then the “under” would hit.

There are certain betting options that are only popular with certain sports, but that is not the case with over/under betting. In fact, over/under is perhaps the most common betting type on various betting apps as it’s offered on a wide range of sports, including some of the most obscure betting markets.

Over/under bets can even be found on sports such as golf or tennis, but because the scoring systems vary from one sport to another, the bets will too. Make sure you understand how an over/under bet works on each sport before you make that wager.

You will always have just two basic options with this type of bet, but you need to be aware of what exactly you are betting on.

Over/Under Betting is a Great Option for Parlay Betting

If you are someone that enjoys making parlay wagers, then it would be wise to take a close look at over/under betting options when creating that parlay. If you already have a great feel on how a certain matchup is going to go in terms of the spread, you might also have a solid idea of how many points will be scored in a certain game. If you’re in doubt, you can always take your chances with the general opinion and try out wagerline consensus betting.

For example, you might think that the Los Angeles Lakers can only cover a 4.5-point spread if they score a certain amount of points, and that will help you determine which way to bet on the total. Equally, if you are not looking to create a parlay, you can at least double up on the over/under or moneyline to increase the amount of money that you are set to win.

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Internationally renowned author Henri Ojala has spent more than a decade mastering the ins and outs of the gambling industry, focusing on online poker, sports betting, and casino games. With over 10 years of experience in the gambling industry, Henri shares his extensive knowledge of strategies, odds, and risk management, earning him recognition as an authority in the online casino field.