The Complete Guide for Totals/Over-Under
Totals betting is the most popular market in sports betting. We go over popular over/under betting markets and the factors that affect these totals.
What is Over/Under Betting?
Totals, or over/under betting, is arguably the most popular sports betting market. Unlike traditional sports betting markets, which have three outcomes, totals betting is binary. In over/under betting, you are staking whether an outcome will occur or not during regulation time. Bookmakers will set a number based on the outcome, and you will need to bet whether there will be more or fewer of that outcome.
Over Bets Explained
In overs betting, each betting site will set a number on a specific outcome. For overs betting, you must stake if there will be more than that number in the match. An example is betting on more than 2.5 goals in the Soweto Derby.
Common Over/Under Betting Lines
The betting line offered by bookmakers depends on the teams’ form, weather and the sport being played. Common betting lines for popular sports include 2.5 goals for Football, 5.5 tries for Rugby, 45 points for the NFL, and 12.5 sixes for Cricket. The most popular over/under betting market is football, which offers markets for goals, bookings, offsides, fouls and shots.
How Over/Under Odds Work
Over/under odds work the same as traditional match betting odds. If a betting site sets Over 2.5 goals in the Soweto Derby at 2.30, this means that a R100 bet will return R230 (R130 profit). These bets can also be taken in accumulators, and the odds will be multiplied together.
How to Place an Over/Under Bet
Browse your bookie’s sportsbook and click the match you want to stake on. Click on the totals subheading and select your markets. After making your selections, open your betslip. Enter your stake, review your final odds and click submit to place your bet.
Different Types of Totals Markets
Totals betting is popular in Mzansi, and it is no surprise that there are a multitude of markets available to punters.
Full-Time Goals
Bets made on the total number of goals at the end of regulation time. Popular betting lines include 1.5, 2.5, or 3.5 goals.
First-Half Totals
Stakes on the final number of goals at the end of the first half. Popular betting lines include 0.5 and 1.5 goals.
Team Totals
The total number of goals a team will score. Bookies will either offer single lines (1.5 or 3.5 goals) or a spread (1, 2, 3 goals). Popular markets also include betting on whether the match will end with an odd or even number of goals.
Player Totals
The total number of goals a single player will score. Some betting sites also feature special bets on multiple players.
Corners Totals
The number of corners in a match, either for a specific team or the total match. Popular markets include half corners (first or second) and full match corners.
Cards Totals
Wagers on the number of cards that will be shown during a match. These can include the full game or a specific half. Team total cards is another popular market in football total betting.
Over/Under Betting in Different Sports
As already mentioned, over/under betting is a massively popular betting market offered by many betting sites across their sportsbook. Depending on the sport, punters can wager on the number of tries, sixes, runs, points, rebounds, yards, receptions, games, winning margin, and much more.
Factors That Can Influence Totals Betting
Like any sports bet, there are multiple factors that play a role in deciding the outcome of the wager. Common factors in the over/under market include:
- The form of the team or player in their last ten outings.
- The record against the opposition and past performances.
- The fixture – is it a dead rubber or a must-win match?
- The possible lineups of each team and any possible injuries.
- The weather before and during the match.
- The official – are they known for booking players or letting the match flow?
Summary
Totals betting is a popular market offered in Mzansi and around the world. Unlike traditional sports betting, punters bet on two-way markets and on specific players or teams. Over/under betting offers a unique perspective on sports betting, which has led to its popularity with the average punter.
Totals/Over-Under FAQs
Despite the global craze of over/under betting, there are still many questions asked by punters, including:
Q: What does Over 2.5 mean in betting?
A: Over 2.5 means that there will be more than 2.5 of an outcome (goals, cards, corners, etc.) either in the game or for a team/player.
Q: What does Under 2.5 mean in betting?
A: Under 2.5 means that a match or team/player will have fewer than 2.5 of an outcome (goals, cards, corners, etc.).
Q: What happens if the total lands exactly on the betting line?
A: If a total lands exactly on a betting line, the bet is settled as a push and is voided.
Q: Is Over/Under betting only used for football?
A: No, most sports offer an over/under betting market. Popular sports include Rugby, Cricket, the NFL, NBA and Tennis.
Writer/Betting Tipster
I have been in the iGaming industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including South Africa. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Cricket and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!
