How Over/Under Betting Works

The over/under bet along with the spread and moneyline, is one of three basic wagers you can make. It is a single bet based on picking between one of two outcomes in one game. Over/under bets, like the other two, are certainly winnable. Let’s examine the over/under a bit.

The Essence of the Over/Under

The idea for the over/under is simple. It’s a sports bet based on what you think the point total will be for a specific game. The betting slip will list a number, usually accompanied by a fraction or decimal, and you decide if the point total for that game will be over or under the number posted.

Here’s an over/under for the NFL.

Dallas Cowboys

-110    44.5 O/U

New York Giants

If the point totals for the two teams are 45 or more, then the over side of the wager wins and if they are 44 or less, then the under is the winner. The reason the number is not 44 or 45 is that sportsbooks prefer to not have a push (a tie). That’s because if there is a tie all bets are off and all money is returned.

Often going with the over or the under costs the same. For every $11 you bet, you can win $10 with the vig going to the sportsbook. As it is with spread bets, the over/under pays a tad less than 1:1. In some games, you will see the over listed with one moneyline and the under with a different one. This is unusual but it does occur.

What to Take into Consideration

The over/unders published by sportsbooks are based on a lot of analysis. Handicappers break down team offenses, defenses and how clubs matchup. You’ll notice if you compare the different over/unders at various sportsbooks that the numbers are usually very similar.

The handicapper is trying to get as close as he/she can to the actual point total. They want to make it extremely difficult for bettors to pick the correct side of the wager. You have to do your homework very carefully to get the over/under right.

College Versus Pros

When you look at the over/unders for the NFL and then to college football you’ll notice they are quite different. More often than not, the NCAA football games are listed with high point totals, while professional games tend to be lower.

Often NCAA football games feature teams that are mismatched and one club will run up the score. Scores often escalate in college football in order for a team to show its superiority and gain a higher national ranking. In the NFL, it tends to be tougher to drive up point totals because teams are more evenly matched and also it doesn’t matter how much a team wins by because a win in the pros is simply a win whether it’s by one or 30 points.

Should You Play the Over/Under?

If you do your homework and can make a reasonable determination on a given game, the answer is yes. You’ll find over/under opportunities in every sport where teams can score an unlimited amount of points. Don’t feel compelled to bet on every opportunity. Pick and choose the games that seem to offer the clearest choice.