Totals and Team Totals Betting Explained
Do you want to place a bet but aren’t sure who will win or by how much? The totals line could be the answer.
Let’s take a closer look at this option.
What are Totals Bets?
A totals bet line is also known as an “Over/Under”, as those are the options it gives you. It’s often used to reference the score throughout a particular match, in which case you’re betting that there will be more or less than the points/goals shown.
Example of a Bet on the Total
In a game of football, the main totals like may look something like this:
- Over 45.5 Points
- Under 45.5 Points
If so, there is no in-between, and as there are no half points in football, there will always be a winner and a loser.
If there are 45 points, the Under wins and the Over loses. If there are 46, the opposite is true.
Some sportsbooks don’t use decimals, which means they will be listed as “Over/Under 45”. In such cases, the bet will push if there are a total of 45 points exactly.
What Does a Bet on the Over in Betting Mean?
An Over bet means you are wagering on there being more than the stated amount. In the above example, a win occurs when there are 46 or more points.
What Does an Under in Betting Mean?
An Under means you’re wagering on there being fewer points/goals than the amount displayed on the betting line.
What Does a Total Bases Bet in Baseball Mean?
The total bases bet refers to the total number of bases gained by a batter. If they hit a triple, for instance, it means they have scored 3 bases.
What is a Team Total Bet?
A team total bet is similar to the overall total bet, but it only applies to a single team. For example, it might state “Team A Over 22.5 Points”, in which case you need Team A to score 23 or more points to win.
How Do I Win an Over Bet?
You win when the score exceeds the amount shown on the betting line.
How Do I Lose an Over Bet?
You lose if the teams fail to exceed the total amount shown.
What’s the Difference Between a Total and a Team Total Bet?
A ‘Total’ bet refers to the overall game total. The ‘Team Total’ is a bet on the game total of a specific team. So make sure you pay attention to whether ‘Team’ is mentioned.
Is My Over Bet a Push if the Game Goes to Overtime?
It depends on the sportsbook’s rules. The bet will usually state whether it includes overtime or not. If so, it remains active. If not, it’s settled based on the pre-overtime score. Rarely do these bets push.
Is My Over Bet a Push if the Game Finishes Equal to my Total Bet?
If the betting line shows a number such as “45” instead of “45.5”, it will push if it finishes on that exact amount. Read our complete guide to voided, cancelled and refunded bets.
How to Place a Total Bet with FanDuel
Look for the “Total” market, usually listed as one of the three main bets. Choose “O” for over and “U” for under.
How to Place a Total Bet with DraftKings
Look for the totals line, click your chosen bet to add it to your slip, enter your wager, and then click “Place Bet” to lock it in.
How to Place a Total Bet with Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars typically uses half points, so there are no pushes. Choose the “O” or “U” to add the bet to your slip and then confirm.
How to Place a Total Bet with PointsBet
PointsBet totals are usually placed in the middle of the three main betting lines. They are displayed as half points with options listed as “Ov” and “Un”. Click the box with your preferred bet to add it to your slip, and then enter your wager. Confirm when you have double-checked the amount.
How to Place a Total Bet with BetRivers
Look for the “Total” section, click the bet you want to place, and then find it in your bet slip. Enter the wager amount and confirm when ready.
How to Place a Total Bet with BetMGM
Choose from the over or under by clicking the “O” or “U”. The bet will be added to your slip which will then appear. Check the bet, enter the amount, and then confirm.
