Behind the moneyline, the totals bet is the most popular type in sports betting. Many consider it the most straightforward bet, even more than the moneyline, because it involves both teams. If you’re new to sports betting or want to brush up on your basics, this guide is for you. Let’s review the totals bet, how it works, and how to place it.
What is the total bet?
The totals bet is a wager on the number of points or goals scored in a game. Also called the over/under, it attempts to guess the threshold of the complete performance in a match. When placing a totals bet on a platform like Betway, you are betting on whether the two teams in a game will score more or less than the total points the sportsbook has predicted.
Sportsbooks in the US often indicate this bet as “totals” or with the abbreviation “O-U” for over/under. Pundits and experts consider it ideal for beginners because it is intuitive. You only need to predict whether the final score will be more or less than the set amount.
How does the totals bet work?
A sportsbook like Betway sets a totals bet by predicting a threshold for a game’s final scores. Say, 45 for teams A and B. As a bettor, you decide whether teams A and B will have scored cumulatively more or less than 45 at the end of the match.
Let’s try a real-life example. Say Betway has the total for a Chelsea vs. Everton game as 5. If the game ends like this:
Chelsea 4 -Everton 2,
The total score is 6, which means the ‘totals over’ or “TO” bet wins. If the game ends like this, however:
Chelsea 1 – Everton 1,
the total score is 2, which means the ‘totals under’ or “TU” bet wins.
It doesn’t matter which team scores the most goals. It’s about whether a Chelsea vs. Everton match can produce more or less than five goals.
What if the points are equal to the total?
Sometimes, the total points in a game equal the number the sportsbook predicted. From our example, this would be the outcome is:
Chelsea 3 – Everton 2
Because the total score is 5, there cannot be an over or under bet. This is called a push. When this happens, the sportsbook usually refunds all the bets.
Does the totals bet apply to other sports?
Yes. The totals bet applies to most sports with a scoring system and more than one opponent. In American football, the numbers look different because of how the game is scored. You may see 45, 69, or even 56.8. Basketball totals are even bigger, with numbers like 112, 135, and so on.
Where can you place a totals bet?
You can place a totals bet on any sportsbook that offers it, which is most of them. However, because every oddsmaker has an edge or vig in every bet, it’s best to limit your totals bets to reputable sites. Top sites like Betway offer friendlier odds and are safer and more reliable.
They also often provide you with stats of past games and current playing conditions so you can make a more informed over/under bet. So now that you know how to do it, sign up to a reputable sportsbook and place your totals bet today.
