Over/Under Bets (Totals) - Sports Betting Guide
Over/Under bets, also known as "totals" or "O/U" bets, are a type of sports betting that does not focus on the outcome of a game or match but instead centers on the total combined score of both teams or players involved. The goal of an Over/Under bet is to predict whether the total score will be higher or lower than a specified number set by oddsmakers.
What are Over/Under Bets?
Oddsmakers set a predicted total score for the game, which represents the combined score of both teams or players.
Bettors then have the option to wager on whether the actual total score will be over or under the set line.
How to place an Over/Under Bet
If you believe the total score of the game will be higher than the set line, you would place an "Over" bet.
If you think the total score will be lower than the set line, you would place an "Under" bet.
Calculating the Outcome
After the game or event concludes, the total score is determined by adding the points or goals scored by both teams or players.
If the actual total score is higher than the set line, "Over" bets win.
If the actual total score is lower than the set line, "Under" bets win.
In the event that the total score lands exactly on the set line, it's called a "push," and all bets are refunded.
Examples of Over/Under Betting
Let's say there's a basketball game between Team X and Team Y, and the oddsmakers set the Over/Under line at 210 points.
If you bet the Over:
The combined score of both teams must be 211 points or more for your bet to be successful.
If you bet the Under:
The combined score of both teams must be 209 points or less for your bet to win.
Outcome:
If the final score is Team X 110, Team Y 102 (total: 212 points), "Over" bets win.
If the final score is Team X 100, Team Y 105 (total: 205 points), "Under" bets win.
If the final score is Team X 105, Team Y 105 (total: 210 points), it's a "push," and all bets are refunded.
Over/Under bets provide an interesting way to engage with a game or event without necessarily picking a side to win. They are especially popular in sports like basketball, football, and soccer, where high-scoring games are common. Understanding the tendencies and styles of the teams or players involved can be helpful when making Over/Under predictions.
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