When it comes to betting on sports, the Over/Under is one of the most popular wagering options. Often referred to as “totals” by betting professionals, this bet predicts a certain statistic in a game or event and wagers whether the actual number will be higher or lower than that number. This could include anything from the total number of points scored in a contest to how many hits a batter will have in a baseball game.
When you make a bet on Over/Under, you’re wagering that the combined score of a game will be greater than or less than a specified number set by the sportsbook. This bet is different from a point spread or moneyline bet, as it doesn’t have the same bias towards either team winning. This makes it a great choice when you have no idea which team will win and are looking for a wager with a high profit margin.
As with all bets, there are pros and cons to placing a bet on Over/Under. To make the most money, bettors should study both teams and analyze their individual strengths and weaknesses. They should also take into account things like weather conditions, venue size and the team’s recent history in a particular sport or competition.
If the total for a game lands on exactly the number that was posted, it’s a push and your bet is refunded. In some sports, such as basketball and football, this is common, but in others, it may not occur. For example, a game between Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow might have a high over/under because both teams are known for having explosive offenses. However, if the defenses are able to hold the opposing team’s scoring down, the over/under might be low.