Over/under betting, also known as totals, remains one of the most popular and time-tested wager types in sports betting—right alongside spreads and moneylines. It’s widely available across nearly every sport, making it a go-to option for bettors year-round.
What makes over under betting unique is that it focuses on the total score of a game rather than which team wins or loses. This appeals to bettors who prefer to watch the action without rooting for either side—simply tracking how many points, goals, or runs are scored.
In this updated 2025 over/under betting how-to guide, we’ll break down exactly how totals work, how odds are calculated, and where bettors can find the best value across different sports. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to use this classic market to your advantage.
A common question among bettors is how does over/under betting work? In simple terms, an over/under bet lets you predict whether the total combined score of a game, event, or race will go above or below a specific number set by the sportsbook.
For example, in a 2025-26 NHL matchup, the line might be set at 5.5 goals. If you bet the over, you’re predicting that both teams will score a combined total of six or more goals. If the game ends 4–3, your bet wins.
The vast majority of top-tier online providers set totals using half points (like 5.5) to avoid ties between the bettor and the house. When the final score lands exactly on the listed total, it’s called a “push,” and your wager is refunded—no win, no loss.
While totals typically focus on points, goals, or runs, many sportsbooks also offer over/under markets on other stats such as player performances. In the NFL, for instance, you can bet the over/under on passing yards, touchdowns, or receptions for individual players.
To better understand how over/under betting works, let’s look at an NBA example.
Most totals bets are priced at -110 on either side, meaning you need to wager $110 to win $100. This built-in margin is known as the “vig” or “juice,” and it represents the sportsbook’s commission.
Imagine a game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks with the total set at 225.5 points:
If the final score is 118–112 (a combined total of 230 points), the over bet wins. A $100 wager on the over would return $90.91 in profit, plus the original stake. If you had taken the under, your bet would lose since the total went over the line.
For any online bettor, understanding all available markets is key to spotting profitable opportunities. Often, success in betting isn’t just about picking the right team, player, or game—it’s about identifying value in the odds themselves. In 2025, over/under betting represents one of the most important and popular betting markets. You can read all about the other popular betting markets in our betting guides.
Here’s how over/under might be applied in different sports:
As with most over/under betting, football totals focus on the combined number of points scored in a game. In both the NFL and NCAAF, average totals typically fall in the mid-40s, although factors such as weather, team form, and offensive style can all influence the scoring rate.
During the postseason—and especially for major events like the 2026 Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium—bettors can go far beyond the standard game total. Sportsbooks offer a wide range of individual over/under markets, including touchdowns, field goals, passing yards, receptions, sacks, and more.
Hockey is straightforward, with the hockey lines usually set between 6-7 (normally 6.5). Bettors must make an exception for certain matchups but generally, this is the average accumulated score.
Be aware, that although we’ve given examples of the over under odds set at -110, this isn’t always the case and occasionally the over and under odds can vary.
Soccer may not rank among the most popular betting markets in the United States, but it’s a global favorite—and totals betting plays a major role. Lines are typically set around 2.5 goals, reflecting the sport’s lower scoring averages compared to American leagues.
For example, in a hypothetical 2025–26 Champions League matchup between Arsenal and PSG, a sportsbook might post the following odds:
High-profile fixtures like this often feature attacking teams and open play, leading to higher-scoring outcomes. In these cases, taking the over can be an appealing option, especially when both sides are known for their offensive strength.
