An over and under bet is a wager on whether a specific line set by sportsbooks will be exceeded (over) or not reached (under).
An over/under bet starts with bet365 setting a line for a game, fight, or event. The line is the predicted combined outcome (total points or rounds). As a bettor, you simply choose whether the game result will go over or under that number.
How to Read an Over and Under Odds
bet365 will have a set projected line for a game - this could be total points, goals, or rounds depending on the sport. As the bettor you predict whether the result will go over or under than number.
O = Over
U = Under
Over/Under Example
For example, the Philadelphia 76ers are playing the Knicks when placing an over/under bet, the bettor is not focused on which team they think would win. It is predicting whether or not the teams will score above or below a combined total of 213 points during that game.
Teams | Total |
PHI 76ers | O 213.5 |
NY Knicks | U 213.5 |
How to Place an Over and Under bet on bet365
Navigate to the sport or league page on bet365, and select the matchup that you want to place an over/under bet on.
Choose whether you believe the combined points will be over or under the line set by bet365.
Enter the amount of money that you want to wager on the outcome. bet365 will automatically calculate the payout, and show it to you before the bet is placed.
Confirm your bet, but make sure to review your selection before submitting.
Hit 'Place Bet', and enjoy the game!
When do you Know if Your Over/Under Bet Wins or Loses?
In most cases, bettors have to wait until the entire game is finished to officially know if your over/under bet has won, since the final combined total is what decides the outcome.
Even if the score is trending one way, late points, goals, or finishes can still swing the final result. Although, there are situations where the outcome becomes clear before the end.
For example, if you bet the over and the total has already gone past the line, your bet is a winner. The same applies to an under if it becomes impossible for the total to reach the number by the end of the game.
Pros and Cons of Over and Under bets
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Over and Under Betting Strategy
While over/under betting is easy to understand it still brings fundamental gambling risks.
Know the venue
Weather can have a major impact on totals, especially in outdoor sports like football or baseball. Wind, rain, and cold temperatures can disrupt passing games, reduce scoring opportunities and can make the under more appealing.
Stay updated on players
Factor in injuries, particularly from key playmakers that could significantly lower a teams score. Always evaluate not just who is out but how it changes the overall game matchup.
Look at historical trends
A strong offensive team is one of the biggest drivers of totals. Understand teams average points and look into their historic outcomes before placing bets.
Make sure before placing a bet you do your research and understand the game, matchup, or event before placing your bet.
Over and Under vs. Other Bet Types
Over/Under betting is simple compared to other bet types because it is easily determined at the end of the game.
It is similar to a point spread bet that is the gap between two teams, while the over under reflects the combined score.
For example, the Knicks are a 10-point favorites, meaning they are predicting the Knicks to win by a 10 point difference. Regardless of the total number of points scored.
Terms Glossary for Over and Unders
Favorite: A favorite is the team or individual deemed most likely to win a game.
Underdog: An underdog is the team or individual that is expected to lost a game.
Over: If the combined score is higher than the line.
Under: If the combined score is less than the line.
Total: Is the combined number of points, runs, or goals, scored by both teams in a game.
Always Gamble Responsibly with Over/Under Bets
For more on responsible gambling, bet365 has a dedicated resource page that can be found at https://responsiblegaming.nj.bet365.com/us.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER
(AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MI/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) OR 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Over and Under Betting FAQs
Take a look at common questions and answers about over and under betting.
1. What does "over" mean?
It means you are betting that the combined total will be higher than the set line.
2. What does "under" mean?
You are betting that the combined total will be lower than the set line.
3. What does 0.5 mean in over/unders?
Bettors will not typically see totals set as an exact number. It means one side or the other will be correct because you cannot score a half of a point in game.
4. What does "the line" mean?
The line is the number the sportsbook sets.
5. What happens if the total points are exactly the same as the over/under?
If totals are not set to half-points there's a possibility the exact line is hit. If that happens, neither over or under bettors were correct. It is called a "push" which means bettors get their stake back.
