An “over/under” bet, also known as a totals bet, is a popular type of wager in sports betting. This type of bet does not focus on the outcome of the game in terms of which team will win or lose (like a moneyline bet), but rather on the total number of points, goals, or runs scored by both teams combined in a game.
When you place an over/under bet, you are betting on whether the total score of the game will be over or under a specified number set by the sportsbook’s oddsmakers. This number is called the “total” or “line.”
For example, let’s say you’re looking at a basketball game between Team A and Team B. The sportsbook might set the over/under line at 210 points. Here’s how the bet would work:
– **Over**: If you bet the over, you are predicting that the total score of both teams combined will be more than 210 points. If the final score is Team A 115, Team B 100 (total of 215 points), you win the bet.
– **Under**: If you bet the under, you are predicting that the total score will be less than 210 points. If the final score is Team A 105, Team B 95 (total of 200 points), you win the bet.
If the total score ends up exactly on the line (in this case, 210 points), this is typically considered a “push,” and you get your money back, as it’s neither over nor under.
Oddsmakers set the over/under line by considering various factors such as the strength of the teams, the players’ statistics, the venue, weather conditions, and historical data to try to create a balanced betting market.