What are Totals (Over/Under)?

A total is the combination of scores for both teams in an event. Rather than betting on which team will win the event, you’re betting on whether the game will go over (O) or under (U) the listed amount— this type of line is also known as an Over/Under.

Click here for further information about betting totals in the NFL. Let’s look at an example using the matchup below:

The total for the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks is listed at 237.

If the Lakers end up winning 125-115, the final combined score is 240. If you bet over, you win.

If the Lakers only won 125-112, the combined score equals the total listed—the wager will be graded a ‘Push’ and your money will be refunded.

Again, the juice or price attached to the total determines how much you stand to win.

Baseball Over/Under Rules

In baseball, both listed pitchers must start the game and a game must go 9 innings (or 8.5 innings if the home team is winning) for over/under bets to have action.

Hockey Over/Under Rules

For hockey games that require a shootout, only one goal is awarded to the winning team when determining the final score, regardless of how many goals are scored during the shootout round.