What Is Over/Under Betting?

Totals betting is a popular form of sports betting that concerns the total number of points, goals, or runs that will be scored in a game. In Kentucky, sports betting is legal and regulated, and many online sportsbooks offer totals betting on a wide range of sports. Whether you’re a fan of basketball, football, baseball, or any other major sport, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to bet on totals (a.k.a. over/unders) at online sportsbooks in Kentucky.

It’s important to do your research and choose a reputable sportsbook with competitive odds and a wide range of betting options. Look for sportsbooks that are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and offer secure, convenient payment options. With the right sportsbook, you can enjoy a safe and exciting sports betting experience while betting on totals in Kentucky.

Learn more about this wager type in our guide to over/under betting.

What is an over/under bet?

An over/under bet means you’re wagering on whether the total number of points, runs, or goals scored in a game will be over or under a specific number set by the sportsbook. This specific number is referred to as the “total” or “over/under” line.

For example, let’s say that the total line for an NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors is set at 215 points. A bettor can place an over/under bet on whether the total number of points scored in the game will be over or under 215 points.

If the final score of the game is 120-110 in favor of the Lakers (the winner doesn’t matter, though), for a total of 230 points, then a bettor who placed an “over” bet would win, while a bettor who placed an “under” bet would lose. Conversely, if the final score was 105-98 in favor of the Lakers, for a total of 203 points, then a bettor who placed an “under” bet would win, while a bettor who placed an “over” bet would lose.

Over/under bets are popular in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, among others.

How do over/under odds work?

Over/under odds determine the potential payout a bettor will receive on totals bets. Sportsbooks typically set totals odds in the range of -110 to -120. Those figures represent the amount a bettor must wager to win $100 or the equivalent in their currency.

For example, let’s say that the total for an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers is set at 48 points. The sportsbook may set the odds at -110 for both the over and under, meaning that a bettor must wager $110 to win $100 on either side of the bet.

If a bettor places a $110 wager on the over, and the total points scored in the game are 55, the bettor would win their bet and receive a payout of $100 in addition to their original wager back. However, if the total points scored are 41, the bettor would lose their wager and the sportsbook would keep their $110 bet.

Over/under odds can vary depending on factors like the teams involved, the venue, and any recent injuries or changes to the lineup. Bettors can use their knowledge of the sport and careful analysis of these factors to make informed decisions when placing over/under bets.

Do totals lines move or change?

Yes, totals lines can shift leading up to game time. The sportsbook will initially set the total for a game based on factors like recent performances, weather, and player availability.

However, the line may move as more information becomes available and more bets are placed on one side of the over/under bet. If a large number of bettors are placing bets on the over, for example, the sportsbook may adjust the total line upward to encourage more bets on the under.

The movement of a total line is typically an indication of how the betting public is leaning. That can provide valuable information for bettors who are trying to make informed decisions. Of course, the same factors that helped determine the pregame line (weather, injuries, performance trends) can cause a total line to shift before a game if news breaks.

It’s important for bettors to stay up-to-date on any changes to a total leading up to the start of the game and to adjust their bets accordingly. With careful research and analysis, bettors can make informed decisions when placing over/under bets and increase their chances of success.

Sports bettors can also optimize their potential gains by taking advantage of the latest odds boosts and Kentucky sportsbook promo offers available through our dedicated pages.

Why are there decimal points in totals bets?

Kentucky sportsbooks use decimals in over/under sports betting to provide more precise odds and avoid a “push” situation. A “push” occurs when a game ends on a total that matches the over/under line. In this case, bets are returned. Of course, sportsbooks want to avoid this. That’s where the decimals come in, making pushes impossible.

For instance, a Kentucky sportsbook may set the total for a college football game between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals at 54.5 points. Using decimal points in the total line ensures that a “push” won’t occur, as no half-point scores can be achieved in football.

Half-points also allow sportsbooks to offer more accurate odds to bettors. Bettors should read each sportsbook’s terms and conditions to understand any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

What sports use totals betting?

Betting the over/under is a popular form of gambling across many sports. The most popular sports that use totals betting include:

• Football (NFL and college)
• Basketball (NBA and college)
• Baseball (MLB)
• Hockey (NHL)
• Soccer (MLS, Premier League, La Liga, etc.)
• Tennis (ATP and WTA)
• Golf (PGA Tour and European Tour)
• Boxing and MMA

In each of these sports, bettors can place over/under bets on the total number of points, goals, runs or rounds that will be scored or played. Totals betting is a popular way for bettors to engage with their favorite sports and can add an extra level of excitement to the game.

Example of totals bets by sport

In Kentucky, legal and regulated sportsbooks offer over/under betting on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, MMA, tennis, and golf.

For example, in football betting, FanDuel Sportsbook KY may set a total for an NFL game between the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons at O/U 45.5 (-110). Bettors can wager on whether they believe the actual total number of points scored in the game will be over or under 45.5. The -110 odds indicate that a bettor must wager $110 to win $100 on either side of the bet.

Similarly, in basketball betting, DraftKings KY Sportsbook may set a total for an NBA game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat at O/U 210.5 (-110). Bettors can wager on whether they believe the actual total number of points scored in the game will be over or under 210.5. Again, the odds are the same on both outcomes.

In tennis betting, a betting platform like Bet365 Kentucky Sportsbook may set a total for a match between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal at O/U 22.5 (-110). Bettors can wager on whether they believe the total number of games in the match will be over or under 22.5.

Regardless of the sport, the half-point ensures that there will be no pushes, and the very common -110 odds provide bettors with equal payout potential on both sides.