Have you ever wondered what happens when you bet on a game, but the outcome is uncertain?
For instance, if you wager on a football game and the outcome is in the balance as the game continues. Or if you bet on a tennis match and the score is still tight at the end of the 4th set.
The principle of “under/over” applies no matter what sport you watch on TV. So even if you don’t normally bet on football, you may decide to give it a try based on how things are shaking out.
Understanding Under/Over
When you hear the terms ‘under/over’ used in relation to sports bets, what do you think of?
For those unfamiliar, under/over applies when there is more than one outcome that could happen based on the play of the game. In the example above, there are two outcomes: the Patriots win the game or the Jets win the game. Based on how the lines moved at the time of the bet, you may be inclined to think the Patriots will cover the spread. However, if you look at the odds of each outcome, you’ll see the Patriots are actually favored to win.
In case you were wondering, under/over can also apply when there is a tie. For instance, if the game is tied at the end of regulation and there is no overtime, then the outcome is in the balance. In that case, you’d see the lines move in tandem until one outcome or the other is decided.
The Advantages Of Using Under/Over
There are several advantages to using under/over when betting on sports.
To start, it can be very helpful when laying down odds. Say you are analyzing a game and you see it is close at the end but you aren’t sure which team will win. Using under/over can help you figure out how much you should really be assuming about that particular game. Or maybe you think one team will cover the spread better than the other and you want to find out how much you should be betting on them.
Another advantage of using under/over is that you may get additional lines, which could help you get a better idea of what is going on. For example, if a certain team is dominating the game but the spread doesn’t seem to be moving in their favor, it may be a good idea to check out the under/over lines just to see if an upset is possible.
What To Watch
So you’re thinking about trying your hand at sports betting, but you aren’t sure what to watch out for?
If there is one thing you should be wary of, it’s manipulation. You can’t trust line-makers to be giving you the unbiased truth about which team is going to win. Sometimes they’ll make things up to get people to bet on their side. So be careful and do your research, even if it means taking your eyes off of the game for a while until everything is settled.
There are a few things you may need to keep in mind if you decide to try your hand at sports betting. First, make sure you are aware of the state regulations regarding sports betting in your area. Some places, like Nevada, fully legalize gambling and sports betting, while other states, like New York, treat it as a form of illegal gambling. You don’t want to get in trouble because you aren’t aware of the laws pertaining to online gambling in your area.
Where To Bet
Now that you’re thinking about trying your hand at sports betting, where should you do it?
If you live in a state where sports betting is legal, you may want to consider going to a sportsbook, which is basically a casino with the sports betting attached. These places are regulated by the government and have to follow strict guidelines, so you know what kind of odds they’ll give you. Plus, you get the convenience of being able to wager online from the safety and comfort of your home.
However, if you live in a state where sports betting is illegal, you may want to consider going to a non-regulated bookmaker. These places may not have the same ethics regulations as a sportsbook, so you might not get the quality of odds you’re looking for. Still, it’s often better to go to a place you know nothing about than to a place you’re told is bad, which is why many people prefer to go this route.
Another option is to watch games on TV at a bar or restaurant. Bars and restaurants that show sports tend to have better odds than those that don’t, so you may get the best of both worlds. Plus, you can place your wager during the game, if you’re lucky enough to catch it on TV.
Hopefully, this article has given you enough information to make a smart decision about whether or not to try your hand at sports betting. To be safe, make sure you do your research and pick a place and state you are familiar with.