There is more than one kind of wagering option when it comes to sports betting. One of the more popular alternatives is the over/under betting. What is over/under betting and how does it work? Let’s find out.
What is Over/Under Betting?
Over/under betting is one of the most popular sports betting alternatives because it provides excellent value. Instead of placing a single wager on the outcome of a sporting event, you can make a wager on the total number of goals that will be scored in the game. The total number of goals scored is referred to as the over/under, and the amount of wagering on this market is highly liquid. The term “over/under” can be a little confusing, so let’s look at some examples to get a better idea of what these kinds of wagers are and how they work. For the purposes of this example, let’s say you’ve placed a $10 wager on the underdogs, the San Francisco 49ers. As the game begins, the 49ers score a touchdown. Your initial $10 wager is now worth $20.
Keep in mind: this is an example and not actual odds. The point of the example is to illustrate how over/under betting works. In reality, you would have different odds depending on various factors, such as the sport, how famous the teams are, and so on. Still, the general idea behind over/under betting remains the same. You are simply placing a wager on the total number of points that will be scored in the game. In this example, since the underdogs won, you would’ve made a $10 profit.
Odds Versus O/U
Since the odds and the over/under are equivalent in value, you can use either term to describe a wager on the total number of points scored in a game. However, keep in mind that the odds are also usually taken into account when discussing wagers on sports. For instance, saying that a wager on the total number of points scored is an “underdog” bet is akin to saying that the bet is “against” the spread, which is a widely used term in the sports betting world. To keep things simple, many people in the sports betting community use the over/under term to reference wagers on the total number of points scored in a game.
How Do I Place An Under/Over Wager On A Game?
In order to place an under/over wager on a game, you need to have access to the betting window of your online sportsbook. When you access the betting window of your sportsbook, you will see numerous options, several of which relate to wagering on sports. You can click on the “O/U” tab, for example, and make wagers on the total number of points scored in the game. The amount you are wagering on this market is usually determined by how much you want to risk. Placing a $10 wager on the San Francisco 49ers means that you are risking $10 on the game. This is also known as a “unit” wager.
There is something else you need to keep in mind when placing an under/over wager. Since the total number of points scored is typically the sum of the scores of the individual teams, your wager should ideally be on a team that is poised to score a lot of points. For example, if you are betting on the San Francisco 49ers, you might want to avoid betting on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since they have a history of scoring a lot of points.
The Pros And Cons Of Over/Under Betting
The advantage of making an under/over wager is that it is very easy to keep track of. You know exactly how much you stand to win or lose based on how the game turns out. The disadvantage, of course, is that you have to wait until the end of the game to find out whether or not you won or lost. Another disadvantage is that you are usually competing against the spread, so you are not getting the full odds on your favor. As a general rule of thumb, if you plan on placing a lot of under/over wagers, you might want to consider using a sportsbook that offers additional benefits, such as online play or a mobile app. The main benefit of using a mobile app is that you can place your bet on the go. Even if you are at the game, you can still use your phone to place wagers.
Which Sports Are Suitable For Over/Under Betting?
Any sport where scoring is common is suitable for over/under betting. A few examples include American football, baseball, and basketball. If you are going to place a lot of wagers on the total number of points scored in a game, you might want to limit your search to online sportsbooks that offer extensive coverage of those sports.
Where Can I Place An Under/Over Wager?
You can place an under/over wager at just about any online sportsbook that offers that type of wagering market. The only exception is at online sportsbooks that only offer non-sportsbook accounts, since those accounts cannot be used for wagering. Still, even on those sites you can find the “O/U” tab or search for the “total goals” market, where you can place your under/over wagers. Some notable examples of online sportsbooks that offer the under/over wagering option are Betonline, 5Dimes, and DraftKings.
In-Game Betting
If you’ve ever been to a live sports game, you know how distracting it can be to place a wager during the game. Luckily, online sportsbooks allow for in-game wagering, so you don’t have to be distracted by other events happening on the field. In addition to the ease of making in-game wagers, they offer the advantage of being able to place wagers during games that are televised internationally. This is especially beneficial for international sports fans who want to follow the game but don’t have the time to follow all the sports channels available in their country.
Final Takeaway
Like any other type of betting, there are both advantages and disadvantages to placing a wager on the total number of points scored in a game. The major advantage is that it’s very easy to keep track of, especially if you are placing several wagers on the subject. The disadvantage is that you have to wait until the end of the game to find out if you won or lost, as well as that you usually end up competing against the spread, which means you are not getting the full odds in your favor. Still, in-game wagering provides an excellent opportunity for sport fans who want to follow their favorite teams and players but don’t have the time to devote to watching every game on TV.