What is a total in sports betting?

Total bets, also known as over/under bets, are among the most popular types of bets in sports betting. They are available for most sports, including football, basketball, hockey, tennis, and others. In this article, we'll take a closer look at total bets and how to use them to make a profit.

What are over and under totals?

A bet on an over or under total is based on how many points (goals, baskets, games, etc.) will be scored in a match. Bookmakers set a specific total line that bettors can choose for their bets. In this case, bettors can bet on more (over) or fewer (under) points being scored in the match than the specified total line.

For example, imagine a bookmaker sets a total line of 2.5 goals in a football match. If you bet on an over total, you will win if three or more goals are scored in the match. If you bet on an under total, you'll win if two or fewer goals are scored in the match.

How to use total betting?

Bets on over and under totals can be very profitable if used correctly. One way to do this is to analyze match history and team statistics. For example, if a team typically scores a lot of goals, it's probably better to bet on an over total. If a team is known for its defensive play, betting on an under total may be more profitable.

Furthermore, total betting can be a good way to make money when playing live. For example, if few goals were scored in the first half, the bookmaker may lower the total line for the second half, giving bettors more opportunities to profit.

Advantages and risks of total betting?

One of the main advantages of total betting is its simplicity and accessibility. Even sports betting novices can easily understand this type of betting and begin placing their first bets.

Typically, in over/under bets, a bookmaker offers a prediction for the total number of goals/points/games scored by teams in a match. The bettor must determine whether this number will be higher or lower than the bookmaker's stated total.

For example, if a bookmaker offers a total of 2.5 goals for a Barcelona vs. Real Madrid football match, the bettor can bet on the over 2.5 goals total if they expect three or more goals to be scored, or on the under 2.5 goals total if they believe two or fewer goals will be scored.

Bets on totals can also be placed on other sports, such as basketball, handball, tennis, hockey, and so on. As with football, bookmakers in these sports offer totals for the number of points/games/goals scored by teams in the match.

Totals bets can be placed both before and during a match. During a match, the bookmaker may change the totals based on how the game is developing and what results have already been achieved.

It's important to note that when betting on over/under totals, the outcome of the game is irrelevant. To win a bet on an over total, the total number of goals/points/games in the match must be greater than the bookmaker's stated total. If a bettor places an under total, they win if the total number of goals/points/games in the match is less than the bookmaker's stated total.

As with any type of sports betting, betting on totals also requires analyzing and studying team statistics, as well as other factors that may influence the outcome of the match. For example, player form, team composition, injuries, and the remaining season totals can all impact the outcome of the match and the total.

One way to improve your chances of a successful bet on totals is to study the statistics of the teams' previous matches. Sometimes teams have certain tendencies that can help predict match outcomes. For example, a team may tend to play attacking football, which can lead to more goals in matches, or they may tend to play defensively and settle for narrow victories.

Home advantage should also be considered. A team playing at its home stadium may have an advantage over its opponent, which can impact the number of goals scored and conceded.

Another important factor to consider when betting on totals is team composition. Injuries or absences of key players can significantly impact the outcome of a match and the number of goals scored.

Finally, the form of the players and the team as a whole should also be considered. A team in excellent form may have a better chance of winning and scoring more goals than a team in poor form.