What is Over/Under Betting? How to Bet on Totals

Understanding Over/Under Betting in Australia

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is Over/Under betting? How to Bet on Totals Explained”, you’re not alone. This betting style is one of the simplest ways to get into sports wagering, and it’s especially popular in Australia across AFL, NRL, NBA, and cricket. In this guide, we’ll break it down, professionally and with examples that make it easy to understand.

What Is Over/Under (Totals) Betting?

Over/Under betting—or “Totals”—is a bet on whether a particular game statistic will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook. Most often, this number is the total combined score of two teams.

You’re not betting on who wins or loses—you’re betting on how much action will happen.

How Over/Under Betting Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. The Sportsbook Sets a Total

Let’s say for an NRL match, the total is set at 42.5 points.

2. You Decide Over or Under

• If you believe more than 42.5 points will be scored, bet the Over
• If you believe fewer points will be scored, bet the Under

3. The Result

• If the final score is 24–20 (44 points), the Over wins
• If it’s 22–18 (40 points), the Under wins
• If the total lands precisely on the line (e.g., 42), it’s called a Push, and your bet is refunded

Example Table: Over/Under Bet in Action

Types of Over/Under Bets

While total points is the most common, you can bet on other stats like:

• Total rushing yards (NFL)
• Goals scored (Soccer, AFL)
• Total home runs (Baseball)
• Total three-pointers (Basketball)

Why Totals Change Before a Game

Bookmakers want balanced action on both sides, so they adjust either:

• The line (e.g., from 42.5 to 43.5)
• The odds (e.g., from $1.91 to $2.00)

This helps them stay profitable regardless of the game’s outcome.

How Odds Work in Over/Under Betting

Typical odds in Australia are around $1.91, meaning:

• Bet AUD 110 to win AUD 100 (standard vig or commission)
• Payouts can vary depending on odds movement

Some totals may have adjusted juice:

• Over at $1.83, under at $2.00 if the over is more likely

Tips for Betting Totals

• Study the team pace and scoring trends
• Consider injuries and weather conditions
• Don’t follow the crowd unthinkingly—avoid the “herd mentality”
• Watch for “over bias”—many bet over just for excitement

Pros of Over/Under Betting

• Easy for beginners
• Not tied to team loyalty
• Makes low-stakes games exciting
• Flexible for many sports and markets

Cons

• Requires solid statistical knowledge
• Prone to psychological traps (e.g., loss aversion)

Explore More on Betting Basics

Want to dive deeper into betting types and strategies? Visit BookiesPedia’s Betting 101 Guide for expert tutorials and updates.

FAQs: What People Ask About Over/Under Betting