Curious about over/under betting? Let’s break it down in a way that’s as easy as tuning in for a hockey game or catching a CFL match!
What is an Over/Under Bet?
In Canada, over/under bets, often called “totals,” let you bet on whether the combined score of a game will go over or under a number set by the sportsbook. You’re not guessing the exact score — just whether you think the total points will be higher or lower than what’s predicted.
Think of it like this: If the Toronto Raptors are playing the Chicago Bulls, and the sportsbook sets the over/under at 210 points, you’d simply wager on whether you believe the total points scored by both teams will be over or under 210.
Say you think the game will be high-scoring. You’d bet the over, hoping for a combined score above 210. But if you think both teams’ defense will keep the points down, you’d go for the under.
Over/Under Betting in Action
Imagine the Raptors are up against the Milwaukee Bucks, and the over/under is set at 215 points. If the total score between the two teams is 216 or more, then anyone betting “over” would win. If the score stays at 215 or below, the “under” bettors celebrate.
In the CFL, you might find an over/under set at, say, 50.5 for a game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. If they collectively score 51 or more points, the “over” wins, and anything less, the “under” takes it.
Getting Started with an Over/Under Bet
Placing an over/under bet is a breeze:
- Choose your sport and game – Whether it’s a Canucks game or a CFL showdown, select the game you’re interested in.
- Find the total line – The sportsbook lists the over/under on the same page as the point spread.
- Pick your side – Are you betting on more or fewer points than the total? Select “over” or “under,” add it to your bet slip, and confirm.
How Much Can You Win on an Over/Under Bet?
Typically, over/under bets have standard odds around -110. For instance, betting $11 at -110 odds would net you a $10 profit if you win. This slight fee, called the “vig,” is the sportsbook’s cut. However, in lower-scoring sports like hockey, odds might be adjusted to reflect how likely each outcome is — for example, making the over -120 if the sportsbook sees a higher chance for more goals.
How Are Over/Unders Calculated?
Setting an over/under isn’t random. Sportsbooks consider each team’s pace, offense, defense, recent form, injuries, and even factors like weather in outdoor sports. For instance, hockey games tend to average fewer goals, so totals are typically around 5-6 goals, while basketball games with the Raptors or Lakers might have over/under totals near 220 points or more.
The easiest way is to get your hands on our odds calculator to help you calculate the potential payout of your totals!
Over/Under Options Beyond the Final Score
Over/unders are no longer limited to just game scores. You can bet on everything from a player’s goals in a hockey game to the number of three-pointers the Raptors make. This gives a lot of flexibility if you’re following player performance or team statistics closely.
Other Types of Over/Under Bets
It’s not just about the final game score. Many sportsbooks allow you to bet on things like:
- Total goals scored by a team (e.g., Montreal Canadiens over 2.5 goals)
- Player stats (e.g., Auston Matthews over 1.5 goals)
- Total points for the first half or quarter
Over/Under Strategy Tips
Many bettors lean toward betting the over since rooting for points can be more exciting. However, statistics show unders often win slightly more often across all sports. Plus, when you bet the over, your bet isn’t “dead” until the game ends — there’s always a chance of overtime or a scoring surge.
Do Over/Under Bets Include Overtime?
Yes, any points or goals scored in overtime count toward the over/under total unless you’re staking on specific segments like the first half or a quarter. This can be an advantage for over bettors, especially in sports where overtime happens frequently.
What Does 0.5 Mean in Betting?
Seeing a line like 0.5 means that an outcome only needs to happen once. For example, a bet on “over 0.5 goals” for Connor McDavid simply means you’re betting that he’ll score at least one goal in the game.
And that’s over/under betting in a nutshell! Now you’re ready to dive in and test your predictions. Whether it’s on the Leafs’ goals, Raptors’ points, or even a Jays’ run total, it’s a fun way to add excitement to the game.
Want to revise other betting concepts? Check the rest of our betting guides!
Wrapping Up
Over/under betting is a fun way to get involved without picking a winner. Just sit back, enjoy the action, and keep an eye on that total score. Whether you’re hoping for a high-scoring game or a defensive showdown, it’s a great way to spice up your sports-watching experience!
