When it comes to sports betting, there are many different ways to place your bet. One of the most popular and straightforward options is the Over/Under bet. If you’re new to sports betting or simply curious about how this type of bet works, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explain Over/Under bets in simple terms and show you how they fit into a smarter betting strategy called matched betting.

What Are Over/Under Bets?

An Over/Under bet, sometimes called a totals bet, is all about the combined score in a game. Instead of betting on which team will win, you’re betting on whether the total number of points, goals, or runs scored in a game will be higher (Over) or lower (Under) than a number set by the sportsbook.

For example:

• In a soccer game, a sportsbook might set the Over/Under line at 2.50 goals. If you bet on Over, you win if 3 or more goals are scored. If you bet on Under, you win if 2 or fewer goals are scored.
• In basketball, the line could be set at 190.50 points. An Over bet wins if the total points scored by both teams is or exceeds 191, while an Under bet wins if the total is 190 or fewer.

Why Are Over/Under Bets So Popular?

One reason Over/Under bets are so popular is their simplicity. You don’t need to analyze which team is stronger or weaker, all you care about is the combined score. This makes them great for beginners and a fun way to enjoy a game.

Another advantage is their flexibility. You can find Over/Under bets for almost any sport, from football and basketball to tennis and hockey. They also add excitement to watching games, as every point, goal, or run counts toward the outcome of your bet.

Which Sports Offer an Over/Under Bet?

Over/Under bets are available for most sports, and they aren’t limited to total scores. Here are some additional examples of how Over/Under bets across different sports:

• American Football:
  • Total points scored in the game.
  • Number of runs.
  • Total touchdowns scored.
  • Total field goals made.
• Soccer:
  • Goals scored by both teams combined.
  • Goals scored by a specific team.
  • Total goals scored in the first half.
  • Number of corners taken by both teams.
  • Total red cards shown in the match.
• Basketball:
  • Total points scored in the game.
  • Points scored by each team individually.
  • Points scored by a specific player.
  • Total 3-pointers scored by a team.
  • Total 3-pointers scored by a player
• Tennis:
  • Number of sets played in the match.
  • Number of games played in the match.
  • Total games played in a given set.
• Hockey:
  • Total goals in the match
  • Number of goals scored by each team
  • Total goals scored in each period

These examples show how versatile Over/Under bets can be. The most popular games and leagues often offer a wide range of Over/Under markets, giving you plenty of options to choose from. However, games featuring smaller teams or leagues might not have all these markets available, so the variety can depend on the event.

What Is an Alternate Totals Bet

An Alternate Totals Bet is a type of sports betting option that allows you to bet on whether the total combined score of a game from both teams will be over or under a number different from the standard total listed by the sportsbook.

Usually, sportsbooks set one main total, and you can bet on whether the actual score will go over or under that number. With alternate totals, you have more flexibility because the sportsbook offers a range of different total scores to bet on. Each alternate total comes with its own odds, which reflect how likely that outcome is.

For example, if the main total is 195.50 points, you could choose:

• Over 185.50 points: This is easier to win because the total score just needs to exceed 186 points, so the payout will be smaller.
• Over 205.50 points: This is harder to win since the score needs to be higher, so the payout will be bigger.

The same works for under bets, with alternate totals giving you choices like Under 185.50 points or Under 205.50 points. This flexibility lets you take on more risk for a higher reward or play it safer for a smaller payout.

What Is a Bet Over / Under 2.00

A variation of Over/Under bets involves whole numbers, such as betting on Under 2.00 goals instead of Under 2.50 goals. Other examples include Over/Under 1.00 goals, Over/Under 3.00 goals etc.

These bets work slightly differently because they introduce the possibility of a push. A situation where the total score exactly matches the line set by the sportsbook. 

Let’s look at the following examples. 

• You place a $100 bet on the market Under 2.00 goals at the odds of +100. The following results are possible:
  • 0 or 1 goals. This means that you have won the bet and you have $200 in your balance.
  • Exactly 2 goals. This is a push, which means that the sportsbook gives back your $100.
  • 3 or more goals. This means that you have lost your bet and you have $0.
• Same logic applies if you place $100 on Over 2.00 goals at the odds of +100:
  • With 0 or 1 goals you lose your bet and you have $0 in your balance
  • If there are exactly 2 goals, this is a push and the sportsbook gives you $100 back
  • With 3 or more goals, you have won and your new balance is $200.

While these markets are offered by fewer sportsbooks, they add an extra layer of strategy to Over/Under betting and can be an intriguing option for experienced bettors.

What Is a Bet Over / Under 2.25

An interesting yet less common variation is the Over/Under 2.25 goals market. 

This type of bet is essentially split into two parts: half your stake goes to Over/Under 2.00 goals, and the other half goes to Over/Under 2.50 goals. 

For example, if you bet $10 on Under 2.25 goals, $5 will be placed on Under 2.00 goals and $5 on Under 2.50 goals.

Markets that follow the same concept are Over/Under:

• 0.75 goals
• 1.25 goals
• 1.75 goals
• 2.75 goals
• 3.25 goals
• etc.

This structure allows you to manage risk more effectively and can be a good choice for games where you expect a close scoreline.

The Challenges of Traditional Over/Under Bets

While Over/Under bets are simple to understand, they’re far from risk-free. Sports events are full of surprises, and even the best predictions can be undone by unexpected events. A last-minute goal, an injury to a star player, or a sudden change in weather conditions can shift the outcome completely. These variables make traditional Over/Under betting unpredictable and risky.

For example, imagine you place a bet on Over 2.50 goals in a soccer match. The game is intense, and both teams create plenty of chances, but it ends in a frustrating 1-1 draw. Even though you may have enjoyed watching the action, your bet is still a loss. This uncertainty can make Over/Under betting feel more like a gamble than a calculated move.

How Matched Betting Makes Over/Under Bets Risk-Free

What if there was a way to remove the risk from Over/Under bets entirely? Matched betting does just that. By leveraging the bonuses and free bets offered by sportsbooks, you can guarantee a profit regardless of the game’s outcome.

Let’s look at a simple example of how this works with Over/Under bets:

Imagine FanDuel is offering a $100 free bet after you place a $100 bet of your own on the game between the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills. Using matched betting, you start by placing a $100 bet on Over 40.50 points with FanDuel. At the same time, you place a $100 bet on Under 40.50 points with DraftKings.

For simplicity, assume both bets have +100 odds. No matter how the game plays out, one of your bets will win, and one will lose, leaving you with your original $200 stake intact. Best of all, the free bet from FanDuel is now unlocked. You can repeat this process with the free bet, ensuring another guaranteed profit by opposing it with a bet on DraftKings. With matched betting, Over/Under bets become a risk-free way to make consistent money.

Earn Money from Home the Smart Way

Starting matched betting can seem overwhelming, but with the right tools, it becomes a simple and efficient way to earn an extra income. Instead of spending hours searching for offers, finding bets, and calculating stakes, a step-by-step guide can streamline the entire process for you.

With just a few hours each week, matched betting can easily fit into your schedule and become a reliable side hustle. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with betting experience, the right guidance makes it easy to earn steady, risk-free profits from the comfort of your home. Why waste time trying to figure it all out when you can use a smarter approach and start earning right away? 

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