How to Bet on Totals: A Complete Guide to Over/Unders in Sports

Total betting, also known as over/unders, is much more than a wager on the combined final score of a game. You can make a total bet on many different over/under props that have nothing to do with the final score.

There have never been more betting options available, so the meaning of total betting depends on the individual gambler. That is because today, a total bet can mean many different things.

What Is Totals Betting in Sports?

What does total mean in betting? A total bet could be the traditional over/under in a game, but the options extend far beyond that.

For example, you can bet totals on player props. There are options for individual achievements during a game or season that can redefine the total betting meaning.

Additionally, total betting can include team achievements over the course of a game or a season. Thus, you can make a total bet on options that have nothing to do with scoring.

As in all other forms of sports gambling, a total bet influences public perception baked into a line. A popular player or team will draw more total betting activity than lesser-known brands. Ultimately, you must attain the best possible price for the highest possible outcome.

Types of Totals Bets Explained

The different types of total betting options include team totals, player totals, and non-scoring totals.

These are available in the most popular sports, such as pro and college football, pro and college basketball, baseball, hockey, props, futures, live betting, and more.

You will quickly discover that there are boundless opportunities with total bets.

Team Totals

For team totals, you can bet on how many points one team will score over various lengths of time.

On the other hand, you can wager on how many points a team will allow. This can be done over the course of an entire game or less.

Common team total options include:

• Full game team totals
• First half or first period team totals
• Quarter-by-quarter or period-based totals

For example, if a high-scoring team got off to a slow start in the first quarter or period of a game, you could bet on them to go over a certain total in the second quarter or period of that same game.

Player Totals

Individual player options became popular in early Super Bowl games when gamblers bet on how many touchdowns or yards a player would compile. These days, it has become a science and can be done for all skill players in football and almost all players in other sports.

Player totals are commonly offered for:

• An entire game
• A specific quarter, half, or period
• An entire season

Non-Scoring Totals

At first, a total bet on non-scoring totals could seem confusing, but it is not.

The total betting meaning for non-scoring totals includes how many fouls or penalties occur over a game or a lesser length of time, caution flags in an auto race, and more.

Non-Scoring Total Examples

• Team turnovers or takeaways
• Sacks and tackles for loss
• Penalties or fouls
• Caution flags in racing

Totals Betting Strategies for Smarter Wagers

Total betting strategies follow the same principles as other forms of sports betting.

You must combine the team or player ability, the probable outcome, and the value of the price on the board, especially when betting into low vig markets.

Public perception and media hype will help reinforce reputations and drive the price. So, a contrarian streak can be valuable when assessing the worth of a potential total bet.

How to Evaluate Value in Player and Team Totals

There are many factors to consider when using total betting on players or team totals.

For example, how much will a key player be used in the matchup? Will that player be scripted into most of the plays during a game?

When possible, you’ll also want to evaluate the past performance of players and teams against each other.

In some cases, a player or the team may have matchup advantages or disadvantages against their respective opponents that can affect a total bet.

Using Line Movement to Predict Totals Shifts

Line movements can offer clues to what the sharps and the casual sector are thinking, based on subsequent line moves, reverse line moves, and late action from the sharps.

For example, the line may move away from an original favorite towards an underdog and vice versa. What does that mean? Was the original price too high, or did sharps fade the public and find a total bet that was originally undervalued?

The public often gravitates to a popular total, such as how many touchdown passes Patrick Mahomes will throw. This could drive the total betting value too high, allowing sharps to come in and bet the other way at a bargain.

Using Totals in Same Game Parlays & Alt Lines

One of the most enjoyable and potentially profitable benefits of making a total bet is the opportunity for same-game parlay and alt lines. But that can have an entirely different meaning based on the numerous same-game parlay opportunities.

Also, alt betting lines offer the option to adjust the spread, with odds changing based on which bet you want to make.

Adding Totals to Same Game Parlays

Adding totals to same-game parlays can be a profitable way to bet on sports, but only with the same principles that apply to all other forms of wagering.

There is no sense in adding totals to the same-game parlays if the price is not advantageous; however, with so many betting options now being offered, a good gambler can find weak lines to take advantage of.

So, when considering a total bet as part of a same-game parlay, the same checklist that pertains to all sports bets still applies. The smart player will combine ability, probability, and the most favorable price. When all those factors are effectively taken into account, profits are more likely to come.

Alternate Totals: Risk and Reward

Another option for a total bet is alternate total points, which offer varied lines beyond the standard over/under or pointspread. With this option, a gambler can tailor wagers for a specific score or margin predictions with adjusted odds.

In essence, you are buying or selling points on a pointspread or total. Thus, you are empowered to move the line in your favor, but at a price because you must purchase whatever the point differential is on the alternative total.

Risk vs. Reward

Higher odds potential with favorable lines

Increased cost when buying points

Greater exposure if the total misses

There is an obvious risk and reward to betting alternate totals.

The reward is that the astute gambler can get the price that he believes is most advantageous. Of course, the risk is that you must pay more to get that price, which makes a loss more costly.

As always, the question of what total means in betting for alternative lines comes down to value.

How Prime Sportsbook Helps Totals Bettors Win More

Prime Sportsbook advantages for totals betting

Sharp Action First
Prime Sportsbook attracts top professional gamblers from all over the world, helping create dependable totals lines shaped by informed action.

Credible Odds
We offer the most credible and sharp lines available in the industry, ensuring totals are priced based on reality rather than public bias.

Elite Linemakers
Our linemakers were recruited from other top sportsbooks to build stronger, more reliable totals markets.

More Totals Options
We offer the most and best total bet options, meeting the needs of bettors looking beyond standard over/unders.

If you’re looking to understand why a total is priced the way it is—and want access to lines shaped by professional insight—Prime Sportsbook provides a clear view of the market.