What Is an Over/Under, or Total, Bet?
An over/under bet isn’t about picking which team will win. It’s about guessing how many points, runs, or goals will be scored in a game.
Here’s how it works: The IA sportsbooksets a number, let’s say 39.5, for the upcoming Iowa vs. Iowa State football game. They think the final score will be around 39-40 points. As a sports bettor, you have to decide if you think the sportsbook set that number too high or too low.
If you think the game will end in a 31-30 result, you take the over since the final score is 21 points over the total the sportsbook set. If the game ends in a defensive battle with a score of 10-6, you’d want to take the under since 16 total points is far below the 39.5 line that was set.
Where to Find Over/Unders On Your App
If you're looking to bet on an over/under, on any app you play on you'll find it at the right of the matchup.
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
| UNI Panthers | -6.5 | -210 | O 131.5 |
| Drake Bulldogs | +6.5 | +220 | U 131.5 |
In this example between the UNI Panthers and Drake Bulldogs mens basketball teams, the total is located on the far right under "total". You'll also see a "+" and "-" under each identifying the odds. Check out the Fanatics Sportsbook IA promo below to wager on your first over/under today!
Why Sports Bettors in Iowa Like Totals
Picking totals are a fun way to bet on sports. While it takes the team element out of sports betting, it's a great way to stay engaged throughout the full contest.
Here are a few reasons why people love betting over/unders:
- No picking sides: Just pick whether you think the game scores more or less points than what the sportsbook sets the o/u at.
- Bonuses are eligible: Any IA sportsbook promos you come across are eligible to be used betting totals.
- Keeps the game fun: No turning the channel when a team is getting crushed.
- Ideal across all sports: You can bet over/unders in nearly ever sport you can think of.
Totals Betting FAQs
The half points, or ".5" you see in over/unders, are put in by sportsbooks to try to avoid a "push". A push is essentially when the outcome of the game ties the sportsbook and nobody wins. In this instance you'd get your money back.
Yes, you can include a wager on totals in games in your parlay.
Many sportsbooks do allow you to bet on an individual teams' total. You'll find these options typically under the "team props" tab when looking through a contest on your app.
Yes they will. Total points are added and go towards the total over the course of the entire game, not just regulation.
Author
Tyler Olson has lived most of his life in Iowa, working in sports media for over a decade, writing and editing primarily NFL, sports betting, and iGaming content. His primary focus is giving sports bettors the most up-to-date information on legal operators, sharing the latest promo code offerings and analyzing team and player odds bettors can place bets on.