A Beginner’s Guide to Betting on Over/Unders in Iowa

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Fact Checked by Jeremy Botter

If you're new to betting and been on one of the many Iowa sports betting apps, you've likely come across something like O/U 39.5. That's called the over/under, also known as the total.

This is one of the most basic bet types you can make in sports betting. I'll run through what an over/under is, what it means, and more below.

Must be 21+ to participate & present in Iowa. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). T&Cs Apply.

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.

TeamSpreadMoneylineTotal
UNI Panthers-6.5-210O 131.5
Drake Bulldogs+6.5+220U 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!

Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs Apply. Play Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF

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

Author

Tyler Olson

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.