
In earlier parts of this series, we explored how to bet on specific teams using moneyline and spread bets. But what if you’re not confident about picking a side? That’s where over/under betting, also known as betting the total, comes in.
What is an over/under bet?
The "total" is the bookmaker's projected number of points scored in a game. Your job as a bettor is to predict whether the actual total points scored will be over or under that projection.
When viewing an over/under listing, you’ll typically see the same number presented twice:
- O for Over
- U for Under
For example, imagine a game between the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat where the total is set at 219.5 points.
- If you bet the Over, the teams must combine to score 220 points or more for you to win.
- If you bet the Under, the teams must score 219 points or less for your bet to be successful.
Let’s break it down:
- If the final score is Heat 109, Nets 100, the total points scored is 209. In this case, a bet on the Under wins.
- If the final score is Heat 115, Nets 110, the total points is 225, and a bet on the Over wins.
Odds for over/under bets
Most over/under bets have standard odds of -110, meaning you’d need to wager $110 to win $100. This makes totals betting a straightforward and popular choice for many bettors.
The grand salami: a totals twist for hockey fans

Hockey fans can enjoy a unique variation of totals betting called the Grand Salami. Here's how it works:
- Most NHL totals are set at 5.5 goals per game.
- The sportsbook multiplies 5.5 by the number of games scheduled that night to determine the Grand Salami total.
For example:
- If there are two games scheduled, the Grand Salami total would be 11 goals.
- If the final scores of the two games are 3-1 and 2-2, the combined total is 8 goals, meaning the Under bet wins.
Time to put your skills to the test
Now that you understand moneyline, spread, and over/under bets, it’s time to put your knowledge into action. Visit a sportsbook, analyze the numbers, and test your skills with confidence.

Val C. Martinez
Founder of BettingLadies.com