For most NFL and College Football games, Sportsbooks and Casinos will post what is known as a “Total” for the general public to bet on. The Total refers to the total number of points that will be scored by both teams during the game. If you want to now how to bet on the total of a football game, keep reading. For betting totals, all you have to do is decide whether you think the total number of points will be more or less than the posted Total on the game.
For example, if the New York Giants are playing the Dallas Cowboys, the Total for the game may be 44. If you think both teams will score more than 44, you will be betting the “Over” on the Total. If you think they will score less than 44, you will be betting “Under” the total. What this generally comes down to is whether you think the game being played will be high scoring or low scoring. In this example, if you bet “Over” 44 and the final score is Dallas 28 and Giants 24, you win your bet because 52 points (28 + 24) were scored. If that same games is played and the final score is Dallas 17 – Giants 3, you lose the Over Total because the total number of points scored was only 20 (17 + 3)
There is a lot of historical data for games that you can use, especially in the Wannamakeabet.com research center in order to help you with your prediction. Or you can just have a gut feeling that a lot of points will be scored or a low amount of points will be scored.
FAQ on Totals:
Q: Is there a total for every game that has betting?
A: No, totals are primarily available for televised games and high profile games. If you find some obscure college basketball game from a non premier conference, it may be hard to find someone offering a total for that game.
Q: What about Overtime, does that count?
A: Unless the sportsbook stipulates otherwise, overtime counts toward the Total. Typically this is very good news for over betters as it extends the game and allows for extra scoring. If the Total is not already over in regulation, it has more time and more chances to come in during overtime. Conversely, if an Under bet is a winner during regulation, the overtime period could destroy a bet that looked great the entire game, especially in College Football. In College Football both teams get a chance to score.
Q: What are the odds for betting a Total?
A: Typically you must lay -110 to win 100 on a total bet, but there could be examples where you may have to lay more money on one side or the other. But in general, with most sportsbooks, you must pay the 10% fee on winning bets.
To practice betting on Totals, become a member of Wannamakeabet.com anytime and join one of our free leagues to see what its like to bet on Totals. There are typically Totals for all major sports including the NFL, College Football, NBA, College Basketball, NHL, the NBA and most global soccer leagues.