Sports betting has grown rapidly across the world, and with it comes a wide range of betting markets. Among the simplest—and most popular—is the Over/Under bet, also known as the Totals bet. It’s a favorite for beginners and seasoned bettors alike because it doesn’t require predicting which team will win. Instead, you’re betting on whether the total combined score or statistic in a game will be higher or lower than a number set by the sportsbook.
But while the concept is simple, many bettors still get confused about how Over/Under bets are actually settled. What happens if the score lands exactly on the number? What if overtime is involved? What if a game is postponed or abandoned?
This article breaks down everything you need to know about how Over/Under bets are graded, so you can place your wagers with confidence.
What Is an Over/Under Bet?
An Over/Under bet is a wager on whether a particular statistic will finish over or under a number set by the sportsbook. The most common type is the total points in a game, but totals can apply to:
- Goals
- Runs
- Rounds
- Cards
- Fouls
- Player points
- Team totals
- And more
For example, if the line is Over/Under 45.5 points in a football game:
- Betting Over means you expect 46 or more total points
- Betting Under means you expect 45 or fewer total points
The sportsbook sets the line to encourage balanced betting on both sides.
How Over/Under Bets Are Settled
The settlement of an Over/Under bet depends on the final official result of the game or event. Here’s how sportsbooks typically grade these wagers.
1. If the Total Goes Over or Under the Line
This is the simplest scenario.
If you bet Over
You win if the final total is higher than the posted number.
If you bet Under
You win if the final total is lower than the posted number.
Example:
Over/Under: 210.5 in an NBA game
Final score: 110–105 (215 total)
- Over wins
- Under loses
Because the line includes a decimal (.5), there is no possibility of a tie.
2. What Happens When the Total Lands Exactly on the Line? (The Push)
If the sportsbook sets a whole number—like 48, 210, or 3—there is a chance the final total lands exactly on that number.
This is called a push.
What happens in a push?
- Your bet is void
- You get your full stake refunded
- No one wins or loses
Example:
Over/Under: 48
Final score: 27–21 (48 total)
Result: Push → Your money is returned.
Sportsbooks often use half‑points (like 48.5) to avoid pushes, but whole‑number totals still appear frequently.
3. Does Overtime Count in Over/Under Bets?
In most sports, yes—overtime counts toward Over/Under totals.
This is important because overtime can dramatically change the outcome of a totals bet.
Examples:
- Basketball: Overtime points always count.
- Football: Overtime points count unless the sportsbook states otherwise.
- Soccer: For standard match bets, totals apply to 90 minutes + stoppage time only, not extra time.
Always check the sportsbook rules, but the general rule is:
Overtime counts unless the market specifically says “regulation only.”
4. What If the Game Is Postponed or Abandoned?
This is where things get tricky, and rules vary by sportsbook.
Common settlement rules:
If the game is postponed and played within a certain timeframe (usually 24–48 hours):
- The bet stands
- The Over/Under is settled based on the completed game
If the game is abandoned and not completed:
- Most sportsbooks void the bet
- Your stake is refunded
If the game is abandoned after being declared official:
Some sports have rules where a game becomes “official” after a certain point (e.g., baseball after 5 innings).
However, totals bets usually require full completion of the game to be valid.
Always check the sportsbook’s house rules, as policies differ.
5. Player Prop Over/Under Bets
Player props—like Over/Under on points, rebounds, goals, or yards—follow similar settlement rules but with one key condition:
The player must participate.
If the player does not play:
- The bet is void
- Your stake is refunded
If the player starts but gets injured early, the bet still stands unless the sportsbook has special rules.
6. Team Totals and Alternative Totals
Sportsbooks offer variations of Over/Under bets, such as:
- Team totals (e.g., Lakers Over 112.5 points)
- Alternative totals (higher or lower lines with different odds)
- Quarter or half totals
- Live totals
Settlement works the same way: the bet is graded based on the official score for that segment of the game.
7. How Sportsbooks Handle Errors or Stat Corrections
Sometimes leagues issue stat corrections after a game ends—for example, adjusting an assist or removing a rebound.
Do these affect Over/Under bets?
Usually no.
Sportsbooks settle bets based on the official result at the end of the game, not later corrections.
Final Thoughts: Over/Under Bets Are Simple—But Know the Rules
Over/Under bets are among the easiest wagers to understand, but settlement rules can vary depending on:
- The sport
- The sportsbook
- Whether overtime counts
- Whether the game is completed
- Whether the line is a whole number or half‑point
Knowing these details helps you avoid surprises and gives you a clearer edge when placing totals bets.
Read also: Common Settlement Disputes Explained
