Over Under Betting Explained: Over/Under Betting Guide and Tips Cover

Over Under Betting Explained: Over/Under Betting Guide and Tips

by Oddspedia Experts
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When you pick the BTTS market, you are staking on whether both teams will score during a match. BTTS market may lower risks, especially where both teams have an equal chance of winning the game. This article provides a few tips for betting on the market and various strategies to increase your chances of winning.
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What is Over Under Betting?

The Over Under market is also called the totals market. It is a wager where punters predict that a given event will occur over or under a suggested threshold. It is a preferred market for punters to use their free bet bonuses. Here is an example. You may predict that a given football match will have over 2.5 goals or a basketball match with a total points score of under 165.5. It does not matter who scores as long as the total score or points meet the threshold. Most figures are usually in decimal points to prevent ties.

Apart from scores, top bookmakers allow you to bet on other occurrences, such as fouls or cards issued in the game. However, all of them follow the same principle.

It is a wager where punters predict that a given event will occur over or under a suggested threshold.

The popular Over Under markets differ widely with the type of games you pick. Football's most popular Over Under events include the total goals markets, number of cards issued, corner kicks, or fouls. In basketball, you may find Over Under for points or fouls. In golf, you may bet on the number of birdies or eagles on a particular hole in a tournament round. If an event varies in quantity, it can be included in the Over Under bet.

Over Under Goals

This goal totals market lets you predict a threshold for the number of goals to be scored in the game. It is the most popular Over Under market in football. The prevalent threshold is 1.5. 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 goals. Some bookmakers improve the betting odds by offering markets for each half of the game or combining it with the win market. Here is an example: betting for over 1.5 goals in the first half, or over 2.5 and Arsenal win (in a game between Arsenal and Chelsea).

Over Under Cards

The Over Under cards market provides a threshold for the number of cards issued in a game. Like the total goal market, the threshold is indicated in a half number, so there is no tie between the over and under market. Popular thresholds include 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and above. Here is an example: in a game between Barcelona and Juventus, you may bet over 2.5 cards. If three or more cards are issued, you win the bet.

Over Under Corner kicks

The Over Under corner kicks market sets a threshold for the number of corner kicks in a game. Just like in the case of the total goals, you may find a market for each half of the match or the overall game. Some bookmakers allow you to create your over and under-market, including the number of corner kicks in the match, among other options.

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Bet ON Over 2.5 goals in the game
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Bet Against Over 2.5 goals in the game

Types of Over-Under Bets

There are different types of bets depending on the threshold. As stated earlier, they all have half numbers to prevent a tie on the other and over sides of the market.

Over Under 0.5

The Over Under 0.5 market predicts that the game will end with at least one event or no event (for the under 0.5 market). This is the most popular total goal market, as most matches end with a draw or one goal. The value of the market, especially the Overside, is usually low for the relative ease at which teams reach the threshold.

Over Under 1.5

The over 1.5 market places the threshold for the number of times an event will occur to two or more for the over and less than two or none for the under. If you look at goals, it would mean that the game ends with two goals for the over and one or no goals for the under. The same is true for other events.

Over Under 2.5

The Over Under 2.5 market sets a threshold of three and above events for over and under three for the under option. This is a popular total goals market for high-scoring teams. Most of the football games also get around this number of cards. Therefore, the odds may be almost equal for the under and over sections. Besides, it usually has higher odds than 1.5 in over and under sections.

Over Under 3.5

The over 3.5 market creates a threshold of four occurrences of an event within the specified time. Teams can have over four corner kicks, goals, or cards. The under 3.5 market is more popular, especially for goals involving teams with near equal strength. The price of either side highly depends on the history of matches between the teams in question.

Over Under 4.5

The over 4.5 market puts a threshold for the event in question at 5 times. It is less prevalent in the total goals market unless a fragile team meets a strong one. However, it is popular for other events, such as corner kicks or issued cards. The under 4.5 is more popular but has a low price for most events.

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A few Over Under bet options are popular with punters. These options are popular for different reasons, such as high odds, the relative ease of getting matches that meet the threshold and the relatively short period for the threshold to be completed. The options are also standard across various bookmakers, allowing bettors to make cash betting on them.

However, you must still look at individual games and pick the most appropriate Over Under market. Here is a look at some of the most popular ones, what players need to meet to win the bet and the reason for their popularity.

Over 0.5 goals first half

The Over Under 0.5 market predicts that the game will end with at least one event or no event (for the under 0.5 market). This is the most popular total goal market, as most matches end with a draw or one goal. The value of the market, especially the Overside, is usually low for the relative ease at which teams reach the threshold.

Over 2.5 goals and BTTS

This combines the Over Under 2.5 market with both teams to score markets. It improves the odds of both markers tremendously. Essentially, you will be betting that there will be at least three goals in the match, and each team will score. The reason for the market's popularity is its high odds and the popularity of each market. It is easy to get a game that may meet both thresholds and get good odds.

Over Under Betting Strategies - Tips for winning

Like any other type of betting market, it is essential to have a strategy to identify the games that are most likely to result in a win. Strategising also helps narrow down the number of games for the market, reducing the time it takes for analysis. Listed below are some of the practical tips to identify such games accurately. The ideal game should fulfil at least two tips if it truly stands a chance of winning.

1. Pay Attention to Statistics

The past matches between the two teams show how they are likely to be in the future. High-scoring teams are likely to score even more in the current game. The same is true for low-scoring teams. Therefore, you must look at past matches when analysing possible matches for the Over Under market. In the last five recent meetings, the teams in question should have met the threshold in scoring, corner kicks or any other event for which you are betting at least three times.

2. Bet on The Game Flow And Not The Outcome

Do not be so fixated on the game's outcome that you forget to check the progression. How do teams perform in the game? What is the ball possession? What are the goals on target? How good is the defence? What is the team formation? A combination of the answers gives you a picture of how the teams are playing and indicates if the events you want to bet on will likely meet the threshold.

3. Weather Conditions Matter

Weather conditions affect the performance of a team. Here are examples. A very windy day is likely to deflect the ball and affect ball possession and the chances of scoring. The same is true for the rain. If recent games were cancelled due to bad weather, it rings a bell that the weather might not be favourable. Check the projected weather and determine if it is likely to affect the team's performance regarding an event that you are betting on.

4. Note the Coach's History and Game Plans

The coach's game plans have an impact on the performance of a team. Everything from selecting players for the team, their morale-boosting strategies, team formation, and the ability to create cohesion is seen in the game. Do they sound confident about the upcoming game during interviews? How is the player training? Look at the coach's history, how their strategies have worked to deliver a victory or deny the same to their teams and determine the appropriate threshold.

5. Break the Game Down Into Parts

Break the game into each half and then into smaller sections. Then, look at the likelihood of the event happening in each section. Is the team likely to score in the first half? Have there been fouls in the past in the second half of the game? What is their ball possession? Determining the number of times an event is likely to happen in a given section of the game increases your chances of getting accurate predictions for the entire period you are betting.

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The Best Sports for the Over-Under Betting Strategy

The most popular sport for Over Under betting is football. You can bet against a threshold for scores, fouls, cards and corner kicks. Some bookmakers allow you to combine the market with others, such as BTTS and 1x2. You can also bet on total goals in ice hockey. Most bookmakers have over-and-under options for at least four games. Here is an example. In a game between the Nashville Predators and Carolina Hurricanes, you may bet over 5.5 goals if you predict at least six goals. You can bet on football games. The scoring rates in these games are similar to those of football, with 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 being the most popular thresholds.

Conclusion

The Over Under market is a total events market where punters determine the number of times a given event would occur will meet a given threshold. If the threshold is completed, you win the bet. Most punters like the market, for it does not take into account the winner of the game. Popular games that have Over Under markets include ball games such as American football, football, ice hockey, basketball and golf. Overall, it is a straightforward market for punters and easy to get right.

Pros vs Cons
Thumb Up
Thumb Down
  • The winner is not relevant in settling the bet;
  • Improves the odds for obvious winners;
  • Can be combined with other markets such as BTTS for increased payouts;
  • There is a higher risk of a loss in some games;

FAQ Over Under Betting

What Is an Over Under in Betting?

An Over Under betting is the type of betting that allows players to bet on a threshold for the occurrence of a given event. The event might be a goal, corner kick, point, birdies, or the issuance of cards. The choice of events and the number of available options (such as 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and so forth) depend on the sport you pick. You win by correctly determining a threshold met by the said event.

🏆 How Do You Calculate Over Under?

Here is how to calculate Over Under bets with an example. If you bet £100 on Manchester City and Arsenal to score over 3.5 goals (1.85) and the results are 2-2, the totals are more than 2.5 goals, so you win the match. The bookmaker will award you £100 x 1.85 = £185. This way, you make a profit of £85. This is a return of 85%.

💶 How Do Over Under Bets Work?

The Over Under market is based on the number of times an event occurs in the course of the game. Here is an example. For the scores Over Under market, you may bet for over/under 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, and so forth. If you bet on an under-market, the events must be lower than the stated number. On the other hand, the events must occur more than the said number of times for the over-market.

💳 Is It Better to Bet Over or Under?

The choice of whether to bet over or under depends on the specifics of the game at hand. This is why it is essential to analyse teams before settling on either option. If teams do not seem to score many goals or have near-equal strength, the under-market may be preferable. On the other hand, the over-market is best for teams that score several goals against each other. Analyse both teams to determine the best option with low risk and good returns.

🤔 Do Own Goals Count for Over 2.5 goals?

Yes. As long as the referee accepts the goal, it fulfils the requirement for winning the game. This includes own goals for either of both teams. The over 2.5 goals market considers the goals made within the regular and stoppage time. Therefore, for an own goal to count towards the requirement, it must have been made within the specified period and accepted by the referee.

Do Goals Scored in Extra Time Count?

No, goals scored in extra time beyond the stoppage time do not count towards fulfilling the requirement for Over Under betting. Therefore, penalty shootouts and scores in the added time are not factored in when settling the bet. Most bookmakers will give you a live update of the game and usually cut off the updates once the game ends the stoppage time. The scores made during the period count towards the settlement of the bet.

🏆 Which Sports Use Over and Under Bets and Are They Different?

Various games have Over Under markets. Popular ones include football, American soccer, ice hockey, football, golf, and basketball. However, these games differ according to the events and thresholds applied. For most ball games (American soccer, football and hockey), the market helps predict scores, fouls, and cards, among other events. In basketball, you may also bet for the points earned, while in golf, you may predict the number of birdies in a hole.

💶 What does Over Under Home Mean?

The Over Under home is a variation of the Over Under market where punters bet for the number of occurrences that happen to the home team. This includes scores, cards issued, points, or even corner kicks awarded to the home team. It does not consider what the other team does throughout the game. For example, if Sevilla invites Juventus for a game, you may bet Sevilla would score over 0.5 goals in the first half; you will win if Sevilla scores at least a goal in that period.

💳 What does Over Under Guest mean?


The Over Under guest is a variation of the Over Under market where punters bet for the number of occurrences that happen to the away team. This includes scores, cards issued, points, or even corner kicks awarded to the away team. It does not consider what the other team does throughout the game. For example, if Sevilla invites Juventus to a game, you may bet that Juventus would score over 0.5 goals in the first half. You win if Juve scores at least a goal.

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This article was written by our team of betting experts, any contributing references are noted below.
Last updated 31/10/2023
References
  1. Wikipedia contributors. (2022b, January 15). Over–under. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Over%E2%80%93under
  2. What is over/under betting? (2021). Https://Help.Smarkets.Com. https://help.smarkets.com/hc/en-gb/articles/214097149-What-is-over-under-betting-
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