Over/Under (Totals) Betting
A totals bet — also called over/under — is a wager on the combined score of both teams in a game, regardless of the winner. Bet "over" if you think both teams will combine for more than the posted number, "under" if fewer. Totals are the second-most-popular market after spreads.
Reading a Total
If the Chiefs vs Broncos total is 47.5, betting the over wins if combined points are 48 or more. The under wins at 47 or fewer. Half-point totals never push.
Factors That Move Totals
Weather (wind 15+ mph drops NFL totals 3-4 points), pace (NBA possessions per game), key player injuries (a starting QB out drops an NFL total 4-6 points), and recent scoring trends. Live totals adjust in real time as scores accumulate or stall.
Alternate Totals
All Kansas sportsbooks offer "alternate" total lines at adjusted prices. Want the over 50 instead of 47.5? You can — but you'll pay more juice. Alternate lines are useful for parlay padding when you have a strong over/under read.
First-Half and Quarter Totals
Kansas operators offer first-half, second-half, and quarter-specific totals. First-half NFL totals run at roughly 47% of the game total — useful when you expect a team to start fast or slow.
Related guides
Over/Under (Totals) Betting FAQ
What is an over/under bet?
An over/under (total) bet is a wager on whether the combined score of both teams will be higher or lower than a number set by the sportsbook.
Do overtime points count toward the total?
Yes. Standard total bets include overtime in NFL, NBA, NHL, and most other leagues. Some MLB total bets exclude extra innings — check operator-specific rules.
What happens if the game ends exactly on the total?
If the total is a whole number (e.g., 48) and the combined score lands exactly on it, the bet pushes and stakes are refunded. Half-point totals (48.5) cannot push.