How to Bet Totals on bet365 Sportsbook | Complete Guide

ByFrank Ammirante

Nov 10, 2022

bet365 advertises itself as “The World’s Favorite Sportsbook" for good reason — they have a large global reach in the iGaming space. This is because they cater to the needs of their users, providing an expansive selection of betting markets along with useful promotions within a user-friendly interface.

Over/Unders, also known as totals, are among the traditional betting markets due to their simplicity. They live up to the name, as you only need to pick the result to go Over or Under the assigned number. This works great for several sports, especially football, where you have a ton of action every NFL Sunday.

We’re going to provide you with an in-depth overview of how to attack this market on bet365. You’ll read about the steps involved with wagering on totals at bet365, along with tips for each type of player. Let’s dive in to guide you towards profitability while betting Over/Unders.

How to Bet Totals on bet365

Here’s a step-by-step guide to show you how to wager on totals at bet365:

Step 1: Create an Account or Sign In

Check out our bet365 review to learn more about the site, then click one of our links to get to the landing page. This will unlock the best welcome offer on the platform.

You’ll then need to create an account by coming up with a username and password, as well as providing personal information so that they can verify your identity.

Step 2: Deposit Funds

Put money into your account by clicking “Deposit," which is found at the top of your screen, right next to your user information. There are a number of payment methods here, including Credit/Debit Cards and Online Banking. The deposit will show up in your balance immediately, so you’ll be ready to place wagers right away.

Step 3: Navigate the Betting Markets

Find your preferred total by clicking “Sports" or choosing from the selection of leagues on the left of the page. You’ll then see the upcoming games, along with traditional markets, which include totals.

Step 4: Add to Your Bet Slip

Once you’ve chosen your pick, click it to add it to your bet slip. Type in your risk to see the potential payout, which is based on the odds of your selection.

Step 5: Straight or Parlay?

If you want to place a straight wager, click “Place Bet." To add a parlay, go back to the main page to find another totals pick. Add that one to your bet slip, and bet365 will update your potential payout. You can add up to 20 legs on your parlay.

What Is Over/Under Betting on bet365?

Over/Under betting refers to the wager types that require you to choose greater or fewer than the assigned number.

It can relate to the full game or portions, such as periods, quarters, and halves. You may also choose to choose the team total, where the focus is on the score for one side.

For example, I can take Over 48.5 points in the Cowboys-Eagles game. I can also go with the Commanders Under 17.5 points for the game. If I want to stick to part of the game, I might go with the Over 10.5 points in the first quarter of the Chargers-Raiders game.

How Do bet365 Totals Work?

The total is determined by the following factors:

  • Each team’s pace of play — faster means more points
  • Head-to-head matchup
  • Strengths and weaknesses
  • Home/Away splits
  • Player injuries

The odds can vary from -110/-110 to -115/-105 or -120/+100. The number may change as we get closer to game-time, based on where public/sharp money is going along with any news that could impact the game.

There are also Over/Under wagers for player props, which can even more variety in odds, sometimes getting as expensive as -200.

The goal here is to pick Over or Under the assigned number. For example, if I take the Knicks-Raptors to go Over 220.5 points, I need both teams to combine for 221 or more in order to win my wager.

bet365 Over/Under Rules

Remember these rules when wagering on Over/Unders at bet365:

  • Overtime or extra innings are included.
  • Player prop Over/Unders require the player to see any form of action.
  • MLB games must go at least nine innings (8.5 if the home team is in the lead). Sometimes games end early (after five or more innings) due to weather. If that happens, your totals wager is void.
  • If the total is a whole number and the score lands on it, it’s called a “push." You’ll be refunded your wager.

Types of bet365 Totals

Let’s break down each type of Over/Under wager with some examples to enhance your understanding:

Game Totals

Bet Over or Under on the combined score of the two teams in a game.

  • Example: Over 7.5 Runs in Yankees-Rays, you need eight or more combined runs.

Team Totals

This one focuses on one specific side.

  • Example: New York Giants Over 20.5 points, you require 21 or more points.

Quarters/Periods/Halves Totals

This can be combined score or focus on one team. It’s just for the listed portion of the event.

  • Example: Lakers-Clippers Over 57.5 1st quarter points.

Player Totals

There are player props that have an Over/Under element. These are outcomes that focus on one player.

  • Example: Matthew Stafford Over 280.5 Passing Yards.

Futures Totals

This type of wager is settled at the end of the season. They can be based on players or teams.

  • Example: Philadelphia Eagles Over 9.5 wins or A.J. Brown Under 1100.5 Receiving Yards.

bet365 NFL Totals

You can target any of the following NFL totals:

  • Game Totals
  • Team Totals
  • 1st/2nd/3rd/4th quarter
  • 1st/2nd half
  • Player Totals
  • Futures Totals

The best bet is to focus on the full game because it’s tough to determine when the points will occur.

I’d avoid quarters or halves totals during the season when you have so many games at your disposal. In addition to this, I’d add player totals, such as receiving yards props, along with futures, like total team wins.

These are easier to project because you can consider a team or player’s strengths and weaknesses along with the head-to-head matchup. Focus on these types of NFL totals wagers to be profitable in this market.

Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is a different animal because it’s one game on the biggest stage. Since you don’t have other options for wagering, I’d be more inclined to include quarters and halves totals here. This is especially true here because the game has been so heavily analyzed, making it easier to find an edge in this market.

For example, you may find that teams get off to a slow start in the Super Bowl as they try to feel each other out and play conservatively. This is why betting on the Under in the first half and Over in the second half could be a winning proposition.

You’ll also find novelty props, such as the length of the national anthem or halftime show. While these are fun, I wouldn’t advise targeting them because it’s totally random.

Over/Under Bet Strategies

Consider the following strategies for your Over/Under wagers:

  • Shop around several sportsbooks to find the best number. Even one point can be the difference between a win and a loss.
  • Consider a team’s pace of play — slower means fewer scoring opportunities.
  • Think about how a team has performed on Over/Unders to see if they’ve been mispriced by oddsmakers.
  • Analyze a team’s strengths and weaknesses to see if you can find any mismatches in their matchups.
  • Focus on Unders for most player props because of injury risk.
  • Make sure to look at the weather conditions and home/away splits.
  • Monitor the line movement to see if the number has moved higher or lower.

Over/Under Betting for Beginners

If you’re new to Over/Under betting, consider following these tips:

  • Practice money management — don’t risk too much on a single play.
  • Focus on straight wagers because they have a higher win probability.
  • Only mix in a few parlays since they are more difficult to hit.
  • Record your results to see how you’re doing. If you’re struggling, try to improve your decision-making process.
  • Focus on pertinent data (i.e. pace of play) over trends (“This team has gone Over in three straight").

How to Calculate Over/Under Odds

bet365 shows their Over/Under odds in American format, which displays them as positive or negative numbers.

Let’s take a look at a few examples:

Example 1: risk $100 on Saquon Barkley Over 80.5 Total Yards at -140 odds

  1. Divide 140 / 100 = 1.4
  2. Divide 100 / 1.4 = $71.42
  3. You win $71.42 on a $100 wager

Example 2: to win $100 on Raiders/Broncos Over 50.5 at -110 odds

  1. Divide 110 / 100 = 1.1
  2. Multiply 1.1 x 100 = $110
  3. Risk $110 to win $100

Example 3: stake $100 on Blue Jays Over 5.5 Runs at +110 odds

  1. Divide 110 / 100 = 1.1
  2. Multiply 1.1 x 100 = $110
  3. Risk $100 to win $110

Why Are Over/Unders a Good Bet?

Over/Unders can be a good bet because of the following:

  • The odds are mostly the same with game totals (-110/-110), so you won’t have to lay a lot of juice.
  • You can project the total by looking at the pace of play and considering the matchup.
  • It’s easy to understand — simply bet Over or Under.
  • There are player and futures props as well, so you have several options.
  • You can find disparities in totals among different sportsbooks.

Can Over/Unders Be a Bad Bet?

There are also some cons to consider with Over/Unders:

  • Some player props that have Over/Unders can be expensive (-150 or worse).
  • You may project the game correctly, but turnovers ruin your Over or Under — these are unpredictable.
  • Most totals don’t have high payouts.
  • It can be difficult to handicap quarters and halves totals.

What Sports Are Available for Over/Unders?

The following sports are available for Over/Under betting:

  • NFL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • NHL
  • NCAAB
  • NCAAF
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • MMA
  • Golf

Is There Bet Insurance on Over/Unders?

Some sportsbooks offer Bet Insurance as a signup bonus for new players. This is where your first bet is reimbursed if it loses, up to a certain number, ranging from $200 to $1,500.

You can use Over/Unders as your first bet. It will qualify for this promotion.

Author

Frank Ammirante

Frank Ammirante is a Senior Sports Writer at The Game Day. Previously, he wrote for 4for4 Football and RotoBaller. Frank is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writer's Association while maintaining an active presence within the community. He has competed in industry contests like the Scott Fish Bowl, The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational, and more. Frank will be making his debut in Tout Wars this year. He's got a diverse sporting background, but specializes in football and baseball.

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