How to Bet Totals on DraftKings Sportsbook

ByFrank Ammirante

Sep 15, 2023

DraftKings is one of the top choices in the iGaming industry because of its expansive selection of betting markets. You’ll find any wager type that you want on this platform, giving you several options at your disposal. One of those includes Over/Unders, which is a traditional bet type with multiple variations.

You can choose the way you want to bet totals between the full game, portions of the match, or even focus on one team. It’s a great wager type to target because of its simplicity. You’re also able to project an Over or Under based on team strengths and pace of play.

In this article, we’ll dive in to tell you all that you need to know about Over/Unders on DraftKings. You’ll learn how to place a wager, consider the pros and cons of totals, and think about strategies to attack this market. Without further ado, let’s explore Over/Unders on DraftKings Sportsbook.

How to Bet Totals on DraftKings

Betting on totals on DraftKings is pretty straightforward, just follow the directions outlined below.

Step 1: Create an Account or Sign In

Players with existing accounts can enter their username and password to sign in. If you’re new to DraftKings, click on our “Get Bonus" link to activate the welcome promo. Next, you’ll have to enter your personal information, including your name, address, and more. After that, wait for a confirmation e-mail and you’re ready for Step 2.

Step 2: Deposit Money

Now you’ll have to fund your account using one of the several banking methods available at DraftKings. Click “Deposit," which is shown at the top-right of your screen and select your preferred way to pay. You will need to put in at least $5 in your balance. You’ll see your deposit reflected immediately after you have completed this step.

New signups can use the DraftKings promo code to get $150 in bonus bets. Use code GAMEDAY150 to activate this offer and get $150 in bonus bets when you wager $5 on any moneyline.

Step 3: Navigate the Betting Markets

You can navigate the betting markets by selecting “A-Z Sports," which has them displayed in alphabetical order. You may also find that the league you want is listed on the “Popular" section, which gives you easy access. Once you’ve selected your sport, you’ll see the day’s slate of games populate on your screen. Here’s where you can start to think about your preferred wager.

Step 4: Add to Your Bet Slip

Click on the Over/Under pick that you want to add to your bet slip. Type in your stake to see the potential payout, which is based on the odds of your selection. Now you need to determine whether you want to place a single wager or combine it into a parlay.

Step 5: Straight Bet or Parlay?

If you want to make a straight bet, simply click “Place Bet" after you’ve inputted your allotted risk. Those who desire to create parlays can go back to the main page of their selected sport and choose another Over/Under. This will add it to the bet slip, creating a parlay with updated odds. You can continue to add more to your parlay.

What Is Over/Under Betting on DraftKings?

This is a bet type where you select Over or Under an assigned total on a given event. This involves the final score in the specified portion of the contest. You can choose the full game or opt to go with part of the match. There’s also an option to wager on a specific team rather than the combined score. You’re also able to wager Over/Under on player, team, and futures props.

How Do DraftKings Totals Work?

Totals often have similar odds on both sides. The standard is -110/-110, but it can fluctuate to -115/-105 or even -120/+100. When you see this, it’s likely that the number will move in the direction with lower odds. You may also see a change in the total if there are weather concerns or if a significant player is forced to miss the game due to injury.

Example 1: Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Total Points: 50.5 (Over -120/Under +100)

In this case, it’s likely that the number will increase to 51 or 51.5 since the Over is juiced.

Example 2:Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants, Total Points: 46.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Imagine that Commanders’ top wideoutTerry McLaurinis forced to miss the game. This could drop the total from 46.5 to about 45.5 points, since he’s an impact player.

It’s also worth noting that odds are much different for player and futures totals. You can see heavily juiced lines in these instances.

Example 3:Patrick Mahomes, Total Passing Yards: 300.5 (Over -130/Under +110)

Player props can have expensive lines on either side. In this case, Mahomes is more likely to go Over the number. We could see it move higher than 300.5.

Example 4: Detroit Lions, Total Wins: 5.5 (Over -160/Under +140)

Imagine that the Lions have become a trendy sleeper pick, so a lot of money is pouring in on the Over, causing it to have more juice. We could see the line move to 6.5 in this instance.

DraftKings Over/Under Rules

There are rules to keep in mind for DraftKings Over/Unders, such as:

  • Player prop Over/Unders require them to receive any form of playing time during the match.
  • Baseball games must go at least nine innings (8.5 if home team is leading).
  • Overtime counts for totals.
  • If the total is a whole number and the combined score lands there, it results in a push (void bet).

Types of DraftKings Totals

Let’s take a look at an example of different types of total:

Game Total

New York Yankees vs. Houston Astros, 7.5 Total Runs: Over (-110)/Under (-110)

This refers to the combined score of both teams for the entire game. The Over requires the game to finish with eight or more runs, while the Under can be 7 or fewer.

Team Total

Kansas City Chiefs, 24.5 Total Points: Over (-115)/Under (-105)

Team totals focus on the points on one side. You don’t need to worry about both teams in this case. Here, the Over needs Kansas City to put up 25 or more points, while the Under needs 24 or fewer.

Half Total

Toronto Raptors vs. New York Knicks, 105.5 Total 1st Half Points: Over (-110)/Under (-110)

Here we have the points for just the first half of this NBA game, which amounts to the first two quarters combined. Over bettors require 106+ points, while Unders need 105 or less.

Quarter Total

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Denver Broncos, 10.5 Total 1st Quarter Points: Over (-120)/Under (+100)

This applies to the first quarter (15 minutes) of the given NFL game. The Over needs 11 or more points, while the Under requires 10 or fewer.

Period Total

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers, 1.5 Total 1st Period Goals: Over (-125)/Under (+105)

NHL 1st-period totals have a standard of 1.5 goals, so you may see one side juiced up more than usual for this market. Here you need two or more goals for the Over, one or fewer for the Under.

First Five Innings Total

Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 3.5 Total Runs (First 5 Innings): Over (-105)/Under (-115)

This refers to the first five innings of the given baseball game, including both top and bottom. There are also wagers here for the first inning.

Player Total

LeBron James, 26.5 Total Points: Over (-125)/Under (+105)

This is a player prop where you can choose Over or Under. The focus is on James’ total points scored.

Futures Total

Minnesota Twins, 90.5 Total Wins: Over (-130)/Under (+110)

This wager would be settled at the end of the season. It applies to Minnesota’s total wins for the year.

DraftKings NFL Totals

Betting on Over/Unders is one of the most popular wagering types in the NFL. There are several options to choose from, such as:

  • Game Totals
  • Team Totals
  • 1st/2nd/3rd/4th Quarter Totals
  • 1st/2nd Half Totals
  • Player Props: Passing/Rushing/Receiving Yards, Receptions, Pass/Rush Attempts
  • Game Props: Total Sacks, Longest Field Goal/Completion/Catch/Rush

Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of sports betting. A thrilling NFL season culminates in the final event. This means that there are several bet types to choose from, even with Over/Unders. Not only will you be able to select the usual options outlined above, but also a few novelty football prop bets:

  • Length of National Anthem
  • Type of Commercials
  • Length of Half-Time Show

These are fun bets designed for Super Bowl parties.

Over/Under Bet Strategies

There are several bet strategies to be mindful of for Over/Unders, such as the following:

  • Shop around multiple sportsbooks to find the best odds and totals.
  • Consider the weather because this can have an impact on scoring.
  • Examine the head-to-head matchup to see if there are mismatches that a team may exploit.
  • Think about the pace of play: faster teams result in more points.
  • Check to see if there are notable injuries on either team.
  • Make sure to factor in the venue, especially in baseball, where there are hitter’s and pitcher’s parks

Over/Under Betting for Beginners

If you’re new to Over/Under betting, here are a few tips to guide you:

  • Monitor the line movement. If a total has moved in one direction, it’s a good idea to follow this shift.
  • Check to see each team’s record on Over/Unders. It shows if they’re valued properly by the market.
  • Examine a team’s recent trends. Are they scoring more lately, or are they struggling?
  • Look at the starting lineups and see how each player has performed of late.
  • Think about how each team matches up.
  • Shop through different sportsbook options for your best odds available.

How to Calculate Over/Under Odds

Over/Under odds are displayed in American format on DraftKings. This involves positive or negative numbers that relate to $100. Let’s take a look at how to calculate these odds:

Betting on Minus Odds

Let’s say that I want to bet on the Under 7.5 Runs in the Yankees-Blue Jays game at -110 odds.

If I want to risk $100:

  1. Divide 110 / 100 = 1.1
  2. Divide 100 / 1.1 = 90.9
  3. My payout is $90.90

If I want to win $100:

  1. Divide 110/100 = 1.1
  2. Multiply 100 x 1.1 = 110
  3. My risk is $110

Betting on Plus Odds

Imagine that you want to take the Under 51.5 in the Cardinals-Rams game at +105 odds. In this case, your stake is always less than your payout since it’s plus money.

Risk $100:

  1. Divide 105 / 100 = 1.05
  2. Multiply 100 x 1.05 = 105
  3. My payout is $105

Why Are Over/Unders a Good Bet?

Over/Unders are a good bet for the following reasons:

  • Easy to understand, just select Over or Under
  • Several options, from the full game to one quarter
  • Bet on teams, players, or events within the game
  • You won’t have to pay inflated odds too often
  • Can project the combined score by looking at team styles and pace of play

Can Over/Unders Be a Bad Bet?

There are also some drawbacks to Over/Unders, such as:

  • You won’t find long odds here, so the payouts are lower
  • Some player props can be expensive
  • You can project the game correctly but lose because of turnovers or poor free-throw shooting
  • Sometimes even the highest-scoring teams randomly have a tough time putting up points

What Sports Are Available for Over/Unders?

As one of the traditional bet types, there are tons of sports that feature Over/Unders, such as:

  • NFL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • NHL
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Formula One
  • MMA
  • Rugby

Is There Bet Insurance on Over/Unders?

Bet Insurance is commonly offered as a welcome bonus for new users. This can also be known as bet reward credits.

It’s where your first bet is refunded up to a maximum if it loses. You’re able to use this promo on Over/Unders, so be sure to take advantage.

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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