Total is one of the most popular markets offered by bookmakers across all sports. Let’s break down what total means in betting and why it’s suitable for both experienced handicappers and beginner bettors.
A total is a wager on whether a certain statistical indicator in a match will reach or not reach a specified number. The most common total bets are on the number of goals or points scored in a sporting event.
Which sports offer total bets?
Essentially, a player always wagers on some numerical measure of a sporting event. There’s always a cumulative figure to be found. Therefore, understanding what total means in sports betting, we can conclude that this is a universal market. It’s easy to find in almost every sport. The most common options include:
- football – goals, corners, fouls, yellow cards, shots on target, and much more;
- hockey – goals, faceoffs won, hits, penalty minutes;
- tennis – games won, aces, double faults;
- basketball – points, three-pointers, free throws, etc.
Even in biathlon, you can bet on the total number of targets hit or penalty laps by a particular athlete.
Types of totals
The basic principle of understanding totals in betting is to predict whether a certain game statistic will be over (Over, “TB”) or under (Under, “TM”) a specific value. However, the versatility of this market means there are many variations beyond just Over and Under. Let’s look at the main types.
European and Asian
The European total includes half and whole numbers. For example, in football, if you bet on Over (2.5), you win if at least three goals are scored. If you choose Over (3), there are three possible outcomes:
- up to two goals – the bet loses;
- exactly three goals – the bet is refunded;
- four or more goals – the bet wins.
The Asian format includes quarter values – 0.25, 0.75, 1.25, 1.75, etc. Let’s explain the Asian total with an example. Suppose you bet 1,000 ₽ on Over (5.25) at odds of 1.85 in the NHL playoff semifinal between the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning. This means 500 ₽ is placed on Over (5) and 500 ₽ on Over (5.5). The possible outcomes are:
- If the teams score six or more goals, the total wins, and the payout is 1,000×1.85 = 1,850 ₽. Net profit = 850 ₽.
- If there are five goals, for example, a 3:2 result, the Over (5) part is refunded, and the Over (5.5) part loses. 500 ₽ is returned; the other 500 ₽ is lost.
- If four or fewer goals are scored, the entire bet loses.
Overall and individual
You can place a bet on a cumulative indicator for both teams or on an individual total for a single side. The outcome of the match doesn’t matter. A player or team may lose the game but still reach the required statistic.
Three-way total
This market involves betting on a whole number, such as a team to score over three goals. Unlike the European whole-number total, there’s no refund option here. The bet covers three mutually exclusive outcomes: Under (N), Exactly (N), or Over (N).
Combined total
The flexibility of this market allows it to be included in many combination bets. For example, “Over (9.5) in games of the first set + Over (20)” in a tennis match.
Markets combining totals with basic match outcomes are also popular. For instance, “Over (2.5) + Home team to win.”
By time segments
Like many other markets, total bets can be placed not only on the whole game. They are often available for specific halves, quarters, sets, or periods. Over and Under bets are also always offered in live mode.
Sum of goal minutes
This is an interesting and uncommon market in football that many bettors don’t know about. You can bet on the sum of the minutes when goals are scored. For example, if you pick Under (160.5) and the goals come in the 65th and 86th minutes, 65 + 86 = 151. The bet wins.
How to bet on totals correctly?
Over and Under are among the most popular markets, so bookmakers pay close attention to how they set odds. It’s hard to find value bets here. Profitable odds are more likely found in niche statistical markets such as fouls, goal kicks, or double faults. Therefore, success requires a strategic approach.
What strategies exist?
Here are a few examples of strategies that can be profitable over the long run:
- Under (2.5) in football. Most players prefer betting on Overs due to psychological bias, so Under odds gradually increase. Choose matches where both teams have weak attacks and look for value odds.
- Chasing Over or Under by quarters in basketball. For each quarter, pick odds between 1.90–2.10 and apply a standard Martingale (chase) strategy. Every game includes both high-scoring and low-scoring segments.
There are many such betting systems. Approach them cautiously and critically. Invest only in strategies you’ve personally tested. Try simulating them long-term virtually before wagering real money.
Pros and Cons
Having understood what total means in betting, let’s highlight the main advantages:
- a wide variety of Over and Under options;
- no need to predict the score or the winner;
- easy to find statistics on teams’ and players’ scoring performance;
- many proven strategic systems exist.
The main drawback is that bookmakers accurately calculate odds for main total markets. Over the long term, players often end up at a loss simply due to bookmaker margin. Therefore, to win consistently, you must improve your pre-match analysis skills and create high-probability predictions.
