Improve your skills by discovering how Over/Under betting works. Learn winning strategies to take advantage of this type of market.
What you'll find in this article?
- What are Over/Under bets?
- How does Over/Under work?
- Types of Over/Under markets
- Sports to bet on Over/Under
- Best bookmakers for Over/Under betting
- Odds Over/Under: Practical example
- Over/Under betting strategies
- How to bet on Over/Under
- When to bet on Over/Under?
- Conclusions and final recommendations
In the exciting world of sports betting, there are a wide variety of bet types to take advantage of. One of the most popular options is the Over/Under bet. It's often one of the most interesting for those looking to take advantage of online betting opportunities.
In this article, we'll explore winning strategies for Over/Under betting, unravelling the key concepts and providing practical tips for those who wish to succeed in this exciting area of sports betting.
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What are Over/Under bets?
Over/Under bets are widely known not only in football betting (where they are most popular), but also in other sports such as tennis or basketball. In these bets, you predict whether the final result of a sporting event will be higher or lower than a value predefined by the bookmaker.
This value is usually specific, like the number of goals in a football match or points in basketball. Bettors have to decide whether they believe the result will be Over or Under.
A correct guess guarantees you a winning bet and the best thing is that this option can be combined with other types of bet, such as parlay bets.
Over/Under in sports betting offers greater flexibility in forecasting, allowing you to predict approximate outcomes rather than exact results. This is used to predict the trend of the outcome and not necessarily the exact result, which increases the odds of winning.
How does Over/Under work?
The mechanics of Over/Under betting are that the bookmaker gives you a number and you try to predict whether the result of the match will be higher or lower than that number, the result of the match being the total number of points or goals scored by the two teams.
The Over/Under betting market is versatile and can be used on a wide variety of sports. Therefore, the term over/under in betting can have different meanings, depending on the bet and the sport in question. It can refer to the number of points, goals, runs (in baseball), among other things.
⚠️ The best bookmakers offer different kinds of Over/Under bets ⚠️
We'll use football as an example to explain how the most popular ones work.
⚠️You should be aware that the logic behind how this type of betting works applies to all other sports.
- Over/Under 0.5
Although it's not the most common bet on the Over/Under market, the first possible Over/Under prediction concerns 0.5 goals. This gives you the option of betting on more than 0.5 (which implies that there will be a goal or more in the match) or less than 0.5 (which translates into a goalless draw).
For example, if you bet on Over 0.5 and a goal is scored in the match, you win the bet. On the other hand, if you bet on Under 0.5 goals, only a goalless draw will win you the bet.
You should bear in mind that although the odds of winning a bet of more than 0.5 are high, since it only takes one goal to win, the odds offered by the bookmaker are very low.
On the other hand, it's more difficult to win an Under 0.5 bet, but the odds are much higher. This is logical, because the only way to win an Under 0.5 bet is if the result ends 0-0.
Over/Under 0.5 bets could be an option for the first half of the game.
Some results to win the "Over 0.5" bet:
| 1-0 | 1-1 | 2-0 |
| 2-1 | 2-2 | 3-2 |
- Over/Under 1.5
The Over/Under 1.5 bet is very popular with punters.
In the Over 1.5 bet, you're predicting that there will be more than 1.5 goals in the match, i.e. at least 2 goals in total. It doesn't matter which team scores, as long as the total number of goals scored by both teams is two or more.
In the Under 1.5 bet, you're predicting that there will be less than 1.5 goals in the match, i.e. a maximum of 1 goal in total, which means you'll win the bet if there's only one goal or no goals at all.
Only two results are valid to win the "Under 1.5" bet:
| 0-0 | 1-0 |
Since most matches usually end with at least 2 goals, bookmakers tend to offer higher odds for the Under 1.5 goals option and lower odds for the Over 1.5 goals option.
So what does Over 1.5 goals mean in betting? It's simple, the final score of the match has to be 2 goals or more for your bet to win. This is a bet with guaranteed winnings, although the odds are generally low.
Possible outcomes for winning an Over 1.5 bet:
| 1-1 | 2-0 | 2-1 |
| 2-2 | 3-2 | 3-3 |
- Over/Under betting 2.5
This is one of the most popular bets in football betting. Both the Over 2.5 option (more than 2.5 goals) and the Under 2.5 option (less than 2.5 goals) offer attractive and often balanced odds in bookmakers.
If the total number of goals in a match is Over 2.5 (i.e. 3 or more goals), the Over 2.5 goals bet is considered a winner. On the other hand, if the total number of goals is less than 2.5 (i.e. two goals or less), the Under 2.5 bet is a winner.
Results in which the Under 2.5 bet wins:
| 0-0 | 1-0 |
| 2-0 | 1-1 |
Since many football matches often end with 2 or 3 goals, it's crucial that you have a good understanding of what Over 2.5 means in betting.
Every detail counts: goals scored and conceded by both teams, the importance of the game, the systems of play, the absence of key players, among other factors. If you analyse correctly, you can get good odds on this type of bet and potentially increase your winnings.
Although Over/Under 2.5 is the most popular and attractive bet in terms of odds, there are other options in this market that can also be interesting, such as Over/Under 3.5, Over/Under 4.5 and Over/Under 5.5. These options are available in most bookmakers and for a variety of matches, offering alternatives that can add excitement to your bets and get you out of the rut.
Examples of outcomes in which the Over 2.5 bet would win:
| 2-1 | 3-0 | 3-1 |
| 3-2 | 3-3 | 4-3 |
Types of Over/Under markets
The Over/Under markets can be grouped as follows:
- Total markets
These are the most common. They involve predicting that the overall result of a sporting event will be higher (Over) or lower (Under) than a specific value set by the bookmaker.
These markets are not just limited to the number of goals in football, but also apply to other sports such as basketball, tennis, hockey, among others.
In tennis, for example, an Over/Under bet on total markets can be the total number of sets played in a match. The bookmaker sets an Over/Under market of 22.5 sets for a match between two players.
If you bet on the over, you win if the total number of sets played is 23 or more. On the other hand, if you bet on the under, you'll win if the total number of sets is 22 or less.
Total Goals Markets
- Over/Under bets for a team
It works in a similar way to the totals market, however, it focuses exclusively on the performance of a single team in terms of its ability to score goals. In other words, you place your Over/Under bet on just one of the teams in the match in question.
Over/Under betting for a team
- Over/Under bets at half-time or in a quarter
It involves predicting whether the total number of goals, points, games or other events in a match will be above or below a specific value at half-time or at the end of a quarter.
For example, in football, there could be an Over/Under 0.5 goals market for half-time. If you bet on Over, you'll win if there's at least one goal scored during the first half. On the other hand, if you bet on Under, you'll win if there are no goals scored until half-time.
Over/Under betting half-time
Sports to bet on Over/Under
- Football
Given the numerous actions that can take place during a football match, Over/Under betting is quite common. Bookmakers often offer the option of betting on a variety of events, such as the number of goals (most popular), corner kicks, yellow or red cards, among others.
In football, the most common Over/Under market relates to the total number of goals scored in a match, either by the two teams as a whole or for one of the teams individually. Punters must predict whether they believe the total number of goals will be higher or lower than the value set by the bookmaker.
Let's look at a practical example: Just this may, there was the finals for Europa League between Tottenham and Manchester United, the first final between two English teams for a very long time.
The bookmaker set a line of Over/Under 3.5 total goals for the match, because of the importance of the game and both teams needed to win.
The final score was 1-0 in favour of Tottenham.
Your chances of winning the Over/Under bet were as follows:
| WIN | LOSS | |
| Over 0.5 | ✅ | |
| Under 0.5 | ❌ | |
| Over 1.5 | ❌ | |
| Under 1.5 | ✅ | |
| Over 2.5 | ❌ | |
| Under 2.5 | ✅ | |
| Over 3.5 | ❌ | |
| Under 3.5 | ✅ | |
| Over 4.5 | ❌ | |
| Under 4.5 | ✅ | |
| Over 5.5 | ❌ | |
| Under 5.5 | ✅ |
- Basketball
In basketball, Over/Under bets can refer to the total number of points scored in a game, either by the two teams as a whole or by a specific team individually.
Bettors have to predict whether the points total will be higher or lower than the value set by the bookmaker. This type of bet is common in matches with top players, who often achieve high scores.
Imagine an exciting basketball game between two NBA teams: the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics. The bookmaker sets an Over/Under line at 220.5 total points for the game.
If a punter decides to bet on the Over and the final score of the game is 115-110 in favour of the Lakers, the total points would be 225, exceeding the set line of 220.5.
On the other hand, if someone bets on the Under and the final result is 105-100 in favour of the Celtics, the total points would be 205, which would be below the line of 220.5. In this case, the Under bet would be a winner.
The options on the Over/Under market in this sport may refer to a team's total points, the total points of the two teams or even a particular player, such as rebounds or assists.
LA Lakers vs. Boston Celtics
- Tennis
Just like in football, in tennis there are many markets available in this type of Over/Under betting, such as: sets, games, breaks of serve, aces, points in a game or points in a set. However, the most common refers to the number of sets played in a match.
Let's imagine a tennis match between two of the most famous players on the ATP circuit: Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. The bookmaker sets a line of Over/Under 3.5 total sets for the match.
If a punter decides to bet on the Over and the match has five sets, the total number of sets would be 5, exceeding the 3.5 line. The Over bet would therefore be a winner.
On the other hand, if someone bets on the Under and the match is settled in three sets, the total number of sets would be 3, which would be below the 3.5 line. In this case, the Under bet would be the winner.
Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer
- Baseball
In baseball, the total number of runs is similar to the Goal Over/Under in football or the points Over/Under in basketball. It refers to the total number of runs that will be scored between the two teams at the end of the game.
It is important to consider that these runs include the runs scored during the extra innings in the event of a tie at the end of the ninth inning. In general, the total number of innings varies between 8 and 10.
Suppose we're watching an exciting baseball game between the popular Mexican Baseball League teams the Diablos Rojos del Mexico and the Tigres de Quintana Roo. The bookmaker has set an Over/Under line of 9.5 total runs for the game.
If a punter decides to bet on the Over and the final score of the game is 7-6 in favour of the Diablos Rojos, the total number of runs would be 13, exceeding the established line of 9.5. In this case, the Over bet would be a winner.
On the other hand, if someone bets on the Under and the final result is 4-3 in favour of the Tigres de Quintana Roo, the total runs would be 7, which would be below the 9.5 line. In this case, the Under bet would be a winner.
Diablos Rojos del México vs. Tigres de Quintana Roo
Best bookmakers
It's a fact that in recent years almost all bookmakers have incorporated the Over/Under betting option into their offers. However, it's important to bear in mind that odds can vary from one bookmaker to another, so you should analyse the best bookmakers in order to choose the one that offers you the best conditions.
To make your job easier, you can check out at Academia, the ranking of the best bookmakers. To produce this ranking, we've taken into account not only the best odds, but also many other elements that you should take into account when choosing an operator. Be sure to check it out and choose the one that seems best to you.
- Bet365 
One of the world’s most recognised betting platforms, Bet365 offers a premium experience with live streaming, in-play betting, and a vast range of sports markets. Though it doesn’t have a local Kenyan licence, it remains accessible and trusted by experienced bettors.
- Betwinner 
Betwinner is gaining popularity in Kenya thanks to its generous welcome offers, fast registration process, and wide selection of sports and casino games. It supports local payment options like M-Pesa, making it convenient for Kenyan players.
- 1xBet 
1xBet is well-known for its competitive odds, frequent promotions, and huge sportsbook. It accepts M-Pesa for easy deposits and withdrawals, and offers thousands of betting markets across football, basketball, and more. Ideal for players who enjoy variety.
- Betlion 
A homegrown Kenyan bookmaker, Betlion is licensed locally and built for simplicity and mobile use. It’s popular for its daily jackpots, free bet offers, and user-friendly platform. A great choice for beginners and regular punters alike.
Odds Over/Under: Practical example
To better illustrate the Over/Under market, let's use a football match between two well-known teams from the Spain league: Barcelona and Real Madrid, for Copa del Rey 2025.
This match took place on April 31, 2025 at the La Cartuja Stadium, in Spain, with a final score of 3-2 in favour of the Catalans.
This final between Barcelona and Real Madrid, two giants of Spanish football, was not only a clash rich in history and rivalry but also a decisive moment in the season. With the Copa del Rey trophy at stake, both sides were expected to go all out in pursuit of silverware, making for a high-intensity, attacking encounter. That’s exactly what unfolded, with a thrilling match that delivered goals and drama until the final whistle.
If you were one of those who bet on the Over 2.5, you got interesting odds of between 1.93 and 1.97.
| Bookmakers | Over 0.5 | Under 0.5 | Over 1.5 | Under 1.5 | Over 2.5 | Under 2.5 |
|
| 1.02 | 15.00 | 1.30 | 3.40 | 1.95 | 1.85 |
|
| 1.01 | 16.00 | 1.28 | 3.60 | 1.93 | 1.87 |
|
| 1.02 | 14.00 | 1.30 | 3.50 | 1.95 | 1.85 |
|
| 1.03 | 14.00 | 1.32 | 3.50 | 1.97 | 1.83 |
To make your sports betting decisions easier, we recommend that you visit the Academy's Previews section, which will give you a complete overview of the teams' performances in the latest matches played, helping you to make informed decisions so that you have a better chance of placing winning bets.
⚠️ To choose the best bookmakers take a look at our suggestions. ⚠️
Over/Under betting strategies
It's important that you know some recommended strategies for Over/Under betting, regardless of your favourite sport. This will, to a certain extent, ensure better decision-making and more accurate bets.
Below are the ones we consider to be the most important:
- Understand the context of the game or season
Before you place your bet on Over/Under, it's important that you understand the context of the game you want to bet on.
In the case of football, for example, the dynamics of a friendly match differ significantly from the intensity and competition of a World Cup final.
In a World Cup final, the players will obviously be more motivated and committed, which translates into a more attacking game and a greater number of goal-scoring opportunities.
It's therefore more likely that the goal total will be higher in such a high-level game.
You have to take into account the defensive and offensive capabilities of each team and the stage of the season in which they are playing.
- Evaluate player participation
Continuing with the football example, if the team's most important player gets injured and therefore doesn't take part in the game, there might not be as many goals as you'd expect.
If, on the other hand, the star player is at his best, with an extraordinary season, you can expect many more goals.
It's important to recognise a team's key players, those who are decisive in both scoring and defending. The absence of a goalkeeper or a starting striker can significantly influence the scoring dynamics of the game. It is therefore essential to take injuries or suspensions into account when analysing matches.
- Analysing statistics and trends
Before opting for an Over/Under bet, it's essential to carefully analyse the relevant statistics. This includes reviewing the averages of points or goals scored per game, as well as the averages of goals conceded by the defence.
In addition, it's crucial to consider the performance trends of teams in home and away matches. Remember not to ignore important information about injuries that could affect team performance.
- Consider the weather conditions
Consider the conditions in which the match will be played, such as the weather and location, as these variables can have a significant impact on the number of goals scored.
In unfavourable weather conditions, teams can underperform, which can lead to fewer goals or a lower points total in the game. In addition, the condition of the pitch also influences the course of the game and, consequently, the final results.
Here's a video from the Betting Academy in which you can see how the weather influences a match and how the bookmakers' Over/Under odds change depending on it.
In this case, the rain ended up changing the conditions of the game and, consequently, the odds.
- Research the teams
Analyse the attacking performance of teams, as well as the strength of their defence. Check if they can score goals or points easily and if they are vulnerable in defence, which will affect the number of goals or points they can concede during the match.
It's advisable to take the average number of goals scored by each team in their last five games and add them up. Depending on the number of goals calculated in this way, we'll know whether or not the teams are capable of crossing the line proposed by the bookmaker, either to score or to defend.
Research the teams' current form, their previous results and whether they tend to score or concede a lot of goals.
- Obligation to win
On certain occasions, teams have to win and can't settle for a draw. This can happen in the final rounds of a championship or in the second leg of the knockout stages of a competition. This urgency to win can result in very open games, which favours betting on a greater number of goals.
- Live betting
Over/Under bets are ideal for live betting, to respond to changing match conditions. In addition, combined bets are recommended to guarantee winning results.
Over/under on live bets
⚠️ Find all about Live Betting at the Academy. ⚠️
These tips are useful, but remember that no betting strategy is a guarantee of absolute success. There is always a risk involved in sports betting. However, if you follow these suggestions, you can improve your chances of winning on the Over/Under markets.
A thorough analysis and a calm and collected attitude will make all the difference to your chances of success when betting on Over/Under markets.
How to bet on Over/Under
Placing an Over/Under bet is a simple process. Once you've understood the concept, i.e. what this type of bet consists of, the next step is to place an Over/Under bet:
- Select a bookmaker: to place a bet, you must be registered with a bookmaker. If you're not yet registered, check out our article on "How do I know which is the best bookmaker in Portugal?", which will help you make a good decision.
-
If you haven't registered with a bookmaker yet, we've got good news for you:
If you open an account with one of the best bookmakers through the Betting Academy, you'll have access to many more advantages:
✅ The offer of 100 Academy points, , which will help you level up and unlock exclusive content, such as the Sports Betting Course with Paulo Rebelo.
- Select a match and analyse it: choose the match you want to bet on, but before you do, take some time to get to know the teams. At the Academy we have an exclusive section of statistics and previews that can help you make your decision and that you can consult whenever you need to.
- Place your bet: select the "Total Goals" market and choose the Over/Under you think is most appropriate given your analysis (Over/Under 1.5, Over/Under 2.5, etc.). Determine the amount you want to bet, check your bet slip to make sure everything matches your selection and click on "Bet".
- Follow the game as it unfolds: follow the action of the match live or via the real-time updates provided by bookmakers or at the Academy. Over/Under bets are ideal for live betting because the events of the game can change your initial decision.
- Collect your winnings and reflect: When your prediction is correct, you can claim your winnings from the bookmaker. The amount you receive is determined by the odds offered when you selected the Over/Under market for your sports bet.
⚠️It's essential to bear in mind that winnings are subject to the bookmaker's terms and conditions. Regardless of the outcome of your sports bets, it's essential to learn from each event. Analyse why you made certain decisions and how you can improve your future bets.
When to bet on Over/Under?
As we've seen, the Over/Under betting market is very versatile, so you'll have plenty of ways to win. However, it's important that you take into account the type of match being played and which teams are facing each other so that your decision is more accurate.
Here are some aspects to take into account when assessing which option is the most profitable:
- If teams tend to be involved in games with a lot of goals, with frequent attacks and less solid defences, it's advisable to bet on the Over.
- If the teams have a history of playing closer games, with an emphasis on defence and less goal scoring chances, it's advisable to bet on the Under.
- If the average number of goals in previous matches is high, suggesting a tendency for matches with a lot of goals, we recommend betting on the Over.
- If the teams have a lower goal average, which indicates games with fewer goals, it's better to bet on the Under.
Here are some examples to guide you:
✅ The Over 0.5 market should be used in matches where a low number of goals is expected, such as in evenly matched games between lower-ranked teams that usually struggle to score.
✅ Historic games, finals or decisive duels, whether they involve prominent teams fighting for a title or smaller teams looking to avoid relegation, the fear of defeat can lead both teams to adopt a less risky offensive posture to protect their goal, so you can expect few goals. These cases are ideal for Under 0.5 or Under 1.5 bets.
✅ In matches between teams of different calibre, using this strategy of betting on the Under of the weaker team can be very advantageous. Although the odds may not be very high, the bet is usually safe. What's more, if the weaker team has trouble scoring, the chances of success of this bet increase.
✅ In attacking games, where both teams have a history of scoring a lot of goals, it's likely that more than 1.5 goals will be scored in the game due to their aggressive style of play. In these cases, even if the odds offered by the bookmaker aren't very high, betting on the Over is practically a safe bet.
✅ Over 1.5 goals are likely to be scored in matches where a clear favourite faces a team from the bottom half of the table. In these games, the favourite team is likely to score several goals due to its clear superiority. In these cases, you can consider the Over 2.5 bet a safe bet.
Conclusions and final recommendations
Over/Under betting is a fun form of betting that has become a favourite among punters. It involves predicting whether the final result of a sporting event will be higher or lower than a value predefined by the bookmaker.
Deciding between Over and Under betting is a choice that varies according to different factors and there is no single correct answer. Both Over and Under present opportunities for profit, but it's crucial to understand the specific circumstances of each game in order to make the best decision.
Ultimately, success in this type of bet requires research, analysis and an understanding of the specific context of each game. There is no definitive rule, so carefully exploring both options in different situations may be the best strategy.
⚠️ To place your Over/Under bets, choose the best bookmakers. ⚠️
✅ What does Over/Under mean in betting?
✅ Which bookmakers offer Over/Under betting?
✅ Is it possible to make money with Over/Under betting?
✅ How to place a good Over/Under bet on football?
