A total is a bet on the combined score of both teams. You bet whether the final total will be over or under the sportsbook's number.
A total (also called an over/under) is a bet on the combined score of both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a number, and you bet whether the actual total will be higher (Over) or lower (Under).
Example: Lakers vs. Celtics, total set at 219.5 at -110 each side.
The ".5" eliminates a push if the game lands exactly on the set total.
Both sides are usually priced at -110, similar to a point spread.
Sportsbooks set totals based on projected scoring from both teams. The number moves based on betting action and new information: injury to a key scorer pushes the total down; a hot offensive team or bad defensive matchup pushes it up.
Totals are less commonly used than moneylines for standard bonus bet hedges, but they appear in two specific strategies:
Middle betting: Line movement on totals creates middling opportunities. If you bet Over 215.5 Monday and the total moves to 221.5 by Thursday, you can bet Under 221.5 and have a 6-point window where both bets win.
Arbitrage: Price discrepancies in totals between sportsbooks create arb opportunities, particularly early in the week before sharp money has corrected the market.
For the full breakdown of bet types, read our guide to how sports betting works.
This is part of our complete guide. Read the full breakdown for the complete strategy.
Read: How Sports Betting Works: A Beginner's Guide (2026) →