Total (Over/Under line)
A market on the combined total of a countable quantity, such as goals, points or corners, where you bet whether the actual figure lands over or under the bookmaker's number.
Definition
A total sets a benchmark number for some countable quantity in an event, and you bet Over (the real total is higher) or Under (it is lower). Half-number lines (2.5, 47.5) guarantee a winner and loser, while whole-number lines (2.0, 47) can land exactly on the number and push, refunding stakes. Both sides usually price close to even money with the bookmaker's margin split across them. Totals exist for whole games, halves, and individual players or teams.
Worked example
A football total is set at 2.5 goals. Over wins if 3 or more goals are scored; Under wins with 0, 1 or 2. Both sides priced at 1.91 imply 52.36% each, a 104.71% book with a 4.71% margin.
Why it matters
Totals are among the most popular and liquid markets, so learners meet them early, and understanding half- versus whole-number lines is essential to knowing when a push can refund a bet.