Understanding Over/Under Betting in Football: Rules and Winning Strategies
Over/Under betting is one of the most exciting and widely played wagers in football betting. However, many beginners are still unsure about how it works and how to maximize their chances of winning. In this guide, Wintips will break down everything you need to know to master Over/Under betting.
If you’re a football fan with a passion for sports betting, you’ve probably heard of the term Over/Under betting. It is widely favored by bettors and offers diverse ways to play. So, what makes Over/Under football betting so attractive? Let’s explore the details with the betting experts at win tips bet in this in-depth analysis.
What is Over/Under?
When talking about Over/Under football betting, most people are familiar with this term. It is also known as O/U, which stands for Over/Under—simple and easy to understand!
According to Wintips’ research, the term "Over/Under" originates from China, where it means "big – small." In English, "Over" means above, and "Under" means below. This name itself reflects the essence of this type of betting.
What is Over/Under Football Betting?
In Over/Under football betting:
The bookmaker rating set a specific number of goals (benchmark) for a match.
Players must predict whether the total number of goals in the actual match will be higher (Over) or lower (Under) than the set benchmark.
This means bettors have two options—betting on Over or Under. The key to winning is accurately predicting the total number of goals scored in the match.
Unlike traditional casino Over/Under games that use dice, football Over/Under betting is entirely based on the total goals scored by both teams, regardless of which team wins or loses.
The exciting aspect of this betting type is that the outcome is based on the match score, making it unpredictable and highly engaging for bettors.
How to Read Over/Under Football Bets: Basic Knowledge
As Wintips has mentioned, besides Asian and European betting odds, Over/Under betting is one of the most popular options in football betting. In this type of betting, players wager on the total number of goals scored in a match.
Reading Over/Under bets is simple. For example, if the final score is 2-0, the total number of goals is 2 + 0 = 2. If the score is 5-1, the total number of goals is 5 + 1 = 6. You don’t need a football prediction of the day match winner, just the total goals scored.
However, note that only goals scored during regular time (90 minutes plus injury time) count. Goals scored during penalty shootouts or extra time do not affect the final result.
To make betting more exciting, bookmakers now offer various Over/Under betting options, such as first-half or second-half Over/Under bets, or bets on specific 15-minute intervals. The odds for Over/Under bets are determined by bookmakers based on the match situation.
How to Read Over/Under Football Odds
The calculation method for Over/Under betting is straightforward. You subtract the bookmaker’s benchmark from the total match goals:
If the result is ≥ 0.5, Over wins fully, and Under loses fully.
If the result is = 0.25, Over wins 50%, and Under loses 50%.
If the result is = 0, it is a draw, and both Over and Under bets are refunded.
If the result is = -0.25, Over loses 50%, and Under wins 50%.
If the result is ≤ -0.25, Over loses fully, and Under wins fully.
To help you understand better, here are the most common Over/Under bets in football betting:
Over/Under 1.5
Also called 1 ½ or 1.5-goal Over/Under.
If the total goals are 2 or more, Over wins, and Under loses.
If the total goals are 0 or 1, Under wins, and Over loses.
Example:
If a Manchester United vs. Liverpool match ends 2-1, the total goals are 2+1=3. Those who bet on Over win. If the score is 1-0, 0-0, or 0-1, Under wins.
This bet can also apply to a specific half, where only the goals in that half count.
Over/Under 1.75
Also known as 1 ¾ or 1.5 – 2 Over/Under.
If the total goals are 3 or more, Over wins fully.
If the total goals are 2, Over wins half, and Under loses half.
If the total goals are 1 or 0, Under wins fully.
Example:
If you bet 100 on Over and the match ends with 2 goals, you win 50 (half). If you bet on Under, you lose 50 (half).
If the match ends with 3 or more goals, Over bettors win fully, and Under bettors lose fully.
Over/Under 2
Unlike most Over/Under bets, bookmakers sometimes offer even-numbered Over/Under bets (2, 3, 4, etc.).
If the total goals are more than 2, Over wins.
If the total goals are less than 2, Under wins.
If the total goals are exactly 2, it is a draw, and bets are refunded.
Over/Under 2.25
Also called 2 ¼ or 2 – 2.5 Over/Under.
If the total goals are 3 or more, Over wins fully.
If the total goals are 2, Over loses half, and Under wins half.
If the total goals are less than 2, Under wins fully.
Other Over/Under Bets (2.5, 2.75, 3, etc.)
If you understand the rules for 1.5, 1.75, 2, and 2.25, you can easily apply the same principles to Over/Under 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, and so on. If you find it difficult, you can refer to the calculation formulas provided by Wintips.
Conclusion
Now, you understand what Over/Under betting is and how to read Over/Under football odds. We have also provided useful tips to help you win this type of bet. If you enjoy topics like this, leave a comment below and stay tuned for more exciting articles from Wintips!
