Do Total Points Bets Include Overtime?

Unless the sportsbook has specified otherwise, most over/under bets include overtime․ This is the case for most US sportsbooks and betting lines on leagues such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, etc․

Overtime Rules in Different Sports

Overtime rules can vary significantly across different sports․ Understanding these nuances is crucial for making informed bets, especially when it comes to totals․

In the NFL, overtime is played for a maximum of 10 minutes, and the first team to score any points wins (sudden death)․ This rule can dramatically impact over/under bets, as a single score in overtime can swing the total․

The NBA also has overtime periods, each lasting five minutes until a winner is determined․ Similar to the NFL, scores in NBA overtime count towards the total, potentially pushing the game over even if the regulation time was low-scoring․

In MLB, there are no timed overtime periods․ Instead, teams continue to play extra innings until one team emerges victorious․ Each inning played in extras adds to the total score, making it more likely that over bets will cash in longer games․

The NHL features a five-minute, 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime period during the regular season․ If no goals are scored, a shootout decides the winner․ Notably, only the one goal that ends the shootout is added to the total score․ In the playoffs, overtime periods are 20 minutes long (or shorter if a goal is scored)․

Soccer, unlike the other major sports, does not typically have overtime during the regular season․ Games ending in a tie remain as such․ However, in cup competitions and playoffs, two extra halves of 15 minutes each are played․ If the game is still tied, a penalty shootout determines the winner․ Goals scored during overtime periods in soccer count toward the total, while only the goals scored in the penalty shootout itself count for the final result․

Understanding these sport-specific overtime rules is crucial for accurately predicting how extra time might influence the final score․ This knowledge allows bettors to assess the likelihood of an over/under bet hitting based on the sport and specific overtime regulations in play․

Impact of Overtime on Point Spread Bets

When it comes to point spread bets, overtime can be a game-changer․ Unlike bets on individual periods or quarters, point spread wagers consider the final score of the game, including any points scored during overtime․ This means a team that covers the spread in regulation could still lose the bet if their opponent outscores them in overtime․

For example, imagine betting on the Kansas City Chiefs -3․5 against the Buffalo Bills․ If the Chiefs are leading by 4 points at the end of regulation but the Bills score a touchdown in overtime, the final score could be Bills 31, Chiefs 27․ In this scenario, you would lose your bet, even though the Chiefs covered the spread for the majority of the game․

Conversely, overtime can also provide a second chance for teams failing to cover the spread in regulation․ If you bet on the underdog Denver Broncos +6․5 against the Los Angeles Chargers and they are trailing by 7 points at the end of the fourth quarter, an overtime touchdown for the Broncos would win you the bet․

This dynamic makes point spread betting particularly exciting, as the possibility of overtime adds an extra layer of uncertainty and potential for dramatic turnarounds․ Understanding that overtime scores are factored into the final result is essential for assessing risk and making informed point spread wagers․

Overtime in Second Half and Quarter Bets

While overtime counts for full-game bets, the rules are different for wagers placed specifically on the second half or a particular quarter․ Generally, overtime is NOT included when determining the outcome of these bets․ This distinction is crucial for bettors to understand, as it significantly impacts how these wagers are resolved․

For instance, consider a scenario where you bet on the Golden State Warriors -5․5 in the second half of a basketball game․ If the Warriors enter halftime trailing, then win the second half by 6 points but lose in overtime, you would still win your bet․ This is because only the points scored within the designated second half are considered, regardless of the overtime outcome․

Similarly, if you placed a bet on the total points scored in the fourth quarter of an NFL game, any points scored in overtime would not be factored into the result․ Your bet would be settled based solely on the points accumulated during the fourth quarter of regulation time․

It’s essential to remember this distinction between full-game bets and those focusing on specific periods․ Always double-check the house rules of your chosen sportsbook to confirm their specific policies regarding overtime and second half or quarter bets․ This attention to detail can prevent misunderstandings and ensure you understand how your wagers will be graded․

Over/Under Bets and Overtime

Over/under bets, also known as totals bets, are a popular wagering option where you predict whether the combined score of both teams will exceed or fall short of a predetermined number set by oddsmakers․ A common question that arises regarding these bets is whether overtime points are included in the final calculation․ The answer is generally yes․

In most sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, overtime is considered part of the regular game for over/under bets․ This means any points, runs, or goals scored during overtime are added to the overall game total to determine whether the over or under hit․

For instance, if you placed an over bet on an NFL game with a total of 45․5 points, and the score after regulation is tied at 21-21, the game would go into overtime․ Any points scored in overtime would be added to the total․ So if one team scores a touchdown and extra point in overtime, making the final score 28-21, the total points scored would be 49, exceeding the over/under line of 45․5 and resulting in a win for over bettors․

It’s crucial to remember that while most sportsbooks include overtime in over/under bets, confirming the specific rules and regulations of your chosen platform is always wise․ Some sportsbooks might have exceptions or variations for certain sports or leagues, so always familiarize yourself with their house rules to avoid any surprises․