What is a Total Bet?

Think you can guess the combined number of points scored by two teams? If so, you should place a Total Bet. Total bets are fun if you're very knowledgeable about sports and think you have some good info on an upcoming matchup. Otherwise, if you're just an average Joe recreational bettor, Total bets are a nice alternative to straight bets, because they pay more, but only involve two elements: the points scored by team A, and the points scored by team B.

Definition of a Total Bet: A Total Bet is a wager placed on the combined numerical total of points scored by two teams in a given matchup. The final game score, even after over time, penalty shots, or other events is what matters, so if you're betting a game total, be sure to watch it up until the very end to find out if you won.

Total Bet Example:

The Chicago Bulls are playing the Miami Heat. Based on your review of box scores, player lineups, and team strenghts, you feel the Heat will lose with a score of 40 points, and the Bulls will win with a score of 60 points. Therefore, if you place a total bet on this game, your wager would be $x for a total of 100 points.

Thoughts on Total Bets:

1. In low scoring games, like hockey, soccer, or baseball, payoffs for total bets will not be particularly high, since it's relatively easy to guess the total points scored by two teams in a low scoring sport. On one hand, total bets in these sports is easy money, but on the other, you won't be making that much.

2. Total Bets in high scoring games, like Football and Basketball are a different story. Typically, the final score total in a football game would be greater than 15, and the final score in a basketball game would be greater than 50. Therefore, because there is such a huge array of possible scores beyond these minimum numbers, football and basketball total bets pay more. Remember, it is all about risk and reward. Picking the point total in high scoring sports is harder than lower scoring sports, and therefore, you will get paid more if you pick the total of a high scoring sport.

3. Are total bets worth the effort? Because they're hard to win, most people shy away from total bets, just as it is hard to win a 10 team or greater parlay bet. As a result, bet smaller amounts of money on total bets so that a potential loss won't be as devastating to your bank roll than if you bet a lot of money. Furthermore, if your sportsbook takes total bets on low scoring sports like soccer, baseball, or hockey, try your luck with these sports first before you move on to football or basketball, which inherently have higher scores.