What Is Over/Under Betting on DraftKings?
Over/Under betting, also known as Totals betting, is a wager based on the combined score of both teams in a game. Bettors don't need to predict the winning team but must decide whether the final score will be higher (Over) or lower (Under) than the line set by DraftKings Sportsbook. For example, if the Over/Under for an NBA game is set at 231 points, bettors wager on whether the total points scored by both teams will exceed or fall short of that number.
Here is an example from the NBA

With this win on Sunday, Feb. 23rd, the Lakers snapped an 8-game losing streak against the Denver Nuggets.
This type of bet is popular among novice and experienced bettors because it simplifies predicting outcomes by focusing solely on the total number of points scored rather than which team wins or loses or player performance. Understanding how Overs and Unders work in sports betting is crucial to making informed wagers.
How Do DraftKings Totals Work?
How Do DraftKings Totals Work In Sports Betting?
When sports betting at DraftKings, oddsmakers set a line for the game total, representing the expected combined score of both teams. For example, in an NFL game, DraftKings might set the total at 48.5 points. Bettors can then choose whether the final score will be Over or Under that Total.
This is the most common form of Totals betting, but DraftKings and other U.S. sportsbooks have developed their Totals betting offerings.
DraftKings offers Totals for individual teams, halftime or quarter totals, and even player prop totals like "How Many Total Yards does Saquon Barkley Rush for the Eagles." These sports betting options provide more variety and flexibility, allowing bettors to focus on smaller segments of a game.
Types of DraftKings Totals
Bet Type | Definition | Example | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|
Game Total | Bet on combined score of both teams. | Over 48 points in NFL game. | Simple, focuses on total score. | Team performance can skew results. |
Team Total | Bet on one team’s total points. | Over 24.5 points for Packers. | Focuses on a single team. | Team underperformance results in a loss. |
Half/Quarter Total | Bet on the Total half points or Total quarter points in a game. | Over 55 points in NBA 1st half. | Predictable with half-time trends. | Unpredictable early-game dynamics. |
Player Total | Bet on individual player’s total points or stats. | Over 30.5 points for LeBron James. | Focuses on key players. | Injuries or poor performance risk the bet. |
Run Line Total (MLB) | Bet on total runs scored in a baseball game. | Over 7.5 runs in Yankees vs. Red Sox. | Fewer scoring variables. | Late-game swings in runs are unpredictable. |
Period Total (Hockey) | Bet on total goals in a specific period. | Over 1.5 goals in hockey’s 1st period. | Shorter betting period. | Quick-paced and unpredictable. |
Live Over/Under | Bet during a game with real-time odds. | Over 48.5 points mid-game in the NFL. | Adjusts with game progress. | Rapid odds changes, impulsive decisions. |
Parlay with Over/Under | Combine Over/Under with other bets. | Over 48.5 points + Packers cover spread. | Higher payouts. | All legs must win to cash out. |
Future Total | Bet on total points or wins for a future period. | Over 8.5 wins for the Packers' season. | Long-term potential. | Requires patience and delayed payout. |
Alternate Total | Adjusted Over/Under line for different odds. | Over 52.5 points instead of 48 in the NFL. | Customizable based on risk level. | Higher risk with more aggressive lines. |