Total

A total is a bet on the combined number of points or goals scored by both teams in a given match. A wager can be made on whether the sum of both team's points will be over or under a set amount. Totals are one of the most commonly placed bet types along with moneylines and spreads.

How Totals Work

The total for the following match between the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders is set at 44.5. A bet on the over will win if the combined number of points scored by both teams exceeds 45. If Oakland wins the game 26-20 the combined score is 46 and the over will win.

Team		Spread	Total	Moneyline
	Miami Dolphins	+3.0 (-110)	Over 44.5 (-110)	+145
	Oakland Raiders	-3.0 (-110)	Under 44.5 (-110)	-165

Consequently, a wager on the under will win if the combined score is under 44. If Oakland won the game by a final score of 23-20 the combined score is 43 and the under will win. A bet placed on one team's individual points scored is known as a team total.

Pushes

If the combined final score equals the exact total then wagers are graded a push and bets refunded. If 6 goals are scored in the match between Edmonton and Calgary then both the Over 6.0 and Under 6.0 will push.

Team		Puck Line	Total	Moneyline
	Edmonton Oilers	-1.5 (+205)	Over 6.0 (+100)	-125
	Calgary Flames	+1.5 (-245)	Under 6.0 (-120)	+105

Grading Rules

The majority of sportsbooks will include overtime scoring when grading a total. Specific rules regarding total wagers vary by sport. Below are common total grading policies, however bettors should verify those of their respective bookmaker before placing a bet.

Baseball

If the starting pitchers are listed and a pitching change occurs prior to both pitchers throwing the first pitch then total wagers will be graded no action and bets refunded. Matches must go at least 9 innings (or 8.5 if the home team is leading) for total wagers to have action. This includes situations where the total has been decided but the game is not completed. Extra innings runs are included in the grading of baseball total wagers.

Basketball

NBA games require a minimum of 43 minutes game time in order for total wagers to have action. Other basketball leagues require at least 35 minutes for action. Overtime scoring is included in the grading of basketball total wagers.

Football

American football matches require a minimum of 55 minutes game time in order for total wagers to have action. Overtime scoring is included in the grading of football total wagers.

Hockey

Hockey matches must go a minimum of 55 minutes in order for total wagers to have action. The additional goal from matches going to extra time (overtime or shootout) will count towards the total if the market is not restricted to regulation time only.

Tennis

Total bets can be placed based on the combined number of sets or games played in a given tennis match. If one of the competing players cannot complete the match and retires both game and set totals will be graded no action and bets refunded.

Soccer

Soccer matches must reach full time in order for total wagers to have action. Goals scored in stoppage time will count towards the total. Goals scored in extra time will not count towards the total.