When betting point totals, the bettor isn’t betting on who wins the game but is concerned about how many combined points are scored between the competitors. Instead of rooting for a particular side, point total bettors cheer for both teams to either score a lot of points or score very few points, depending on where their wager lies.

• Sports Betting Under 21 Rankings
• Sports Betting Odds

The point totals bet comes into play when the bettor is not confident enough to select a certain team or player but has a solid understanding of how the game will play out stylistically. For example, a basketball team with a slow pace of play will drop the point total down. On the other side, a high-powered offense in football will drive up a higher point total.

We are regulated by the Colorado Division of Gaming licensed as an Internet Sports Betting Operator in partnership with Johnny Nolons Casino. Only customers 21 years of age and over are permitted to wager. You must be physically present within the State of Colorado and outside of restricted tribal areas. Sports betting and gambling laws tend to target the providers and don’t go after individual participants, and we’ve yet to hear of anyone being prosecuting at the age of eighteen or older for betting on sports. During the same period, retail sports betting generated $6.2 million for sports betting operators in New York. Through the first 10 months of 2020, approximately 91% of legal sports wagers in New Jersey were placed through mobile/online platforms.

Betting the over/under can be a thrilling way to watch a game even if the game is out of hand but the point total is still on the fence. It can also be infuriating when your under bet appeared to be a clear winner before double overtime cost you the win.

Over/under, also called totals bets, are a popular wager among elite sports gamblers with their analytical approach to sports gambling, knowing the way the game will flow and play out.

Whether you’re new to the sports betting industry or a seasoned veteran, let’s take some time to learn more about it betting point totals.

Identifying the total

In order to place your wager on the total, identifying where it’s located is the first step. Typically online sportsbooks list three major categories for traditional sports. Often, the numbers listed in order from left to right are point spread, then moneyline, followed by the point total.

The point total at the far right will feature a top and bottom half. The top will list the letter “O” or the word “OVER” before the number, which signifies the over, and the bottom half will show “U” or “UNDER” representing the under. Next to the point total number are the odds for the bet. Most totals bets have -110 odds.

Example:

• O49 (-110)
• U49 (-110)

The over/under number may fluctuate leading up to the game depending on where the majority of money and bets are coming in.

• How to bet the under: This is pretty self-explanatory. When you decide to bet the under, you’re thinking the teams will combine to score less than the given number put out by the oddsmakers. It can be difficult to watch a game as a casual fan when you make an under bet. Even though your brain has been programmed to cheer for points, you’re now rooting for strikeouts, missed shots, no touchdowns, and so on.
• How to bet the over: On the other side, if you think the game plays out at a much higher scoring pace than the sportsbook shows, bet on the over and root for everybody to play their best offensive games of the season and not back it up on the defensive end.

Halftime/quarter totals betting

This is more of an advanced wager, but online sportsbooks will sometimes offer the option to bet first and second halves or quarters, depending on the sport. If you notice a particular trend early or late in games, this could be a profitable way to go. If you’re watching your favorite team and notice over the course of the season that it takes a long time for the offense to get things going, putting some money on the first half under would make sense. Or, if the offense comes out firing in the first half before cooling off after halftime, bet the first half over.

Team point totals

This is also a non-typical point totals wager, but sometimes this is an option to go after. Individual team point totals focus on the number of points scored by a particular team instead of combining all competing sides. If you believe a team will score more than the listed point total number, take the over, and vice versa for the under.

How to bet the over/under with examples

Now that we have a full understanding of what betting over/under point totals are, let’s dive into a few of the scenarios that could arise when you’re looking to make your next over or under bet.

NFL example 1

Let’s reflect on Super Bowl LIII, which featured a matchup between two of the better offenses in the NFL with the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams. This is among the highest point totals leading up to the game in Super Bowl history, and it made sense given what both teams had done to that point. The Rams finished the regular season second in scoring offense, while the Patriots placed fourth.

The point total for this game was set at 56.5 leading up to kickoff with a -110 listing for the over and under, meaning you would need to bet $110 to profit $100 on either side.

Despite the expectation of a shootout between two big-time offenses, the final score landed at 13-3. Quick math will tell you that’s a total of 16 points, falling well short of the number by 40.5 points. Hardly anybody could’ve expected such a low-scoring game, but that’s what makes sports and sports betting action fun. You never fully know what to expect.

Memorable highlights were limited, causing disappointment for fans and especially NFL bettors who took the over bet. Meanwhile, those who bet the under kicked back and enjoyed the Super Bowl, knowing they had a winning bet throughout much of the game.

NFL example 2

For our next example, let’s go back to the NFL for an NFC Divisional Round game between the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints in January 2018.

It’s now known as the Minneapolis Miracle, but it also led to massive heartbreak or triumph for those who bet on the point total, which was set at 49.5 prior to the game.

With 10 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Saints led 24-23, so everything looked bright for those who bet the under, while over bettors prayed for a miracle.

Sometimes in sports betting, prayers are answered.

Stefon Diggs went 61 yards for a last-second touchdown to send the Vikings into the NFC Championship, leaving the Saints stunned with a 29-24 loss. Under bettors likely felt the same way, with the final combined point total ending up at 53.

NCAA basketball example

Let’s take this one back to 2009 to one of the most iconic games in Big East Tournament history. UConn basketball squared off against Syracuse in the quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden.

Since sports betting was much less of a topic in 2009 than it is today, it’s hard to find the point total for this game, but let’s set it at 150 with the standard -110 for the over and under in this example.

Those who had the under probably felt fairly confident in the final seconds of regulation with Syracuse ahead 71-69 with 10 seconds remaining. Combining the two scores adds up to 140, so how could this go wrong for the under bettors? Overtime.

This is a tricky part of point totals because they include the entire game, not just regulation. UConn’s Kemba Walker tied the game to send it into overtime. After six overtimes that featured 102 combined points, Syracuse and over bettors prevailed in a game that finished with a whopping 244 total points.

The over bettors were given a gift, while under bettors still curse the name Kemba Walker.

Depending on the particular situation, overtime in a totals bet can be a sports bettor’s best friend, but it can also be part of a sports gambler’s nightmare.

MLB example

In this completely made-up example, let’s say the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are matched up in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series to advance to the World Series.

The over/under run total is set at 8 with -110 juice set at both sides. Like the previous examples, this means you’d have to bet $110 to earn $100 with a winner.

In this fantasy, we’re in the bottom of the ninth with the game tied 3-3 and Boston slugger Xander Bogaerts at the plate. He steps up and rips a two-run homer to give the Red Sox the 5-3 victory, as the final runs total rests at 8.

Since the over/under run total was set at 8 and the final result matched the number, this is called a push. All sides of the point total bet get their money back as if nothing happened.

Sportsbooks try to avoid the push scenario when you’re betting on baseball, which is a reason many point totals and spreads list a 0.5 after the number.

How to Bet Guides

Key takeaways on totals

Let’s take a look back at the main points and what we learned about betting point totals.

• Traditional totals bets consist of combining points between teams involved.
• Consider the different styles of play when analyzing point totals.
• Bet the under when you think less points will be scored than projected by oddsmakers.
• Bet the over when you think more points will be scored than projected by oddsmakers.
• As with all wagers, luck can play a big role in the winners and losers.

Interest in 18 and over sports betting has gained considerable momentum across the United States. Multiple professional sports leagues and commercial gambling investors are eyeballing the opportunities and possibilities legalized sports gambling can provide. Nevertheless, a division stands between the two interested parties on how to exactly regulate and tax sports wagering operations, which we discuss in further detail within our sports betting laws and legality resources.

Approximately twelve to fifteen million hard-core American bettors over the age of eighteen illegally wager on sports events and contests. This information becomes even more impressive considering that in 2017, it was estimated that 97% of bets on sports made in America were either illegal or placed at a licensed offshore sportsbook and only 3% were legally made through Nevada sportsbooks. Clearly, there is a desire for sports gambling

Top Rated Sportsbooks Allowing 18 Plus And Up

Legalities of Sports Gambling in the US

Sports wagering faced two periods of difficulty, once during the Great Depression were nearly all gambling in the U.S. went underground and again in the 1990s after the creation of PASPA, a US law that prevented domestic brick and mortar sports wagering operations. Recently, PASPA was thrown out by the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court, and ruled unconstitutional for violating the state’s rights to equal access and offers.

The official repeal of PASPA by SCOTUS has facilitated a new expansion of interest in sports gambling. Cash-strapped stated are eyeing the potential tax revenue legal sports wagering can provide while private interest groups are looking to seize partnership opportunities with casino chains and US states offering 18+ sports betting. Currently, several states are drafting and proposing sports betting legislation with varying restrictions concerning betting locations, methods to bet, and minimum state betting ages.

States with 18+ Access to Sports Betting

States that passed laws to allow 18+ sports betting:

States that currently allow sports betting options to those 21 years of age and over:

*New Mexico’s Tamaya tribe has recently begun offering sports gambling to those 21+ through their Class III license and gaming compact, the state has yet to consider state-operated sports betting.

States About To Launch Domestic Sports Betting Services:

States Pending Sports Betting Legislation:

In addition, Alaska, Hawaii, Vermont, Virginia, and Utah are choosing to outlaw sports wagering entirely. Regardless, young bettors within those states are can legally gamble online at licensed offshore sportsbooks as an alternative.

States That Allow For 18+ Online Sports Betting

Federal and state sports betting laws have no domain over international sportsbooks operating in regulated territories, and that is why they cannot stop offshore sports betting sites from accepting bets on sports over the Internet from 18+ American customers.

Washington and Connecticut have laws that forbid online gambling in all of its forms, but the overseas sportsbook sites that we suggest on this page accept members from those two states. Sports betting and gambling laws tend to target the providers and don’t go after individual participants, and we’ve yet to hear of anyone being prosecuting at the age of eighteen or older for betting on sports online.

Each 18-and-over online sportsbook sets its own requirements for membership, and some of them exclude certain states like New Jersey. Be sure to inspect the conditions of becoming a member at one of these sports betting sites to make sure that the state that you live in is among the allowable regions.

Online Sportsbooks For 18 And Over Bettors

Offshore online sportsbooks are legally acceptable for Americans to participate on if they are licensed and regulated by an external host not located in the United States. Certain online sportsbooks specialize in serving 18+ bettors while others exclusively cater to those 21 and over. Legitimate online sportsbooks will often be more advantageous than a physically-located domestic sportsbook by offering bonus benefits, mobile betting capabilities, high-roller rewards, more extensive betting lines, odds and wagering options, and referral programs. To learn more about the online sportsbooks listed in this guide visit our 18+ sportsbook reviews page.

Available Sports Events to Bet On Now

18+ NFL Betting

Offshore sportsbooks allow players over the age of 18 to sign up and bet on NFL games. While some state-based operations might require players to be 21+, the online sportsbooks listed in our 18+ NFL betting guide will accept players from the United States over the age of 18. New account holders can also take advantage of lucrative bonus funds, reward programs, other services including casino games and poker, and more.

18+ Betting On NFL Thanksgiving Games

There is no better tradition than eating turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and betting on NFL Thanksgiving games. With the help of online sportsbooks that cater to 18-year-olds, betting on thanksgiving games has never been easier and more convenient than right now. New accounts can take advantage of numerous bonus options, and the sites listed in our guide typically offer additional platforms, including online casinos, racebooks, and poker gambling. Just don’t fall asleep after you stuff your belly with juicy turkey meat.

18+ Betting On Super Bowl 55

Can 18-year-olds bet on the Super Bowl? Yes, they absolutely can! A major sports event like the NFL Super Bowl is a prime sporting event 18+ bettors can wager on. The Super Bowl provides a variety of betting lines and wagering options from futures, money lines, over and unders, prop bets, and novelty bets that even first-time bettors can wager for or against. 18+ Super Bowl betting may just be one of the easiest ways for casual bettors to try out their skills. Learn more about where you can bet on the Super Bowl if you are 18 and over.

18+ College Football Betting

There is nothing like the sport of college football, and with 18 + online sportsbooks, account holders can wager on props, futures, winners, and more. 18+ Betting on college football is one of the most popular wager games of modern times, and our betting guide is here to help you navigate through the defense.

18+ MLB Betting

Betting on Major League Baseball has been popular since the game was popularized in the early 1900s; however, it wasn’t technically legal until offshore sportsbooks started accepting US bettors. In the post-PASPA era, many states have passed sports betting laws to allow residents over the legal age another opportunity to bet on the diamond sport. Our guide to betting on the MLB walks you through the steps and prepares you for a home run.

18+ Boxing Betting

Professional fighting has grown in popularity with 18+ bettors over the past decade, and with mega-fights rumored to happen in 2021, there is no better time than now to get set up and get ready to bet on professional boxing. Boxing has long been one of the most bet on sports since superstars like Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather, and others stepped into the ring.

18+ NBA Betting

The NBA season is now underway and bettors can take advantage of the multiple game lines listed online. With 82 games and 30 teams, there is something for every fan of the game. Our guide to 18+ betting on NBA games takes a closer look at how game lines work, what sportsbooks are available to 18+ bettors, and how sports bettors should prepare for the betting season.

18+ NCAA Basketball Betting

18+ Betting on College basketball has never been so easy. Now that multiple states have passed domestic sports betting laws, there are multiple ways 18+ sports bettors can get in on the action and place bets on their favorites. Our guide to betting on College Basketball explores the various ways you can place a bet on regular-season games or on the March Madness tournament.

18+ UFC Betting

There is nothing more pleasing for some people than watching men and women throwing knockout blows for money. Now fans can get more involved in the action by betting on UFC matchups and events. With the help of offshore sportsbooks that accept bettors over the age of 18, there is no need to float like a butterfly or sting like a bee.

18+ Virtual Sports Betting

Virtual sports betting for 18 and up sports fans is not completely new but was made widely popular by quarantine circumstances during the Covid19 pandemic. Virtual sports have brought us an option when traditional sports have been absent for us, and it certainly has become a betting platform that is here to stay. At any given time there are multiple virtual sports to bet on, including football, basketball, soccer, horse racing, auto racing, camel racing, and more.

18+ Betting On Other Sports
In addition to football betting sports fans have plenty of other options to wager on as a number of events are underway or are about to start:

What Sports Can I Bet On?

Sportsbooks offer a wide range of sports events and categories that bettors can hand-select from. Sports categories include Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Hockey, Tennis, Soccer, FIFA World Cup, MMA, UFC, Darts, Cricket, Bicycle Racing, Horse Racing, Entertainment, E-sports, Simulated sports, NASCAR, Formula 1, Politics, and Volleyball. Online sportsbooks tend to have more niche or obscure sports to wager on than physical bookmakers.

How Do I Register To Bet On Sports?

Registration is required whether online or in-person before placing a bet on any particular sport. A brick and mortar sportsbook will often ask a bettor to first register for an account and provide a valid form of identification similar to how online sportsbooks register users. However, online bettors simply need to create an account and fund their sportsbook account balance to begin betting.

Are There Sports Betting Apps Available To Use?

A number of sportsbook brands have created downloadable apps that allow bettors the same online betting and navigation capabilities as a PC would but for any mobile device, regardless of brand or operating system. These apps take up little storage in devices but for those wary of downloads, most sportsbooks can be played and operated through a mobile browser using WiFi. Our recommended offshore mobile sports betting portals are perfectly legal for American bettors to participate in.

What States Are Thinking About Legalizing Sports Gambling Next?

A vast majority of US states are considering sports betting legalization, most of whom have introduced bills with language which would regulate and allow the operation of sports gambling within their state borders. Of these states, Michigan, New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Indiana seem to be next in line for passing legal sports wagering while the rest may pass their bills in the following session or year.

Sports Betting Under 21 Rankings

Missouri, Oklahoma, Ohio, Kentucky, South Carolina, California, Massachusetts, and Kansas must await legalization due to varying factors affecting each state and their respective legislative processing.

Can I Bet On Sports With Crypto Currencies?

Yes, a variety of sportsbooks are offering 18+ banking methods that include cryptocurrencies. With the growing popularity of cryptocurrency, applications for crypto betting and gambling have begun their integration with sportsbook brands. Physical sportsbooks have yet to begin accepting crypto, however, online sportsbooks are more than delighted to provide crypto-deposit bonuses and accept a wide range of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash, Bitcoin Cash and more.

What Will Happen to Fantasy Sports If Sports Wagering Becomes Legal Nationwide?

While fantasy sports companies have fought tooth and nail to justify their existence as legal outside of sports gambling, and if considered so, requiring more skill than the former, the legalization of sports gambling may cannibalize their business model.

Sports Betting Odds

Fantasy sports companies allow players to create fictional athletic teams and compete against friends; with sports wagering, fans can directly bet on the outcome of the exact games and events they watch. However, several major fantasy sports companies have thought ahead and switched gears to serve both fantasy and sports gambling fans.