Total betting, also known as Over/Under betting, is a popular form of wagering in sports that involves betting on the combined number of goals scored by both teams in a game. Bettors decide whether the total will be over or under a specified number set by the bookmakers. This type of bet is favored in sports like hockey where scoring can be highly variable, making it exciting to predict the game's pace and total scoring.
The Over/Under is influenced by various factors such as team offensive and defensive strengths, recent form, and injuries. Understanding these elements can provide valuable insights into potential game outcomes.
Consider an NHL game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins. The total for the game might be set at 5.5 goals. If you bet on the Over, you are wagering that the combined number of goals by both teams will be 6 or more. If you bet on the Under, you expect the total number of goals to be 5 or less.
This example shows how Total bets work in NHL games and highlights the importance of considering various game factors that can influence the scoring, such as the effectiveness of the goalies or defensive line-ups.