Totals betting (over/under) is a wager on the combined score of both teams — you bet whether the total lands over or under a number the sportsbook sets.
The book posts a total — say 8.5 runs, 47.5 points, 2.5 goals — and you bet the combined final score goes over or under it. The teams themselves don't matter, only the total. Both sides are usually priced near 1.91 (−110).
Totals move on weather, pace, injuries and lineups. A soft book slow to adjust its total after news is a classic +EV spot — compare totals across books and devig to find value.
If the combined score lands exactly on a whole-number total, the bet pushes and stakes are returned. Half-number totals (8.5) can't push.
Usually yes — most totals settle on the final score including overtime unless the book states otherwise.