Without exception, sports totals wagering is the same from sport to sport, although some sports do from time to time ask for a different comeback on certain games. Making a bet at a sportsbook is an easy process and ticket writers are more than willing to assist you. For the convenience of both the house and player, the best way to bet on totals is to use the numbers assigned to each team by the official Nevada Sports Schedule. For the purposes of this discussion and for a point of reference, let's assume you wish to place a bet on the following NBA game, appearing on the tote board as followed;
003 SEATTLE
004 CHARLOTTE 4.5
TOTAL: 194 Over/Under
Here's How:
The team's assigned number is the number to the left of each team. In our above example, Seattle is #3 and Charlotte is #4.
This game will be referred to as game "3/4" with Seattle being team #3 and Charlotte being team #4.
The number to the right of the team is the odds/pointspread for that team, with the number always being listed beside the favorite. In our above example, Charlotte is a -4.5 point favorite over Seattle.
The home team is always listed on the bottom unless a neutral site is noted. In our above example, Charlotte is the home team.
The Total is listed on the very bottom, (or in some cases, to the right of the underdog). In our example, the "total" or "over/under" is 194
If a player decides the total points scored in this game by both teams will be "over" 194, he would approach the window and declare, "I would like $11 to win $10 on game #3/4, Sonics/Hornets Over the posted Total of 194".
If a player decides the total points scored in this game by both teams will be "under" 194, he would approach the window and declare, "I would like $11 to win $10 on game #3/4, Sonics/Hornets Under the posted Total of 194".
If the total points scored by both teams exceeds 194 points (195 or more), all those who bet on "Over" would win $10.00 for every $11.00 they bet, thus collecting $21.00 for every $11.00 wagered.
If the total points scored by both teams is less than 194 points (up to 193), all those who bet on "Under" would win $10.00 for every $11.00 they bet, thus collecting $21.00 for every $11.00 wagered.
If thre are exactly 194 points scored in the game, the result is a "push" and all bets are returned.
Sports Totals wagering often times has low limits as this is the easiest type of sports betting for the player to carry an advantage against the sports book.