A totals bet, often called the over/under, asks a single question: will the combined score of both teams be higher or lower than the line set by the sportsbook? It is the second most popular market in Canadian sports betting after the moneyline, and it has its own logic.

How the line is set

The sportsbook sets the total so that bets split roughly evenly between the two sides. In hockey the line usually sits at 5.5 or 6.5 goals; in basketball it can exceed 220 points. Half-point lines avoid a push, while whole-number lines mean the stake is returned when the score lands exactly on the number.

What moves a total

Totals react to news that changes expected scoring: a starting goaltender change, weather at an outdoor game, or an injury to a key scorer. The number also shifts when money comes in heavily on one side. A bettor who sees a line move after placing a bet keeps the number they bet on.

Overtime and settlement

Most totals include overtime, but hockey shootout goals count as a single goal for the winning team. Team totals and period totals follow their own rules, and licensed operators state in each market whether extra time counts.

Because the two outcomes are priced close to even money, totals carry a smaller margin than parlays, which is one reason experienced bettors favour them.