Do overtime points count for totals in basketball?
Explore whether overtime points count for basketball totals and discover how arbitrage betting can secure risk-free profits.
Do overtime points count for totals in basketball?
Yes, overtime points do count towards totals in basketball betting unless specified otherwise by the sportsbook.
Most sportsbooks include overtime points in the final totals, but rules can vary so it's important to check the terms before placing a bet.
Arbitrage betting eliminates guesswork by allowing you to lock in profits regardless of overtime outcomes or varying sportsbook rules.
Understanding Totals in Basketball Betting
Totals, also known as over/under bets, involve wagering on whether the combined points scored by both teams will be over or under a set number. This bet typically covers the entire game including any overtime periods unless the sportsbook states otherwise. Knowing how totals work is crucial to making informed bets.
- •Totals apply to combined scores of both teams
- •Over/under bets are popular for their simplicity
- •Rules about overtime scoring can differ by sportsbook
💡Basic Totals Bet Example
If the total is set at 210 points, and the final combined score including overtime is 215, bets on the over win.
Final score (Team A + Team B) = 215 > 210 (line) = Over wins
Do Overtime Points Count for Totals?
In most cases, overtime points are counted towards totals in basketball betting. This means the final combined score after overtime is used to determine the outcome of over/under bets. However, some sportsbooks offer totals markets that exclude overtime, often labeled as "regulation only." Understanding these distinctions helps avoid confusion and incorrect bets.
- •Standard totals bets include overtime points
- •Some sportsbooks offer separate regulation-only totals
- •Check the sportsbook's rules to confirm which applies
💡Overtime Included Example
If a game is tied 100-100 at the end of regulation and ends 110-108 after overtime, the total used for the bet is 218 points.
100 + 100 (regulation) = 200 points vs 110 + 108 (final) = 218 points (used for totals)
Risks of Misunderstanding Overtime Rules
Failing to understand whether overtime points count can lead to incorrect bets and unexpected losses. Bettors who assume overtime is excluded when it is actually included may lose their wager if the game goes into extra periods. Conversely, betting on regulation-only totals without confirming availability can limit options. These uncertainties add risk to totals betting.
- •Incorrect assumptions can cause losing bets
- •Limits in betting options can reduce profitability
- •Varying rules across sportsbooks complicate betting
💡Misplaced Bet Example
A bettor places a regulation-only total bet, but the sportsbook counts overtime points by default, resulting in an unexpected loss if the game extends.
Line = 210 (regulation only), final including OT = 215, bet loses if bettor chose under
How Arbitrage Betting Helps with Totals and Overtime
Arbitrage betting removes the uncertainty of overtime scoring by allowing bettors to place complementary bets on multiple sportsbooks with differing rules. By exploiting differences in how totals and overtime are handled, bettors can lock in profits regardless of whether points from overtime count. This strategy bypasses guesswork and reduces risk.
- •Arbitrage exploits rule differences between sportsbooks
- •Locks in profit regardless of overtime scoring
- •Reduces risk from misunderstanding betting terms
Using Tools to Automate Calculations
Calculating arbitrage opportunities manually can be complex, especially when accounting for overtime scoring differences. Tools like ArbitUp automate these calculations, making it easier to identify profitable bets quickly and accurately.
- →Automates complex arbitrage calculations
- →Saves time and reduces human error
- →Helps capitalize on totals and overtime rule differences
💡Arbitrage Example with Overtime Totals
One sportsbook includes overtime points for totals, while another excludes them. By betting over at the first and under at the second, a bettor guarantees profit regardless of overtime scoring.
Bet Over at sportsbook A (includes OT), Bet Under at sportsbook B (regulation only) = locked profit
Tips for Betting Totals When Overtime is Possible
To improve your totals betting strategy, always verify whether overtime points count on your chosen sportsbook. Consider focusing on sportsbooks that clearly state their rules or offer both types of totals markets. Additionally, using arbitrage strategies can mitigate risks associated with overtime scoring. Staying informed and using automation tools streamlines your betting process.
- •Always read sportsbook rules regarding overtime
- •Look for markets specifying regulation-only or including overtime
- •Consider arbitrage betting to reduce risk
- •Use tools like ArbitUp to find opportunities efficiently
💡Smart Betting Example
A bettor checks the sportsbook rules, confirms overtime is included, and uses ArbitUp to find arbitrage opportunities between sportsbooks with differing overtime policies.
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Conclusion and Best Practices
Overtime points generally count towards totals in basketball betting, but verifying sportsbook rules is essential. Misunderstanding these rules can increase risk, which arbitrage betting helps eliminate by allowing risk-free profit regardless of overtime outcomes. Using technology like ArbitUp enhances efficiency and accuracy in finding these opportunities, making it a superior approach for serious bettors.
- •Verify overtime rules before betting totals
- •Avoid assumptions to reduce risk
- •Use arbitrage betting to guarantee profits
- •Leverage automation tools for efficiency
💡Summary Example
By applying arbitrage betting and automation tools, bettors can confidently engage in totals betting without worrying about overtime uncertainties.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️Assuming all sportsbooks include overtime points in totals without checking rules, leading to unexpected bet outcomes.
- ⚠️Failing to differentiate between regulation-only and standard totals markets, causing confusion and losses.
- ⚠️Ignoring the impact of overtime on total points which can drastically change bet results.
- ⚠️Placing bets without considering how different sportsbooks handle overtime points, missing arbitrage opportunities.
- ⚠️Attempting complex arbitrage calculations manually, increasing the chance of errors and missed profits.
- ⚠️Not using automated tools like ArbitUp, which simplify arbitrage identification and execution.
- ⚠️Overlooking the importance of reading sportsbook terms, resulting in uninformed betting decisions.
The Power of Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting eliminates guesswork by allowing bettors to secure guaranteed profits regardless of overtime scoring or differing sportsbook rules.
- ✓Removes risk associated with uncertain overtime rules
- ✓Locks in profits by exploiting odds discrepancies
- ✓Simplifies betting decisions by reducing reliance on predictions
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