Difficulties of total betting
Betting on the total, also known as over/under betting, in sports betting can be difficult for several reasons:
It requires predicting the combined score of both teams: Unlike other types of bets like moneyline or point spread, where you are only focused on the outcome of one team, over/under betting requires predicting the total number of points both teams will score. This can be challenging because it requires evaluating both teams' offensive and defensive capabilities, as well as other factors such as weather conditions or injuries.
Variability in scoring: Sports scores can vary widely from game to game, and even within the same game. Factors such as momentum swings, changes in strategy, and individual player performance can all impact the final score. This makes it challenging to accurately predict the total score, especially in sports where scoring is infrequent like soccer or hockey.
Sharper odds: Bookmakers are aware of the challenges of over/under betting, and as a result, the odds are often sharper for these types of bets. This means that the margin for error is smaller, and you need to be more accurate in your predictions to make a profit.
Public bias: Over/under betting is a popular type of bet among casual sports bettors, and as a result, the odds may be influenced by public bias. This can make it more challenging to find value in the odds, as the bookmakers may adjust the odds to account for public sentiment.
Overall, over/under betting can be challenging, but it can also be a profitable betting strategy if you have a good understanding of the teams and factors that impact scoring in a particular sport. This is where the handicappers in The Professional Handicappers League can turn a risky bet to a winner, with the deep dives and research they do on all ways to maximize your betting game.