In sports betting, the total is a type of wager where the bettor bets on the combined score of both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a number called the total, which represents the expected total number of points scored by both teams in the game. The bettor must then decide whether they think the actual total score will be over or under the total set by the sportsbook.
When you see a line in a sportsbook that looks like this:
Team A vs. Team B
Tot 44.5
This means that the total set by the sportsbook for the game between Team A and Team B is 44.5 points. The bettor can then wager on whether they think the total score of both teams will be over 44.5 points or under 44.5 points.
One common mistake that new bettors make when it comes to totals bets is confusing them with point spread bets. While point spread bets focus on the margin of victory in a game, totals bets focus on the overall number of points scored by both teams. It's important to understand the difference between the two types of bets so that you can make informed decisions when placing your wagers.
There are several key factors that can influence the total in a sports betting event. These factors include the strength of the teams playing, the style of play of each team, injuries to key players, weather conditions, and more. Bettors should take these factors into consideration when deciding whether to bet on the over or under for a total.
For example, if two high-scoring basketball teams are playing each other, the total set by the sportsbook is likely to be higher than if two defensive football teams are playing. Bettors should also consider the pace of play of each team, as teams that play at a fast pace are more likely to score more points than teams that play at a slower pace.
In addition to regular totals bets, sportsbooks also offer alternate totals bets. These bets allow bettors to wager on totals that are different from the original total set by the sportsbook. For example, if the original total for a game is 44.5 points, bettors can wager on an alternate total of 42.5 points or 46.5 points.
Overall, understanding what “Tot” means in sports betting is essential for anyone looking to place bets on totals. By knowing how totals bets work and the factors that can influence them, bettors can make more informed decisions and potentially increase their chances of winning their wagers. So next time you see a total listed in a sportsbook, you'll know exactly what it means and how to bet on it effectively. To summarize, “Tot” in sports betting refers to totals bets, where bettors wager on whether the total score of both teams will be over or under a certain number of points set by the sportsbook. It's important to differentiate totals bets from point spread bets and consider various factors such as teams' strengths, styles of play, injuries, and weather conditions when making your wager. Alternate totals bets also provide more betting options for bettors. By understanding how totals bets work and the factors that can influence them, bettors can make more informed decisions and improve their chances of winning their bets. In conclusion, “Tot” in sports betting refers to totals bets, where bettors wager on whether the total score of both teams will be over or under a certain number of points set by the sportsbook. It's important to differentiate totals bets from point spread bets and consider various factors such as teams' strengths, styles of play, injuries, and weather conditions when making your wager. Alternate totals bets also provide more betting options for bettors. By understanding how totals bets work and the factors that can influence them, bettors can make more informed decisions and improve their chances of winning their bets. In summary, “Tot” in sports betting refers to totals bets, where bettors wager on whether the total score of both teams will be over or under a certain number of points set by the sportsbook. It's important to differentiate totals bets from point spread bets and to consider various factors such as teams' strengths, styles of play, injuries, and weather conditions when making your wager. Alternate totals bets also provide more betting options for bettors. By understanding how totals bets work and the factors that can influence them, bettors can make more informed decisions and improve their chances of winning their bets. Overall, understanding totals bets and how to effectively bet on them can help bettors make more informed decisions and potentially increase their chances of winning. By considering various factors and using alternate totals bets, bettors can have more options and strategies when placing their wagers. With this knowledge, bettors can enhance their sports betting experience and potentially generate more profits.