How to Bet on MLB Totals

Baseball Totals Guide

Baseball season is right around the corner and with that, opportunities to bet on the MLB daily. Of course, there are dozens of ways to bet on any one MLB game however, our guide will focus on explaining how betting the total works.

⚾What Are Total Runs in Baseball?
📈MLB Over/Under
🔍Options, options, options!
✨The Magic Formula
💡Consider the Stadiums

What Are Total Runs in Baseball?

In simple terms, total runs in a baseball game refers to the combined amount of runs scored by both teams. This type of bet is generally portrayed as a number between 6.5 and 12.5, give or take on both sides depending on the teams playing. For example, when looking at a total runs bet on a Sportsbook, it might look similar to the example listed in the table below:

Team	Run Line	Total Runs	Moneyline
LA Dodgers	+1.5 (-184)	O 8.5 (+100)	+116
NY Yankees	-1.5 (+146)	U 8.5 (-124)	-142

MLB totals bets with FanDuel

MLB Over/Under: Most Common Outcome of Totals

When it comes to the outcome of a total runs bet, there are three main options. That being the Over, the Under, and a Push (or Tie). Below we have explained each of these outcomes and have provided an example:

Overs

When betting an over, you are simply saying that the total runs in the game you are betting will surpass the number posted by the Sportsbook. For example, if the game between Team A and Team B has a total of 8.5 runs (-110), you are betting that there will be at least 9 runs scored in the game.

Unders

As for betting the under, you are saying that the total runs in the game will be lower than the posted total. Using the same example between Team A and Team B with a total of 8.5 (-110), you would need 8 runs or less to win your bet.

Pushes/Ties

The third outcome for a total runs bet is a push or a tie. This means that the total runs in the game you are betting lands exactly on the total posted by the sportsbook. An example of this would be in a game between Team C and Team D with a total of 8. If the game ends and exactly 8 runs are scored, this bet would be graded as a push and you would receive your original stake back.

Payouts

From our examples above, the odds of (-110) indicate your payout. Thus, for every $110 you wager, you will receive $100 in profit.

Totals Vary Across Sportsbooks

One major factor to consider when considering to bet on totals in baseball is that Sportsbooks tend to offer different totals. Therefore, it is important to shop around to find the best total you can in what could ultimately be the difference between a win and a loss.

An example of this would be if Sportsbook A is offering a total of 8.5 for the game between Team A and Team B, while Sportsbook B is offering a total of 8 for the same game. Say Team A beats Team B by a score of 5 to 3. This would be a total of 8 runs in the game. Because Sportsbook A offered a total of 8.5 runs, you would win if you bet the under, while you would only push if you bet at Sportsbook B.

The Magic Formula: Baseball Over/Unders

Some of the different factors Sportsbooks are known to use to help determine the total for any given game include the following: location, weather, injuries, and starting pitchers. This is why a total can drastically change on a nightly basis.

MLB Totals Betting Can Present More Options Than Meet the Eye

Aside from betting the total runs in a baseball game, plenty of other types of total bets can be made. Below are just a few of the options available at most Sportsbooks:

Alternate Totals

An alternate total works the same way as a normal total with the difference being that an alternate total is adjusted. For example, if the total for a game between Team A and Team B is 8.5, the alternate total could be 9.5. This comes with the odds being adjusted as hitting the over would be harder, while hitting the under would be easier.

Team Totals

A team total bet is where you are betting on one specific team to score more or fewer runs than the total posted. For instance, Team A could have a team total of 5.5, which means if Team A scores at least 6 runs, the over would win but if they score 5 runs or fewer, the under would win.

First 5 Innings Totals

Betting on a first 5 innings total essentially cuts the game in half. Normally, you would have to wait until the full game is over for your bet to be graded. However, if you bet the total in the first 5 innings, your bet would be graded after 5 innings.

Consider Stadiums for Run Totals

Baseball is unique in that every stadium is different. This mainly includes the dimensions for the left, center, and right field walls amongst other factors, which in turn, directly affects the total for any given game. Below we have listed an example of one stadium in particular that has a unique condition to consider:

Wrigley Field

The main factor to consider with Wrigley Field in Chicago is the weather. They frequently have heavy winds blowing in from the outfield, which leads to the totals of their games being set lower than normal. Alternatively, when the wind is blowing out, the ball is likely to fly much further and therefore the totals for the game are inflated.

Final Thoughts

While betting on baseball totals is a great way to be engaged throughout the season, it is important to always do research before every bet you place. Whether it be looking at trends, the weather, the starting pitchers, or any other factor, having a plan and betting responsibly can help you in the long term.