When betting on baseball, there are not many more commonly used markets than MLB over/unders. From spring training, to the regular season, all the way to the World Series, MLB totals are widely available for those who want to take them. In this guide to MLB over/under betting, find out how this market works and what to think about before getting involved in it.

MLB Over/Under Betting Explained

Over/under betting in baseball requires bettors to predict the total number of runs scored in a game. Oddsmakers will set a total for the game, with bettors having to determine whether the actual amount of scoring that takes place will go over or under that amount. In this betting market, the winner of the game and the margin of victory do not matter. All that matters is the amount of scoring that takes place.

MLB Over/Under Bet Example

In this example of a MLB over/under bet, the New York Yankees of the American League are taking on the New York Mets of the National League. The over/under for the game is set at 7.5 at -110 on each side, which means that bettors on both sides need to risk $110 to win $100. If seven or fewer runs are scored in the game, the under is the winning bet. If eight or more runs are scored in the game, the over is the winning bet.

MLB Over/Under Betting Strategy

There is a strategic element to MLB over/under betting that cannot be overlooked. Baseball is a sport where a team’s schedule or the weather can have a huge impact on offensive output. Bettors should be sure to check the lineups before placing bets, as reserve players starting over the normal members of a lineup can impact the home run count, the number of strikeouts, and ultimately the number of runs scored in a game.

MLB Over/Under Betting Advice

Bettors should be sure to look at the pitchers set to compete in each game before placing over/under bets. Each starting pitcher comes with favorable matchups and matchups that favor the offense, which can impact the total. The same can be said about bullpens, which bettors should research before locking in their wagers.

How To Place An MLB Over/Under Bet

To place a MLB over/under bet, bettors may be able to go to a sportsbook in-person or online depending on the laws in their state. There, they can bet on MLB totals, or get odds on moneyline bets and run line bets, which function as the MLB’s point spread market.