Side betting and total betting are two of our most popular markets, which isn’t much of a surprise, given the insurmountable profits that come with wagering on either—or both—of the two options. With this in mind, we’ve decided to take a compare-and-contrast look at these two betting strategies so that bettors can know when to opt for one option or the other. To fully understand how these markets work, it also helps to review key sports betting terms that define spreads, totals, and odds.
The core takeaway is simple: side betting focuses on who covers the number, while total betting focuses on how many points both teams combine to score.
Both markets can create value, but they reward different types of analysis. Sides usually demand team-versus-team matchup thinking, while totals require a stronger read on scoring pace, efficiency, injuries, weather, and game script.
Side Betting at a Glance
Side betting essentially refers to betting on point spreads, a practice that is mostly associated with basketball and American Football betting. If you’re comparing spreads to other markets, understanding how moneyline betting works can help you better evaluate when a spread offers more value.
The point spread, in most cases, offers you a chance to win more money than when you do in money lines, especially in instances where we have alternative spreads that allow you to stake more money on particular side bets for potentially larger profits. This is where understanding why sportsbook odds matter becomes essential, as pricing differences directly impact your long-term returns.
Side bets are a mere representation of how much edge a team supposedly has over its opponent, in terms of points or goals, based on factors like betting trends and public perception.
Total betting essentially depends on where the set game total is relative to how many points you think (not feel or hope) both teams will combine to score, taking into account factors such as defenses vs. offenses, injuries, team strategies, pace of the game and sometimes weather patterns, among others. Knowing the impact of injured players on betting lines can be especially useful when evaluating totals.
Key Insight
# Concept:
Side betting is about the spread. You are not only picking a team to win or lose; you are betting whether that team can perform against the posted number.
+ Why it matters:
The spread gives bettors a way to find value beyond the basic winner of the game, especially when public perception pushes the market too far in one direction.
The point spread, in most cases, offers you a chance to win more money than when you do in money lines, especially in instances where we have alternative spreads that allow you to stake more money on particular side bets for potentially larger profits.
For example, rather than bet on a +3 point spread at +110, you can wager on a +1 spread at +160, meaning more profits for you if your team indeed covers that spread.
Visual Model
Total Betting at a Glance
Total betting, often denoted as UNDER/OVER bets, refers to the total number of points scored in a game, and you bet that the eventual total points scored in a game will go OVER or UNDER the set number.
For example, the total for the NCAA Championship game can be set at 67.5 points.
If you think that the game will total fewer than 67.5 points scored, then an UNDER is the way to go. If the final score turns out to be 68-or-more points, the UNDER bettors will lose, but if it stays below 67, the UNDER bettors will cash in.
Total Betting Definition
Total betting asks one core question: will the combined final score land above or below the sportsbook’s posted number?
Typically, novice bettors love to bet on OVERs and this often leads to their demise because not all games are usually shootouts.
Total betting essentially depends on where the set game total is relative to how many points you think, not feel or hope, both teams will combine to score, taking into account factors such as defenses vs. offenses, injuries, team strategies, pace of the game and sometimes weather patterns, among others.
Total Betting Checklist
🎯 Offense vs. defense:
Look at whether both teams can create scoring chances efficiently or whether one defense can slow the game down.
⏱ Pace and strategy:
A fast game can support an OVER, while a slow, possession-heavy game can support an UNDER.
🩹 Injuries:
Missing quarterbacks, guards, scorers, defenders, or key rotation players can shift the total dramatically.
☁ Weather:
Outdoor football totals can move when wind, rain, snow, or poor field conditions affect scoring.
Side vs. Total Betting
When choosing or debating between side and total betting, the most basic thing you need to consider is that each sport is different, meaning you will find different values when betting on either of the two sides.
For example, most bettors and pundits are of the opinion that American Football, like the NFL, offers better chances for more success when placing bets on the sides than on the totals.
Meanwhile, most hoops bettors claim that basketball games, like the NBA, offers a chance for more success when betting on the totals than on the sides.
This simply tells us that you can find value on both sides and totals, as long as you use the right strategies and find the option that works best for you.
Once you have mastered the art of betting on sides and totals, find a good balance and know when to apply one strategy or the other, or even both at the same time (like in parlay bets). Developing a deeper understanding of probability and odds will help you make more consistent decisions across both markets.
| Market | What You Are Betting | Best Used When |
|---|---|---|
| Side Betting | You are betting whether a team covers the spread. | You have a strong read on matchup edge, roster strength, public perception, or line value. |
| Total Betting | You are betting whether the combined score goes OVER or UNDER the posted total. | You have a strong read on pace, scoring efficiency, defensive pressure, injuries, strategy, or weather. |
| Using Both | You may combine side and total opinions when both markets support the same game script. | You see a clear connection between how the game should play out and both the spread and total. |
Market Fit by Sport
🏈 Football:
American Football can create strong side betting opportunities because matchup edges, coaching, field position, and key numbers often matter heavily against the spread.
🏀 Basketball:
Basketball can create strong total betting opportunities because tempo, shooting volume, rotations, and offensive efficiency can influence the final combined score.
Once you have mastered the art of betting on sides and totals, find a good balance and know when to apply one strategy or the other, or even both at the same time, like in parlay bets.
More importantly, find the strategy that works best for you in terms of racking up profits and strive to exploit that advantage, rather than venturing into other strategies that are less profitable.
Side or Total Betting Fit Tool
Rate your confidence in the side and total from 1 to 10. The tool helps you decide which market deserves more attention.
Build Your Betting Strategy Around the Market You Understand Best
Before betting sides or totals, compare the line, the matchup, and the expected game script inside the MyBookie sportsbook.
Visit the SportsbookFAQ
What is the main difference between side betting and total betting?
Side betting focuses on whether a team covers the spread, while total betting focuses on whether the combined score of both teams goes OVER or UNDER the posted number.
Is side betting better than total betting?
Not always. Side betting may be better when you have a strong read on the matchup or point spread, while total betting may be better when you understand pace, scoring conditions, injuries, and game flow.
Why do novice bettors often prefer OVER bets?
Many novice bettors prefer OVER bets because they expect exciting, high-scoring games. The problem is that not all games become shootouts, and totals should be based on analysis rather than hope.
Can you bet a side and total in the same game?
Yes. Bettors can apply one strategy or the other, or even both at the same time, like in parlay bets, when the side and total support the same game script.
Summary
- Side betting is mainly about point spreads and whether a team can cover the posted number.
- Total betting is about whether the combined score lands OVER or UNDER the sportsbook’s number.
- Football bettors often look closely at sides, while basketball bettors often find strong opportunities in totals.
- The best approach is to find the market that fits your analysis, your sport, and your strongest betting edge.
Final Thoughts
Side betting and total betting both offer real opportunities, but they should not be treated as interchangeable markets. A side bet asks you to judge team strength against the spread, while a total bet asks you to judge how the full game is likely to score.
The smarter move is not to force one strategy into every matchup. Instead, study the sport, the line, the matchup, the pace, the injuries, the weather when relevant, and the betting market itself. When the spread gives you the clearer edge, attack the side. When the projected scoring environment gives you the clearer edge, attack the total.
Over time, the goal is to build a repeatable process. Once you know whether sides, totals, or a balanced mix brings you the best results, stick with that advantage and avoid drifting into less profitable betting habits.
More importantly, find the strategy that works best for you in terms of racking up profits and strive to exploit that advantage, rather than venturing into other strategies that are less profitable. Over time, learning how to get max value when betting is what separates casual bettors from consistently profitable ones.
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About the Author
Since 2008, D.S. Williamson has written about sports and sports handicapping. His philosophy is value-based, meaning stats and other handicapping factors are only worth something in comparison to wagering odds. He believes money management and making value-based wagers is the single more important factor that distinguishes successful sports bettors from non-successful sports bettors.
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