Definition of Totals Bet

What is a "totals bet" in the world of sports betting? What does the term "totals bet" mean?

With a "totals bet", you are wagering that the two teams that are involved in a contest will score either more or less points than what the sports book has set as the line.

For instance - let's say that the Philadelphia Eagles are playing against the Chicago Bears in NFL action.

The sports book sets the over/under line at 40.5 points.

If you believe that the two teams will score more than 40.5 points (let's say that you believe that the two defenses are both over-rated), you would take the "over" total.

If you believe that it will be a low-scoring contest without too many points being scored, you would want to take the "under" total.