Sports Betting

Betting on Low-Scoring Games: Strategies for Totals and Unders

Published

5 months ago

February 18, 2025

CharlotteVance

Betting on Low-Scoring Games Strategies for Totals and Unders

Low-scoring games can be some of the most profitable betting opportunities for those who understand how to analyze matchups and identify value in totals and under bets. While many casual bettors prefer wagering on high-scoring games, betting on unders can provide a significant edge if approached with the right strategy.

Oddsmakers set totals (over/under lines) based on public perception, team trends, and expected game pace. However, these lines are often inflated due to public bias toward high-scoring games, leaving sharp bettors with undervalued under bets. This guide will break down when and how to bet on low-scoring games, key statistics to analyze, and effective strategies for maximizing profits.

Table of Contents

Understanding Totals Betting and the “Under” Strategy

A totals bet (also called an over/under bet) is a wager on the combined number of points scored by both teams. If you bet the under, you’re predicting that the total will be lower than the sportsbook’s line.

For example, in an NBA game:

The sportsbook sets the total at 215.5 points
You bet the under
If the final score is 105-102 (207 total points), you win the bet

While overs are more popular with recreational bettors, unders often hold more value, especially in games where defensive matchups, slow pace, or external conditions impact scoring.

Key Factors to Consider When Betting on Low-Scoring Games

Several factors contribute to a low-scoring game, including team pace, defensive efficiency, player injuries, weather conditions, and referee tendencies. Identifying these factors before placing a bet helps improve accuracy and ensures you’re making an informed decision.

Team Pace and Playing Style

The pace of play is one of the most important factors in identifying low-scoring games. Teams that slow down possessions, prioritize defense, and limit fast breaks tend to produce lower totals.

In basketball, teams with a low possessions per game (PPG) tend to produce under-friendly outcomes.
In football, teams that run the ball heavily and control possession lower the number of offensive drives, reducing scoring chances.
In soccer, teams with defensive formations (such as a 5-4-1 or 4-5-1 setup) often produce under-friendly games.

Defensive Efficiency and Matchups

Some teams may not play fast, but if their defense is weak, the total can still go over. Instead, focus on teams that rank highly in defensive efficiency.

NBA Example: If two teams in the top 5 for Defensive Rating are playing, the under is more appealing.
NFL Example: If both teams have elite defenses but average offenses, a low-scoring game is likely.
Soccer Example: If a team has a strong backline but struggles to score, under 2.5 goals may hold value.

Key Player Injuries and Rest Factors

Injuries to key scorers, playmakers, or quarterbacks can significantly impact offensive output.

If an NBA team’s leading scorer is out, expect a slower offensive pace and fewer points.
In the NFL, if a team’s starting quarterback or top wide receiver is missing, their offensive efficiency drops.
In soccer, missing a star striker often leads to fewer goals.

Weather and Game Conditions

External conditions can play a major role in low-scoring games, particularly in outdoor sports like football, baseball, and soccer.

Heavy rain or snow affects passing accuracy and ball control, making unders more attractive.
Strong winds can impact long throws, field goals, and deep passes in football.
Cold weather games tend to be lower-scoring, as offenses struggle with execution.

Referee and Officiating Trends

Some referees call fewer fouls or penalties, leading to lower free throws in basketball or fewer power plays in hockey, which reduces scoring opportunities.

In the NBA, referees who let teams play physically without calling fouls often lead to low-scoring games.
In the NFL, officiating crews that call more offensive holding penalties can slow down high-powered offenses.

Tracking referee trends and their impact on pace and scoring can give bettors an extra edge.

Strategies for Betting the Under Successfully

Betting unders requires a different approach than betting overs. Instead of looking for explosive offenses, focus on defensive matchups, slow-paced teams, and situational betting opportunities. Using the right strategies can help you capitalize on mispriced totals and live betting opportunities.

Target Inflated Totals

Public bettors love high-scoring games, which often leads to sportsbooks setting totals higher than they should be. Sharp bettors should:

Monitor line movement to see if the total increases due to public betting
Wait for the line to reach peak inflation before betting the under
Compare historical scoring trends between the teams to identify mispriced totals

Bet Live Unders for Even Better Value

If you missed a pre-game under bet, live betting can offer better opportunities.

If a game starts with a high-scoring first quarter or period, sportsbooks will adjust the total upwards.
If you expect scoring to slow down (due to fatigue, halftime adjustments, or injuries), you can get a better under number live than pregame.

For example, if an NFL game opens with a fast first quarter, the live total might rise from 45 to 52 points, creating a better under bet mid-game.

Consider First-Half Unders

If you’re unsure about full-game scoring, first-half unders can be a safer approach.

Many teams start slow before adjusting in the second half.
Defensive teams tend to hold opponents early but fatigue later in the game.
If both teams play conservatively in the first half, the under has a higher hit rate.

Use Team Trends and Situational Analysis

Certain teams consistently play lower-scoring games in specific situations.

Back-to-back games in the NBA: Fatigued teams often play slower and less efficiently, favoring the under.
Thursday Night NFL games: Teams have less time to prepare, leading to less offensive efficiency.
International soccer matches: In group-stage games where a draw benefits both teams, under bets hold value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Betting Unders

Even experienced bettors make errors when wagering on unders. Failing to consider injuries, team fatigue, or late-game scoring trends can turn a winning bet into a loss. Avoiding these mistakes can improve your success rate and maximize your profits.

Betting Unders Blindly Without Research

While unders offer great value, blindly betting them without analyzing pace, defense, and game conditions can be costly. Always check matchups, trends, and external factors before placing a bet.

Ignoring Injury and Fatigue Effects on Defense

While offensive injuries lower scoring, defensive injuries can have the opposite effect. A missing key defender can lead to easier scoring opportunities for the opponent, pushing the total over.

Overreacting to Small Sample Sizes

Just because a team had one or two low-scoring games doesn’t mean they are a great under bet long-term. Always look at season-long trends and matchup-based data before making a decision.

Final Thoughts on Betting Unders for Profitability

Betting on low-scoring games can be highly profitable for those who analyze pace, defense, game conditions, and public betting trends. Since sportsbooks often inflate totals to match public perception, sharp bettors can take advantage of mispriced unders for long-term success.

By identifying defensive matchups, betting live under, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently find value in the under market. While most bettors chase high-scoring thrillers, those who understand when and how to bet the under will gain an edge in the sports betting market.

Sports Betting

Early Super Bowl Predictions – Explore the Top Favorites and Odds

Published

4 days ago

July 28, 2025

Naum Nikolovski

The NFL preseason starts soon, so we still have a long way to go before the actual American football season starts. However, that’s not stopping the best betting sites such as BetPlays to offer early Super Bowl predictions and odds. The Super Bowl 60 can’t come soon enough, with the latest sportsbook odds for the game available now at BetPlays.

Smart bettors know that it’s never too early to start planning for the next Super Bowl. As one of the world’s largest sports events, you get to explore the top favorites and odds in our detailed guide below.

Table of Contents

The Race to Super Bowl 60

The Super Bowl is the largest sports event in the USA and one of the largest around the world. It draws in tens of millions of viewers, especially with the spectacle during half-time. It’s a big part of NFL betting too, for both new bettors and betting veterans.

With the season some time away, bettors are already making preparations for the Super Bowl participants and winners. Last year, the Philadelphia Eagles dethroned the Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans, running away with the coveted trophy. Can they repeat the feat this year? The earliest Super Bowl predictions and odds are already posted, with bettors considering experts’ opinions ahead of the Super Bowl 60.

You can learn more about NFL betting and expert Super Bowl tips by reading on.

Early Super Bowl Predictions – Explore the Top Favorites and Odds

NFL Super Bowl Betting

The Super Bowl is one of the marquee NFL betting markets. Per reports, hundreds of millions are placed in bets on the ultimate NFL season match. While it’s too early to predict and surprises are common in the NFL, it’s still a good idea to consider some early Super Bowl predictions.

As the season progresses and the event draws near, bettors can reap the fruits of their hard work. Work we’re aiming to make easier by posting early Super Bowl tips, predictions, and odds. If you have a strong favorite, the odds are the sharpest as early as possible, and will likely shave points off as the season moves forward.

Most Popular Super Bowl Betting Markets

When it comes to the Super Bowl, there’s more to it for bettors than just picking the champion. That’s the one bet most bettors place, but there might be more value in other markets.

We’ll present the top early Super Bowl 60 betting markets below.

Super Bowl Match-Up

With this market, bettors can predict early which teams make the Super Bowl 60. This match-up has much higher odds than the Super Bowl winner market, as it’s much more challenging to predict which teams may appear in the final.

Super Bowl Winner

The Super Bowl 60 winner market is the one that most bettors will place wagers on. It’s one of the most popular sporting and betting events worldwide, with the earliest Super Bowl predictions and odds already available for the February-scheduled spectacle.

Will it be the Chiefs returning to the throne or another title for the Eagles? Review our predictions and read expert tips before you make your bet.

Spreads

Spreads are the bread and butter for NFL sports betting and the Super Bowl. Instead of the actual result, they indicate the final score difference between the teams. The spread lines are represented by a negative and positive number. They give advantage to the underdog and handicap the favorite to even the playing field.

Player Props

Bettors who don’t like spreads, moneylines, or match-ups can always resort to Super Bowl 60 player props. This market allows you to bet on specific player feats, such as a player scoring a touchdown or some other stat.

Early Super Bowl Betting Tips

With the Super Bowl 60 far away, it’s good to check each team’s squad and squad changes ahead of the season. If any team has added a star player, it chances might have gone up. Losing key members of the squad can negatively impact a team’s chances of reaching the Super Bowl.
Expert tips can provide a lot of insight when it comes to NFL betting. Our blog is a good source of information for the upcoming season and early Super Bowl predictions as well.
The NFL preseason can also give you unique insights in how strong a team is. This is a time when coaches test different strategies that will showcase the squad’s strengths and weaknesses. If a team carries over that form into the season, it might be a strong contender.
Responsible betting is key to getting the most out of your NFL bets. Make sure not to go all-in on the favorite for the Super Bowl 60, as surprises are likely to happen. With that being said, a reasonable bet on the top favorite may pay off once the ultimate match-up ends.

Early Super Bowl 60 Odds

Team	Super Bowl Odds
Baltimore Ravens	6.50
Buffalo Bills	7.00
Kansas City Chiefs	7.50

Note: the odds may change over the coming days and weeks. Always check for fresh odds if you’re planning to bet on Super Bowl early predictions.

These are the top three favorites to win the Super Bowl 60. Let’s take a look at why they sit among the top options at the moment.

Baltimore Ravens

Numerous expert projections put the Ravens among the favorites to win the Super Bowl 60. While they fell in the divisional playoffs last year, this year is supposed to look much better for the Baltimore crew.

The predictions are based on the roster strength, headlined by Lamar Jackson. The Ravens have done well to add Derrick Henry in the backfield, improving their defense. Jackson is expected to have an MVP-caliber season, and the Ravens will need it if they want to prove the high spot in the earliest Super Bowl predictions.

Buffalo Bills

Out of all the favorites for the next Super Bowl, the Bills have the easiest schedule. The team has a lot of talent, with last year’s MVP Josh Allen in the fold. Key additions include Landon Jackson and Maxwell Hairston, making the Bills a major favorite for Super Bowl 60.

Of course, a lot will depend on the team’s health, especially when it comes to Allen. But the favorable schedule and squad depth give the Buffalo Bills favorable NFL betting odds for the upcoming Super Bowl.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs have been one of the most dominant teams in the past 5-6 years. They’ve won three titles since 2020, appearing in 5 out of the last 6 Super Bowls. During that time, Patrick Mahomes established himself as one of the best to ever do that. The Chiefs’ dominance and Mahomes’ MVP caliber talent make them a top favorite to win the Super Bowl 60.

With Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs will always be among the top Super Bowl favorites. Early or not, they’re a team to consider.

FAQ

When Does the Super Bowl 60 Take Place?

The Super Bowl 60 is scheduled for February 8, 2026. It will be held at the Levi’s Stadium in California and will be televised by NBC.

How to Bet on Early Super Bowl Predictions?

Betting on the Super Bowl 60 is easy. Bettors can simply make their pick in the market they like by clicking on the available odds.

Are Early Super Bowl Betting Predictions Correct?

Previous season early favorites have gone to the Super Bowl or fell late in the playoffs. This means that most early Super Bowl predictions are correct.

Sports Betting

How to Prepare for the 2025 Soccer Betting Season

Published

1 week ago

July 25, 2025

Naum Nikolovski

Soccer Betting Season 2025

The new soccer will be underway soon, and soccer betting fans are as excited as it gets. Most of the top European leagues start in mid-August, with preseason preparations already in full steam. Bookies have already released the early outright odds for the favorites, but there’s more where that comes from.

Once the season is underway, betting on the Premier League is in full focus for the majority of sports enthusiasts. Of course, betting on soccer is more than just pure luck. Success requires clear planning and preparation as well as an understanding of the basics. In this guide, we’ll show you a few expert tips and insights on how to prepare for the soccer betting season ahead.

Table of Contents

Learn the Basics

Before diving into football betting, you should ensure that you know the basics. By basics we mean how to bet on soccer online and what the different bet types are.

In general, soccer betting can be divided into two categories:

Pre-match markets: includes markets that are available at fixed odds before the match begins.
Live betting: markets that are available when the match starts. Also known as in-play betting.

We’ll break down the different soccer bet types further down. Adding odds to your betting slip is easy. Click on the numbers and they’ll be instantly added to the slip, and adding more easily creates a parlay.

Research, Research, Research

Success in soccer betting is earned, not given. Bettors can master the art of soccer betting by doing proper research.

How to Prepare for the 2025 Soccer Betting Season

Research includes going through team and player form, injuries, new squad additions, and possible coaching staff changes. You can also rely on expert tips and predictions for the upcoming soccer season and see what experts believe happens.

The outright odds can also initially show how a team might perform. If one team is favored for the title, it’s been done after plenty of research, so the odds aren’t random. Looking into the preseason form of the team you want to back up can also tell you a lot about the expected performance.

Do your homework, and you can make predictions about the upcoming soccer betting season much easier.

Check the Schedule

The schedule for any soccer league in Europe can drastically affect a team’s chances to win the competition. That’s why it’s important to check the schedule from start to finish.

This means how often teams play and when the season begins and ends. To make things easier for you, here’s a table comparing the start of the soccer betting season in 2025 for the top European competitions.

League	Start
Premier League	August 15
La Liga	August 17
Bundesliga	August 22
Serie A	August 23
Ligue 1	August 15
Champions League	September 16

Some of the full schedules have not been released yet, pending draws. Make sure to check each week match and identify possible slip-ups that can cost your favorite team’s points in the long run.

For example, Barcelona beat Real Madrid in all matches last season, but struggled against lower-ranking teams. By taking a look at the schedule, you can play your soccer betting strategy better.

Team Preseason Form

The soccer betting preseason is underway, with many major teams playing warm-up matches competitively. It’s a time to test new strategies and players, and see how well new players mash-up with the team.

While it’s not a rule, the preseason form can indicate how well a team is prepared for the season ahead. If it’s all losses, it may mean that something’s not working. Just to be on the safe side, it would be good for bettors to review the team’s preseason form.

If everything gels together—especially with new signings—that form can be carried over to the new season.

Review Your Betting Record from Last Year

If you keep a betting record—like smart bettors do—you’ll review your performance from last year. Compare your wins and losses, see where you’ve made profit or loss. Analyze the outcomes and you may spot patterns.

If you’ve been winning specific wagers consistently, you should focus on that. Losing bets that occur all the time should be eliminated. Every soccer betting season is a lesson. Use that knowledge to power through the new one, and ensure you’re impartial when making decisions.

Find Generous Betting Bonuses

Online sportsbooks offer generous bonuses and other rewards for new and seasoned bettors. The top online sportsbooks such as BetPlays will run a number of betting promotions for the start of the new season. That usually means free bets or enhanced odds that you can use to improve your winning chances.

Bettors should take a look at free bets that offer decent value. It’s all about the bonus terms and conditions. If anything looks iffy, skip that free bet. Should a free bet look great, you should run with it.

Test New Strategies and Tactics

As soon as the new soccer betting season is underway, you should commit to testing new strategies. For example, place Premier League accumulators for the first few weeks, or go with another approach for La Liga or the Champions League.

There will be plenty of high-quality markets to explore with more than decent odds. Plus, the action comes weekly, so you can easily test new things, at least for a small bet.

Bet Responsibly

If you want to be successful at soccer betting, you should always remember to bet responsibly. This means managing your bankroll, not chasings your losses, never betting with money you can’t afford to lose, and never betting more than 1% of your bankroll.

Set a budget and stick to it – this will let you determine how much money you’re willing to lose during soccer betting season.
Avoid betting too much on singles. While odds may look attractive, successful bettors never bet more than 1-3% of their bankroll.

Discipline and consistency are key. They’ll help you keep your budget in control and avoid overspending.

Popular Soccer Betting Markets

The new soccer season is quickly approaching, and our soccer betting guide covers the most popular markets you can wager on. Let’s take a look at what soccer bettors love betting on.

Outrights: outright winners allow bettors to predict the winner of the league or soccer betting competition. For example, you can predict the winner of the Premier League. It’s a type of a futures bet, and you must wait for the season to end to see if it’s a winning one.
Match winners: match winners let bettors pick the winning side in a soccer match. For example, in a match between Manchester City and Chelsea, you can choose either side to win the match.
Goal betting: goal betting differs from match winners in the fact that it focuses on the number of goals scored, not the actual outcome. Sports betting sites set a line of goals, and you can bet on the exact number of goals scored by either team or over/under a line of goals set by the bookie.
Live betting: live betting takes you deep inside a match in play. It opens up new soccer betting opportunities such as next team or player to score, next yellow or red card, or other possibilities.

Final Thoughts

The soccer betting season is a good opportunity to test your knowledge and hopefully make a profit. It won’t come random – a lot of research goes into successful soccer bets.

With our soccer betting guide, you can prepare yourself for the season ahead. Keep our tips in mind and enjoy the season.

FAQ

Is Soccer Betting Online Safe?

Yes, it is, as long as you choose a trusted bookmaker. BetPlays has all the credentials you need, with a proper Anjouan license and SSL encryption to protect your personal and financial data.

Is There a Way to Guarantee Successful Soccer Bets?

There’s no way you’ll win every soccer bet you wager. However, with a proper strategy and bankroll management, you can get the most out of your bets.

Can I Get a Soccer Betting Bonus at BetPlays?

Yes, new bettors at BetPlays are in line for a generous welcome bonus. Keep an eye on the promo page – there’s bound to be free bets when the soccer season starts.

Sports Betting

UFC Betting Guide 2025 – Discover Top Tips On How to Bet on the UFC

Published

2 weeks ago

July 21, 2025

Naum Nikolovski

UFC Betting Guide 2025 – Discover How to Bet on the UFC

The UFC is one of the fastest-rising sports in the 21^st century, and UFC betting has a lot to do with it. Since the promotion came up in the early 1990s, it has become the premier destination for MMA sports worldwide.

Betting on the UFC is an art in itself. Online betting sites such as BetPlays have widened the markets to bet on, bringing up exciting bets for UFC fans to put their wagers on. This online sports betting guide will walk you through the basics of UFC betting, while introducing the rules of the battle.

Table of Contents

What is the UFC?

The UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championship, is a mixed martial arts promotion that originated as an evolution of cage fighting. It was found in 1993 and runs on a license which allows fighters to sign up with the promotion.

One of the reasons why the UFC is so popular around the world is the fact that its fighters can fight however they want to. Boxing, karate, jiu-jitsu, sambo, and wrestling are all allowed. Most fighters are experts in a combination of these disciplines, which allows them to gain an edge over one- or two-dimensional fighters.

The UFC features several different weight classes. Fighters are obliged to make weight for each one in order to compete. Biting, eye gouging, groin attacks, and a number of other offenses are forbidden. The UFC has numerical events held regularly, with super fights between challengers and champions as the mains on a card. All other fights on a card can be a co-main event or simply regular fights.

UFC Betting Guide 2025 – Discover Top Tips On How to Bet on the UFC

Fights are held over a number of rounds—usually 5—in a cage known as the Octagon. Fighters can win via knockouts, technical knockouts, judge decision, by surrendering, disqualification, or no contest. The top sports betting sites offer a combination of markets for UFC betting. These range from regular fight winners to round betting, over/unders, and live betting markets, all of which come with valuable odds.

Let’s check out the current UFC champions per weight class:

Weight Class	Current Champion
Heavyweight	Tom Aspinall (interim champion
Light Heavyweight	Magomed Ankalaev
Middleweight	Dricus Du Plessis
Welterweight	Jack Della Maddalena
Lightweight	Ilia Topuria
Featherweight	Alexander Volkanovski
Bantamweight	Merab Dvalishvili
Flyweight	Alexandre Pantoja

How to Bet on the UFC?

UFC betting is a relatively straightforward process. Placing a bet is as easy as clicking on the odds. Bettors first need to bring up the UFC betting menu, with the options presented in the center of the screen.

Once they see a market they like, clicking on it will add it to the bet slip. Modern bookmakers such as BetPlays will calculate the returns when bettors enter the wager, so you’ll always know what to expect if you get all the predictions right. Read our ultimate betting guide on the UFC below to learn more.

Popular UFC Betting Markets

There are many different UFC betting markets online with varying degrees of risk. For example, fight winner is a low-risk bet, while method of victory and over/under rounds possess a higher degree of risk.

Let’s take a look at the popular betting markets for the UFC, starting with the simplest one.

Fight Winner

The fight winner market revolves around picking the fighter to win. Championship belt on the line or a regular fight, it doesn’t matter.

One of the fighters is a favorite while the other is an underdog. Sometimes, due to similar qualities and rankings, a fight might bring the odds close. This market eliminates the draw from the equation, which is rarely the outcome of any fight in the UFC.

Over/Under Rounds

The O/U market allows bettors to predict the total number of rounds in a fight. Not the exact number, but over or under the line set by the bookie.

For example, if Tom Aspinall goes against Jon Jones and the line is 2.5 rounds, you can bet over or under that number. If you bet under, the match must end in the second round. Should you decide on over, it should last three rounds at least.

Method of Victory

The method of victory is an exciting market which doesn’t focus on the winner. Instead, it focuses on the method of winning. It can be a KO or a technical KO, disqualification, or something else. Wins by decision and submission are available as well.

Prop Bets

Prop UFC betting markets offer individual events that don’t affect the outcome of the fight. For example, it might be choosing a fighter to go the distance. The fight ending in a minute or two is also a prop bet, as is betting inside the distance as a line set by the sportsbook.

Live UFC Betting

Live UFC betting is among the most popular ways to bet on the fights in the Octagon. The odds for the fighters—and the respective in-play markets—will change as the action unfolds.

There are also other markets in live UFC betting such as props or next thing to happen in a fight. It’s a more exciting way to place wagers and cash out quickly if things are going your way.

UFC Betting Bonuses and Promotions

BetPlays offers numerous special bets for UFC betting. These come in addition to the regular slew of bonuses and promotions, many of which are eligible for UFC bets.

Bettors are always looking for a special UFC promo when a fight comes, and those usually come in the form of free bets. Check out the most popular types of promos for UFC betting in our betting strategy guide below.

Promo	Type of Bet	Wagering Requirements
Bet $10, Get $10 free bet	Free bet	5x
Parlay boost up to 50%	Parlay boost	2x
First bet up to $100	Welcome bonus	10x

*Note: these are just examples of UFC betting promos. For a specific promotion, it’s important to read the terms and conditions.

FAQ

Where Can I Bet on the UFC?

You can bet on the UFC here at BetPlays. We have a large selection of betting markets whenever a fight draws near. Check out our sports betting guide on UFC fights to learn how to bet on the UFC.

Can I Withdraw My MMA Betting Winnings?

Absolutely. Use a trusted payment method to secure your winnings, and you should be paid out quickly. The withdrawal times range from a few hours to few days.

Is It Safe to Bet on the UFC Online?

When betting on the UFC, it’s imperative to choose a trusted—and licensed—sportsbook such as BetPlays. Then you don’t have to worry about anything from a legal point of view. Read our MMA betting guide to learn more on how to place your bets safely.

When Do UFC Fights Take Place?

UFC fights take place every month or two, depending on the schedule. Championship fights may be held a few times per year, generating a lot of interest among UFC bettors. Consult our MMA betting guide whenever there’s a fight coming soon.