GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
What is the difference between a game total and a team total?
A game total measures the combined score of both teams. A team total measures the score of one named team. Both can be framed as over/under markets, but the word “total” alone does not tell you which score is counted. Read the full market label, including the team and the period it covers. DraftKings’ glossary describes over/under markets across final scores, individual team scores, and player statistics; the exact market and sport rules determine the applicable period and overtime treatment.
For Bettors comparing over/under labels who want to know whether the market counts both teams or one team. · Updated
Check whether the market counts the game or one team
A game total combines the scoring from both sides. A team total looks only at the named team’s score. An over or under selection is meaningful only after you know which of those quantities the market uses.
The label may also name a period or another condition. Do not assume a full-game total and a team total use the same score, timing, or overtime rules just because both show an over/under line.
Compare like with like
Before comparing two lines, confirm that they count the same event, score, and period. A game total and one team’s total are different questions, even if the number on each line happens to match.
DraftKings’ glossary lists over/under examples based on a game’s final score, an individual team score, or player statistics. That terminology explains the distinction; it does not mean every sportsbook offers every total market.
One score, two different totals
In a hypothetical game, Team A scores 2 and Team B scores 1. A full-game total counts 3 combined goals; Team A’s team total counts 2. If both hypothetical markets used a 2.5 line, the game total would be above it while Team A’s total would be below it. This illustrates the calculation only; it does not claim either market is offered.
Related questions
Does a team total include the opponent’s score?
No. A team total counts the named team’s score. A game total counts combined scoring, subject to the market’s stated period and rules.
Do all totals include overtime?
Do not assume that. Check the exact sportsbook market and sport rules for the period covered and whether overtime counts.