Key Takeaways
- In most sportsbooks, overtime is counted as part of the second half for basketball and football bets (spreads, totals, and moneylines).
- Hockey and soccer second-half bets usually exclude overtime, though special OT-specific markets may exist.
- Always check your sportsbook’s house rules before betting, as policies vary between operators.
Knowing how overtime affects second-half bets is vital to making smart bets. Whether it’s rolled into the second half or treated as a separate event depends on the sportsbook.
For most sportsbooks, overtime gets added to the second half for bets like spreads and totals. But that’s not set in stone. Some books might handle it differently, so knowing the house rules for your wager is the smart way to stay ahead.
In this article, we’ll unpack how sportsbooks deal with overtime in second-half bets and why it matters for your betting strategy.
What Does “Second Half” Mean in Betting?
In sports betting, “second half” refers to wagers covering only the game's third and fourth quarters. This bet type is especially popular in sports like football and basketball, where games are divided into halves.
These bets can be placed before the second half begins or live during the action, but only the results from the second half are factored into the outcome.
Popular second-half betting markets include:
- Moneyline: Predict which team will win the second half, regardless of the overall game result.
- Totals: Bet on the total points scored in the second half.
- Spreads: Wager on which team will outscore the other in the second half.
- Player props: Focus on specific player stats, such as passing yards or points scored, limited to the second half.
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Does Overtime Count as the Second Half?
Whether overtime counts as part of the second half comes down to the sport and your sportsbook’s rules. Here’s how it typically shakes out:
- Basketball (NBA, NCAA): Overtime is almost always counted as part of the second half for totals, spreads, and moneyline bets.
- Football (NFL, College): Same story—overtime usually counts unless your sportsbook specifically excludes it.
- Hockey and Soccer: Things are a little different here. Overtime usually doesn’t count toward second-half bets but can still impact props like match winners or outright wagers.
Check your sportsbook’s house rules before locking in a bet. Basketball and football tend to include overtime in second-half action, but sports like hockey and soccer often play by different rules, which could change how your bet is settled.
Why Overtime Matters for Bettors
Overtime can be a game-changer in sports betting, creating unexpected swings that affect several markets:
- Impact on totals: Overtime can flip over/under bets on their head. A game destined to stay under the total can quickly go over after a high-scoring extra period.
- Spreads and props: Extra time often means extra scoring. A last-second bucket in basketball or a late touchdown in football can swing a spread or player prop in or out of your favor.
- Risk and reward: Including overtime in bets adds an extra layer of uncertainty and creates big opportunities. It’s a double-edged sword—while it increases risk, it also makes room for dramatic comebacks and unexpected payouts.
How to Check Overtime Rules at Your Sportsbook
The best way to understand how overtime impacts your wagers is to review the sportsbook’s house rules thoroughly. This ensures you know how bets are settled and helps you avoid surprises. Below are highlights of how some major sportsbooks handle overtime, but always double-check the details for your specific bet.
- Hard Rock Bet: For sports like soccer, first- or second-half wagers include the standard 45 minutes plus stoppage time but exclude extra time, golden goals, or penalty shootouts.
- Fanatics: Overtime is generally included in second-half wagers unless stated otherwise. However, for markets like “Highest Scoring Half,” only regulation time is considered.
- FanDuel: Overtime is included in second-half bets for NFL, NBA, college football, and basketball. Additionally, “Highest Scoring Half” bets factor in overtime for these sports.
- BetMGM: Overtime always counts for second-half wagers, no matter how long the extra period lasts.
- Caesars: Halftime bets automatically include overtime periods, per their Wager Guide.
Other Tips to Confirm Rules
- Ask customer support: Contact your sportsbook’s customer support team when in doubt. They can clearly answer how overtime is handled for your specific bet.
- Check your bet slip: Many sportsbooks include overtime details right on the bet slip. Before locking in your wager, take a quick look—it might save you from any last-minute surprises.
Sports with Unique Overtime Rules
Some sports handle overtime in ways that stand out from the usual second-half rules, creating different dynamics for bettors.
- Hockey and soccer: Second-half bets generally exclude overtime, sticking to regulation and stoppage time. However, some markets specifically for OT, like shootouts or golden goals, allow you to bet on extended play.
- Tennis: While there’s no second-half equivalent, tiebreakers add extra scoring opportunities that can feel like overtime, often impacting totals or set-specific bets.
- Baseball: Extra innings aren’t technically “overtime,” but they extend the game and heavily influence totals and run-line wagers, making them an important factor for baseball bettors.
Tips for Betting on Games with Overtime Potential
Betting on games with overtime potential can be rewarding if you know where to look. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Look for even matchups: Games between evenly matched teams are prime overtime candidates. Check their head-to-head history, recent form, and injury reports to spot games that could go to the wire.
- Pay attention to scoring trends: In high-scoring sports like the NBA, overtime can swing totals and spreads significantly. A game hovering near the total in regulation can easily blow past it with just a few extra minutes.
- Bet on props that could benefit from overtime: Player props—like points, rebounds, or assists—often get a boost in overtime. If you’re betting on players likely to stay on the court during crunch time, it’s worth including in your strategy.
