Yes — at most US sportsbooks, overtime scoring counts toward the final over/under total. A game that goes to OT can flip a settled-looking bet in either direction, and bettors who aren't aware of the rule get caught off guard regularly.
Why Does Overtime Count for Over Under Bets?
The standard rule is simple: the official final score is the total, however many periods it takes to reach it. Overtime points are part of that score. The sportsbook doesn't draw the line at regulation; it uses the number on the scoreboard when the game ends.
This applies across the major sports — NFL, NBA, NHL, college football, and college basketball all count OT by default. If you're unsure about a specific league or prop market, check the operator's house rules before the game starts.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
Say the total is set at 44.5 in an NFL game. After four quarters the score is 21-21. Regulation ends right on the edge. One OT touchdown and extra point puts the final at 49, and the Over cashes easily. Without that overtime score, the Under would have won.
NFL overtime has gotten shorter under current rules, but enough scoring happens to matter. Understanding NFL over under ranges and what typical totals look like helps put those late-game swings in context.
Does Every Sport Handle OT the Same Way?
For game totals, yes — overtime is almost universally included. The edge cases arise with certain player prop markets or live in-game totals, where operators occasionally specify a regulation-only line. Those markets will say "regulation only" explicitly in the bet description.
For a full breakdown of how totals markets are structured and what rules govern them, see Totals Betting Basics: Rules, Terms, and How the Line Is Set.
Can a Game End in a Push After Overtime?
Yes, if the final score — including OT — lands exactly on a whole-number total. That's a push: your stake is refunded. Adding a hook (a .5 half-point to the total) eliminates push risk entirely. The push and hook rules page explains when that half-point matters most.
How to Verify the OT Rule Before You Bet
- Open the sportsbook app and find the game's totals market.
- Tap the information or rules icon on the bet slip or market header.
- Look for any "regulation only" or "includes overtime" language.
- If nothing is stated, the default is full-game including OT — confirm in the operator's house rules if needed.
For newcomers still learning the basics, What Is an Over Under Bet? Totals Explained for Beginners covers the full structure of how a totals wager works before overtime even becomes a factor.
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