Do NFL Bets Include Overtime?

For NFL enthusiasts diving into the world of sports betting, understanding the ins and outs of wagering rules is paramount. One common question that often arises is whether NFL bets include overtime. Will you get paid because the game got to stalemate? Let’s delve into this topic to provide clarity and insight for both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike as to whether your NFL bet is effected by overtime. The best advice we can give is that you check with your betting provider before you start splashing cash on NFL games. 

Before delving into the intricacies of overtime, let's establish a foundational understanding of NFL betting. In NFL wagering, individuals place bets on various aspects of the game, including point spreads, moneylines, and over/under totals. These bets typically revolve around the outcome of the game, individual quarters, or specific player performances.

In the NFL, overtime serves as an additional period of play that occurs when the score is tied at the end of regulation time. During overtime, teams have an opportunity to break the tie and secure a victory through continued gameplay. Overtime periods typically consist of one 10-minute period, although different rules may apply during postseason games.

Now, let's address the burning question: does overtime affect NFL bets? The answer depends on the type of bet you've placed. For bets that focus solely on the outcome of the game, such as moneyline bets, the inclusion of overtime is crucial. In these cases, the final result of the game – whether determined in regulation time or overtime – determines the outcome of your bet. In most cases you should check who you placed the bet with, to see what the small print is of their offers. In general though, most bet providers will not include overtime.

Point spread bets add an extra layer of complexity to the equation. When betting against the spread, you're wagering on whether a team will win by a certain margin or keep the game within a specified range of points. In most cases, the point spread remains the same for overtime, meaning that if a team covers the spread in regulation, they must maintain that margin in overtime to win the bet. Again, many UK betting companies will consider a tie the end of the game the final score, so it depends what odds you bet on, but overtime is mostly not included.  

Over/under bets, also known as totals, involve predicting whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a predetermined number set by oddsmakers. Overtime can have a significant impact on these bets, as additional scoring opportunities can tilt the final score above or below the set total. Bettors must consider the potential for overtime when placing over/under wagers. Once again over/unders will be determined by the total of the game at the tie, and betting providers consider that game over.