Overtime in NFL Bets

When it comes to NFL betting, the rules on how overtime is treated can vary based on the specific market and sportsbook. Most full-game bets, such as moneyline, point spread, and over/under totals, typically include overtime scoring. However, there are important exceptions for second-half, quarter, and fourth-quarter markets that often exclude overtime.

Full-game NFL bets: OT usually counts

A majority of US sportsbooks, including FanDuel, Betfair, Caesars, and Little Creek, say that overtime counts in full-game NFL bets on moneyline, point spread, and over/under markets.

In the event of a tie after overtime (something that can only happen in the NFL regular season), most sportsbooks will refund all stakes on the full-game bets. FanDuel and Betfair both explicitly state on their house rules pages that if a game ends in a tie after overtime, all bets are refunded to the bettors.¹²

The key exception is that at some sportsbooks, player props may be graded differently based on whether the player appears, and not on whether overtime snaps count.

Bettors should check the house rules for the specific markets they are betting in.

Where the exceptions usually are

The main places where overtime is commonly excluded from NFL bets are the second-half, quarter, and fourth-quarter markets.

Little Creek's sportsbook rules also spell out this treatment, saying that overtime counts in halftime wagers, but will not count in any bets involving specific quarters.

FanDuel's house rules have a similar separation, saying that "For full-game and 2nd half bets, overtime will count. For 1st half, 4th quarter, etc., Overtime will not count."

These quarter-specific markets are an important exception for NFL bettors to be aware of, as there is both a betting opportunity and a way to isolate football actions in that specific quarter of the game.

Regulation-only and 60-minute markets

Another scenario where overtime is excluded is on any bets that are defined as "60-minute lines" or "regulation-only lines".

In these, the scoring will count only those points, yards, and statistics generated in regulation or "the first 60 minutes". While regulation alone has a clear definition, "60-minute lines" could be read as regulation and any overtime in a game that hits regulation. This may cause some gray area for bettors on these types of markets and may need clarification from the sportsbook. These types of bets are not graded, and the final score is based on regulation only.

Player props and 3-way moneylines

For markets such as player props, the answer of whether overtime does or does not count depends on where in the game the action is taking place, and it may not be made explicitly clear in many a sportsbook's house rules.

Some sportsbooks manage this risk by prohibiting wagers on players in overtime situations.

For 3-way moneylines, where a tie is possible, FanDuel advises bettors to download, review, and store all live game tutorials and house rules pages for major sportsbook features.

If a bettor sees a 3-way moneyline, or a "handicap", on an NFL game, they will need to review the existing house rules for that specific sport at the sportsbook, and learn how ties are settled to judge the treatment of overtime in that format.

Other sports: NBA, NHL, college football

NFL is hardly the only sport where overtime rules can cause betting confusion. The NBA, NHL, and college football can all get complicated when overtime comes into play.

For NBA spread and totals bets, the answer will depend on the specific sportsbook and whether the market is a game total or an over/under set during a certain period such as the game's closing run or the first half. NBA betting grading rules can be complex.

NHL overtime counting also varies by sportsbook and market.

FanDuel, Little Creek, and BetUS all come into alignment on shootouts counting on game totals, but not on bets focusing on regulation.

Additional Betting Tips: If you place a bet on an Over/Under prop for an NFL game, be sure to read the house rules to determine whether the overtime period is included. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, some sportsbooks may consider the bet a push and refund your bet. However, others may consider the overtime period in determining the final score and whether the Over/Under prop was won.

Additionally, if you are betting on the Money Line of an NFL game, check to see if the sportsbook offers a 3-way line, which includes the option of betting on a tie after overtime. This can be a good option if you think the game may go to overtime and result in a tie.

Remember, the key to successful NFL betting is to thoroughly research the game, the teams, and the players involved, and to always check the house rules of the sportsbook you are using to ensure that you understand how the bet will be graded.

How to avoid a bad grade

To ensure you're betting with accurate understanding, First, consult the sportsbook's house rules and scan the specific market's definition to see what is clearly spelled out. Look to the markets "first-half", "2nd half", "full-game", and "game rules" where there will be clear guidance on which penalties and plays count or do not at the final gametime.

Then, look at the exact market definition, such as "First Quarter Over/Under" or "Q4 Spread" to see how each sportsbook ties quarters with overtime or how the period is treated.

Finally, bookmark the house rules pages, and for sportsbooks you don't have an account with, read them anyway, as they'll be similar to FanDuel's, and you can be ready to bet on those sites as they enter your state.

While the majority of NFL game, spread, and total markets do in fact include overtime, it bears reviewing the markets at a sportsbook you place a bet with to better understand how your bets are graded and paid.