Does overtime count in basketball betting?

Introduction: Why Overtime Matters in Basketball Betting

Basketball betting is one of the most exciting and fast-growing segments of sports wagering worldwide. With high-scoring games, rapid momentum swings, and tight finishes, bettors constantly seek edges in predicting outcomes.

But one question causes huge confusion—especially among beginners:

👉 Does overtime count in basketball bets?

The answer is:

YES for most markets, NO for a few important exceptions.

Understanding when overtime applies—and when it doesn’t—can make or break your bet slip. This detailed guide breaks down every market, rules across major leagues (NBA, NCAA, EuroLeague, FIBA), sportsbook variations, and smart strategies to avoid costly mistakes.

Let’s dive deep.

Do Basketball Bets Include Overtime? (Short Answer)

Most standard basketball markets do include overtime, unless the bet specifically states it does NOT.

✔ Bets where overtime almost ALWAYS counts:

• Moneyline

• Totals (Over/Under)

• Player props (points, assists, rebounds)

• Team totals

• Full game parlays

• 2nd half lines

• Live betting markets (unless labeled otherwise)

❌ Bets where overtime usually does NOT count:

• Spread or totals for exact quarters

• First half bets

• Certain “regulation only” moneylines

• “Race to X points” if X is not reached in regulation

• Special sportsbook-specific markets

Understanding this distinction is essential.

Does Overtime Count in the Moneyline?

YES — overtime is included in moneyline bets.

If you bet on a team to win, and they win during overtime, your bet wins.

Example:

Lakers vs Celtics
Score after regulation: 112–112
Final after OT: Lakers 126–121

If you bet Lakers ML, you WIN.

Moneyline is one of the simplest betting markets because the winner is based on the final official score, including any overtime periods.

Exception:

Some sportsbooks offer “Moneyline (Regulation Only)” or “Draw No Bet” options.

These options exclude overtime.

Always check the bet label.

Do Spreads Count in Overtime?

YES — for full-game spreads, overtime counts.

Example:
Warriors –4.5
Game tied at 108–108
Final after OT: Warriors 119–114

Warriors win by 5 → Spread wins.

Why?

Spreads apply to the final official score, which includes OT.

Do Totals (Over/Under) Count in Overtime?

YES — full-game totals ALWAYS include overtime unless labeled otherwise.

This is crucial because OT periods add extra scoring, often pushing bets over the line.

Example:
Game total line: 220.5
Regulation: 108–108 → 216
OT adds: 12 points
Final: 228

Result: Over wins.

Tip for bettors:

If you bet the under, overtime is your enemy.

Do Player Props Include Overtime?

YES.

Player prop bets include overtime unless the sportsbook states differently (rare).

This includes props like:

• Points

• Assists

• Rebounds

• PRA (points + rebounds + assists)

• Steals + Blocks

• Double-double

• Triple-double

Example:

Your bet: Luka Doncic Over 28.5 points

Regulation: 27

OT: Scores 3

Final: 30 → Win

OT heavily benefits overs in player props.

Do First Half Bets Count Overtime?

NO — never.

Overtime does not count for:

• First half spread

• First half totals

• First half moneyline

These bets end exactly at halftime.

Example:

You bet Over 104.5 first-half points

Halftime score: 55–50 → 105

You win — regardless of OT.

Do Quarter Bets Count Overtime?

NO.

Quarter bets apply ONLY to that specific 12-minute (or 10-minute) quarter.

Example:

You bet 2nd Quarter Over 55.5

OT happens later → does NOT matter.

Do Second-Half Bets Include Overtime?

YES.

This is an important rule many bettors misunderstand.

Second-half returns include:

• 3rd quarter

• 4th quarter

• Overtime

Example:

You bet Over 105.5 (2nd Half Total)

Regulation 2nd half total: 103

OT adds 10

Final: 113 → WIN

OT is a huge factor in second-half betting.

Do Team Totals Count Overtime?

YES — team totals include OT.

Example:

Celtics team total: Over 114.5

Regulation: 112

OT: Score 8

Final: 120 → Win

Do Parlays Include Overtime?

YES — unless a leg is a market that excludes it.

Parlays follow the rules of each individual market.

If your parlay has a regulation-only market, that specific leg might lose even if the others win.

Always double-check labels.

League-Specific Overtime Rules (NBA, NCAA, EuroLeague, FIBA)

🏀 NBA Overtime Betting Rules

Most sportsbooks include OT in:

• Moneyline

• Totals

• Spreads

• Props

First-half and quarter bets exclude overtime.

NCAA Basketball (College)

Same as NBA:

Full game markets → includes OT

Partial markets → does not include OT

EuroLeague & FIBA Basketball

Same rules:

• Moneyline includes OT

• Totals include OT

• Quarter & half lines exclude OT

European books rarely offer regulation-only options.

Sportsbook Exceptions You MUST Know

Some sportsbooks offer special markets:

❗ “Will the game go to overtime?”

Obviously, OT is relevant but does not affect the outcome.

❗ “Tie / Regulation Draw / 3-Way Moneyline”

Overtime DOES NOT count here.
If the game is tied at the end of regulation → “Draw” wins.

❗ “Moneyline (Regulation Only)”

Similar to ice hockey markets.
OT is excluded.

❗ “Race to Points” Markets

OT only matters if both teams fail to reach the target in regulation.

Common Bets: Does Overtime Count? (Quick Chart)