What Does Winner (inc. Overtime) Mean?
This market is simple:
- You’re betting on which team will win the match outright, including overtime if needed.
- Unlike 1X2 in football (which includes the draw), basketball doesn’t really have draws because if scores are tied after 4 quarters, overtime is played until a winner is decided.
- So, this bet is basically: Team A to win or Team B to win, with overtime included.
Example with Teams
Let’s use an NBA game:
Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors
- Lakers to win (inc. OT): If the Lakers win after 4 quarters OR in overtime, your bet wins.
- Warriors to win (inc. OT): If the Warriors win after 4 quarters OR in overtime, your bet wins.
Example Outcome:
- Final score after 4Q: Lakers 110 – 110 Warriors → Overtime played.
- Overtime final score: Lakers 118 – 115 Warriors.
- If you bet on Lakers to win (inc. OT) → Win.
- If you bet on Warriors to win (inc. OT) → Lose.
Odds Example
Bookmaker might price it like this:
- Lakers to Win (inc. OT): 1.85
- Warriors to Win (inc. OT): 2.05
Since no draw option exists here, it’s strictly a two-way market.
Key Betting Tips
- Check Team Form & Fatigue
- Back-to-back games in the NBA can make players tired → favors younger/faster teams.
- Example: If the Warriors played last night and the Lakers had rest, Lakers might have an edge.
- Head-to-Head Matchups
- Some teams consistently dominate others.
- Example: Lakers struggle against the Warriors’ 3-point shooting → that matters for winner bets.
- Injuries & Rotations
- A missing star (e.g., LeBron James or Stephen Curry) massively shifts odds. Always check injury reports before betting.
- Home vs Away Advantage
- NBA teams often perform much better at home.
- Example: Warriors are notoriously strong at Chase Center.
- Close Games Strategy
- If teams are evenly matched, betting Winner (inc. OT) is safer than Handicap markets.
- Because even if the game goes to OT, your bet is still alive.
Example Betting Strategy
Let’s say:
- Lakers (home) are in good form, Warriors are missing Curry.
- Bookmaker odds: Lakers 1.75, Warriors 2.10.
Best value bet → Lakers to Win (inc. OT) since:
- They’re at home.
- Opponent missing key scorer.
- Stronger defense in crunch time.
Would you like me to also compare Winner (inc. OT) with Moneyline and Handicap markets so you can see which gives better value depending on the game?