What is the Grand Salami in Sports Betting?

Don’t let the tasty name fool you – the Grand Salami in sports betting isn’t something you eat! It’s actually a fun prop bet where you wager on the total number of runs or goals scored in all games on a given day for a particular sport.

In other words, instead of betting the over/under on a single matchup, the Grand Salami is one big over/under that covers every game on the slate. It’s most commonly offered for NHL hockey and MLB baseball since those sports often have multiple games in a day. (Occasionally, you might see a Grand Salami-style bet in other sports like a busy NBA night or a full day of soccer matches, but it’s primarily an NHL/MLB specialty.)

This wager gets its quirky name from the idea of a “grand” total of scores – and yes, it’s a playful nod that might make bettors think of a giant deli sandwich.

The Grand Salami is as simple as it is exciting: the sportsbook sets a combined total for all games, and you choose whether the actual combined score will go Over or Under that number.

For example, if the day’s NHL Grand Salami is set at 55.5 goals and the 10 hockey games that night combine for 56 or more goals, then “Over” bettors win; if they combine for 55 or fewer, then “Under” bettors cash in.

How Does a Grand Salami Bet Work? (NHL & MLB Examples)

The Grand Salami works just like a normal game total, except it’s aggregated across every game on the schedule. Here’s how to bet it:

1. Find the Grand Salami line: Look in your sportsbook’s NHL or MLB section (often under “Totals” or “Props”) for a line called “Grand Salami” or sometimes “Total Daily Runs/Goals”. Almost every major sportsbook posts a Grand Salami for days with multiple games. For example, you might see something like “Grand Salami – 26.5 Runs” for a day’s MLB action, or “Grand Salami – 55.5 Goals” for a busy night in hockey.
2. Understand the line and odds: The number (e.g. 26.5 runs or 55.5 goals) is the projected total of all games combined. You’ll see odds for the Over and Under, often around standard -110 juice (though oddsmakers may slightly adjust the odds or total based on expected scoring trends). Sportsbooks typically use a half-point (.5) in the total to avoid a push/tie, so there’s a clear winner – over or under.
3. Place your bet – Over or Under: If you think it’ll be a high-scoring day across the league, you’d bet Over the Grand Salami. If you expect lower scoring games overall, you’d bet Under. It’s that simple. Your wager then gives you a rooting interest in every game on the schedule – a thrill many bettors love. Instead of sweating one matchup, you’ll be checking scores league-wide.
4. Watch the results across all games: Once all games are final, add up all the runs or goals scored. If the total exceeds the line, Over bettors win; if it falls short, Under bettors win. For example, let’s say there are three MLB games with totals of 8.5, 8.5, and 9.5 runs. The book might set the Grand Salami at 26.5 runs. If the actual scores end up 5-4, 7-6, and 8-3, the combined runs = 33, hitting the Over comfortably. But if those games ended 2-1, 4-3, and 5-4 (total of 19 runs), that’s well Under the 26.5 line. In either case, all Grand Salami tickets are settled once the final game ends.

Important: All scheduled games typically must be completed for the Grand Salami bet to stand. If any game is postponed or canceled, most sportsbooks will void the Salami (grade it “No Action” and refund bets).

This makes sense – if one matchup doesn’t happen, the total won’t be accurate.

So, if you’re betting on an MLB Grand Salami, be aware of weather forecasts and doubleheaders (rainouts can spoil the bet).

In the NHL, postponements are rarer, but if a game were scratched, the same no-action rule applies.

Why Do Sportsbooks Offer a Grand Salami?

Sportsbooks offer the Grand Salami because it’s an engaging, all-encompassing wager that keeps bettors hooked on every game.

For players, it’s a blast – you get a “small piece of action in the entire board” and a vested interest in every single game that day. Even if you didn’t place individual bets on, say, the Coyotes or the Marlins that night, a Grand Salami bet suddenly makes those games matter to you.

From a sportsbook’s perspective, this unique bet type increases user engagement and handle: it’s a creative way to keep customers interested when none of the usual single-game bets stand out.

Imagine a bettor looking at the day’s lineup and not finding a clear single-game edge – the Grand Salami gives them an alternative wagering opportunity covering the whole slate. It’s also a bit of a novelty bet, which adds variety to the betting menu and can attract both serious bettors (who might spot an edge in the combined total) and casual bettors (who just think it’s fun to cheer for or against scoring everywhere).

Another reason books offer it is that, like any wager, it has a built-in house edge. Setting the perfect combined total is tricky, but oddsmakers are smart in crafting the line to favor the house. They don’t simply add up each game’s over/under – they analyze factors like injuries, weather, and form, and might pad the number a bit higher or lower to account for anticipated betting tendencies.

For instance, if the sum of individual game totals suggests ~40 goals in NHL action, the book might post the Grand Salami at 41.5 or 39.5 with adjusted odds to “hook” bettors on one side or the other. This subtle tweaking helps sportsbooks ensure they aren’t just giving away an easy middle opportunity.

In short, the Grand Salami is offered because it’s fun for bettors and can be profitable for the house – a win-win proposition that has kept this bet on the menu for years.

(Note: Not every sportsbook in the world offers Grand Salami bets – some smaller books skip it if there’s not enough interest. But just about all the major ones do, especially online sportsbooks in hockey and baseball-crazy markets. You’ll find it at big names like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, etc.).

Factors That Influence the Grand Salami Total

Because the Grand Salami is the sum of many games, anything that affects scoring in any single game will ultimately affect the Salami. Oddsmakers account for a lot of variables when setting that combined number, and savvy bettors should do the same when deciding on an over or under. Here are the key factors that can swing a Grand Salami one way or the other:

• Listed Game Totals: The starting point is always the total for each individual game. If most games on the schedule are expected to be pitcher’s duels or low-scoring affairs (low game totals), the Grand Salami line will be lower, and vice versa for a slate of high totals. However, the Salami isn’t always just the raw sum of those numbers – books “tweak” the aggregate for various reasons. As a bettor, you can add up all the game totals yourself and see how the posted Salami compares. A notable gap means the book has adjusted for some expectations (like weather or public betting on overs). Recognizing that can hint at the bookmaker’s bias (are they anticipating more offense or defense than the individual lines suggest?).
• Starting Pitchers (MLB): In baseball, pitching matchups are huge. A day full of ace pitchers on the mound will likely suppress runs across the league (favoring the Under), whereas a slate where many teams are using back-of-the-rotation starters or tired bullpen arms could lead to an offensive surge (favoring the Over). For example, if it’s “getaway day” and a lot of #5 starters or call-ups are pitching, you might expect more scoring. Oddsmakers will adjust the Salami down or up accordingly, but bettors who carefully analyze each matchup might spot an edge – say if you know a certain starter tends to get shelled by a particular opponent, that one game could boost the overall total. Don’t forget to consider bullpen availability: if several teams’ bullpens were exhausted in extra-inning games the night before, those later innings might see more runs due to tired or lower-quality relievers.
• Starting Goalies (NHL): In hockey, the goaltender rotation is a similar X-factor. If a bunch of teams are resting their #1 goalie and going with the backup in the net, scoring could spike in those games (backup goalies generally have lower save percentages, meaning more goals allowed). On the other hand, two or three marquee goalie matchups (elite goalies) on the same night can drag the overall scoring down. It’s wise to check the expected starters for each game – often afternoon news will tell you if a backup is confirmed. A night where, say, 5 out of 8 games feature backup goalies is prime for a possible Over Salami play (just beware: even backups can stand on their heads with a hot performance, as hockey is unpredictable).
• Weather and Park Factors (MLB): Weather can dramatically impact run scoring in baseball, and thus the Grand Salami. Hot, humid weather tends to help the ball carry further (balls fly out for home runs), while cold or damp conditions can deaden the offense. The wind is perhaps the biggest factor – especially wind blowing out or in at certain ballparks. For instance, if Wrigley Field in Chicago has a stiff wind out to center, that game alone might produce a bunch of extra runs, nudging the Salami higher. Conversely, wind blowing in (or nasty weather like rain on the East Coast) could foreshadow low-scoring games. Also consider park factors: some days might feature many games in hitter-friendly parks (like Coors Field, Great American Ball Park) or pitcher-friendly parks (like Oakland or San Diego). If half the schedule is in small, hitter-friendly stadiums and the weather is warm, you’ve got ingredients for an Over-fest. If instead a lot of games are in big ballparks or indoor domes (controlled conditions), scoring might lean under. Always check the daily weather report for each MLB game – it’s a bit of legwork, but it can give you a feel for whether conditions align toward a high or low scoring day overall.
• Team Schedules & Fatigue: How rested or fatigued teams are can influence scoring across the board. In the NHL, pay close attention to teams playing back-to-back nights or 3 games in 4 nights. Fatigue can impact scoring in two ways: tired legs often mean sloppy defense (which helps Overs, because defensive breakdowns lead to goals), but it can also mean teams have less offensive jump (which helps Unders, as they just don’t generate as many chances). Historically, many bettors find that on the second night of a back-to-back, teams score a bit less on average – especially if both teams are fatigued, the game can turn into a slower, grinding affair. In MLB, look at travel schedules: if a team played a night game in one city and has an early game the next day in another, the hitters might be a bit sluggish (good for Unders). There’s also the classic “getaway day” phenomenon: teams playing a day game before traveling might not use all their starters (star players often rest) and could be less focused, sometimes resulting in lower scoring games (many players just want to get on the plane). When several games have that profile, the Salami total could lean lower. On the flip side, if most teams are fresh off rest days or it’s the start of a homestand, expect them to be at full energy, which can boost scoring.
• Injuries & Lineup Changes: Day-to-day lineup changes matter. If a few games see key offensive stars sitting out (whether due to injury or routine rest), those games might contribute fewer runs/goals than normal, tugging the Grand Salami downward. For example, if in hockey a top scorer like Alex Ovechkin is out of the lineup, that’s a significant dent in expected goals for that game. In baseball, if sluggers like Mike Trout or Aaron Judge have the day off, the run potential drops for those teams. Bettors should monitor pre-game news: a flurry of unexpected scratches across multiple games (say a few managers resting stars after clinching playoffs, or an NBA-style “load management” night in the NHL) can collectively swing the overall scoring environment. On the other hand, if most teams are fielding full-strength lineups with their best hitters and playmakers, that could contribute to a higher-scoring day overall.
• Overall Style of Play: Consider the mix of teams playing that day. Are they mostly high-scoring, offense-driven teams or defensive-minded squads? In the NHL, if a bunch of games involve explosive offensive teams (think Edmonton Oilers or Toronto Maple Leafs types) or weak defensive teams, the goal counts could soar. In contrast, a night full of stingy defensive teams or hot goaltenders will make goals precious. In MLB, if many games feature powerhouse lineups (say, the top home-run-hitting teams) facing mediocre pitching, an Over Salami could be in play. But if it’s mostly teams that struggle at the plate or aces on the hill, runs could be scarce. Even recent form or streaks matter – a team on a hot hitting streak or a cold slump can skew its game’s total, which in aggregate affects the Salami.

All these factors intermix to shape the Grand Salami. Essentially, handicapping a Grand Salami is like handicapping a dozen over/unders at once. It might sound daunting, but if you approach it systematically – checking the weather, pitching, goalie news, etc., for each game – you can form a picture of the day’s overall scoring climate.

Tips and Angles for Betting the Grand Salami

Betting the Grand Salami can be thrilling because you’re effectively betting on an entire day of sports action. Here are some bettor-savvy tips and strategies to consider before you bite into the Salami:

• Compare Individual Totals vs. Salami Line: A quick way to gauge value is to add up all the game totals yourself and compare that sum to the Grand Salami number. If you find the Salami is significantly higher or lower than the sum, ask why. Books might be baking in an expectation (e.g., expecting more offense league-wide than the game lines suggest, perhaps due to weather or known lineup changes). If you disagree with that expectation, you might have an edge. For instance, if the game totals sum to 55 and the Salami is 57.5 (implying an extra 2.5 goals expected), and you don’t see a good reason for that bump, the Under could be a smart play. Conversely, if the Salami is lower than the sum and you foresee more scoring, consider the Over.
• Leverage Your Handicapping of Individual Games: One recommended approach is to handicap each game on the schedule like you normally would for totals. If you find yourself liking a lot of Overs in individual games, that’s a strong signal that the Grand Salami Over might be a worthwhile bet (rather than betting each over separately). The Salami essentially aggregates all those opinions into one wager. Likewise, if your analysis leans Under on the majority of games, a Grand Salami Under could be the play. This way, if you’re broadly right about the tone of the games (say, a low-scoring night overall), you cash one bet instead of needing to go, say, 7-2 on individual bets. It also spares you some juice – one combined bet instead of many individual bets. (Keep in mind, the Salami allows one game’s result to compensate for another – e.g., one 1-0 pitcher’s duel can be offset by a 10-9 slugfest elsewhere, which wouldn’t both win if you bet them individually. The Salami over could still hit if the total tally is high enough, offering a bit of a built-in buffer across games.)
• Watch the Weather and Venue Mix (MLB Over angles): If it’s a scorcher of a summer day with high humidity and you see a bunch of games in hitter-friendly parks, the conditions are ripe for an Over Grand Salami play. Hot, thin air = balls carrying to the fences. Especially note if places like Denver (thin air), Arizona or Texas (when roofs are open in heat), or Midwest cities in a heatwave are on the slate. Also, check for strong winds out to the outfield – multiple games with wind blowing out can collectively jack up the day’s run count. Humidity and heat can make a warning-track fly ball turn into a first-row homer – multiply that effect across several games and the total runs can soar. Pro tip: Wrigley Field’s wind is so influential that sportsbooks often won’t post a total until day-of; if you see Wrigley with 15 mph out to center and other warm-weather games, and the Salami line hasn’t fully accounted for it, lean Over. On the flip side, if a cold front is across many cities (damp cold air, wind blowing in, etc.), the Under starts looking tasty.
• Identify “All-aces” or “all-duds” days (MLB Under/Over angles): Scan the pitching probables. If it’s a day where many teams have their #1 or #2 starters going (say it’s opening day, or just how rotations lined up), you’ve got a lot of top-tier arms on the mound. That’s a recipe for a lower-run environment overall – an Under Grand Salami might be in order. Conversely, if lots of games feature the back-end starters (#4/#5) or spot starters from the minors, the overall quality of pitching is lower, pointing toward an Over day. Keep an eye on certain matchups too: maybe five games have ace vs ace (likely unders) but two games feature very weak pitchers in a hitter’s park (likely shootouts). In that case, you need to judge whether those couple of high-scoring games can compensate for the quiet ones. If you believe they will (or won’t), bet accordingly. This is where knowing things like bullpen status and day-night game after night-game situations can help refine your call.
• Monitor Goalie News and Lineup Rotations (NHL angles): In hockey, check afternoon reports or sites that project starting goalies. If you see a bunch of backup goalies confirmed to start (or star goalies resting), that leans to higher scoring – a potential Over play on the Salami. If basically every team is rolling out their #1 netminder in a key game, scoring might be capped. Also, look at teams on back-to-backs: often coaches will swap in the backup goalie on one of those nights, and players might have heavier legs in the second game (which as we discussed can lean under, but the goalie swap might counterbalance). If it’s the third game in four nights for several teams, you may see less offensive jump – an Under angle. Always factor in any star player injuries too – e.g., if a few high-scoring forwards are out across different teams, that’s less goal potential in the pool. Align your Salami bet with those league-wide conditions.
• Consider Scheduling and Motivation Quirks: Sometimes context matters. For example, if it’s the last day of the NHL regular season, some games might be wide-open (teams out of playoffs just having fun = potentially high scoring), while others might be tight (playoff teams resting players or playing cautiously for playoffs = low scoring). In MLB, a bunch of “getaway day” afternoon games (especially on a travel Thursday) might see managers sit stars and move things along – leaning under. If you suspect teams “just want to get it over with” before a break, unders can be sneaky. Conversely, if there was a big offensive trend the day before (say everyone scored a ton last night), you might see inflated totals next day – be cautious, as regression often hits (not every day is a 10-run average day). Look for those situational angles that affect multiple games at once.
• Hedge or Live-Bet Opportunities: One interesting aspect of Grand Salami betting is you can track it through the day and even hedge late if you want. Suppose you bet the Over Salami and heading into the final game of the night you need, say, 8 runs to hit it. You could consider a live bet or pre-game bet on the Under in that specific last game to lock in some profit or reduce risk (essentially creating a middle). Or vice versa – if you have Under Salami and only one game left that could push it over, you might live bet Over in that game as a partial hedge. This is advanced bankroll maneuvering, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re watching every game and want to manage your position. Also, some bettors will try to live bet the Salami itself if their book adjusts it in real-time (not all do). For example, if early games explode with runs and the live Salami line jumps way higher, but you think the late games will be quiet, you could live bet an under on the adjusted total. These tactics require careful attention, but they show how the Salami bet keeps you engaged all day. (Always gamble responsibly – hedging is optional and you should only do it if it fits your strategy.)
• Know When to Pass: Because the Grand Salami involves so many variables, sometimes the best move is to not bet it at all if you’re uncertain. If after all your analysis you see a lot of mixed signals (some games scream over, others under, no clear majority), it might be a day to stay away or just bet individual totals. As one expert puts it, if there’s “a lot of uncertainty in multiple games on the slate, it might be best to avoid the grand salami” . There’s no harm in waiting for a spot where conditions line up strongly in one direction. The Salami is available almost every day in NHL/MLB, so you can afford to be picky. Save your bankroll for when you have a clearer read on the overall slate.

Finally, remember the Grand Salami is meant to be fun. It’s a sweat that lasts all day or night. If you bet the Over, you’ll be cheering every goal or run from Boston to L.A. – and if you bet the Under, you’ll be watching those scoreboards hoping for zeros and pitching duels. It can make a mundane Tuesday night of midseason games feel like a playoff frenzy as you calculate the running total after each final score.

As long as you do your homework on the factors above, the Grand Salami can be a savvy wager with an added dose of excitement. Enjoy it, and as always, manage your bets responsibly (it’s easy to get caught up chasing a high total – stick to your analysis).

Grand Salami in Other Sports? (Variants Beyond NHL & MLB)

Since we focused on NHL and MLB, you might wonder: do other sports have a “Grand Salami” bet? The concept can apply to any sport with multiple games in a day, but it’s far less common outside hockey and baseball.

Some sportsbooks have toyed with Grand Salami-style totals for NBA basketball (total points of all games in a day) and even for NFL Sundays or college football Saturdays.

For example, a book might offer “Basketball Grand Salami – total points in all NBA games tonight,” especially on a busy Wednesday with a full slate.

In fact, at least one sportsbook (BetMGM) explicitly calls it the Basketball Grand Salami and uses the same rule that all games must complete for action.

However, these are usually promotional or situational offerings rather than everyday markets. You might see a total points prop for NFL Week 17 Sunday or something similar, but it won’t be labeled “Grand Salami” everywhere – sometimes it’s just a special “All Games Total”.

Another sport to note is soccer. In European football leagues, on days with a full schedule of matches (say 10 Premier League matches on a Saturday), some books have offered a combined goals total bet for all games in that league on that day.

It’s the same idea: an over/under on total goals scored across the league. This isn’t typically called “Grand Salami” (that term is very much an NHL/MLB lingo), but it’s effectively the equivalent.

So if you’re browsing a soccer betting menu and see something like “Saturday EPL Total Goals O/U 28.5,” that’s the same flavor of the wager.

Overall, hockey and baseball are the home of the Grand Salami. These sports have the right mix of frequent games and scoring rates to make the bet popular.

But it’s good to know the concept can pop up elsewhere. If you ever come across a Grand Salami in an NBA or NFL context, the rules and strategies we discussed carry over: all games count, over or under, and consider the factors (e.g., if half the NBA is resting stars on the final day, maybe lean under, etc.).

Bottom Line: The Grand Salami is a unique and thrilling way to bet totals. It rolls all the day’s action into one big over/under, letting you bet on the entire league’s scoring output in one go.

Sportsbooks offer it to spice up the betting menu and engage bettors in every game, and it’s available nearly every night in NHL and MLB seasons.

When betting a Grand Salami, keep in mind all the usual handicapping factors (pitching, goalies, weather, travel, injuries) – just applied across every game at once. Smart bettors look for days when those factors align toward an overall offensive explosion or a quiet, defensive night, and then pounce on the Salami accordingly.

And even when you’re not sure, it’s hard to deny the appeal of sweating an Over and rooting for goals in every arena or an Under and celebrating every 0-0 inning across the country.

So next time you see “Grand Salami – O/U 53.5” on the board for the NHL, you’ll know exactly what it means and how to approach it. Whether you’re yelling for more runs late on a summer evening or hoping for a goalie duel in the final West Coast game to stay under, the Grand Salami can be a roller-coaster ride for the savvy sports bettor.

Good luck and happy Salami betting!