What is prop betting in sports? Prop betting odds & tips

If you thought that online sports betting was just about predicting which side will win the game, you are wrong. 

Today, there are different kinds of bets where you bet on what happens in a game instead of relying on the outcome. This is known as prop betting.

What is prop betting?

A proposition bet, popularly known as a prop bet, is one of the most interesting aspects of sports betting. This is because it usually has nothing to do with who wins.

Prop bets are popular among gamblers because they provide more action. People also love them because they often have higher payouts. What this means is that there are more opportunities to place orders.

Prop bets definition

A prop bet is essentially a gamble for something to occur, or not occur, inside a certain sporting event. It is usually unrelated to the final result. It could be anything that occurs during a sporting event.

Prop bets example

Russell Wilson (+140) will throw for more than 245 yards in the Super Bowl in 2022.

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How to make a prop bet

Before we can look at exactly how one can make a prop bet, let us first learn how one can shop for the best prop bets out there. 

Many of the prop bets you'll see are common in the prop bets industry. There will be a lot of overlaps in the bets that are available for game, team and player props in any ordinary game. Most bookmarkers will have a variety of each kind of bet. The bets that they select are centered on essential aspects of the game including assists, scoring, and rebounding.

However, this does not imply that bets will be mirrored across the platforms. There will be variations in what is available. The odds associated with the wagers will also be different. When it comes to betting on props, line shopping is the right habit to adopt.

How to bet on NFL Football Guide

The more popular a game is, the more props it will have. For example, you will find that there are hundreds of NBA props to choose from while an average NHL game only has a couple dozen of options.

When shopping around, consider the layout of the available props. You will find that some operators outdo their competition in this area. You will end up saving much of your time if you have everything sorted out in a logical order.

How to make a prop bet

1. Log in to your account at the bookmarker. You must first sign in to your operator's account before you can wager.
2. Select the right category from the drop-down menu. This entails finding the sport on which you want to wager.
3. Think about your options. When you're getting ready to make a wager, one of the most important things that you should do is research the options. You want a wager you have some knowledge about.
4. Take the time to do your homework. It cannot be emphasized enough how important research is when it comes to prop bets. You should research every aspect of your bet so that you can make appropriate plans.
5. Limit your wagers. If you're betting on numerous players, handicapping your alternatives will help you choose the best one.
6. Add the bet to your list of wagers. Before you can place your bet, most sites need you to add that specific bet to your list. However, some will allow you to go ahead and put an immediate wager.
7. Next, you should choose a wagering amount.
8. Finally, place your bet and submit it. Click on submit, bet, or the required button on your betting site once you've completed all of these stages.

Learn what is hedging in sports betting.

How to Read Prop Odds

Prop odds are similar to the odds you find on other bets. Your sportsbook will allow you to view your prop bets in the American, Fractional, or Decimal odds format. 

Consider an NBA Match between the Los Angeles Clippers and Miami Heat. These are some of the prop bets you'll find with American odds: 

Players to make a Double Double (Multiple choice with Yes/No Props) 

• Paul George: +699 (Yes) or -2004 (No)
• Tyler Herro: +395 (Yes) or -704 (No)
• Bam Adebayo: -101 (Yes) or -135 (No)

From the list, the -ve odds indicate the favorites, while the +ve odds are the underdogs. Bets on the underdogs offer better payouts than those on the favorites if you win. 

If you place a $100 bet on Paul George, you will get a $799 ($699 expected winnings + $100 bet amount) payout for a Yes prop bet. However, your payout on a No prop bet is $104.99 ($4.99 expected winnings) since Paul George hasn't been able to get a double-double in recent games. 

Prop bet search tool

Different sportsbooks offer unique prop bets on specific matches, and finding the best isn't easy - except you use a Prop bet search tool. The prop bet search tool, or prop bet finder, functions like a search engine for prop bets. 

With our prop bet tool, input a player's name (for individual props) or the team and pick a state. Once you click on the "Enter" key, a list of the best props from various sportsbooks will appear. For example, if you search for LeBron James, you can get a list of odds for LeBron to win the MVP title from various sportsbooks to pick the best offer. 

Best sports for prop bets

Football NFL Props

Football is the most popular sport in the country when it comes to gambling. There is no professional league that attracts more wagers than the National Football League. It's no wonder that online betting sites have more NFL prop markets than any other sport.

There may even be multiple variations of a single NFL prop bet. Winning margin prop betting markets, for example, are offered in a variety of ways. However, this depends on the site.

NFL prop bets can come from;

1. Touchdown scorer
2. Pass attempts/completions
3. Passing/ receiving yards
4. Total receptions
5. Rushing attempts, etc

Consider this scenario; Tom Brady Over or Under 275.5 Passing Yards

Here, oddsmakers have set Brady's prop for passing yards below 300 yards based on his performances this season.

The trick on passing yards props is that it's usually the same or close to the same on both sides. However, when it comes to football touchdown props, things are different. Because they are a rare occurrence, they are often set to one side, for example, (Over -120/Under +110).

Props based on the past statistics of how a player performed have low odds when compared to traditional totals wager. Parlay betting, which combines the total, a side and a selection of specific scorers, is one of the more profitable NFL prop markets.

Every week of the NFL season, there are dozens of NFL prop bets available for each game. The markets get bigger when the postseason and Super Bowl come around.

More examples of NFL prop bets

1. Will there be a safety issue in the sporting event - yes/no?
2. How many total receptions will Hopkins have - over/under 4.5?
3. Which team will have more rushing yards - Cleveland Browns or Pittsburgh Steelers?

How to bet on Super Bowl Guide

Baseball MLB

A baseball prop bet is a gamble that has nothing to do with the outcome of a game.

An MlB prop bet, like other prop bets, is a gamble on some "proposition,". The wager is made for entertainment purposes, but there is plenty of possibility for profit. This is particularly true for baseball.

Examples of MLB prop bets

1. How many strikeouts will Clayton throw? OVER/UNDER 4.5
2. Will Turner steal a base? OVER/UNDER 5.5
3. How many hits will Mookie have? OVER/UNDER 2.5
4. Which team will score two runs first? - This game prop can be found where there are props for which team will score a certain number of runs first.

This last example may vary by game depending on the specific pitching matchups. Nevertheless, it is an interesting prop to consider because some teams have a reputation for great starts.

How to Understand betting odds guide

Basketball NBA

The NBA comes second, after the NFL, for most props to pick from. There are many opportunities to wager on basketball props. This is mostly because there are many games which are played every night for months.

Whether a gambler is interested in player props or team props, there is an infinite number of markets to pick from.

Gamblers can bet on:

1. First basket scorer
2. Player to make three-point field goals
3. Player points + rebounds
4. Player points + assists
5. Player performance doubles
6. Player vs. player stats
7. Alternate totals
8. Spread points parlays
9. First or second half moneyline
10. Quarter moneyline
11. Winning margin
12. Player to make three-point field goals

Moneyline betting explained

Examples of NBA prop bets

Kevin Durant Over or Under 29.5 Points: Oddsmakers have calculated that Durant will score about 29-30 points in his upcoming game based on his past and current performance.

You can bet that he will go over or under the given figure. Mostly the given lines will correspond to the player's season scoring average.

1. Will there be a need for extra innings to decide the game -  yes/no?
2. How many hits plus walks for Mike Trout - over/under 2.5?

Hockey prop bets 

The NHL prop bets are also available on various sportsbooks, but the NHL player prop bets can sometimes be hard to find. When you find a sportsbook with NHL props, here are some popular bets you can place: 

• Player to be credited with +1 total assists
• Player to be credited with +1 total points
• Both teams to score
• Will there be a shootout?
• Method of victory

Soccer prop bets 

Soccer is another popular sport in the US, with leagues like the MLS providing exciting prop betting opportunities. Many sportsbooks offer soccer prop bets, which can be in the form of player props, goal-based props, or in-game prop bets. 

Some popular examples of soccer prop bets include: 

• First team to score. 
• Player to score the most goals in the match 
• Player to make an assist

How much do you win

You win based on the odds of the prop bet that you place.

If you placed a bet that an NFL player will score over or under 1.5 touchdowns and let's say that both sides pay out at -110.

Then for a $100 bet, you get $90.91 in profit. However, these bets might have varying payouts at times.

How do prop bet markets work?

Sports betting markets are bet categories that allow bettors to predict the outcomes of different events. For a sport like soccer, the main betting markets include bets on the winning margin, march results, first-half total, and so on. 

Prop betting markets are derivative markets that rely on these main betting markets. For example, a prop bet on the team to score first is a derivative of the first-half total bet. 

Understanding the derivative theory is often crucial in securing profitable props on your betting slip. In most cases, while the main betting markets are adjusted quickly by the sportsbooks, prop bets get slower updates, which gives you a chance to profit. 

In a soccer game with a high game total thanks to an on-form striker on the lineup, an injury will cause the sportsbook to adjust the game total quickly. However, the striker's injury may also affect a playmaker, but the sportsbooks usually take time to change the assist prop lines - giving an opportunity for profits. 

Other forces affecting prop bets 

Bettors can use many possible areas to assess a prop bet, and these make up the additional forces that influence the prop betting markets. Weather is one of these forces since warm weather will affect teams who're used to playing in colder conditions. 

There are other forces to consider, including: 

• Coaching Approach
• Squad Rotation/Scheduling
• Injuries
• Player Matchups
• Player performance in home or away games

The over bias in prop bets

Over bias in props betting becomes apparent from the statistical evaluation of prop bets placed by recreational bettors which indicate that most of these bettors tend to place over-prop bets. 

Since recreational bettors make up a more significant percentage of sports bettors, sportsbooks use this bias to their advantage by offering lower value and more risk on the over prop bets. Hence, your goal must be to find under prop bets that provide excellent value. 

The vig in prop bets 

Most prop bets fall into the high-vig market category since many sportsbooks use all possible means to minimize losses. With the higher vig on prop bets, the amount you need to break even is higher than with regular bets. Focusing on finding bets with value, staying away from high-vig bets, and learning to calculate the vig on bets is crucial if you intend to make prop bets. 

Best prop betting strategies

Look for matchups

It is important that you take the time to dig into each teams' strengths and weaknesses. This will help you determine which props are most likely to play into those outcomes. But in doing so, you will be looking for value in the prop markets. 

For example, a squad that struggles to rebound could be beaten up on the glass by the opposing center or an injured cornerback might set up a rival receiver. Basically, you need to learn what makes teams tick and how to apply that information in the prop odds.

Money management

With so many props on the board, you might become excited about the number of bets that you are placing. During major events such as the Super Bowl, you might be tempted to take it a notch higher. However, it is advisable that you stop betting based on your emotions. 

The right way to go about it is to set aside a portion of your money specifically for betting. Divide out your props. This is a clever technique that makes it easy to track the success of your props separately.

Shop around

It's never a bad idea to have numerous betting sites. This is, especially the case, when it comes to prop betting. You will find that odds will be comparable from one sportsbook to the next while prop odds will vary greatly. If possible, it is advisable that you look for the props that support your point of view.

Spread betting guide

Use derivative theory

It's important to remember that props are derived from game lines and totals. As a result, as lines change, we should adapt our expectations for props accordingly.

But, once again, this isn't always the case. You can profit by swooping in swiftly in response to market movements.

Line shopping, which is always important, is considerably more important in prop betting than in other sorts of wagers. Prop markets can fluctuate dramatically from one bookmaker to the next, unlike an NFL spread, which normally settles on a market consensus value. On the same quarterback's throwing yardage, there could be a difference of up to 25 yards between two bookmakers' markets.

Invest in postseason props 

All betting sites broaden the scope of their props during the postseason. This increase in the number of possibilities is a gift for sports bettors.

It gives you permission to boost your investment from game to game.

Focusing on the postseason is the way to go if you're only going to bet props for a while. You will find that even the NFL, which does an excellent job of providing props during the regular season, experiences a drop in props during the postseason.

Prop betting origins

The Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino gets recognition for popularizing prop bets in the US. Still, we must remember an individual like Art Manderis, who's partly responsible for coming up with the idea. The goal was to provide a way to attract casual bettors to place bets on the Super Bowl XX back in 1986. 

His brilliant idea was to provide a Yes/No wager on William "Refrigerator" Perry scoring a TD. This bet was available at Caesars Sportsbook, where Art Manderis was director, and many other sportsbooks chose to offer this bet once word got out. 

Offering this bet did get many bettors to show interest, but the sportsbooks made an error in their judgment by placing the odds against "The Fridge" scoring a touchdown. With sportsbooks seeing how this simple Yes/No bet made casual bettors more invested in games, there was no way they were going to let the prop bets die. 

Exotic prop bets

Exotic prop bets are bets that don't relate to a sport. In the US, the law requires the prop bets to focus on a sport for it to be legal. 

However, you may come across offshore betting sites offering bettors a chance to place prop bets on things like:

• Commercial to play first.
• Will there be a wardrobe malfunction during the Super Bowl 56 Halftime Show?

Personal prop bets

A personal prop bet usually refers to a prop bet whose outcome relies on a specific player's performance during a match. However, personal prop bets can also be bets you place with a friend without needing a sports betting site. 

A simple bet that a friend can't go under the rain for 5 minutes is a personal prop bet. 

State rules and regulations for props 

In addition to some states banning online sports betting in their jurisdiction, other states restrict specific types of bets. These restrictions are common on prop bets, and here are some notable restrictions in different states: 

• Arizona, Indiana: Restricts collegiate prop bets.
• Colorado: Restricts prop betting on college sports events that aren't sanctioned by a relevant sports league
• Connecticut, Iowa, Nebraska: Restricts betting on in-state college teams. 
• Delaware, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York: Restricts betting on in-state college teams and events. 
• Illinois: Restricts online betting on collegiate teams.
• Rhode Island: Restricts betting on in-state collegiate teams and events.
• South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia: Bans prop betting on all collegiate events. 
• Washington: Restricts betting on in-state collegiate teams and events.
• Wisconsin: Restricts betting on amateur sports and in-state collegiate teams. 

House rules for props

Different sportsbooks have different rules regarding prop bets. These are part of their house rules, so you must go through them once you set up an account. Common examples of these rules include:

• The prop bet has to run for the minimum period required for the sport. 
• The sportsbook will void any prop bet with a player that doesn't play or is inactive for the game. 

Legal vs. illegal prop bets

The list of legal and illegal prop bets may vary depending on your state and the sportsbook you choose to place your bets on. In some states, prop bets are entirely illegal, while other states restrict college prop bets. 

However, the legal prop bets in the US must be bets that focus on real sporting events. For example, a bet on a player scoring a certain number of points in an NBA match, a team winning an NFL game by a given margin, and so on. 

Illegal prop bets usually give bettors a chance to bet on random events that don't relate to sports, like a prop bet on Trump securing a 2024 Republican ticket. Sportsbooks that operate within the US and have a license from US regulatory bodies usually don't offer these types of props. 

You can find illegal prop bets if you choose to use offshore sportsbooks. It is crucial to note that while these sportsbooks may offer high odds, massive bonuses, and other perks, they aren't bound by US laws, so there is a high chance you may lose your funds. 

Making a Live Proposition Bet

Live betting or in-play bets have become popular on sportsbooks due to the profitable opportunities it offers bettors. A live bet allows bettors to place a bet on an event that has already begun. Similarly, live proposition bets let you place prop bets on a game/match in progress. 

The main difference between live prop bets and ordinary prop bets is that the odds on the live props bet change in real time. Nonetheless, live prop bets allow you always to be part of the action. 

Handicapping Your Prop Bets

When handicapping a prop bet, extensive research is a crucial factor. Sportsbooks information on prop bets is usually minimal, so you need to do your homework if you want to come out on top. The research you need to do must focus on the stats about the prop bet you wish to place. 

For example, you can place a prop bet on players that will make a double-double in various NBA matches from a selection that includes LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant. From this list, Steph Curry has four double-doubles, placing him one ahead of other choices in the prop.

Prop Bets vs Futures

Certain similarities make the casual bettor confuse a prop bet for a future bet. However, these bets have several features that differentiate them. 

A futures bet often depends on the outcome of multiple matches—for instance, a bet on the team to win the NBA Playoffs. You can place this bet at the beginning of the NBA Playoffs while you wait about two months to see the outcome of your bet. On the other hand, the outcome of a prop bet becomes apparent at the end of a match. 

Super Bowl Prop Betting

Prop bets are one of the most popular bets during the Super Bowl, and you'll be lucky enough to find some entertainment-type prop bets that are legal in the country. 

However, bets like the MVP of the Super Bowl, the number of touchdowns a player will get, and so on, will be the main focus. 

Unlike regular NFL games, the Super Bowl will have prop bets available on most sportsbooks a week early. With comprehensive research and handicapping, you can select the best prop bets for maximum profits. 

There are thousands of prop bets on the Super Bowl, so using a prop bet search tool will be crucial. In-play betting will also be available for any action you may have overlooked earlier. 

Sports Betting Mistakes to Avoid 

Prop bets can be very profitable, but the chance to make money can blind many individuals, leading to simple mistakes. The most serious mistake to avoid is betting without limit. Remember, you should only bet with money you can afford to lose. 

You must also refrain from betting on sports you have little knowledge of. When placing bets, you must always research to determine the sportsbook with the best odds, create a handicap, and create a profitable strategy. 

Prop betting FAQ

What does prop bet mean?

A prop bet is a bet that allows you to bet on different aspects of a game or event instead of being based on the outcome of the game like most other types of bets.

Are prop bets good bets?

Yes, prop bets are good for various reasons.

First, they don't need you to predict the game's outcome in advance. To get a reward, all you need is for something to happen in the game.

Prop bets are less likely to pay off than moneyline or point spread wagers. As a result, the odds on most prop bets are higher, giving you a better chance of winning.

Some sportsbooks will even give you an option of requesting odds that you want. Choose a sportsbook that offers "request a bet" alternatives if you have a sense that something specific will happen but can't find a betting market for it.

Why do they call it a prop bet?

Prop bets, or proposition bets are named so because they are sports bets in which the sportsbook proposes an event. You then wager on whether or not that event will occur. You win if you are correct. If you're wrong, you'll lose your stake in the bet.

What are player prop bets?

Player props are bets that gamblers make by looking at the performance of a player in a specific game. Most of them are built based on how the player did such as the touchdowns or yards that he or she had in a game.

Should one bet props?

Yes, prop bets are excellent betting opportunities to earn decent profits since they allow you to bet on the occurrence of specific events, even if you're unsure of the game's outcome. 

Why was the prop bet canceled?

It is common for sportsbooks to cancel a prop bet if the game is postponed or the player in your prop bet doesn't get on the ice, field, or court. 

Do sportsbooks charge a vig on prop bets?

Yes, there is a vig on prop bets, and it's often higher than the vig on regular bets. You must calculate the vig on a prop bet beforehand. 

In which sport do underdogs win most often?

There is no correct answer to this question since the statistical data points to a different sport each year. However, Hockey and Baseball usually have a decent number of underdogs coming out on top. 

Further Reading:

Best Sports Betting Apps in Canada

Super Bowl Betting Guide

How to Bet on NFL