A proposition bet, or prop bet, is a wager on whether a specific event will happen during a game — without necessarily affecting the final score. Unlike traditional bets like moneylines and spreads, prop bets focus on in-game moments, making them an exciting and creative way to engage with sports betting. For example, instead of betting on which team will win a football game, you might place a prop bet on whether a quarterback throws more than 2.5 touchdowns.
The history and rise of prop betting
Prop betting took off during Super Bowl XX in 1986, when sportsbooks offered 20-1 odds on Chicago Bears’ defensive tackle William “Refrigerator” Perry scoring a touchdown. Since then, prop betting has exploded in popularity, making up over 50% of some sportsbooks’ total handle. The expansion of legalized sports betting since 2017 has only fueled its growth.
Why bettors love prop bets
Prop bets provide several advantages over traditional betting:
- More strategy and variety – Bettors can focus on niche aspects of the game rather than just the final result
- Softer markets – Sportsbooks may not price props as efficiently as traditional bets, creating opportunities for sharp bettors
- More entertainment value – Every play can become exciting, even if the overall game isn’t close
- Increased betting opportunities – With a broad selection of props, there’s always something to bet on
Types of prop bets
Player props
These bets focus on an individual player’s performance.
- Examples:
- Will a quarterback throw for Over 300 yards?
- Will a basketball player score Over 20.5 points?
- Will a baseball player hit a home run?
- Formats:
- Over/Under (e.g., Over/Under 6.5 receptions)
- Yes/No (e.g., Will a player score a goal? Yes/No)
Team props
These wagers revolve around a team’s overall performance.
- Examples:
- Which team will score first?
- Total team turnovers
- Will there be a defensive or special teams touchdown?
- Formats:
- Over/Under (e.g., Over/Under 1.5 team touchdowns)
- Race to X points (e.g., First team to reach 20 points)
Game props
Game props focus on specific events during the game itself.
- Examples:
- Will the game go into overtime?
- Total combined number of field goals
- Will there be a safety?
Popular prop bets by sport
NFL prop bets
- Total passing yards for a QB
- First touchdown scorer
- Total receptions for a WR
- Longest field goal made
NBA prop bets
- First player to score
- Total assists for a player
- Total 3-pointers made
MLB prop bets
- Pitcher strikeouts
- Will a player hit a home run?
- First inning run scored (NRFI/YRFI betting has become very popular amongst MLB bettors)
Golf prop bets
- Hole-in-ones
- Head-to-head player matchups
- Winning margin
How to read prop bet odds
Prop bet odds reflect the likelihood of an event occurring. They are displayed in different formats, including:
- American odds (e.g., +200, -150)
- Decimal odds (e.g., 3.00, 1.67)
- Fractional odds (e.g., 2/1, 4/6)
Helpful Tools:
- VSiN’s Prop Bet Analyzer (NBA: here, NFL: here) helps bettors evaluate trends and find value in prop bets.
Pros and cons of prop betting
Pros
- Excitement – Makes every play engaging
- Softer markets – Bettors can find better value
- Specialized betting – Focus on player stats instead of overall game results
- Risk management – Can be used to offset other wagers
Cons
- Harder to predict – Individual performances vary more than game results
- Lower betting limits – Many sportsbooks cap max bets on props
- Higher house edge – Casual bettors often inflate lines with public money
Prop betting strategy and tips
- Do your research – Study stats, trends and matchups to find the best bets.
- Shop for the best odds – Different sportsbooks offer different lines, so compare before placing a bet.
- Manage your bankroll – Because props have higher variance, bet a smaller percentage of your bankroll on each prop.
- Avoid hype and narratives – Stick to data-driven wagers as often as possible.
Where to bet on props
Prop bets are available across major sportsbooks, especially for high-profile events like the Super Bowl. However, different books offer different odds, so line shopping is essential.
Prop Betting – Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called prop bets?
Short for “proposition bets,” these wagers focus on specific game-related occurrences rather than the final score.
Are prop bets profitable?
Yes, but only with research and discipline. Since sportsbooks prioritize spreads and totals, props sometimes contain pricing inefficiencies.
What happens to a prop bet if a player doesn’t play?
Most sportsbooks void the bet and issue a refund, but policies can vary.
Can I parlay prop bets?
Some sportsbooks allow prop parlays, but they come with added risk due to compounded variance.
How do you hedge a prop bet?
Hedging involves placing a counter bet to reduce potential losses, especially if odds shift significantly.
Final thoughts on prop betting
Prop betting is a fun and strategic way to engage with sports wagering. By focusing on individual performances, team stats and game-specific events, bettors can find exciting angles to bet on. As with all sports betting, research, bankroll management and shopping for the best odds are keys to long-term success.
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