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A prop bet is a wager on an outcome other than the final score, like player stats, team milestones, or in-game events. Examples include betting on a quarterback’s passing yards, an NBA player’s 3-pointers made, or whether an MLB player hits a home run.
Props are especially popular in the NFL, NBA, and MLB, and have become a big part of U.S. sports culture, as they add extra excitement to viewers.
What is a Prop Bet in Sports Betting
More formally, a prop bet (short for “proposition bet”) is a wager on a specific outcome within a game that isn’t directly tied to the final score or margin of victory. Instead, prop bets focus on individual player performance, team statistics, or other in-game events. Prop bets generally fall into two broad categories:
Player props: wagers on individual stats, such as a quarterback’s passing yards, a basketball player’s points scored, or a pitcher’s strikeouts.
Team props: wagers on team outcomes, such as which team scores first, total team rushing yards, or the number of three-pointers made.
These markets can be offered pre-game or during live/in-game windows, with odds updating in real time as the action unfolds. Sportsbooks also occasionally post “exotic” or novelty props, which go beyond standard stats. For example, some of the most popular prop bets during the Super Bowl are the Gatorade color of the winning team, and whether or not the team that wins the coin toss will win the game.
How Prop Bets Work for Different Sports and Leagues
Prop bets vary by sport, but the concept stays the same: they focus on individual or team outcomes beyond the final score. Below are some commonly offered props across several sports. Keep in mind that there is a lot of overlap between college football and NFL, as well as college basketball and NBA.
NFL Props
- Examples: quarterback passing yards (Over/Under), first touchdown scorer, anytime touchdown scorer.
- Popularity: huge during the Super Bowl and primetime games.
- Note: widely available (in legal betting states), with few restrictions compared to college sports.
College Football Props
- Examples: running back rushing yards (Over/Under), total team touchdowns (Over/Under).
- Restrictions: some states don’t allow individual college player props; often only team-based props are available.
- Popularity: peak interest during bowl season, the College Football Playoff, and AP top-10 matchups.
NBA Props
- Examples: player points scored (Over/Under), total made three-pointers (Over/Under), player to score first basket
- Popularity: popular in nightly betting markets, especially during the playoffs; also popular at beginning of season
College Basketball Props
- Examples: total rebounds or assists (Over/Under), team three-pointers made (Over/Under), player to record a double-double.
- Restrictions: like college football, many states limit or ban individual player props; team props are more common.
- Popularity: March Madness drives the most action.
MLB Props
- Examples: pitcher strikeouts (Over/Under), batter to hit a home run, innings pitched (Over/Under).
- Popularity: most popular during the playoffs and World Series, with varying trends throughout the regular season.
NHL Props
- Examples: anytime goal-scorer, Goalie saves (Over/Under).
- Popularity: gain steam during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and in-game betting.
Soccer Props
- Examples: player to record an assist and a goal, team total corner kicks (Over/Under).
- Popularity: heavy action during major tournaments like the World Cup and Champions League.
Golf Props
- Examples: player to record a birdie on a specific hole, head-to-head matchup score, total birdies made (Over/Under).
- Popularity: most common during major tournaments like The Masters or U.S. Open.
Examples of Prop Bets
Let’s get into specific example of prop bets below:
NFL example
In the NFL, a common example of a prop bet might be wagering on Patrick Mahomes to throw over 2.5 passing touchdowns against the Raiders. The line is set at +150, which means a $100 wager would return a profit of $150 if Mahomes throws three or more touchdowns (so a total return of $250). Anything less than that and the bet loses.
NBA example
In the NBA, a prop bet could focus on LeBron James’ rebounding. If the line is set at 7.5 rebounds at -110 for the Over, you would profit $90.91 on a $100 wager if James records at least 8 rebounds. If the bet hits, you’d see a total return of $190.91 ($90.91 profit plus your $100 bet).
What Are the Best Betting Sites for Prop Bets?
Most sportsbooks offer a wide array of prop bets. Some shine for their market depth, while others stand out for boosts or live options. Here are a few of the best:
DraftKings: known for the deepest prop markets, especially around player stats across all major leagues.
FanDuel: excellent for same game parlays, letting you combine multiple props from a single matchup.
BetMGM: runs frequent prop boosts, adding extra value on player performance markets.
Caesars: offers consistently competitive odds on both player and team props.
bet365: strong for live prop betting, with markets updating in real time as the action unfolds.
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