Prop Betting Guide: What It Is, How It Works & How to Bet Smart

What is a Prop Bet?

A prop (proposition) bet is a wager on an outcome that is not tied directly to the final score or points of a game. With traditional bets, you will wager on which team will win or how many points will be scored. Prop bets focus on a smaller, more specific outcome, such as whether a quarterback will throw for 250 yards or if a coin toss will land on heads or tails.

Prop bets are usually divided into two main categories:

• Player Props: This type focuses on the performance of an individual athlete.
• Team or Game Props: Bets will center on events or milestones within a game.

The bets can be placed before the matchup (pre-match) or during the game (live/in-play), based on the sportsbook you choose. If you’re new to sports wagering and want to understand the fundamentals before diving deeper into props, our Sports Betting Basics 101 guide covers everything from odds and bet types to essential betting strategies.

Why Prop Bets are So Popular

Prop bets give bettors another way to engage with their favorite players or teams. Instead of worrying about who will win or lose, props allow you to focus on a single player, play, or event. Such bets are popular because:

• They make each moment count: You can still win a prop bet even if your favored team loses the game.
• They are personal: Most bettors have their favorite players, and prop bets are a good fit for wagering on individuals for more personalized picks.
• They are fun: Prop bets can be creative and unique, adding a fun twist to sports betting. Placing a silly bet on what color the Gatorade shower will be can be quite exciting, especially if you win!

Sportsbooks continue to expand their prop bet offerings, helping markets grow. NFL football and NBA games often feature hundreds of players and game props per week.

Common Types of Prop Bets

Prop bets come in many forms, so there is always something available for every sports fan. Some focus on player performance, while others are centered on special events or team stats.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common prop bet categories you will find at US-based sportsbooks:

Player Props

These are the most popular and often the most researched among sports bettors. You are wagering on a player’s statistical performance for a single game.

Examples include:

• NFL: Patrick Mahomes Over/Under 2.5 passing touchdowns.
• NBA: Jayson Tatum Over/Under 9.5 rebounds.

Most sportsbooks price player props as totals (Over/Under) or Yes/No outcomes.

Team Props

Team props will focus on the team’s performance instead of a specific player. Examples include:

• Will the Cowboys score a touchdown in each quarter?
• Which team will score first?

These bets are a good option for players who want to focus on the team rather than a single player.

Game Props

A game prop bet will cover larger, event-based outcomes that do not tie directly to who wins.

Examples include:

• Will the game go to overtime?
• Total turnovers in the game.

Game props are fun and allow you to follow the flow of the game without worrying about totals or point spreads.

Exotic and Novelty Props

This section is the ‘fun’ option, as it’s typically based on major events like the World Series or the Super Bowl.

Examples include:

• Color of the Gatorade poured over the winning coach.
• Length of the National Anthem Over/Under 1:59.

These bets are entertaining, but harder to research. They should be considered for fun rather than trying to earn a profit.

Season-Long Props

Some sportsbooks can offer prop-style bets for a full season.

Examples include:

• Patrick Mahomes Over/Under 30.5 passing touchdowns this season.
• Will the Lakers make the playoffs?

How Prop Bets are Priced

Prop bets work just like other wagers. Sportsbooks set lines and prices based on stats, matchups, and public perception. Let’s take a look at an example.

• LeBron James Over/Under 28.5 Points (-110 each side)

With this prop bet, you could wager on either side at -110 odds. A $110 bet would win $100 if your selection is correct. Sportsbooks will adjust prop lines based on betting action and player news, allowing odds to shift quickly, especially during live betting or right before big games.

Where to Find Prop Bets

Almost every major sportsbook, such as DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM, offers a long list of props across several sports markets. The sweepstakes market has even gotten involved, with apps like Fliff and Thrillzz.

After joining a sportsbook, you can locate “Player Props” or “Game Props” within an event listing. Mobile apps can offer filters for quick searches of specific items, making it easy to find exactly what you are looking for.

Strategies for Prop Betting

Prop bets may seem random, but successful bettors do take time to approach them strategically. Here are key principles to follow if you want to place strategic prop bets.

1. Research Player Performance Trends

The more you know, the better your edge with the wager. Review player stats, recent performances, matchups, and situational data. Use information like how a running back performs against a strong run defense or if a basketball player tends to score more at home. This data will help you make an informed decision.

Tip: Track the pace, weather, or minutes played of a player. Individuals who average 35 minutes per game will provide more prop opportunities than someone in a time-share rotation.

2. Follow Line Movement

Sportsbooks will often adjust prop lines based on public money and expert action. Watch line movement to understand which side the sharps (professional bettors) favor. If a player’s “Over” line moves from 18.5 to 20.5 points, the market is expecting a strong performance from this individual.

3. Shop Around

Different prop lines or odds will appear based on the sportsbook you select. Join multiple sports betting sites to compare odds across platforms. This is known as line shopping. It can make a significant difference in long-term profitability.

Example: FanDuel has Josh Allen over 1.5 passing TDs (-120), but BetMGM has the same prop with +100 odds. You want to take the better price, which would be the BetMGM odds. You would still make $100 if you won and only had to invest $100, reducing your risk for the same reward.

4. Consider Game Script

This is about how the game is likely to end. If a football team is heavily favored, the quarterback might throw less in the second half. If an NBA team is missing key defenders, then a star NBA scorer may hit more points than usual. Considering why a player might go over or under a number is important to consider.

5. Don’t Chase Every Market

There are hundreds of prop bets available, so you may easily become overwhelmed if you are a beginner. Focus on a few markets or players that you know best in the beginning. Avoid trying everything and focus on consistency over volume.

Examples of Prop Bets in Action

Let’s review a simple example to show how a prop bet works.

NFL Player Prop:

• The Bet: Christian McCaffrey Over/Under 92.5 rushing yards (-110)
• Your Pick: Over 92.5
• Outcome: If McCaffrey rushes for 93 yards or more, you win. If he rushes for 92 or fewer, you lose.
• Payout: A $110 bet would return $210 ($100 profit) if successful.

Pros and Cons of Prop Betting

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s consider a few common mistakes to avoid. It’s easy to get carried away and experience continual losses. Learning how to avoid common issues will help lower your risk of losing bets.

• Don’t bet with emotion: Avoid picking props based on personal feelings or favourite players. Stay objective and base your bets on data, not sentiment.
• Don’t ignore context: Always consider injuries, weather, and playing time. These factors can significantly affect player performance.
• Chasing losses: Stick to your bankroll strategy and never chase losses. Only wager what you can afford to lose.
• Don’t skip research: Even fun or novelty prop bets should involve a quick check of stats and recent performance.

To sharpen your betting approach and avoid the most common mistakes, explore our comprehensive Betting Tips & Strategies guide, packed with insights on data-driven wagering and bankroll discipline.

Live and In-Game Prop Betting

Live or in-play prop bets are considered one of the fastest-growing markets in the United States. These bets open and update in real time during a game, as the action happens. You might see a prop bet on if a player will hit a home run at their next at-bat or a touchdown on the next drive.

Live props are thrilling, but require quick decision-making. Odds can shift dramatically after each play, so it’s important to maintain discipline.

Are Prop Bets Legal?

Prop betting is legal in most US states that allow sports betting. Regulated sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM have prop bets that comply with local laws.

Rules vary by state, so you must check your state’s gaming regulations. Only join licensed sportsbooks and understand that your access to prop bets may vary. Some jurisdictions do not allow college player props to protect amateur athletes.

Final Thoughts

Prop betting has changed the way Americans enjoy sports betting. Props allow players to dive deeper into the action while adding a layer of fun and excitement to each play. Seasoned bettors will approach props with curiosity, research, and discipline.

Take time to learn what you can about props and try a few wagers. Keep your bets low or use bonus funds when available to try the bet type as a beginner. Before you know it, you will be a seasoned pro!