What are Prop Bets in Sports Betting?

One of the most popular types of bets to wager on is called prop bets. These are different than the mainstream “which team will win and by how much” bets most people are familiar with. Prop bets can be fun but also carry risks. Let’s examine what these are and how to approach them best.

Sports Betting 101: Strategy Tips & Advice >>

What are Prop Bets in Sports Betting?

Definition of a Prop Bet

A prop bet, short for “proposition bet,” is a wager placed on specific outcomes within a sporting event that are not directly tied to the final score or result. These bets focus on individual player performances, team milestones, or even quirky, non-sporting outcomes related to the event.

Props in Different Sports

Football

In football, prop bets can range from the number of touchdowns a quarterback will throw to whether a game will have a safety. Popular props include bets on rushing yards, receiving yards, and even the length of the national anthem at major events like the Super Bowl.

Baseball

Baseball props often involve predicting player statistics, such as how many strikeouts a pitcher will record or how many home runs a team will hit. Other common props might include the total number of hits or the first team to score a run.

Basketball

Basketball prop bets usually focus on player performances, such as the total points, rebounds, or assists a player will achieve in a game. Team props might include the number of three-pointers made or the total combined points scored in a quarter.

Hockey

Hockey prop bets can include the number of goals scored by a particular player, the total saves made by a goalie, or which team will score first. Additionally, props may cover whether there will be a fight in the game or the number of penalty minutes assessed.

What is a “Gimmick Prop” and Why Are They Risky?

“Gimmick props” are bets on unusual or entertainment-related aspects of a sporting event, such as the coin toss outcome or the color of Gatorade poured on the winning coach. While they add fun and variety, they are risky due to their unpredictable nature and the limited data available to make informed decisions.

How Books Set Prop Lines

Sportsbooks set prop lines by analyzing statistical data, historical performance, and situational factors related to the event. They aim to balance action on both sides of the bet to minimize their risk. Books might rely more on public perception and trends for less conventional props, which can result in less accurate lines and potential value for sharp bettors.

Check out all of our articles on sports betting strategy & advice >>