{"id":382256,"date":"2025-02-17T17:12:59","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T17:12:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/?post_type=definition&p=382256"},"modified":"2025-02-17T17:12:59","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T17:12:59","slug":"prop-bet","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/prop-bet","title":{"rendered":"Prop Bet (Proposition Bets)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prop bets (or proposition bets) are recognized as some of the most popular markets for an online betting site. They fall into an \u201ceverything else\u201d kind of category when it comes to markets, compiling bets that won\u2019t necessarily include outcomes of the game or match.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019re going to answer the question, what is a prop bet? To do this we\u2019ve included a series of examples across multiple sports and events, along with a look at why you might want to place or avoid prop bets. Finally, we\u2019ve added a strategy section that will allow you to be more effective with the types of prop bets that you wager on.<\/p>\n

How Do Prop Bets Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

At their core, prop bets are wagers placed on specific events or outcomes within a sporting event that is not directly related to the final score or result of the game. These bets often revolve around individual player performances, statistics, or specific moments during a match. What sets prop bets apart is their ability to add an extra layer of excitement and engagement to a sporting event, as they allow bettors to focus on specific aspects beyond the overall outcome.<\/p>\n

\"BetOnline<\/p>\n

To illustrate how prop bets work, let’s consider the betting on NFL games<\/a>, for example. Imagine a Super Bowl matchup between Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. While traditional betting options may involve wagering on the winner of the game or the point spread, prop bets offer alternative opportunities.<\/p>\n

One popular prop bet might involve predicting the total number of passing yards quarterback Patrick Mahomes will accumulate during the game. So, instead of betting on which team will win, you can place a prop bet on whether the quarterback will throw for more or less than a specified yardage total set by the sportsbook.<\/p>\n

In essence, prop bets allow bettors to delve into the intricacies of a game and make predictions on specific player performances or noteworthy events, making them a thrilling and unique aspect of sports betting.<\/p>\n

Where Can I Bet on Prop Bets?<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of the best things about these types of betting markets is that they are widely available, in some form at least. The biggest betting sites have a wider range of markets to choose from, but all online sportsbooks<\/a> will cater to a prop bet within.<\/p>\n

\"Prop<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve three sportsbooks that we would consider to be standouts for proposition bets. These are BetOnline, Bovada and BetNow.<\/p>\n

With all three you\u2019re going to get a wide range of markets to choose from. BetOnline, for example, is the GOAT when it comes to NFL prop bets, being able to bet on anything from the coin toss to if the coach is going to get Gatorade poured on them after winning the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n

Bovada and BetNow are solid alternatives to BetOnline and cover all US-based sports in great depth. BetNow is one of the best MLB sportsbooks and tennis prop bets, but Bovada has a strong selection for NBA and soccer games.<\/p>\n

Examples of Prop Bets<\/span><\/h2>\n

Prop bets are generally broken down into four categories that include player, game, team, and novelty prop bets. We will run through examples of each to highlight how they work and what types of prop bets you might expect to find on the offshore sportsbooks out there.<\/p>\n

Player Prop Bets<\/h3>\n

Player prop bets focus on individual player performances or statistics. This allows bettors to wager on various aspects of a player’s performance, such as points scored, rebounds, assists, touchdowns, or even specific milestones they may achieve during the game.<\/p>\n

In the NBA, a common player proposition bet involves predicting the total number of points a player will score in a game. Let’s say there’s a matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets, and you believe that LeBron James will have a standout performance. The sportsbook might set the over\/under line<\/a> for LeBron James’ points at 28.5. If you wager on the over, and LeBron scores 29 points or more in the game, you will win the bet.<\/p>\n

In the NFL you might come across examples of player props regarding the total number of passing touchdowns a quarterback will throw. Let’s say there’s a match between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and you believe that Patrick Mahomes will have a strong performance. The sportsbook might set the over\/under line for Mahomes’ passing touchdowns at 2.5. If you wager on the over and Mahomes throws three or more touchdowns in the game, you will win the bet.<\/p>\n

Game Props<\/h3>\n

Game prop bets revolve around specific events or occurrences happening during a sporting event. These bets focus on various aspects of the game itself, rather than individual player performances. Let’s explore real-world examples of game prop bets from the NHL and MLB.<\/p>\n

\"Soccer<\/p>\n

Popular game prop bets in the NFL could involve predicting the total number of goals scored in a match. For example, let’s consider a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins. The sportsbook might set the over\/under line for total goals scored in the game at 5.5. If you wager on the over, and the combined goals scored by both teams in the game are six or more, you will win the bet.<\/p>\n

In the MLB, you might come across a prop bet regarding the total number of home runs hit in a game. Let’s say there’s a match between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The sportsbook might set the over\/under line for total home runs at 2.5. If you wager on the over, and the combined home runs hit by both teams in the game are three or more, you will win the bet.<\/p>\n

Team Props<\/h3>\n

Team props focus on specific outcomes or performances of a team within the game. These bets allow bettors to wager on various aspects of a team’s performance, such as total points scored, total goals scored, turnovers, penalties, or even the outcome of specific game situations.<\/p>\n

For example, in soccer, a common team prop bet could involve predicting the total number of goals scored by a specific team in a match. Let’s consider a game between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Examples of team props here on the best online sportsbooks might set the over\/under line for Barcelona’s total goals at 2.5. If you wager on the over and Barcelona scores three or more goals in the game, you will win the bet.<\/p>\n

NFL team prop bets can be equally intriguing. For example, you might come across a prop bet regarding the total number of sacks made by a particular team in a game. Let’s say there’s a matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. The sportsbook might set the over\/under line for the Steelers’ total sacks at 3.5. If you bet on the over and the Steelers record four or more sacks in the game, you would win the bet.<\/p>\n

Novelty Prop Bets<\/h3>\n

Novelty props, also known as entertainment prop bets or special prop bets, are a unique category of prop bets that extend beyond the realm of traditional sports and delve into the world of entertainment, politics, and popular culture. Here we can wager on various non-sporting events or outcomes, such as who sings the National Anthem before major sports events, but also award shows, reality TV competitions, political elections, and other notable happenings in the world of entertainment and politics.<\/p>\n

One example of novelty prop bets can be found in TV shows, specifically reality competitions like “American Idol” or “The Voice.” Bettors may have the opportunity to wager on the eventual winner of the competition or for contestants to be voted off at certain stages of the competition.<\/p>\n

\"politics<\/p>\n

Another example is political events, particularly during major elections or significant political milestones. Bettors can place wagers on various outcomes, such as predicting the winning candidate in a presidential race, forecasting the margin of victory, or even speculating on specific policy decisions.<\/p>\n

For example, during a presidential election, a novelty prop bet might involve wagering on the outcome of the electoral college votes. Bettors could predict the exact number of electoral college votes a particular candidate will receive. Let’s say the sportsbook sets the line at 320.5 electoral votes for Candidate A. If you wager on the over, and Candidate A receives 321 or more electoral votes, you will win the bet.<\/p>\n

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Prop Bets<\/span><\/h2>\n

Proposition bets are arguably the most exciting form of betting if only to break up from the standard betting markets. In this section, we\u2019ve covered some of the advantages and disadvantages of using these types of bet<\/a> and how they might differ from traditional sports betting markets.<\/p>\n

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Advantages:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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