Prop Betting 101
Prop bets, short for proposition bets, are a popular form of sports wagering that focuses on specific events or occurrences within a game, rather than the overall outcome. Unlike traditional bets that concentrate on who wins or the point spread, proposition bets offer a more engaging and diverse way to bet on sports. This guide will help you understand the nuances of prop betting, types of prop bets, how to place them, and strategies to improve your chances of success.
What is Prop Betting?
Prop betting allows bettors to wager on various aspects of a game that may not directly affect the final outcome. These bets can range from predicting the number of points a particular player will score to whether a specific event, like a coin toss, will occur. Proposition bets add an extra layer of excitement to betting by focusing on specific in-game occurrences and player performances.
Prop bets add an extra layer of excitement to sports betting markets by focusing on specific in-game events and player performances.
Types of Prop Bets
Prop bets come in various forms, and understanding the different types can help you make more informed betting decisions. Here are some common betting markets:
- Player Props: These player props bets focus on individual player performances. For example, you might bet on LeBron James to score over 30 points in an NBA game or Tom Brady to throw more than 2.5 touchdowns in an NFL game. Odds for player props can vary; for instance, betting on LeBron scoring over 30 points might have prop odds of +150, meaning a $100 bet would win $150.
- Team Props: These involve specific team achievements, such as which team will score first, the total number of three-pointers made by a team, how many points, or the number of sacks a defense will record. For example, you might bet on the Golden State Warriors to make over 15 three-pointers in a game, with odds of +200.
- Game Props: These bet props are related to specific occurrences within a game, such as various game outcomes of the first half, the total number of fouls, or whether a game will go into overtime. For instance, betting on a soccer match to go into overtime might have odds of +300.
- Novelty Props: These bets cover unusual or offbeat stuff, like predicting the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach in the Super Bowl or the number of times a specific word will be mentioned during a broadcast. For example, prop odds at online sportsbooks for the Gatorade color might be +500 for blue, +600 for red, and +700 for yellow.
Understanding the different types of prop bets can help you make more informed decisions and add variety to your betting experience.
Prop Betting in the NBA
The NBA is a favorite among prop bettors due to the numerous opportunities to place player props bets on player and team performances. NBA prop bet examples can include:
- Player Props: Wagering on individual statistics, such as points, rebounds, assists, and steals. For example, you might bet on Stephen Curry to make over 4.5 three-pointers in a game, with odds of -110, meaning a $110 bet would win $100.
- Team Props: Wagering on team-specific outcomes, like the total number of three-pointers made or which team will score 100 points first. Wagering on the Los Angeles Lakers to score over 115 points might have odds of +120.
- Game Props: Predicting specific occurrences within the game, such as which team will lead at halftime or the total number of combined points. For example, you might bet on a game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks to have over 220.5 total points, with odds of -105.
NBA props are particularly popular due to the high number of statistical categories and frequent games, offering bettors ample opportunities.
How Prop Bets Work
Prop bets are typically listed by sportsbooks with specific odds. These odds reflect the likelihood of an event occurring and determine the potential payout. For example, a bet on a player scoring over 25 points might have odds of +150, meaning a $100 bet would win $150 if successful.
To place a prop bet, follow these steps:
- Choose a Sportsbook: Select a licensed online sportsbook with the best bets that offers a wide range of prop bets. Ensure the sportsbook is licensed and has positive reviews from other bettors.
- Navigate to Prop Bets: Find the section dedicated to prop betting within the sportsbook. This is usually under the specific sport and game you are interested in.
- Select Your Bet: Browse the available prop bets and choose one that interests you. Pay attention to the odds and the specific conditions of the bet.
- Place Your Wager: Enter the amount you wish to bet and confirm your wager. Make sure you understand the terms and potential payout before finalizing your bet.
Understanding how prop bets work and carefully selecting your bets can enhance your overall experience.
Strategies for Prop Betting
Successful prop wagering requires more than just luck. Here are some strategies to enhance your chances:
- Research and Analysis: Study player and team statistics, recent performances, and matchup specifics. For example, if you know a player has a favorable matchup against a weak defense, it might be a good opportunity to bet on their performance.
- Specialize in a Niche: Focus on a particular type of prop bet or a specific sport to build expertise. Specializing can give you an edge over general bettors who may not have the same depth of knowledge.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your prop bets and stick to it to avoid significant losses. This means not wagering more than you can afford to lose and spreading your bets to minimize risk.
Effective prop betting involves thorough research and strategic wagering to maximize long-term success.
Tips for Beginners
For those new to prop wagering, here are some helpful tips:
- Start Small: Begin with smaller bets to understand how prop wagering works without risking too much money. This helps you learn the ropes and develop your strategy.
- Focus on What You Know: Bet on teams and players you are familiar with to increase your chances of success. Familiarity with the sport can help you make more informed decisions.
Common Prop Betting Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes to improve your overall experience:
- Betting Without Research: Placing bets based on gut feelings or without proper analysis can lead to losses. Always research the teams, players and season involved before placing a bet.
- Chasing Losses: Trying to recover losses by placing larger bets can quickly deplete your bankroll and lead to problem gambling behavior. It's important to stay disciplined and stick to your strategy.
- Ignoring Bankroll Management: Failing to manage your bankroll effectively can result in financial difficulties. Set a budget and stick to it, and avoid spending more than you can afford to lose.
Avoiding common mistakes and maintaining discipline are crucial for long-term success in prop betting.
Prop Betting Resources
Utilize the following resources to enhance your knowledge:
Analytics Websites: There are many websites that offer valuable statistics and insights that can help you make informed decisions:
Football (NFL)
Baseball (MLB)
Basketball (NBA)
Soccer
Hockey (NHL)
Online Resources: Read guides on responsible prop betting wagering strategies to improve your understanding of props. Books by experienced bettors can offer valuable advice and strategies for success.
Prop Betting FAQs
Prop Betting FAQs
What is a prop bet?
A prop bet, or proposition bet, is a wager on specific events within a game that do not directly affect the final outcome. Examples include wagering on the number of points a player will score or the result of the coin toss in a football game.
Are prop bets only available for major leagues?
No, prop bets are available for a wide range of things, including college football, basketball, and even niche games like golf and tennis. Many sportsbooks offer prop bets for both major and minor sports events. You need to check if your state allows prop bets on local college athletes as there are some prohibited bets.
Can I place prop wagers on live games?
Yes, many sportsbooks offer live props, allowing you to place wagers as the game unfolds. This can add an extra layer of excitement, but it also requires quick decision-making and a solid understanding of the game.
How do sportsbooks determine odds for props?
Sportsbooks use a combination of statistical analysis, historical data, and expert insights to set odds for prop wagers. The odds reflect the perceived likelihood of an event occurring and are designed to balance the action on both sides.
What are some common props in the Super Bowl?
Common Super Bowl props include the result of the coin toss, how many field goal points, the length of the national anthem, the color of the Gatorade dumped on the winning coach, and individual player performances like passing yards, point and touchdowns.
Everything You Need to Know about Prop Betting
Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.
In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.
In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.
Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.
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Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports entertainment industry by integrating technology. He sees the future of sports entertainment as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. He aims to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable sports culture.
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With 20+ years of writing experience across sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups, Sol brings a broad understanding to his role as Editor-in-Chief at RG. His work provides clear, factual information to help readers make informed decisions about gambling. Sol’s approach is about transparency and research, so the content at RG is straightforward, evidence-based, and accessible.
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Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project
“Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.
Nick Ashbourne
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game in 1998, and he's been writing about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports while growing his expertise in sports data analysis and research.
Between 2022 and 2023, he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets. In 2024, he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.
Sergey Demidov
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
Anna Kravtcova
Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
