Prop Bets: A Complete Guide To Betting Props

Proposition bets, better known as prop bets, have grown in popularity among sports bettors over the last several decades. Luckily, the best sports betting apps continue to feed our appetite with creative props that didn't exist for prior sports betting generations. It's a good time to be alive for sports bettors. 

In this article, we explain what prop betting is and cover everything from a simple standard NBA prop bet to whacky Super Bowl novelty props. We sprinkle in a little prop betting advice too so buckle up and consider bookmarking this page for future reference.

What is a Prop Bet?

A prop bet is a wager based on the outcomes of specific performances or details within a sporting event. Unlike point spreads, totals or moneyline wagers, prop bets may not impact the outcome of a game or the final score. Props bets are considered a fun an entertaining way to bet because they allow you to focus your attention on specific things whether that be a field goal kicker or a rookie pitcher.

What are examples of Prop Bets?

The photos above show examples of game props and player prop bets from FanDuel. The NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB and any other sport you can think of feature props bets like this that won't show up on a scoreboard.

Below are more examples of prop betting:

• Over/Under totals for yards, points, goals, assists, runs, etc.
• Yes/No on if a player will score
• Which player will score first?
• Matchup Bets: One athlete vs. the other in NASCAR or golf
• NRFI or YRFI: Will there be a run in the first inning of an MLB game?
• Exact final score markets
• Yes/No on will there be overtime
• Odd/Even total points scored
• Jersey number of the first player to score a touchdown

How to Read Prop Bet Odds

Understanding prop odds is the first step toward enjoying sports betting props. No matter which sports prop market you bet, your sportsbook of choice lists prop odds next to each bet. For instance, Caleb Williams may be -125 to throw more than 1.5 touchdowns or that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is +200 to record a double-double. These three digit numbers  Note: Sometimes odds are represented with more than three digits for instance -4000 for a big favorite or +10000 for a massive underdog.  with a plus or minus sign in front of them tell you how much that prop bet will pay if it wins.

If your prop bet is -125, it means it will cost you $125 to win $100 and if it's +125 it means $100 will win you $125. Plus signs always indicate a win will net you more money than you wagered, and a minus signs signals you'll win less than your original stake. 

Odds Calculator. 

Finding Winning Prop Bets

A lot of professional bettors say there are better edges to be found while prop betting a sports like the NFL or NBA compared to the point spread or total because of the sheer volume of props available. Think about it: A room full of oddsmakers can be experts in a slate of 16 NFL games, but they might be unaware that a teams' third string running back has been crushing practices and the head coach said he wants to get him more carries.

If you want to find winning prop bets you can sign up for a trusted pick service provider (beware of snake oil salesmen!) or do the research and analysis yourself.

Below is some basic prop betting strategy that can sometimes help you get an edge:

• Put in a prop bet based on breaking news before the line changes
• Place a prop off adverse weather forecasts before odds shift
• Trends can be helpful, but take them with a grain of salt
• Always shop around to ensure you're getting the best prop price possible
• If you're new to betting, take advantage of welcome bonuses and promotions

Live Prop Betting

Live betting is popular in any sport and you’ll find action on games that are already in progress at your favorite sportsbook. These are prop bets that allow you to wager on each drive, at-bat, kick or faceoff. For instance, college football in-play betting  will offer:

How will the next drive end?

Touchdown +250

Field Goal +500

Interception + 900

Live odds change quickly and and the vigorish is higher than pre-game wagers so we don't recommend this form of betting to newcomers. 

Prop Bets In Parlays

It's common to see prop bets used in parlays and Same Game Parlays (SGPs). For instance, the Pacers are bet to win the game and Tyrese Haliburton goes over 21.5 total points or Patrick Mahomes throws for more than 280.5 yards and Travis Kelce catches a touchdown.

If you enjoy betting on parlays like this, check out this review of the best sports betting sites for betting parlays. 

Super Bowl Prop Betting

The Super Bowl is known for having a very large volume of props and it seems like each year oddsmakers are getting more and more creative. In recent years we have seen whacky props related to Super Bowl commercials and the mentioning of celebrities become popular. Below are some common props from the best Super Bowl sportsbooks: 

• Coin Toss: Will it land on HEADS or TAILS?

• National Anthem: How long will it take to sing the Star-Spangled Banner (OVER/UNDER length)

• Gatorade Color: What color liquid will be dumped on the winning coach?

• MVP: Who will be named Most Valuable Player?

• Cross Sport Bet: Travis Kelce's receiving yardage vs. Lebron James' Points+Rebounds+Assists

The bulk of these props are released about a week before the big game, giving you enough time to do your research in order to make smart picks.

Prop Bets vs Futures

Proposition bets are often confused for futures bets, however, they are different. A futures market bet is a bet you make on events that will occur in time. These are bets are usually (but not always) made prior to the start of the season for any sport, like which team will win the World Series, or which team will win a certain division.