What is a Prop Bet? Definition, Examples and FAQ

Types of prop bets

Prop bets come in many forms, each offering a different way to get involved in the action. The most common props you will find offered at legal sportsbooks include game props, team props and player props.

Game props

Standard pregame markets like the moneyline, spread, and total serve as a way for you to make your call on the outcome of the matchup. Game props, on the other hand, let you dive deeper into specific aspects of the contest, such as what will happen in a quarter of play or if the game will go to overtime. 

Game props allow players to focus on the matchup as a whole, while also offering the flexibility to dig into segments of the final story. If you have a good read on game flow and how the matchup might play out, you can find opportunities to hone in on under game props.

Team props

Team props share similarities with game props but narrow the focus to just one side. Instead of wagering on the combined points scored in an NBA first quarter, for example, you might bet on a single team’s total during that stretch.

These wagers highlight the collective output of a team rather than both sides or an individual player. If you have a strong read on a team’s style, tendencies, or any matchup advantages, team props can provide valuable opportunities to put that insight to work.

Player props

Player props shift the attention from teams to individuals, allowing you to bet on how specific players will perform within a game. Rather than wagering on the overall score or a team’s accomplishments, you can target measurable stats like passing yards, rebounds, strikeouts, or goals.

For example, you could bet on whether a quarterback throws for over 250 yards, an NBA guard makes more than two three-pointers, or a pitcher records a set number of strikeouts. These types of wagers are incredibly popular because they are tied directly to player performance, meaning the team could no-show while the player in question still cashes your bet.

Prop bets by sport

Each major sports league offers unique prop betting opportunities based on its specific rules and statistics. Understanding these differences can help you identify the best markets for your knowledge and betting style.

NFL props

NFL odds are available for a wide range of markets, including those tied to individual player stats, team performance, and the game as a whole. 

Anytime touchdown scorer is easily one of the most popular NFL player props offered, where you pick a player to score at any point during the game. Passing, receiving, and rushing yard props are also top options, letting you bet on whether a player will exceed a specific yardage total.

NBA props

NBA props are also wildly popular due to the sport’s high-scoring nature. NBA games in general are incredibly fast-paced, which creates endless opportunities for players to stuff the stat sheet.

Points, rebounds, and assists props are the foundation of NBA player prop betting. Other exciting markets that have garnered attention as of late include first basket scorer and top points scorer in a specific game.

MLB props

In baseball betting, you’ll find a variety of props for both batters and pitchers beyond the typical moneyline, total and run line. Top options for MLB props include strikeouts for pitchers, home runs for batters, and game props such as yes/no runs in the first inning.

The sheer volume of games throughout the season, combined with baseball’s spotlight during the summer months, makes MLB props a consistently intriguing option amongst bettors.

NHL props

Arguably the most common NHL player prop would be a goal scorer bet, where you wager on whether a specific player will find the back of the net. Other interesting NHL markets include shots on goal, points, assists and saves made by the goaltender.

Beyond individual performance, team props are also offered, including markets like total goals scored by a team in a specific period. This type of bet can make for a great substitute for traditional markets like the puck line, as it removes the other team and allows you to focus on one side.

Season-long props

There are also props that extend beyond individual games to cover season-long achievements. These bets typically consist of the same markets that are offered game-to-game, except at a much larger scale to account for a player’s entire campaign. A few examples of season-long player props include total passing yards in the NFL, total home runs hit in MLB or total goals scored in the NHL.

Although it may not technically be considered a prop bet by definition, futures betting is also incredibly popular. Markets in this category include award winners, like the NBA’s MVP or the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. For another twist, season-long team props are also offered, like a team to make the playoffs, their stage of elimination or their win total for the season.

Season-long props definitely require patience, however, as they don’t settle instantly like game props. Despite this, they can provide great value if you make the right call on underpriced markets, while also providing rooting interest throughout the entire season.

FAQ about prop bets

Still have additional questions about prop bets? Check out the FAQ down below.