Forget just picking a winner. Game props allow players to wager on specific events or outcomes that take place within a game, beyond the final score.
The following guide will break down exactly what game props are and highlight popular markets across several major sports.
What are game props?
Game props are bets on occurrences during a game, separate from who wins or loses. Think of them as individual challenges within the main event. You can wager on specific outcomes like which team will score first, the total points scored in a single quarter or half, or whether a game will go to overtime.
In most cases, you won’t have to wait for the final score to know your result. Game props keep you locked into the action all game long, offering endless opportunities to win throughout a single contest.
Game props vs. player props: key differences
It’s simple: Game props focus on team-based outcomes and game situations, while player props zero in on what individual athletes will do. For example, ‘Both Teams to Score’ in soccer would be considered a game prop, while betting on a specific player to find the back of the net would be a player prop bet.
The main distinction lies in their focus. Game props often depend on team strategies and overall game flow, which can be more consistent. Player props are tied to an athlete’s respective performance, which can fluctuate based on injuries, matchups, or even an off-night.
By understanding these key differences, you’ll gain a better feel for which opportunities deserve your focus based on the matchup at hand.
Popular game props by sport
Every single sport, league or game offered at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook comes stocked with several unique game props to choose from. Let’s dive into a few examples of game props you can bet on for each of the four major sports:
NFL game props
Football‘s structured format, with quarters and halves, creates a wealth of betting markets beyond standard NFL odds like point spreads and totals. Popular NFL game props include:
- First team to score: Which squad gets on the scoreboard first.
- Will there be a safety?: A rare but potentially high-payout game prop.
- Longest touchdown over/under: Betting on the total distance of the game’s longest scoring play.
- Total field goals made: The number of field goals both teams combine for.
NBA game props
Basketball‘s fast pace and high-scoring nature generate a ton of game prop opportunities. A few examples of NBA game props include:
- Odd or even total points: Will the combined final score be an odd or even number?
- Highest-scoring quarter: Which 12-minute period will see the most points scored?
- Either team to win both halves:A Yes/No option on whether either team will come out on top in both halves.
MLB game props
Baseball’s slower pace and situational depth results in a myriad of game props. Popular MLB options include:
- Run scored in the first inning (Yes/No): Quick action that’s decided almost immediately.
- Total home runs hit: Combined long balls by both teams in the game.
- Will the game go to extra innings? Predicting whether the contest goes beyond nine innings.
NHL game props
Hockey’s rapid shifts and low-scoring nature make every goal impactful, giving game props a thrilling, high-stakes edge. Bettors can focus on timing, scoring, or combined team milestones across periods. Popular NHL game props include:
- First team to score: Which side lights the lamp first.
- Will the game go to overtime? A favorite for those expecting a tight matchup.
- Odd or even total goals: Simple but suspenseful until the final buzzer.
How to bet game props at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook
To place a game prop wager at Hard Rock Bet, you’ll need to look for markets beyond the standard moneyline, spread, and total for a given contest. These are typically listed as ‘Game Specials’ under a specific matchup. These alternative options are listed for nearly every game in every sport, and cover a wide range of wagers.
Reading game prop odds follows the same format as other sports bets. If you see odds such as -120 on a “first team to score” prop, you’d need to risk $120 to win $100 in profit for a total return of $220. Positive odds, such as +150, mean a $100 bet would win $150 if successful, returning $250 in total.
Once you’ve landed on a game prop you’d like to bet, simply click on the odds attached and it’ll pop up in your bet slip. From there, enter the desired stake you’d like to put up, review your total payout and hit the button at the bottom of your slip to lock it in. After placing your bet, you can head over to the ‘My Bets’ tab on mobile to review its progress throughout the game and maybe even snag an early Cash Out.
FAQ about game props
Below are a few frequently asked questions surrounding game props:
Are game props offered when live betting?
Yes, game props are often listed after the game has already begun. Just click on any game in Hard Rock Bet’s live betting lobby to view all available markets!
What’s the difference between a quarter prop and a half prop?
Quarter props focus on what happens in a single quarter, while half props cover the entire first or second half. This gives you more ways to stay engaged in smaller, high-stakes windows.
Are game props available for every sport on Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook?
You bet. Game props are offered for nearly every major sport including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, and more, so you can find unique bets no matter which sport you’re watching.
Do game prop wagers count toward my Unity by Hard Rock rewards?
Yes, every game prop wager you place at Hard Rock Bet contributes to your loyalty rewards and earns you Unity Points.
Are game props offered in every state?
Yes. Every state with access to Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook can enjoy a wide array of game props across several sports and leagues. Hard Rock Bet is currently active in the following states:
