What Are Prop Bets?

Are sports betting terms like “prop bets” leaving your head spinning? I’ve been there too, and it can feel overwhelming!

What are prop bets anyway? They’re little side bets on specific things in a game. They don’t change who wins or loses. But what types are there? How do you use them?

Let’s dig in together. I’ll show you everything you need to know. It’ll make your sports betting more exciting and less confusing.

💡Key Takeaways

• Prop bets are side wagers placed on specific outcomes of a game that do not directly affect the final result.
• There are different types of prop bets, including player props, game props, team props, and novelty/exotic props.
• Football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer are popular for placing prop bets.
• Prop bets offer extra excitement to your sports betting experience and allow you to focus on specific player performances or game events.

What Is a Prop Bet?

A prop bet, short for proposition bet, is a betting type that doesn’t focus on the final score or result of a sports game. Instead, this type of wager covers betting on various events and happenings within the match.
Do you know you can bet on how many touchdowns an NFL player wil♚l score?

Or how many assists a basketball star will get? It’s true and not as hard as you might think!

Imagine you’re watching a game between the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns. You could place a bet that Stephen Curry will score more than 30 points. Or, if baseball is your game, you might wager on whether Aaron Judge or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will hit more home runs in a match between the Yankees and the Blue Jays.

Sounds fun, right? These are what you call prop bets. They open up a world of excitement, whether you’re a pro or just starting out.

But wait, there’s more to it! How do you decide what to bet on? And what are the best strategies?

Types of Prop Bets

There are several tyꦛpes of prop bets that you can make, including player props, game props, team props, and novelty/exotic props.

Player Props

Player props are all about guessing how a player will perform. Consider betting on how many touchdowns Patrick Mahomes will make in a game. Cool, right? That’s a lot more fun than waiting on the game to finish if you are only moneyline betting, i.e., on who you think will win the game.

And it’s not just football. You can bet on basketball, hockey, and baseball too!

When the big games like the Super Bowl or NBA Finals roll around, the bets get even more exciting. You can wager on things like LeBron James’ best-scoring quarter or Max Scherzer’s strikeouts in the World Series.

Player props add fun and thrill to sports betting. You’ll never watch a game the same way again!

Game Props

Want to add some spice to watching football? Let’s dive into game props with a real example!

Picture this: You’re watching a Kansas City Chiefs game, and Patrick Mahomes is on fire. With game props, you can bet on something like whether Mahomes will throw over or under 250 yards in the first half. Exciting.

Here’s what you need to do. Pick that specific event, like Mahomes’s throwing yards in the first half, and place your bet.

But hold on; it’s not all fun and games. You must know Mahomes’s style, the Chiefs’ strategy, and even the day’s weather. A little math and some solid research can go a long way.

The best part? You don’t have to worry about the final score. Your bet is about Mahomes’s performance in that specific part of the game.

So, next time the Chiefs play, why not try game props? You’ll be on the edge of your seat and might even pocket some extra cash!

Team Props

Team props let you bet on how the entire team will perform. For example, you might bet on the number of touchdowns the New England Patriots will score in a game. Or how many sacks the Chicago Bears‘ defense will rack up.

You can find these bets at legal sportsbooks. They cover football, basketball, hockey, and baseball but are especially popular with NFL fans.

Want to add strategy and fun to your NFL game-watching experience? Try betting on team props. You’ll see the game in a whole new way, and it could make your Sundays even more thrilling!

Novelty/Exotic Props

Want to m😼ake the Suꦰper Bowl even more fun? Try novelty or exotic props!

These bets aren’t about players or teams. They’re about the fun stuff. You can bet on things like who will win the coin toss or how long the National Anthem will last.

For example, during the Super Bowl, you might wager on the color of the Gatorade that gets poured on the winning coach. It’s a whole new way to enjoy the game!

But remember, these bets often have lower limits than others. Always check the rules ✱before you bet.

Novelty props bring extra laughs and excitement to the big game. Give them a try, and you might find a ne🔴w favorite way to enjoy the Super Bowl!

Which Sports Are Best for Prop Bets?

Footba☂ll prop bets offer a wide range of options, including player performance and game outcomಞes.

🏈Football prop bets

NFL prop bets offer an exciting way to add even more anticipation and engagement to NFL games. When you bet on football props, ಞyou can wager on specific player performances or outcomes within a game.

With sportsbooks offering hundreds of prop bets for each NFL matไchup, there are plenty of𓄧 opportunities to find the perfect bet that aligns with your predictions and strategy.

Whether it’s betting on the total passing yards by a quarterback, the first touchdown scorer, or even the result of the coin toss, football prop bets allow you to stay involved in every play and make watching the game even more thrilling.

🏀Basketball prop bets

NBA prop bets are a popular form of sports betting that allows you to wager on specific outcomes or player performances within a basketball game. These bets can range 🌄from predicting which team will reach 20 points first to betting on the number of assists LeBron James will have in a game.

With prop bets, every play can be a thrill. You can bet𝔉 on things like how many points a player will score or how many reb🌟ounds a team will get.

For example, you might wager how many three-pointers Stephen Curry will make in a game. It’s not just about winning or losing; it’s about the action in every play.

Basketball prop bets allow you to win money and make the game more fun. If you love basketball, why not give prop bets a try? It could be your new favorite wayꦅ to watch the game!

⚾️ Baseball prop bets

MLB prop bets are an exciting way to engage ⛄in sports betting. These propositi♈on bets offer a wide range of options for bettors to choose from when wagering on baseball games.

Are you a Chicago Cubs fan? Then you’ll love these examples of prop bets.

Imagine betting on Kris Bryant to hit a home run. O🔜r maybe you want to wager on Javier Báez stealing at least two bases. How exciting would that be?

With pitcher props, you could bet on Kyle Hendricks recording over seven strikeouts or Adbert Alzolay givi𓄧ng up fewer than three runs.

Even in-game events can be thrilling. You might bet on the Cubs scoring first or Anthony Rizzo getting the game’s first hit.

These prop bets make every play exciting and give you a personal sꦦtake in the performance of your favorite Cubs players. Why not give it a try and take your game-watching experience to a whole new leve💞l?

And if you want to get in on the action, don’t forget to check out our exclusive Illinois online sports betting promos.

🏒 Hockey prop bets

Hockey prop bets often focus on specific player performanc🐻es, such as scoring goals, penalty minutes, shots onไ goal, or even goalie saves.

What about betting on Patrick Kane from the Blackhawks to score the game’s first goal? Or you could wager on Alex DeBrincat to have more than five shots on goal.

What about the go๊alie? You might bet on Marc-André Fleury to make over 30 saves in the game. Or maybe a꧂ bet that Duncan Keith will have at least three assists.

And don’t forget about in-game events! You might bet on the Blackhawks to score a power-play goal or to win the game in overtime.

These prop bets make every moment of the💯 game a thrill. They let you put your knowledge of the Blackhawks to the test, and they could makไe watching the games even more fun.

Why Bet on Props?

Unlike regular bets focusing on the game’s final score, prop bets let you bet on the details. You can bet on anything from player stats to game events.

They keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Every play mat༒ters and the action never stops.

Plus, prop bets offer tons of choices. No matter what you know or like about the game, there’s probably a prop bet for you.

So if you want to spice up your sports betting or try something new, give prop bets a shot. You might find they’re your new favorite way to enjoy the game!

How to Bet on Props

To bet on props, first familiarize you𝐆rself with the different types of prop bets, such as player props,ಌ game props, team props, and novelty/exotic props. Then, learn how to read prop odds and use derivative theory to handicap your bets.

Finally, remember to consider match🥀ups and be aware of biases and vig in prop betting.

How to Read Prop Odds

You must know how to rea♐d prop odds to place prop bets effectively. Prop odds are presented as numbers that indicate the likelihood of a specific outcome. For example, if the odds for a player to score the first touchdown in a football game are +300, it means that for every $100 you bet on that player, you would win $300 if they score the first touc💮hdown.

On the other hand, if the odds are -150, it means you would need to bet $150🐻 to win $100.

These positive and n✨egative signs denote whether a potential payo🎃ut is greater or less than your original wager.

Understa꧙nding prop odds is crucial in determining your potential winnings and making informed betting decisionsꦜ.

Tips for Prop Bets

Utilize derivative theory, consider matchups, be aware of the over bias and vig in prop bets, invest in post♈-season props, and handicap your prop bets for increased success.

Utilize Derivative Theory

Derivative theory helps you analyze submarkets 🃏within the game. For example, if you notice that Aaron Rodger♔s consistently performs well in the first quarter, you could place a prop bet on him to have the most passing yards in that quarter.

Look at Matchups

Matchups are key in prop betting. Suppose you know that the Los Angeles Lakers have a poor 3-point defense, and they’re facing the Golden State Warriors, a team known for their 3-point shooting. You could bet on the Warriors to hit over a certain number of 3-pointers in the game.

Watch Out for Over Bias

The over bias refers to the tendency for betting lines to favor higher outcomes. If you notice that the public is heavily betting on the over for LeBron James’ total points in a game (say 30.5), and you’ve studied his recent performances and matchups, you might find value in betting the under if the situation supports it.

Understand the Vig

The vig is the sportsbook’s commission. If a prop bet on Patrick Mahomes to throw for over 300 yards has -115 odds, that means you must bet $115 to win $100. Continually assess whether the potential payout is worth the risk and the vig.

Invest in Post-Season Props

Post-season props provide unique opportunities. For example, during the NBA Finals, you might notice that Giannis Antetokounmpo tends to score big in elimination games. A prop ꦚbet on him to score over a certain point threshold in such a game could be a wise investment.

Handicapping Your Prop Bets

Handicapping involves using statistical analysis and research to make more informed bets. If you notice that the New York Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole has an excellent strikeout record against the Boston Red Sox, you might place a prop bet on him to have over a certain number of strikeouts in his next game against them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Prop Betting

When it comes to prop betting, there are common mistakes that you should avoid. These mistakes can cost you money and decrease your chances of winning. Here are some of the most co🔯mmon mistakes to be aware of:

1. Failing to analyze historical data and current form: Not studying past performance and current trends can lead to poor betting decisions.
2. Neglecting proper research: Gathering as much information as possible before placing a prop bet is essential. This includes analyzing player statistics, team trends, and relevant news or injuries.
3. Ignoring math and research: Prop bets can often be exploited with careful mathematical calculations and in-depth research. By utilizing these tools, you can find value in the betting markets.
4. Overlooking lower betting limits: Prop bets often have lower betting limits compared to traditional wagers like spreads or totals. It’s crucial to understand the limits before placing your bets.
5. Underestimating the additional action: Prop bets offer an extra layer of excitement and engagement during games. They allow bettors to stay involved throughout the event, even if their initial wager is not promising.
6. Thinking only about standard betting markets: Prop bets provide alternative options beyond traditional spreads, money lines, and totals. Don’t limit yourself to these mainstream markets when many other profitable opportunities are available.

Tip: For the NFL season, in our daily best prop bets, we analyse all of that historical data, research and suggest a pick. Don’t forget to check it out.

When are Prop Bets for Games released?

Sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel and Caesars release prop bets for games w🎶ell in advance. These bets are available to be placed at lega🤪l sportsbooks. For NFL games, you can find prop bets for every matchup.

If you’re looking for more unique and exciting options, novelty/exotic props are typically offered during big events like the Super Bowl. Prop bets give you additional action and allow you to stay involved in the game on every play, making them a popular choice among bettors.

👉Want Sportsbook bonuses, why not check out our exclusive sign up offers;

When are Prop Bets Paid Out?

Prop bets are paid out at different times depending on the sportsbook you’re using. In general, prop bets for NFL games are usually released on Wednesday or Thursday before the game.

For college football games, they hit the board on Thursday or Friday. As for when prop ꦬbets are actually paid out, it varies from book to book. Some prop bets are graded and settled as the game progresses, while others are paid out after the game is officially over.

It’s important to check with your sportsbook to understand their specific payout policies for prop bets.

Prop Bets vs Futures

Prop betting and futures betting are two different types of wagering that are commonly used in sports betting. Here’s a quick comparison of prop bets vs futures:

	Prop Bets	Futures Bets
Definition	Wagers on specific events or outcomes that do not directly affect the final result or score of a game.	Bets placed on events that will happen in the future, often at the end of a season or tournament.
Examples	Player props like touchdowns scored, game props like first team to score, and novelty/exotic props like length of National Anthem.	Betting on which team will win the Super Bowl, who will win MVP, or who will win the World Series.
Availability	Usually available for every game and offer additional action to bettors.	Posted long before the event happens and often have higher betting limits.
Strategy	Can be exploitable with the use of math and research.	Requires a long-term perspective and understanding of the sport.

It’s important to understand the differences between prop bets and futures to choose the one that aligns with your betting strategy and risk tolerance.

Super Bowl Prop Betting

Super Bowl prop betting is a popular and exciting way to bet on the big game. Unlike traditional bets that focus on the final score or outcome, prop bets offer a wide range🔥 of options for you to wager on.

Whether it’s predicting a player’s statistics, such as Patrick Mahomes’ total passing yards, or guessing specific events like the result of the coin toss, there are hundreds of prop bets available at legal sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel.

Super Bowl prop betting adds an extra layer of excitement to the game by allowing you to stay involved in every play. So if you’re looking for more ways to spice up your Super Bowl experience, consider trying your luck with some prop bets!

Best betting sites for prop bets

When it comes to prop bets, there are several top betting sites that offer a wide rangᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ⁤⁤⁤⁤ᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚe of options. Here are some of the best betting sites for prop bets:

DraftKings

Known for its extensive sports offerings, DraftKings provides a variety of prop bets across different spo💯rts, including player props and game props.

👉 Grab the latest DraftKings Promo Code

BetMGM

With a user-friendly interface and competitive odds, BetMGM is a popular choice for prop betting. They offer a diverse selection ♒of pr♕op bets for major sports events.

👉 Grab the latest BetMGM Promo Code

FanDuel

FanDuel is another reputable platform that offers an impressive array of prop bets. From player performances to game outcomes,𒉰 they cover various prop bet markets.

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Caesars

As one of the biggest names in the industry, Caesars offers a comprehensive sportsbook with an extensive selection of prop bets. They cover popular sports like football, basketball, baseball, and more. 👉 Grab the latest Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

State rules and regulations for props

State rules and regulations for props vary across different jurisdictions. These rules can have a significant impact on the availability and legality of prop beಌts. It is crucial for bettors to be aware of these regul🃏ations, as they can vary from state to state.

Some states may have specific restrictions on prop bets, such as prohibiting certain types of props or limiting prop bets to professional sports only. Before participating in prop betting, it’s essential to check the laws and regulations in your specific state to ensure compliance.

A lot of the restrictions have to do with collegiate sports – why not check out our complete guide to the legal college football🌌 states.

Online sportsbook🎉s must also adhere to these regulations and obtain proper licensing before offering prop bets to residents of that state.

Additionally, the legality of prop bets may depend on wheth🌠er the sportsbook is ope🏅rating within a legalized and regulated market.

Furthermore, s🐼ome states impose higher 🐬taxes or fees on prop bets compared to other types of wagers.

Conclusion: Are Prop Bets Worth it?

Prop bets offer a⛎n exciting and unique way to bet on sports, allowing you to get in on the action for individual player performances, specific game even🌊ts, and even non-sporting outcomes.

With a wide range of options available at legal sportsbooks like DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel, prop bets provide an extra level of en🍌gage🧸ment and entertainment.

While they may require some research and strategy to find 𒐪betting value, prop bets can definitely be worth it for those looking for a more immersive betting ex🙈perience.

❓FAQs