Prop bets, or proposition bets, are an exciting and strategic way to engage with sports betting beyond traditional moneyline, point spread, and totals markets. Prop betting in online sportsbooks allows bettors to wager on specific in-game occurrences, player performances, and unique outcomes that do not necessarily affect the final score.

What Is a Prop Bet?

A prop bet lets you bet on various aspects of a game, event, or player performance rather than just the game's final result.

Prop bets gained popularity in sports betting history when Las Vegas bookmakers introduced a unique wager for Super Bowl XX in 1986—betting on whether William “The Refrigerator” Perry of the Chicago Bears would score a touchdown. This market exploded in popularity and has since expanded into a staple of Super Bowl prop bets and everyday sports betting.

Once considered “sucker bets,” proposition wagers have become a key market for sharp sports bettors, thanks to the rise of fantasy sports analytics and advanced player statistics.

 

Types of Prop Bets in Sports Betting

Prop bets come in various forms, with some of the most common categories listed below.

Game Props

Game props are based on specific in-game events or outcomes that do not directly determine the winner or loser. These can be structured as point spreads, Over/Under totals, or Yes/No betting formats.

Examples of game props:

First team to score 10 points.

Will the first quarter have more than 20 points?

Will there be a goal in the first 10 minutes of the match?

Which team will record the most three-pointers?

Team Props

Team prop bets focus on a single team’s performance rather than the entire game or both teams combined.

Examples of team props:

Over/Under on a team’s total passing yards.

Will a team score a defensive touchdown?

Will Team A win both halves?

Number of penalties conceded by a team.

Player Props

Player props allow bettors to wager on individual player performances during a game. These are incredibly popular in fantasy sports betting due to the focus on individual stats.

Examples of player props:

Will a specific player score a touchdown? (NFL)

Over/Under on total points + assists + rebounds for a player (NBA)

Number of strikeouts for a pitcher (MLB)

Total shots on goal for a hockey player (NHL)

Exotic Prop Bets

Exotic props involve betting on non-traditional sports events and occurrences that may not be directly related to gameplay. These are commonly found in Super Bowl betting and novelty betting markets.

Examples of exotic props:

Length of the national anthem at the Super Bowl

Which team’s coach will be dunked with Gatorade first?

Who will win the next major boxing fight?

What color jersey will the MVP wear during the postgame interview?

 

How Prop Bets Work in Different Sports?

Each sport offers a unique set of prop bets. Here are some of the most popular leagues for prop betting:

NFL Prop Bets

NFL prop betting includes thousands of options, particularly during the Super Bowl. Popular NFL props include:

First player to score a touchdown

Over/Under on quarterback passing yards

Number of field goals made

Total combined sacks in a game

College Football Prop Bets

While college football props are not as widely available as NFL props, major games and bowl matchups offer plenty of betting opportunities.

Will a team win every quarter?

First-half rushing yards by a specific player

Over/Under on total points scored in the second half

MLB Prop Bets

Baseball prop bets focus on player and team performances rather than just the final score:

Over/Under on total home runs hit in a game

Total number of strikeouts by a starting pitcher

Will a team hit a grand slam?

NBA Prop Bets

The NBA is one of the most prop-friendly sports leagues, offering an extensive menu of player props, game props, and team props:

Total points + rebounds + assists by a player

Will a player make more than 5 three-pointers?

Which team will have the most turnovers?

Golf Prop Bets

Golf props offer betting options beyond outright tournament winners.

Will there be a hole-in-one during the tournament?

Over/Under total birdies by a golfer

Head-to-head player matchups

Tips for Successful Prop Betting

If you’re new to prop betting in online sportsbooks, follow these essential tips to improve your chances of winning.

1. Create a Betting Narrative

When placing multiple bets, ensure your selections align with your game prediction. For example, if you expect a low-scoring football game, avoid betting on multiple touchdown props.

2. Analyze Player and Team Matchups

Prop bets require deep research. Look at team strengths, weaknesses, injuries, and historical data to find the best opportunities.

A struggling defense could mean a big day for an opposing quarterback.

A weak rebounding team might allow an opponent’s center to dominate the glass.

3. Shop for the Best Odds

Different sportsbooks offer different odds on prop bets. Always compare odds across multiple betting sites to maximize your potential payouts.

4. Manage Your Bankroll

Prop betting can be highly engaging, but it’s crucial to set a budget and stick to it. Avoid placing too many small bets, as it can quickly eat into your bankroll.

When Are Prop Bets Released and Paid Out?

Prop bets for major games (NFL, college football, NBA, etc.) are usually released a few days before the event.

For daily sports (NBA, NHL, MLB), props are often posted the morning of the game.

Some prop bets are settled instantly (e.g., first touchdown scorer), while others are graded after the game ends.

 

Best Sportsbooks for Prop Bets

The best sportsbooks for prop betting online vary by location and league focus:

Winscore Sportsbook – One of the first to release NFL player props.

BC.Game Sportsbook – Strong selection of game and team props.

22Bet Sportsbook – Large variety of alternative odds and exotic props.

CryptoLeo Sportsbook – Excellent NBA and NFL prop betting options.

 

Join the Chips2.Win Community!

 

Are you a fan of prop betting? Have you had success with player props, game props, or exotic wagers? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Share your best prop betting tips, strategies, and biggest wins in the Chips2.Win Free Bettors’ Forum. Join the discussion today and connect with fellow sports betting enthusiasts!