With online sports betting now legal in most US states, bettors will find the online sports betting industry offers a lot more than the conventional types of bets.
Prop bets are one category of online bets where players can flex their sports understanding and predict the occurrence, or lack of occurrence, of highly specific outcomes. In most cases, prop bets are not conditioned on the final result of a given fixture.
Read on if you’re interested in learning more about the nature of prop betting and see examples.
What Is a Prop Bet?
Every sports fan, while watching their favorite team play, has at some point made a random guess about which player or team will score first, with how many points or rebounds a particular basketball player will finish the quarter, or who will score the first touchdown.
Online handicappers and odds makers know the spectrum of performance stats and metrics analyzed for different sports and, accordingly, create odds for these probable outcomes. These specific outcomes are called prop (short for proposition) bets and rarely have to do with the game’s end result.
In short, proposition or prop bets are types of bets players make in-game and are related to the performance of the team or player in a particular domain, such as a team/player scoring a certain number of points or performing another action unrelated to the match’s final outcome.
Why Are Prop Bets So Popular?
The popularity of prop bets can, in part, be attributed to their variety. Traditional betting involves only a handful of bets like money lines, spreads, totals, parlays, and handicap betting. But with prop betting, you have hundreds of betting options. This variety of proposition bets also makes prop betting more engaging, adding to its popularity.
Props are unique wagers and, depending on how likely their outcome is or how many predictions are included in a single bet, can have higher odds. The more difficult the bet, the higher the odds, which can generate higher wins.
Fun vs. Skilled Prop Bets
Unlike moneyline bets, futures, or totals, proposition bets require more insight into the game, league, standings, and the form of certain players to make informed wagers. This makes prop betting more challenging than conventional betting but also potentially more rewarding.
More ambitious and knowledgeable bettors are drawn to prop betting as it tests their skill and ability to predict specific outcomes. While all prop bets are unique, some are harder to predict than others and are a bigger test of bettors’ skills.
On the other hand, some sportsbooks offer simpler proposition bets intended for the casual player. For instance, depending on the form of a certain basketball, baseball, soccer, or other sports player, the casual sports fan should be able to correctly predict if they would score below or over a given number of points, strikeouts, touchdowns, etc.
Props Bets This Week
Props Bet Sites - Our Recommendations
Pick Props Bets by Sport
Oddsmakers working at online sportsbooks in the US create prop bets for almost any sport or sporting event. The props can be related to the statistical performance of a specific game, team, player, or multiple players.
It is difficult to speculate on the types of prop bets you can find at US betting sites considering bookies create prop odds at their own discretion.
In most cases, the props are unique to the specific sport. In that sense, you can find completely different props for different leagues in the sporting spectrum, such as the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, etc.
Regardless of what sports you follow, you should keep track of team/player performances across various metrics to make cautious bets. This is where the use of collected data and performance analytics can help you not make a guess but rather a correct prediction.
NFL Prop Bets
NFL prop bets are the bets bet types that relate to a specific metric performed by NFL teams and individual players. US bettors can explore hundreds of NFL bets and find the best props this week at our site and at leading online sportsbooks. NFL props can range from the type and number of rushing plays to defensive interceptions and a team/player to score first.
NBA Prop Bets
NBA prop betsare bets for unique outcomes to occur during an NBA game or multiple games. They can include bets ranging from which of the two teams will have more dunks to one or more players scoring below or over a given number of points.
NHL Prop Bets
NHL prop betting odds also apply to either (or both) players or teams collectively. NHL player props are seldom found at betting sites and are mostly narrowed to the number of goals and assists or the first player to score. NHL team prop odds can include a team scoring over/under a given number of goals, the number of shots on goal, and so on.
MLB Prop Bets
MLB team and player prop bets can often overlap but can also differ greatly. Some of the most common MLB prop bets include a player to record over or under a number of hits or runs, total bases (over/under), the side with the most home runs, the total number of team errors, and so on.
NCAAF Prop Bets
NCAAF, more colloquially known as college football, provides bettors dozens of betting options per matchday. Some of the most common NCAAF prop bets associated with NCAAF games include a certain player to score a touchdown, a player to be over/under a number of rushing yards, or a team to score a minimum number of points.
NCAAB Prop Bets
NCAAB or college basketball prop bets are a variety of bet types, many of which overlap with NBA props. Player/team to score below/under a number of points, a player to record over/under a number of rebounds or assists, the first team to score 20 points, etc.
Pros and Cons of Prop Bets
Proposition bets offer many advantages over traditional bets due to their variety and, usually, higher odds. Below we explore a few noteworthy benefits of prop betting but also some of the drawbacks.
- Prop bets provide a greater variety of betting options
- A more exciting, time-efficient way of betting
- Props usually have greater odds
- Winning prop bets are settled while the game is still ongoing
- Requires dedication, insight, and tracking of various statistics
- Even with meticulous statistical knowledge, probable outcomes may not occur
Best Prop Bet Sites Reviewed
There is a small group of online sportsbooks that are leading the online betting markets and provide the best choice of prop bets. Below we will examine 3 of the best-rated US sports betting sites and overview their coverage of prop bets.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings leads the US market for DFS, but it also provides a diverse selection of sports and betting options for all the top leagues and tournaments in the US. The site has prop bets for almost all sports categories, which center mainly on player and game props, though there are also unique options, such as series player props and playoff props.
DraftKings is a reputable betting brand licensed in over 20 states. It provides premium player support via email and live chat and offers multiple sports promotions. You can start exploring the site’s prop bets at any time. Once you find odds for a market, deposit via PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, VIP preferred, or another available method and start betting.
What Makes DraftKings Great for Props Bets?
- Diverse choice of prop bets for the top leagues
- Unique prop betting options for NFL, NHL, and NBA games
- Players can combine prop bets and parlays
- Bettors can explore player and team stats directly on the site
- Limited choice of props in the offseason
- Narrow choice of props for niche sports, but it’s suitable for newbies
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook is a division of Caesars Entertainment, one of America’s biggest gaming corporations. The online Caesars Sportsbook provides sports betting services in over 20 states. The betting markets cover traditional and prop bets, including team, game, and player props for all top US leagues and tournaments, including NBA playoff props, NHL props, and season-long NFL props.
Alongside its wide selection of prop bets, Caesars provides an optimal user experience with a dedicated support department on live chat and email. Beginners unfamiliar with the betting process can check Caesars Sportsbook ‘How to bet’ guides to learn the basics of placing regular and prop bets.
What Makes Caesars Sportsbook Great for Prop Bets?
- Provides some of the best selections of NBA and NHL props
- Players can earn various Caesar Rewards
- Prop bets are offered in more than 20 states
- Mobile prop bets available in-app on iOS and Android
- Small choice of sports bonuses for regular players, though the welcome bonus is hefty
- Difficult-to-navigate interface for newbies, but suitable for seasoned bettors
BetRivers
BetRivers is frequently ranked high on best US sportsbooks lists, and for a good reason. The platform offers betting markets and odds for dozens of sports leagues in 20+ states. Prop bets are predominantly available for player performances such as total number of points, number of assists, to score at least one goal, to score at least two goals, total bases, and runs scored.
BetRivers is managed by Rush Street Interactive, which provides exclusive rewards as part of its iRush Rewards system. This is in addition to the regular sports promotions available to players in different states. BetRivers bettors can benefit from the site’s professional support department, fair terms of use, and native mobile betting apps for iOS and Android users.
What Makes BetRivers Great for Props Bets?
- Great selection of MLB and NBA props
- ‘Quick pick’ betting markets
- Favorable prop bet odds
- Over 300 NBA daily/weekly betting markets
- Narrow choice of NFL props
- Virtually no props for lesser popular sports, meaning the choice is simpler
Props Bet Strategies by Sport
Like playing poker or blackjack, sports bettors can develop, learn, and practice betting strategies to maximize their investment, i.e., stakes. Some betting methods can be applied to prop bets in any sport; others are more suitable for a particular sport. Below we examine a few.
NFL Props Bet Strategies
NFL props include a variety of side bets related to the player, team, and overall game performance. Making a wise prediction about the occurrence or non-occurrence of an outcome requires preparation and data-driven knowledge.
Fortunately, bettors can easily find blogs, news websites, and other digital places with statistics about one or both teams or players. Delving into the performance of specific domains of individual NFL players will also allow you to make favorable projections about a player’s upcoming performance.
Also, it is wise to be up to date with performance stats related to the players and teams heading into the game. Even small fluctuations can strongly impact whether or not an outcome tied to a prop bet occurs.
NBA Props Bet Strategies
As with NFL prop betting, or any other team sport, NBA prop bet strategies require preparation. Research the available prop betting markets, compare the choice and odds of props on different sportsbooks, and find the one with the best odds.
Once you select your betting line, do your research. It would be rash of you to place a bet for a certain player to complete a number of rebounds or score a given number of points if the player misses the match due to an injury.
Also, check the team’s schedule and see if a player you want to place a prop bet on is tired after a difficult game. You can also compare several player stats to see if the player constantly performs well across multiple metrics. This will help you decide if a prop bet, like, for instance, a player completing a number of points, rebounds, and assists, is probable.
NHL Props Bet Strategies
NHL props mostly revolve around player bets and a particular performance in one or more stats, such as player points, assists, and/or goals. Team props are also available but are mostly narrowed to types like the team to score first, team(s) number of goals, etc.
One universal strategy for more informed prop bets is reviewing prop bet player projections. Some bookies provide in-house projections, while others don’t.
When placing props, (accurate) statistics are essential to placing informed NHL bets. More importantly, checking the right stats is more insightful and time-efficient. So, check stats related to the particular prop bet, related to penalty minutes, goal-scoring bets, number of saves, shots, etc.
MLB Props Bet Strategies
MLB prop betting is not as covered at US online sportsbooks as basketball or football. MLB prop bets center on individual player performances or team performances either during a single game or throughout the season.
Some more common MLB props include predicting the correct number of home runs (HR), runs batted in (RBI), a player to record a hit, a number of strikeouts or earned runs, and so on.
MLB bettors must explore and compare different prop odds to make the most of their stake. Statistical preparation leading up to the game is essential. For example, if a sportsbook offers odds for pitcher Bobby Miller to be over/under a number of strikeouts, the player can research Biller’s average strikeouts per game throughout the season or against a certain team.
NCAAF Props Bet Strategies
College football betting is similar to NFL betting in that sportsbooks combine similar prop bets related to touchdowns, passing/rushing/receiving yards, team to score first/last, player to score a touchdown, number of player receptions, etc.
However, there are notable differences in the game dynamics between the NFL and college football. In college football, the spreads can often reach up to and over 50 points, contrary to the 10-point average spread in the NFL.
NCAAF props are mainly offered for individual players. Examining player and expert predictions and checking consensus picks – how the bulk of punters bet – can give you an idea about how the betting community feels about the occurrence/non-occurrence of specific player/tea outcomes. Moreover, Utilizing effective NCAAF Props Bet Strategies can lead to identifying the best NCAAF betsfor maximum returns.
NCAAB Props Bet Strategies
College basketball prop betting requires analysis of player and team statistics. College basketball props range from first team or player to score, player to record a triple-double, player to sustain the most fouls, half with the most points, etc.
NCAAB and NBA props can overlap, but the two leagues are worlds apart regarding game intensity, defensive play, points scored, and other domains. If you’re new to NCAAB prop betting, it is best to analyze team and player performances in the past few games and season-wide. This will give you much more insight.
How Do You Make a Prop Bet?
Making a prop bet should be a cakewalk, even for the uninitiated player. First, placing a bet at a trusted sportsbook that provides wide coverage of prop bets for your favored sport is important.
Step 1: Register with a trusted sportsbook – let’s take DraftKings.
Step 2: Verify your DraftKings account, and deposit a minimum of $10.
Step 3: Find the best props this week on the sportsbook and see if the site offers exclusive prop bet promotions, such as prop parlays.
Step 4: Then simply select your betting line, set the size of your wager, and confirm your bet.
Step 5: You should see your bet on your bet slip on the side of the screen.
Step 6: Depending on whether it is a team or a player prop bet, you should examine the form of the team/players and double-check the roster.
Step 7: You can also check if the sportsbook offers an odds boost to increase your potential win.
Prop Bets Payouts
Many betting sites automatically calculate your potential payout even before you place your bet to allow you to see how much you stand to win.
Still, it is good to be able to calculate your approximate winnings quickly. US bookies use American odds, meaning the odds value will have either a ‘+’ or a ‘-‘ symbol. The former denotes the underdog, while the latter is the favorite, and the higher the number before the sign, the bigger the underdog/favorite.
For instance, if you bet $150 on a favorite with -150 odds, your payout will be $250, i.e., you will win $100. If you wager $10 on an underdog with +120 odds, your payout will be $25, with a $15 win. You can find prop odds and use an online odds calculator to quickly calculate your payout and potential winnings relevant to your bet size.
US bettors can use various payment methods to fund their accounts prior to placing a prop bet. Below we look at a few methods available at all top US betting sites.
Payment method | Deposit time | Min. deposit | Fees |
---|---|---|---|
Visa | Instant | $10 - $20 | No |
MasterCard | Instant | $10 - $20 | No |
PayPal | Instant | $10 | No |
Apple Pay | Instant | $10 - $20 | No |
VIP Preferred e-check | Instant | $10 | No |
How Do Prop Bets Differ From Futures Bets?
Futures betting is a type of sports betting that involves betting on the outright winner of a league, Cup, race, or tournament months in advance. Futures bets have highly fluid odds, i.e., the odds can change depending on various factors leading up to the event.
Prop bets are, in a way, a form of future betting, though the bets are usually available only a few days in advance, and the odds, while changeable, are not as volatile as those of future betting markets. Prop bets are also considerably more diverse.
Future bets | Prop bets |
---|---|
Have more fluid odds | Diverse betting markets |
Usually apply to league/tournament winners | Less changeable odds |
Odds are available months in advance | Odds are available days, rather than months in advance |
Mainly focus on team bets | Include player and team bets |
Props Bets Responsible Gambling
Reckless betting can often lead to compulsive betting and even gambling addiction. Players must use any available resource to control their betting and depositing habits. In the following sections, we’ll look at a few common resources US bettors will find at the top sportsbooks in the US.
Setting Limits
All sportsbooks allow bettors to set various limits to their activity. The most common options are setting deposits, betting, and session limits. Some sites also allow users to set loss limits.
Taking a Break
Taking a break without self-excluding for long periods of time is just what some need to cool off. Some betting sites allow users to manually set a break, while at others, you must contact a support agent to arrange the details.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion should be practiced in cases where the bettor feels they are spending more than they ought to, more often than they ought to. The self-exclusion period depends on the site’s responsible gaming policy but can range from a few months to up to a year or indefinitely.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Professional assistance is a last resort for those who suffer from compulsive gambling or are on the verge of developing a gambling addiction. The National Council on Problem Gambling and the American Gaming Association are two of the nation’s leading organizations providing professional assistance to problem gamblers.
Organization | Contact Details |
---|---|
National Council on Problem Gambling | 1-800-522-4700 |
American Gaming Association | Contact form |
International Center for Responsible Gaming | 978-338-6610; info@icrg.org |