Sports betting isn’t limited to predicting match winners or final scores anymore. Modern sportsbooks offer a wide range of alternative betting markets, and among the most popular are prop bets—short for proposition bets.
Prop bets add depth, flexibility, and entertainment to wagering by allowing bettors to focus on specific in-game events, individual performances, or unique occurrences that don’t directly determine the final result.
In this guide, we’ll break down what prop bets are, the different types available, and how to bet on them strategically.
What Is a Prop Bet?
A prop bet (proposition bet) is a wager placed on a specific outcome or event within a game that is independent of the final score or winner.
Instead of betting on who wins the match, prop bets allow you to wager on:
Player statistics
Team milestones
Game events
Novel or entertainment-driven outcomes
Because of their variety and creativity, prop bets are especially popular among fantasy sports players, data-driven bettors, and casual fans looking to enhance the viewing experience.
Types of Prop Bets
Prop bets are generally divided into four main categories:
1. Player Props
Player props focus on the performance of an individual athlete. These are among the most widely bet prop markets.
Examples:
Will LeBron James score over/under 30.5 points?
Will Patrick Mahomes throw 3 or more touchdown passes?
Player props are ideal for bettors who closely track player form, matchups, and usage trends.
2. Team Props
Team props relate to collective team performance rather than individual contributions.
Examples:
Will the Dallas Cowboys score first?
Will Team A score over 1.5 goals in the first half?
These markets are particularly useful when analyzing tactical setups or game tempo.
3. Game Props
Game props involve specific events that may occur during the contest.
Examples:
Will the match go into overtime?
Which team will win the opening coin toss?
These bets often appeal to casual bettors due to their simplicity and entertainment value.
4. Novelty or Exotic Props
Mostly offered during high-profile events such as the Super Bowl, novelty props focus on non-traditional outcomes.
Examples:
How long will the national anthem last?
What color will the Gatorade shower be?
While fun, these markets usually carry higher bookmaker margins.
Examples of Prop Bets Across Different Sports
Sport | Example Prop Bet |
NFL | Will Travis Kelce score a touchdown? |
NBA | Will Stephen Curry hit over 5.5 three-pointers? |
Cricket | Will Virat Kohli score a century? |
Soccer | Will Lionel Messi register over 2.5 shots on target? |
MLB | Will a home run be hit in the first inning? |
How Do Prop Bets Work?
Most prop bets are priced using either over/under lines or moneyline odds.
Example:
Will Shohei Ohtani hit a home run?
Yes (+250)
No (-300)
If you stake ₹100 on Yes (+250) and Ohtani hits a home run, you earn ₹250 in profit. If he doesn’t, you lose your stake.
Pros and Cons of Prop Betting
Pros
Highly engaging and entertaining
Ideal for bettors with strong statistical knowledge
Allows betting without predicting the match winner
Perfect for live betting opportunities
Cons
Higher bookmaker margins (vig/juice)
Greater variance due to player dependency
Requires in-depth research for consistent profitability
Tips for Betting on Prop Bets
Research Deeply: Analyze player form, minutes, matchups, and game conditions
Compare Odds: Different sportsbooks often price the same prop differently
Remove Fan Bias: Emotional betting reduces long-term success
Hunt for Value: Mispriced props offer the best edge
Bankroll Discipline: Treat prop bets as part of a structured betting plan
Are Prop Bets Suitable for Beginners?
Yes—player props in particular are beginner-friendly. They are easier to understand, easier to track, and often align well with fantasy sports knowledge.
Beginners should avoid novelty props initially and focus on stat-based markets with predictable data.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Prop betting availability varies by jurisdiction. Some regions restrict:
College sports prop bets
Player-specific markets
Novelty wagers
Always ensure you are betting with a licensed sportsbook and within your local legal framework.
Prop bets add an exciting and strategic dimension to sports betting. Whether you’re wagering on player stats, team milestones, or in-game events, proposition bets allow for greater flexibility and deeper analysis.
While they come with higher risk, disciplined research and value-driven betting can make prop betting both entertaining and profitable when used correctly.
To check about all the other betting related terms, Visit Betting Terms Glossary
