If you want to improve your experience when making sports predictions, having a smart prop betting strategy is a great place to start. This option gives you the confidence to stake on more than just the final outcome of a match.
The prop bet allows you to focus on how the action unfolds instead of stressing over who wins or loses. Using this bet type can give you a real edge if you know how it works and do thorough research. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down all you need to know about props betting and how to get started.
A proposition or prop bet is a wager on an outcome not directly tied to the final result of a game. Instead of predicting who wins like in a
moneyline bet, you’re betting on specific events or statistics within the game. Here are some examples of prop bets:
Will Cristiano Ronaldo score over 2.5 goals?
Who will score the first goal in a Premier League match?
Will the coin toss land heads or tails?
Props come in many forms: player props, team props, and even game/event props. You’ll find them in nearly every major sport, especially during high-profile games like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, or World Cup.
Types of Prop Bets
We’ve already established that there are various types of prop bets you’ll find at online bookmakers. we’ll explain some of them below:
Game Props
Everything that happens in a game determines this type of props betting market. The odds can be based on moneylines, totals, or even a yes/no format. Some game props are based on the entire game, while others focus on smaller segments like innings, halves, or quarters. You’ll find a wide variety of game prop types, including
Which team will reach 10 points first?
Will a goal be scored within the first three minutes?
Combined rushing yards by both teams
Team to record the highest number of strikeouts in the game
Team Props
When it comes to team props, the spotlight is squarely on each side’s performance. Here are a few instances of team props:
Will the total number of three-pointers made by the team be over or under a set line?
Can the team outscore their opponent in every quarter?
Will the defense find the end zone with a pick-six or fumble recovery?
Total points scored by the team in the first half
Player Props
Player props are based on how individual athletes perform during a game or event. Some props focus on a single player, while others match players up in head-to-head comparisons. Since this option can be highly detailed and fast-moving, having a Player prop betting strategy is important.
Here are a few examples of common player props across different sports:
Sports types
Common player props
NFL
Odds on which player will score the first touchdown
NBA
Over/under on how many rebounds a player will score
NHL
Over/under on how many goals a player will score in one game
MLB
The total number of strikeouts a starting pitcher will record
Exotic Props
This type of prop covers a wide range of topics outside of traditional sports statistics. You can place bets on events involving celebrities, politicians, and oddball moments in the entertainment industry. Their availability depends on your location and the bookmaker. Here are a few examples of exotic prop bets:
What song will the halftime performer open with at the Super Bowl?
Who will win Best Director at the next Academy Awards?
Will a UFO sighting be confirmed by a government agency this year?
What colour outfit will the bride wear at the next royal wedding?
Understanding Prop Bets in Different Sports and Leagues
Just like with a
spread betting strategy, different sports and leagues offer a wide variety of proposition bets. Let’s check out a few of the most well-known leagues in the United Kingdom.
NFL Props
When it comes to prop betting, the National Football League (NFL) offers vast options. Having a strong NFL game prop betting strategy is key, especially during big events like the Super Bowl, where bookies release thousands of markets. You’ll find markets like player touchdown and totals (over/under) for passing, rushing yards, and receiving.
College Football Props
Unlike in the NFL, college football props are scarce and typically limited to game and team markets rather than player props, especially outside of major games. Still, many bookmakers offer numerous markets for various games, especially during the playoffs.
MLB Props
Major League Baseball is becoming more popular among bettors. While there are more standard betting options for the league’s events, you will also find a few proposition markets. Props here often include hits, strikeouts, and home runs.
NBA Props
Many prop bets in the NBA revolve around the league’s best players because of how star-driven the game is. The most popular props include head-to-head contests and stats combo props, which include total points, rebounds, and assists. When betting on the league, using a top NBA player prop betting strategy can give you a leg up.
Football Props
As one of the most common sports in the world, it is not surprising that there are several proposition options when betting on football. Bookmakers usually offer goal scorer props, shot totals, and cards.
Golf
Prop bets in golf can focus on individual player performances and head-to-head matchups. They also cover tournament-wide props, such as whether there will be a hole-in-one or an over/under on the total strokes by the tournament winner.
Tips for Prop Betting
Similar to when using a
parlay betting strategy, noting some tips can help improve your chances when going for a prop bet. Below are some strategies to note:
🔍 Look at matchups
If you want to find excellent deals in the prop markets, you should look at the strengths and weaknesses of both sides and determine which props contribute to those outcomes. For example, if one team struggles to defend the run, a prop on the opposing running back going over his rushing yards total is a good choice. Determine a team’s strengths and weaknesses so you can use that knowledge to your advantage when betting on props.
🛒 Shop around
When it comes to proposition betting in particular, having access to more than one bookmaker is always a good idea. Prop odds can differ greatly from one platform to the next, in contrast to regular odds such as point spreads and totals, which remain relatively consistent. Look around for the most appropriate props to support your prediction, if you can.
💰 Bankroll management
There are a lot of props on the board, which can make you feel like you need to wager everything. This is especially true during major events like the FIFA World Cup and the Super Bowl. If you bet frequently, set out your bankroll for each bet and don’t go over it. This way, you can easily stretch your bankroll and bet on more games.
🎯 Specialise in a sport or market
Trying to bet props across multiple sports can get overwhelming fast. Instead, narrow your focus. For instance, you can focus on
how to bet on American football
or any other specific sport and improve your prop strategy on the game. If you’re an NBA fan, focus on player points, rebounds, and assists. The more you follow one sport, the better you’ll spot value when it comes to the sport’s events.
📰 Stay ahead of the news
Changes brought about by things like lineup announcements, weather, coaching choices, and injuries can affect props. In leagues like the NFL and NBA, where player availability changes frequently, it would be helpful to set up alerts for dependable reporters. This way, you get essential insights that you can use when placing stakes.
Pros and Cons of Prop Bets
Here’s a summary of the positives and potential downsides of prop bets:
Pros and cons
Wide variety of betting options
Adds extra excitement to games
Can be rewarding with good research
Available across multiple sports and events
Can have higher bookmaker margins
Final Thoughts: Prop Betting Is Worth It
Proposition betting is one of the many exciting aspects of engaging with sports. All you have to do is follow the correct approach by focusing on specific players, moments, and matches, and you can get a significant advantage and place smarter bets.
The number of prop betting markets could be overwhelming. So, take it easy at the beginning, focus on a particular sport, and utilise the prop betting tips we’ve shared in this guide. Once you’ve done your homework, you can choose one of the top betting sites featured on our banners and give this betting option a try.
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FAQs on Prop Betting
The common types are player props, team props, and exotic props. You’ll find these markets in many popular sports events and even entertainment and politics.
No, sporting events like the NFL, NBA, and MLB aren’t the only places you can find prop bets; tennis, soccer, golf, and even non-sporting events like the Oscars offer them.
Yes, especially if you do strong research and find value. You can also improve your chances by concentrating on a sport. For instance, you can focus and improve your NBA prop betting strategy to make the most of the market in the sport.
