Prop bets, or proposition bets, are wagers placed on specific in-game outcomes that aren’t related to the final score. These bets can focus on individual player achievements, team milestones, or particular events during the game. Examples include betting on a quarterback’s passing yards in the NFL, an NBA player’s number of three-pointers made, or whether an MLB player will hit a home run.
Prop bets are especially popular in American sports like the NFL, NBA, and MLB because they add an extra layer of excitement for fans watching the games. Generally, prop bets belong to two categories: player props, which focus on individual stats like passing yards, points scored, or strikeouts; and team props, which center on outcomes like which team scores first or total rushing yards.
These bets are available both before and during games, with odds updated in real-time. Bookmakers often offer creative or unusual props too—super popular are ones during the Super Bowl like the color of the winning team’s Gatorade or whether the coin toss winner will take the game.
The types of prop bets vary by sport, but the premise stays the same: focus on player or team stats beyond just the final score. For example, in the NFL, you might bet on quarterback passing yards or the first touchdown scorer, and these bets are extremely popular during major events like the Super Bowl. College football props have some limitations on individual players in certain states but emphasize team stats. In the NBA, common props include points scored or who scores first. Similar options exist in college basketball, MLB, NHL, soccer, and golf, often peaking in popularity during playoffs or major tournaments.
A typical NFL prop bet might be wagering that Patrick Mahomes throws more than 2.5 touchdowns in a game—if successful, a $100 bet could yield a $150 profit. Similarly, an NBA prop could involve betting on LeBron James grabbing over 7.5 rebounds, with payouts adjusted based on the odds.
Top sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and Bet365 offer extensive prop bet markets, each with its strengths such as deep player stats, parlay options, boosted odds, or live in-game betting.
Fan Take: For baseball fans, prop bets bring a thrilling new dimension to the game by letting fans engage with moments beyond just the final outcome, spotlighting individual performances that might otherwise go unnoticed. This growing trend could deepen fan involvement and introduce fresh excitement to America’s pastime, especially during key moments like the playoffs or World Series.
