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Prop Bet
sports bettingA bet on a specific occurrence within a game that doesn't directly relate to the final outcome, such as player stats or game events.
Key Takeaways
- 1Props are bets on specific events within a game
- 2Player props and game props are the most common
- 3Props often have softer lines than sides and totals
- 4Building your own models is key to finding prop value
What is a Prop Bet?
Proposition bets (props) are wagers on specific events within a game that don't necessarily relate to the final score or outcome. They've become one of the fastest-growing segments of sports betting.
Types of Props
Player Props:
- Patrick Mahomes over/under 275.5 passing yards
- LeBron James over/under 27.5 points
- Aaron Judge over/under 1.5 hits
Game Props:
- First team to score
- Will there be overtime?
- Total touchdowns in the first half
Novelty Props (Super Bowl):
- Length of the national anthem
- Color of Gatorade shower
- Coin toss result
Finding Value in Props
Props often have softer lines than sides and totals because:
- Sportsbooks spend less time pricing them
- Lower betting limits mean less sharp action
- More props = more opportunities for inefficiency
Building Your Own Models
Serious prop bettors build statistical models to project player performances. Compare your projections to the sportsbook's lines to find value.