Prop bets cover events inside a game: a player's points, passing yards or strikeouts, the first team to score, or whether there's overtime.
Player props are the most popular. They're usually priced as a total (over or under 27.5 points) or a yes/no bet (to score a touchdown).
Prop markets have lower limits and are priced less precisely than main lines, so they're a popular niche for cappers who specialise.
How it works
Props let you bet on the parts of a game you know best. Instead of picking a winner, you might bet on a quarterback's passing yards, a striker to score or a pitcher's strikeout total.
Most props fall into a few types:
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Player over/under | LeBron over 25.5 points |
| Yes/no | Player to score a touchdown |
| Milestones | Player to record 100+ rushing yards |
| Game props | First team to score, overtime yes/no |
Sportsbooks offer hundreds of props per game, so they can't price every one as carefully as the main moneyline or point spread. That's why some bettors specialise in them, and why limits on props are usually lower.
Props also have their own rules. If a player doesn't play, the bet is usually a void, but the details differ, especially when a player starts and leaves injured. Props are also the most common legs in a same game parlay, where the prices are adjusted because the outcomes are related.
Examples
- Example 1
Player over 24.5 points at -115: a $23 bet wins $20 if he scores 25 or more.
- Example 2
Anytime touchdown scorer at +150: a $20 bet wins $30 if the player scores at any point in the game.
Common questions
What happens to a prop bet if the player doesn't play?
Usually the bet is voided and your stake returned. Rules for players who start and then leave the game vary, so check your sportsbook's terms.
Why do sportsbooks limit prop bets?
Props are harder to price precisely than main lines, so sportsbooks cap how much you can bet to limit their risk.