A prop bet, short for proposition bet, is a bet on something other than the final result: how many points a player scores, whether a quarterback throws for more than 250 yards, which team scores first. Props are popular because they let you bet on the parts of a game you follow most closely. They are also among the most expensive bets a sportsbook offers, which is why the price matters even more than usual.
Types of props
- Player props: a player’s statistics, such as points, rebounds, passing yards, strikeouts or shots on goal. Usually offered as an over/under on a number.
- Team props: a team’s total points, first team to score, or whether a team scores in a certain quarter or period.
- Game props: whether the game goes to overtime, the winning margin, or other events in the game.
- Specials and novelty props: awards, records and one-off events, often with large margins.
How player props work
Most player props are an over/under. If a player’s points line is 24.5 at −115 on both sides, you bet whether he scores 25 or more, or 24 or fewer, risking $115 to win $100 either way. Some books also offer milestone props (“25+ points”) at a single price.
Props depend on minutes and opportunity as much as skill. A player’s line moves with expected playing time, the opponent, the game’s likely pace and who else is available. In the NBA, one star’s absence can change several teammates’ props at once; our guide to NBA player props and injury status explains how.
Why props cost more
Sportsbooks typically price main-market spreads and totals at around −110 on both sides, a margin of about 4.5%. Props often carry wider margins, such as −115/−115 or worse, and milestone and novelty props more still. The vig guide shows how to measure it: convert both sides to implied probability and see how far above 100% they add up.
Props also usually have lower betting limits, because they are harder for sportsbooks to price. In exchange, prices differ more between books, so comparing them is especially worthwhile. Our guide to line shopping explains why.
What to check before betting a prop
- Playing time. Minutes limits, rotation changes and blowout risk can sink an over. See our guide to NBA lineups and rotations.
- Availability news. Is the player, and are his key teammates, confirmed to play?
- The matchup. Opposing defense and pace affect opportunity. See our guide to matchup analysis.
- The rules. What happens if the player does not play, or leaves early? Rules differ between sportsbooks.
- The price at several books. Both the line and the price can differ.
Prop parlays and same-game parlays
Combining props into parlays, especially same-game parlays, multiplies the margin of every leg. Same-game parlays are also priced with correlations the sportsbook controls, which usually works in the book’s favor. They can be fun, but they are among the most expensive ways to bet.
Common mistakes
- Betting on a favorite player rather than a mispriced number.
- Ignoring minutes and game script. A great player who sits the fourth quarter of a blowout will miss his over.
- Overlooking the margin. A prop at −125/−105 is not the same as one at −110/−110.
- Stacking props into big parlays.
Betting responsibly
Props are high-variance, high-margin bets, and most bettors lose money over time. Keep stakes small (our guide to bankroll management shows how) and treat betting as entertainment. If gambling stops being fun, help is available: in the United States, the National Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24/7 by calling or texting 1-800-MY-RESET.
Key takeaways
- Props are bets on specific events or statistics rather than the final result.
- Player props depend on minutes, opportunity, matchup and teammates’ availability.
- Props usually carry wider margins and lower limits than main markets, and prices vary more between books.
- Check playing time, news, matchup, rules and prices before betting.
- Prop parlays multiply the margin; keep them small.
Frequently asked questions
What is a prop bet?
A bet on a specific event or statistic in a game, such as a player’s points, rather than on who wins.
What happens to a player prop if the player does not play?
At most sportsbooks the bet is voided, but rules differ. Check the book’s rules before betting.
Are props a good bet?
They usually carry higher margins than main markets, so they need a clearly better price to be worth it.