Prop Bets

by Betrics Co. Author Mike Noblin

If you are new to the sports betting scene, you may only know about the basic wagering options like point spreads and totals discussed in a previous post. While point spreads and totals remain the most popular choices for sports investors, there is a different and somewhat new market called Props. This article will explore the wild world of Prop Betting and how a new gambler can implement props into their betting arsenal.

What in the heck is a Prop? I thought that was only for movies….

Prop, in the gambling world, is short for Proposition. A prop is a bet made on something happening (or not happening) in a particular game. Props usually have nothing to do with the final score of the game. Props are often looked at as the “games within the game," so to speak.

For example, Super Bowl 55 is coming up soon. Instead of wagering on whether the Chiefs or Bucs will cover the point spread, you could explore the Prop market instead. You could bet on whether Tom Brady will have at least 302 yards passing or whether Tyreek Hill will catch a touchdown pass or not. The prop possibilities are almost endless (especially when it comes to the Super Bowl)!

Here a Prop, There a Prop, Everywhere a Prop Prop (LOL)

Here are a few examples of the different types of Prop bets available in many different sports.

Futures Bets

Futures wagers have probably been around the longest. At the beginning of each sport’s season, a gambler can wager on who will win The MVP Award or who will win the divisional title.

Team Totals

Whether it is "points," "runs," or "goals," a bettor can wager on the total for a particular team. For example, let’s say the Lakers are playing the Mavericks in the NBA. You are interested in betting the total to go Over but are a tad bit worried that the Mavs may not score enough. Instead of betting on the game total, you could wager on the Lakers to go Over their Team Total.

First Props

This prop has caught on especially well in the NFL for Monday Night Football. A bettor can wager who will score the first touchdown or whether the game's first play will be a run or a pass.

Performance Props

This is where a wager is made on a team or player’s performance. Our Tom Brady passing yards example from above would apply to this category.

Q. Are Props beatable?

A. Yes! Props are absolutely beatable! Prop betting should be added to any sophisticated bettor’s portfolio. Think about it!

Most sportsbooks put a lower limit on Prop betting than on their “regular” lines of spreads and totals. The books do this because they know they are more vulnerable to wise-guy action on Props! If you are a numbers wizard who relies on different mathematical simulations to help make your wagers, props can be especially beneficial.