What Is A Prop Bet? Proposition Bets Explained

As you explore the different types of bets available, you'll quickly come across prop bets, also known as proposition bets.

A prop bet is a wager on a specific event that takes place during a game rather than the final outcome. Instead of betting on which team will win, you might back a player to score a goal, record an assist, make a certain number of tackles, or achieve another individual or team milestone.

Prop bets have become increasingly popular because they allow bettors to focus on particular moments or performances within a sporting event. In fact, many people place prop bets without realising that's what they're called. While the term "prop bet" is widely used in North America, UK bookmakers often list these markets under names such as Player Specials, Team Specials or Bet Builder markets.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly how prop bets work, explore the different types available, and look at why they've become one of the most popular betting markets among sports bettors.

Prop Bets Explained

Unlike traditional wagers that rely on the final score or match winner, prop bets focus on events that happen during the game. These markets can centre on an individual player's performance, a team's statistics, or even novelty events surrounding major sporting occasions.

Although prop bets are primarily associated with sports betting, bookmakers occasionally offer novelty proposition markets for high-profile events. For example, during the Super Bowl, bettors may be able to wager on events such as the opening coin toss or the length of the national anthem.

The two most common categories of prop bets are:

• Player Props – Bets on an individual player's performance, such as goals scored, assists, passing yards, rebounds or shots on target.
• Team Props – Bets on team-related outcomes that don't necessarily determine the match result, such as total goals, first-half scoring, quarter winners or whether both teams will score.

Player Prop Bets

Player Props focus on individuals rather than the teams. They are quite common in sports such as American Football, Basketball and Football. 

Typical Player Prop bets include:

• Football – Player shots on target, player bookings and goal scorers.
• Basketball – Player points scored and number of assists.
  
• American Football – Player touchdowns and player passing yards.
  

These types of bets add a bit of fun to the game for fans and bettors and are also suited to those who follow particular players in sports.

Team Prop Bets

These bets move the focus from the players to the team and don’t relate to the outcome of the event. They offer bettors the chance to engage in a game without having to be concerned about the actual match result.

Example Team Prop Bets can include:

• American Football – Team winners of match quarters.
• Football – Team winners of each half, over/under goals scored and both teams to score.
  
• Basketball – Team to score the most points in the 3rd quarter.
  

Novelty/ Exotic Prop Bets

We did say that player and team Prop bets are the most common types.  However, there are also prop bets sometimes available known as Novelty Props or Exotic Prop bets.

 These bets aren’t usually directly linked to the actual event itself. They can be quite bizarre bets such as who will win the coin toss or what colour shirt the referee is going to be wearing. 

As the name might suggest, these types of bets are more about the fun and entertainment than the actual match.

Placing Prop Bets

On the majority of bookmaker's websites, you’re unlikely to see the term Prop Bet unless you are using American websites. However, they are there in different guises.  Let’s have a look at where you might find them.

Placing Player Prop Bets

Here’s the market for an upcoming UEFA Champions League fixture between AC Milan and Liverpool. Across the top of the fixture, you will see a number of markets you could choose such as Bet Builder, Specials and Player markets.

As we are covering the Player Props bets, let’s use an example of what the Player tab provides us:

You can see three Player markets from the many available.  In this example, there are Goalscorers, Multi Scorers and Goal Method markets showing. Any of these bets are classed as a Prop bet. To place the bet, you just click on the option you want, enter your stake when the bet slip appears and place the bet.

Placing Team Prop Bets

As with the Player Prop bet markets, you will find Team Prop bet options dotted around the betting options within a match.

Using the same fixture between AC Milan and Liverpool, let’s have a look at a small set of markets available for Team Prop bets.

Let’s look at the Specials market. As you can see, this time the options showing only relate to the two teams and not any individuals. Because there is no specific Prop bet section in this match, you will find combinations of all sorts of bets. Some options will involve the result and they don’t typically relate to Prop bets.

Having studied the form of both teams, you have noticed that AC Milan are typically strong in the first half of their matches. Therefore, you might decide to back AC Milan to score in the first half and Liverpool to score in the second half.  This would be a Prop bet.

Bet Builders

Most bookies offer some form of Bet Builders on the main sports events.  If you are planning to place a Prop bet, you definitely want to check the Bet Builder markets as these tend to be rammed full of options to bet on.

Bet Builders will contain a ridiculous amount of betting options for you and will cover most markets including player and team options.

Here’s an example of some of the markets available within a Bet Builder for the AC Milan v Liverpool match:

American Sports Prop Bets

The term Prop Bet is very much associated within the American Sports markets rather than the UK.  This is why you rarely see actual Prop bet markets at UK Bookmakers.

That said, Bet365 don’t like to be outdone so of course they have Prop Bet markets on some of the sports played in the USA.

Here’s a real example of an American Football match between New England Patriots and New York Jets:

As you can see, there is a Props bet option available to bettors.  Once you click on this option you will see the Prop bet options underneath.  In this case it’s showing the Touchdown Scorers option but there are other options including Player Passing Yards and Player Receiving Yards.

Why Place Prop Bets?

These types of bets have become more popular in recent years so what’s the attraction?

Enjoyment

Prop bets provide a nice alternative to the normal betting on a result or outcome. The vast markets available provide bettors with more variety and fun especially if they aren’t bothered about which team or player wins.  Even if the odds suggest one team can’t possibly lose a match, a Prop bet gives you the opportunity to have a bet on things that aren’t a foregone conclusion.

Profit Potential

Whilst these types of bets are sometimes associated with fun and enjoyment, there’s still the potential to make a profit from them.  Sometimes it can be easier to predict something happening within a game rather than the result at the final whistle. With a bit of research and analysis of the markets you’re betting on, there can be good value on offer with Prop bets.

Mass Markets

When you aren’t confident about predicting the match outcome, Prop bets offer great alternatives.  The sheer quantity of bets available is incredible and provides fantastic options for bettors.

Props bets can be pretty straight forward for bettors of all experience levels. Betting on whether a player will score a goal during a match is a lot easier than doing multiple bets such as Accumulators or Heinz Bets.

Strategy Flexibility

Props bets can be used as part of a betting strategy, especially where a bettor has a strong knowledge of specific players or teams. For example, you’ve noticed that a player is in incredible form at the moment so you’re quietly confident they will score or get an assist.  Even if the player's team doesn’t win, you still have a chance at winning the bet.

Prop Bet Pros & Cons

Pros

Engaging: Prop bets can add a bit more enjoyment to watching sports and make the game a bit more exciting.

Profits: Prop bets can provide opportunities to make good profits.  Always do your research and analysis on markets before placing Prop bets.

Simplicity: Suitable for less experienced bettors as they are straight forward to place and easy to understand.

Bet Flexibility: Due to the volume of Prop bets available, there’s opportunities to bet on so many aspects of game markets.

Cons

Odds: All bookmakers build in a house edge when offering odds to bettors. Sometimes the house edge can be a little higher with Prop bets. Therefore, stay alert to odds movements and look for value bets.

Volume of Bets:  Because the Prop bet market has so many options, it can be easy to get carried away and place too many bets.  Be sure to stick to your budget and stay disciplined.

Research: Thorough analysis and research of markets is a must when using Prop bets.  However, this can be very time consuming for bettors.

Unpredictable:  Nobody can guarantee the outcome of an event so try and find bets that are more likely to come off and avoid the riskier options.

Things To Consider With Prop Bets

If you’re keen to try some Prop bets, here’s some things you might want to consider before going ahead:

Research Is Key: As with any bets, it’s a good idea to do research on your betting markets before placing bets to enhance your chances of winning. Check player and team stats, weather conditions, historical data and be aware of any injuries.  A bit of research can provide valuable information.

Start Slowly: Whilst placing Props bets is quite easy, it’s still wise to start with simpler bets and lower stakes whilst you get used to them. Once you are more comfortable with them, you can increase your stakes.

Bankroll Management: As with any type of bets, it’s a good idea to stick to your budget when placing Prop bets. Be aware of how much you’re betting and don’t chase losses.

Find Value: The odds on some Prop bets are more favourable than others. To increase your chances of making a profit, look for good odds that back up your research findings.

Prop Bet FAQs

What is a prop bet in sports betting?

A prop bet (proposition bet) is a wager on a specific event within a game rather than the final result. Examples include betting on a player to score a goal, record an assist or exceed a points total.

Are prop bets the same as player props?

No. Player props are one type of prop bet that focus on an individual athlete's performance. Prop bets also include team props and novelty markets, such as quarter winners, first-half goals or coin toss outcomes.

Can you combine prop bets in one bet slip?

Yes. Most bookmakers allow you to combine multiple prop bets using a Bet Builder or accumulator. While combining selections can increase potential returns, it also makes the bet harder to win because every selection must usually be correct.

Which sports have the best prop betting markets?

American football, basketball, football (soccer), baseball and ice hockey typically offer the widest range of prop bets. Major events such as the Super Bowl, NBA Playoffs, NHL playoffs and UEFA Champions League usually feature the largest selection of player and team props.

Are prop bets available at all bookmakers?

Most online sportsbooks offer prop bets, although they may not always use the term "Prop Bets." In the UK, these markets are often found under Player Specials, Team Specials or Bet Builder sections instead.

Are prop bets good for beginners?

Yes. Many prop bets are straightforward and only require you to predict a single player's or team's performance rather than the overall match result. Starting with simple markets and small stakes can help new bettors become familiar with how they work.

How are prop bet odds calculated?

Bookmakers set prop bet odds using statistical models, historical data, player form, injuries, team news and market activity. Odds can change before the event as new information becomes available or betting patterns shift.

Can you use statistics to find value in prop bets?

Yes. Comparing player averages, recent form, head-to-head records, injuries and expected playing time can help identify occasions where the available odds may underestimate a likely outcome. While no strategy guarantees success, research can improve your decision-making.

Do prop bets have higher margins than standard bets?

They can. Some niche player and novelty props include larger bookmaker margins than traditional match winner markets. Comparing odds across multiple sportsbooks can help you find better value.

What is an example of a prop bet?

A football example would be betting on a striker to score anytime during a match. In basketball, you could back a player to score over 25.5 points, while in American football you might bet on a quarterback to throw over a certain number of passing yards.

Summary

Prop bets can add a new dimension to your betting strategy that provides a bit of fun along the way. Because of the vast betting markets, they can offer both engaging and value bets.

As with any type of bet, Prop bets aren’t guaranteed and carry risks.  With proper research and understanding of the market, you can enhance your chances and potentially increase your profits.

If you fancy a change from the usual straight bets, Prop bets can be a good option. The key thing is to enjoy it and stick to your budget.