Prop bets allow you to wager on specific in-game events or player stats rather than just the final outcome, and are a huge draw because they offer a wide array of unique and exciting betting opportunities.
A prop bet, short for a "proposition bet," is a type of wager that doesn't directly involve the final outcome of a game or match.
Instead, it focuses on specific occurrences or statistics within the event. These bets can range from player performance statistics to specific in-game events, offering a wealth of unique betting opportunities beyond simply picking the winner or the score.
How Does a Prop Bet Work?
Prop bets allow bettors to wager on a multitude of specific events happening during a sporting contest, such as individual player achievements or team statistics. The odds for prop bets are set by sportsbooks based on statistical probabilities and relevant factors, and can shift as game-time approaches due to team news, injuries, or tactical changes.
How to Read Prop Bet Odds
Understanding the odds for prop bets is crucial, and they are typically presented in the American odds format, which is standard for U.S. sportsbooks. With American odds, a minus sign (-) indicates the favorite for a particular proposition, showing how much you need to wager to win a $100 profit.
For example, odds of -150 for a player to score over 25.5 points mean you'd need to bet $150 to win $100 profit. Conversely, a plus sign (+) indicates the underdog, showing the profit you'd receive for every $100 wagered. Odds of +120 for the same player to score under 25.5 points would mean a $100 bet returns $120 profit.
Example of a Prop Bet
Here's a typical prop bet example you might see for an American football game, focusing on player performance:
Player | Prop Bet Market | Odds |
Patrick Mahomes | First Touchdown Scorer | +600 |
Patrick Mahomes | Anytime Touchdown Scorer | +180 |
Travis Kelce | First Touchdown Scorer | +250 |
Travis Kelce | Anytime Touchdown Scorer | -150 |
In this example, we're looking at bets on who will score the first touchdown or score a touchdown at any point during the game.
Travis Kelce, the tight end, is considered a favorite to score the first touchdown of the game (+250 means a $100 bet wins $250 profit) and also the favorite to score anytime during the game (-150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100 profit). Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback, is considered a less likely to be the first touchdown scorer, offering higher odds for that market, but still a strong contender to score anytime (+180 means a $100 bet returns $180 profit).
How to Place a Prop Bet on bet365
Prop bets offer a dynamic and engaging way to get involved with sports betting, and bet365 provides a user-friendly platform to place them. Follow these steps to explore and place your prop wagers:
Log in to your bet365 account. If you're new to bet365, you'll need to complete the registration process.
Once on bet365, navigate to the sport or league page that you want to place a bet on, and select the matchup.
Choose the person that you want to bet on, and click on the section labeled "props." Sometimes there will not be a "props" section, but there will be certain prop markets such as "touchdown scorers" or Goal Scorers."
Identify the props and odds, and select the prop that you would like to place a wager on.
Enter the amount of money that you wish to wager on the outcome. bet365 will automatically calculate the payout, and show it to you before the bet is placed.
Confirm your bet, but make sure to review your selection so you don't select the wrong prop or bet by accident.
Carefully check your selected prop bet, the stake, and the potential returns displayed on the bet slip. If everything is in order, click "Place Bet" to confirm your wager.
When do you Know if Your Prop Bet Wins or Loses?
The settlement of a prop bet depends entirely on the specific proposition you have wagered on. For player statistics-based props, such as total points, assists, rebounds, yards, or touchdowns, your bet will typically settle after the game has concluded. The outcome is determined by the official statistics provided by the sport's governing body or an authorised statistics provider.
For example, if you bet on a basketball player to score over 25.5 points and they finish the game with 28 points, your bet wins.
Other prop bets, like "first team to score" or "will there be a penalty in the first 10 minutes," will settle as soon as the specified event occurs during the game. It's crucial to understand the specific rules for each prop market, as bet365 provides detailed information on how each bet type is settled.
For instance, if a player you bet on for a prop bet does not participate in the game, the bet is usually voided and your stake returned, unless the market rules state otherwise (e.g., "action" vs. "no action" bets). Always refer to the bet365 rules for the specific sport and market to avoid any confusion regarding settlement.
Pros and Cons of Prop Bets
Prop bets offer a unique flavour to sports wagering, providing both exciting advantages and potential drawbacks for bettors.
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Prop Betting Strategies
Use these strategies to become a better, more responsible prop bettor.
Monitor Injury Reports & Lineup Changes
This is arguably the most critical tip for player prop betting. The absence or limited availability of a key player can drastically alter the roles and opportunities for their teammates. If a team's primary scorer is out, their backup might see a significant increase in usage, making their props more attractive. Always check reliable injury news sources right up until game time, as odds can move rapidly when significant lineup news breaks, sometimes creating betting opportunities before the market fully adjusts.
Focus on Players Who are Important to the Team's Success
When placing prop bets, it's often beneficial to focus your attention on players who are demonstrably vital to their team's success. These key individuals, often the star athletes or primary playmakers, are typically involved in a high volume of game action.
Know Your Spending Limits
Prop bets, with their wide array of options, can sometimes tempt bettors into placing more wagers than intended, especially if chasing potential wins or trying to recoup losses. By setting clear spending limits beforehand, you ensure that your betting remains a form of entertainment and does not negatively impact your finances, allowing you to make more rational and strategic decisions rather than impulsive ones.
Props Bets vs. Other Bet Types
Prop bets differ from traditional wagers by focusing on specific occurrences or statistics within a game, rather than the final outcome.
A moneyline bet, in contrast, is a straightforward wager on which team or individual will win the event outright. Over/under bets, meanwhile, focus on the total combined score of both participants, asking whether the final score will be higher or lower than a predetermined line set by the sportsbook.
Terms Glossary for Prop Bets
Player Prop: A prop bet that centres on the statistical performance of an individual athlete. Examples include a basketball player scoring a certain number of points, a quarterback throwing for a specific yardage total, or a baseball player hitting a home run.
Game Prop: A prop bet that relates to events or statistics concerning the game as a whole, rather than individual players. This could include bets on which team will score first, whether a specific number of touchdowns will be scored in the first quarter, or the outcome of a coin toss.
Over/Under (for Props): Many prop bets are structured as an "Over/Under" market. The sportsbook sets a statistical line (e.g., 25.5 points for a basketball player), and bettors wager on whether the player's actual performance will be over or under that line.
"Action" vs. "No Action": This is particularly important for player props. "Action" means the bet stands even if the player doesn't participate in the game. "No Action" means the bet is voided and your stake is returned if the player does not play. Understanding this rule is crucial for player-specific wagers.
Always Gamble Responsibly with Prop Bets
For more on responsible gambling, bet365 has a dedicated resource page that can be found at https://responsiblegaming.nj.bet365.com/us.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MI/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Prop Betting FAQs
Below, we've highlighted some common questions and answers about prop betting.
1. What does -110 mean?
The typical price associated with an even prop. A $110 bet would win $100.
2. Does bet365 have Injury protection for prop bets?
Yes, check out bet365's rules for injury protection on the major sports. Does bet365 Have Injury Protection?
3. Why do lines move?
Props can change based on heavy betting action on one side, recent news such as an injury, and adjustments by sportsbooks to balance their risk.
4. What type of prop bets are offered on bet365?
bet365 offers a wide variety of prop bets across numerous sports. These can include player-specific statistics like points, rebounds, assists, goals, touchdowns, or yards, as well as game-specific events such as the first team to score, the total number of successful field goals, or even novelty bets related to major events like the Super Bowl or World Cup.
Additional Betting Guides
To learn more about other bet types and sports, take a look at our guides below:
