What is a Prop Bet in Sports Betting?

One of the best things about wagering on sports at the best online bookmakers is how many different types of bets you make. From moneylines and parlays to spreads, futures and props, the possibilities are almost endless!

Today, we’re going to focus on proposition (prop) bets. This betting style lends itself to many different sports, and because prop betting doesn’t have to focus on the final outcome of the game or match, there’s so much variety and fun to be had!

What is a Prop Bet?

A prop bet, short for ‘proposition bet’, is a wager placed on specific outcomes within a sports event that don’t necessarily correlate with the final score or result. 

Unlike traditional bets that focus on the outcome of a game, such as which team will win or the total points scored, prop bets delve into more granular and often more entertaining aspects of the event. 

These bets can cover a wide range of scenarios, from individual player proposition bets to quirky, game-specific occurrences. 

Prop bets are popular because they add an extra layer of excitement to watching sports. For example, you might bet on how many touchdowns a particular player will score, the number of strikeouts a pitcher will throw, or even more unconventional outcomes like the length of the national anthem before the game.

 This variety makes prop bets appealing to both casual and seasoned punters, offering numerous ways to engage with the game

How do prop bet markets work?

Prop bet markets operate by offering odds on various specific outcomes within a sporting event. These odds are set by bookmakers based on statistical analysis, historical data, and other relevant factors. 

Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how prop bet markets work.

Selection of propositions

Bookmakers select a range of possible outcomes to offer as prop bets. These can be related to player performances, team achievements, or even non-sporting aspects like the halftime show in the Super Bowl.

Setting the odds

Once the propositions are chosen, bookmakers set the odds for each outcome. The odds reflect the likelihood of the event occurring and are influenced by factors such as player form, historical performance, and public betting trends.

Placing bets

You can choose from the available prop bets and place your wagers. The odds at the time of the bet determine the potential payout. 

For example, if a sports betting prop is placed on a player scoring the first goal of the game is listed at +500, a $10 bet would yield a $50 profit if the player achieves that outcome.

Market adjustments

As bets are placed, bookmakers may adjust the odds to balance the betting action and manage their risk. If a large number of bets are placed on a particular outcome, the odds may be shortened to reduce the potential payout.

Outcome determination

The result of the prop bet is determined by the specific event occurring or not occurring during the game. Once the outcome is known, winning bets are paid out according to the odds at which they were placed.

Examples of Prop Bets

Prop bets come in a variety of forms and can add excitement to almost any sporting event. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular sports betting props and their related sports.

American football

● How many touchdowns will a specific player score?
● Will the coin toss result be heads or tails?
● Which team will score first?
● The total number of passing yards for a quarterback

Basketball

● How many points will a player score in a game?
● Will a specific player achieve a triple-double?
● Which team will win the tip-off?
● The total number of three-pointers made by a team

Football (soccer)

● Who will be the first player to score a goal?
● Total number of corner kicks in the match. 

● Will there be a penalty kick awarded?
● Number of yellow cards given in the match

What is a +750 prop bet?

A +750 prop bet refers to the odds given on a specific proposition bet. In this case, +750 means that for every $100 you wager, you would win $750 if the bet is successful. The plus sign indicates that this is a positive odds bet, meaning it is an underdog or less likely outcome according to the bookmaker. 

Here’s how it works:
● If you bet $10 on a prop bet with +750 odds and you win, you would make a profit of $75 (plus your original $10 stake back)
● This is calculated as: $10 bet x 7.50 (which is the decimal equivalent of +750) = $75 profit 

In summary, a +750 prop bet offers a high potential payout because it is considered a less likely event. You could be rewarded with substantial returns if their predictions prove correct.