Cracking the Code of Prop Bets

There's more to sports betting than simply betting on the moneyline, or who wins the game. A proposition bet, or a prop, is a type of side wager that includes an enticing range of options. From individual player statistics to specific plays to game events and more, prop bets are different from traditional bets that revolve purely around the game's results. The most popular sporting event for prop betting is the Super Bowl, but prop bets can be made on any sporting event. Prop bets are similar to point spreads, where oddsmakers set the betting lines with hopes of seeing equal action on both sides.

• Player Props: Wager on specific statistical achievements - points, rebounds, assists, touchdowns, etc.
• Game Props: Focus on specific occurrences during a game - first team to score, method of first score, etc.
• Team Props: Revolve around team performance - total goals, margin of victory, three-pointers made, etc.
• Novelty Props: Available during big events like the Super Bowl - coin toss winner, Gatorade color, National Anthem length, etc.

Here are common prop bet categories by league:

• NBA: Points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, 3-pointers, double-doubles, triple-doubles
• NFL: Touchdowns, receptions, interceptions, passing/rushing/receiving yards, longest TD
• MLB: Team total runs, player hits/runs/RBIs, individual inning lines, home runs, strikeouts
• NHL: Team totals, shots on goal, goals/assists/points, penalty minutes, goalie saves

Prop bets are permitted in states that allow legal sports betting, but some states have restrictions on college sports. For example, Iowa doesn't allow props on individual college athletes. Colorado doesn't allow prop bets on college games at all. Rhode Island and New Jersey don't allow betting on in-state teams or college games in the state. Virginia doesn't allow any prop betting on college sports.