Your Top Picks: The Best Prop Betting Sites

A prop bet, short for proposition bet, is a wager on a specific event or outcome within a game that may not directly affect the final result. Props can range from player performance statistics to game events and even novelty bets in some cases.

Prop bets often focus on individual players' performances. For example, NBA player props betting might involve predicting how many points LeBron James will score in a particular game. 

In the NFL it could include bets on a quarterback's passing yards or a running back's rushing yards.

Tony Pollard ran for over 1,000 yards in 2023 while Dak Prescott ranked third in the NFL in passing yardage, making the Cowboys an appealing team for prop betting. Credit: Wikipedia Commons

These types of bets can add an extra layer of excitement to sports betting, allowing bettors to engage with specific aspects of the game beyond the final score. Prop bets can be found for virtually any sport, but they are particularly popular in basketball, football, and baseball.

Placing a prop bet online is a straightforward process that begins with selecting a reputable sportsbook. 

Betting platforms tend to offer a variety of props, especially for major sports events like the Super Bowl or NBA Finals.

Many sportsbooks offer bonus bets or promotions for new users, which can be used to place prop bets like NFL and NBA player props — or even college basketball player props as long as they aren't prohibited in the state a sportsbook is operating in.

After logging in, navigate to the sport and game of your choice. Player props are typically listed separately from traditional bets like moneylines or point spreads. It is important to fully understand player prop betting strategy before placing a wager.

Placing a prop bet is a relatively simple process if you follow the steps below:

1. Choose a reputable online sportsbook like BetRivers.
2. Create an account and verify your identity.
3. Fund your account using one of the available payment methods.
4. Navigate to the sport and game you want to bet on.
5. Look for the prop bets section, which is usually separate from traditional bets.
6. Select the prop bet you want to place.
7. Enter your wager amount.
8. Review your bet slip to ensure accuracy.
9. Confirm your bet.

It's important to note that the availability of certain player props may vary depending on the sportsbook and the specific game or event. 

Some sportsbooks may offer more extensive options than others.

DraftKings is known for its extensive range of player props across multiple sports. Bet365 offers a user-friendly interface and competitive odds on prop bets. BetMGM provides a wide variety of game props and player performance bets.

Caesars Sportsbook is another popular option, offering unique prop bets and competitive odds. PointsBet is known for its "PointsBetting" system, which can be applied to certain player props for potentially higher payouts.

When choosing a prop betting site, consider factors such as the variety of bets offered, odds competitiveness, user interface, and available promotions or bonus bets.

Developing a successful strategy involves thorough research and analysis. Start by focusing on a specific sport or league to build expertise. 

Stay informed about player statistics, team trends, and any factors that might influence individual performances.

Consider the context of the game when placing player props.

Factors such as injuries, recent form, and head-to-head matchups can significantly impact a player's performance on game day. 

For example, an NBA player facing a weak defensive team might have higher odds of exceeding their average points scored or assists total.

It's crucial to manage your bankroll effectively when prop betting. Set a budget for your wagers and avoid chasing losses. 

Diversifying your bets across different types of props can help mitigate risk.

Selecting the best prop bet involves careful consideration of several factors. First, assess the odds offered by different sportsbooks. Line shopping can help you find the best value for your wager.

Analyze recent trends and statistics relevant to the prop bet. 

For instance, if betting on an NFL quarterback's passing touchdowns, look at their performance in recent games, the opposing team's pass defense, and any weather conditions that might affect the game.

Rain and snow are well known for limiting the passing game in the NFL, but it's also well worth paying attention to wind speeds. In recent years there have been multiple games played in cities like Cleveland and Buffalo where wind severely limited the aerial attack.

Consider the correlation between different props in the same game. Some bets may be mutually exclusive or inexorably linked. 

For example, NFL player props like passing yardage and receiving yardage are interconnected, but every rushing yard a running back gains is one that his quarterback can't get through the air.

These can include wagers on points scored, rebounds, assists, three-pointers made, and various combinations of these statistics.

When betting on NBA player props, consider factors such as playing time, matchups, and recent form. For example, a player might have higher odds of exceeding their average points scored if they're facing a team with weak perimeter defense.

Credit: NBA.com

Some popular NBA player props include:

• Over/under on LeBron James' total points
• Number of assists for a team's point guard
• Combined points, rebounds, and assists for a star player

NFL prop bets offer a wide range of options, from individual player performances to team and game events. 

Common NFL prop bets include quarterback passing yards, running back rushing yards, and wide receiver receiving yards.

When placing NFL prop bets, consider factors such as team strategies, weather conditions, and defensive matchups.

One of the most popular bets in the NFL are on Monday Night Football props, which add an element of interactivity to the MNF matchups.

For instance, a team facing a strong run defense might rely more on their passing game, potentially increasing the opportunity to profit off quarterback and wide receiver props.

Popular NFL prop bets include:

• Over/under on passing touchdowns
• Number of rushing yards by a specific player
• Over/under on receiving yards by a specific player
• First player to score in the game
• Anytime touchdown bets

Prop betting extends beyond the NBA and NFL to various other sports. In baseball, common props include pitcher strikeouts, total bases for a batter, and whether a player will hit a home run.

Hockey props might focus on goals scored, saves made by a goalie, or power-play points.

Credit: Wallpapers.com

Soccer prop bets often include wagers on goal scorers, number of corner kicks, or cards shown during a match. Golf props can involve head-to-head matchups between players or performance in specific rounds.

Live prop betting, also known as in-play prop betting, allows bettors to place wagers on prop bets as the game unfolds. This dynamic form of betting adds an extra layer of excitement to the viewing experience and can provide opportunities for those who closely follow the flow of the game.

Many online sportsbooks offer live prop betting options, with odds that update in real time based on the current state of the game.

For example, in an NBA game, you might be able to bet on whether a player will reach a certain point total by the end of the quarter or if a team will make their next three-point attempt. 

Live NBA player props can be potentially lucrative, but they can also lead bettors down a dangerous road if they overreact to what they are seeing in a small subset of a single game.

When engaging in live prop betting, it's crucial to act quickly as odds can change rapidly. This fast-paced environment means that attentive bettors might spot valuable opportunities that arise due to in-game developments.

While many prop bets focus on single-game outcomes, seasonal props offer bettors the chance to wager on longer-term results. These bets often blur the line between traditional prop bets and futures bets, providing an interesting middle ground for bettors.

Examples of seasonal props include:

• Over/under on a player's total points scored in a season
• Number of games a pitcher will win in a baseball season
• Total touchdowns a quarterback will throw in an NFL season

Seasonal props require a different approach compared to single-game props. 

Bettors need to consider factors such as potential injuries, team dynamics, and how a player's role might evolve over the course of a season before placing futures bets.

As sports betting continues to grow in popularity, prop betting options are expanding into new and emerging markets. E-sports, for instance, has seen a significant increase in betting interest, including a wide array of prop bets.

In e-sports, prop bets might include wagers on which team will destroy the first tower in a MOBA game, or how many kills a specific player will accumulate in a first-person shooter match. These types of bets require a deep understanding of the games and players involved.

Other emerging markets for prop bets include sports like cricket, rugby, and table tennis. As these sports gain more attention from bettors, sportsbooks are expanding their prop betting offerings to cater to this growing interest.

When exploring prop bets in emerging markets, it's important to ensure you're using a reputable sportsbook that has experience in these areas. Additionally, take the time to thoroughly research the sport and its nuances before placing any wagers.

To stay informed about prop betting opportunities, follow reputable sports news sources and betting analysis websites. 

Sites like ESPN and CBS Sports provide up-to-date player news and statistics that can be valuable for prop betting.

Social media platforms can also be useful for staying current on prop betting trends. Many professional bettors and analysts share insights and picks on platforms like X.

"Staying informed about player news, injuries, and team strategies is crucial for making informed prop betting decisions."

Consider subscribing to sports betting newsletters or podcasts that focus on prop bets. 

These resources often provide expert analysis and can help you identify potentially valuable wagers.

While prop betting can be an exciting way to engage with sports, it's crucial to approach it responsibly. Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it, regardless of wins or losses. 

Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses with larger bets.

Many online sportsbooks offer responsible gambling tools to help manage your betting activity:

• Deposit limits
• Loss limits
• Wagering limits
• Time limits
• Self-exclusion options
• Reality checks
• Account cool-off periods

Utilize these tools to maintain control over your betting habits. 

If you feel that your gambling is becoming problematic, don't hesitate to seek help. Resources like the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) provide confidential support and guidance.

Remember, prop betting should be viewed as entertainment, not a way to make money. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.