Prop bets could be considered the lighter side of the sports betting market and traditionally enjoyed by those less well-versed in the world of sports betting. However, this corner of the industry continues to enjoy a great deal of interest, especially when it comes to showpiece events.
So, what is a prop bet? A prop bet, or ‘Proposition Bet,’ is usually considered something of a novelty bet and relates to a single incident or event within a match, or indeed can even relate to something outside the confines of the game itself.
An example of a very popular sports prop bet would be betting on how many ads will be shown during the half-time break in the Super Bowl. Yes, this is a real market and one that is enjoyed by thousands and you can find additional information on this if you read more here.
Prop bets may be the type of bet that sports betting novices take advantage of, but that doesn’t mean you should enter into this type of gamble without considering the options available.
A prop bet is a good way to add value to a game you may be watching; for instance, you could lay a prop bet on how many yards Patrick Mahomes will throw during a game, and that’s the kind of bet that will retain your interest for the whole match.
In that way, a prop bet can enhance your interest in a game without it being too taxing or complicated.
What are the Best Sports to Make Prop Bets In?
The best sports to make a prop bet are those that involve events that happen regularly, such as basketball. That way, a bet, such as how many rebounds will Giannis Antetokounmpo collect, will be an ongoing affair that builds throughout the game.
In soccer, there are countless similar opportunities, such as the number of corners a team will accrue of the total of yellow cards shown.
For massive events, such as the Super Bowl, prop bets are a great way to make the entire day an event. You can place bets that relate to the coin toss, to the half-time show to the minute and second of the last score. The number of prop bet types increases every season, and it’s a trend that continues to grow.
Are Prop Bets Good for Sports Betting Newbies?
Well, yes, and no. Prop bets can lure in those who are not experienced sports bettors, but you will obviously increase your chances if you are knowledgeable on the sport or event you are backing.
Sometimes a prop bet can be enticing even to those who are clueless as to what they are backing. The very nature of the act of a prop bet is something of a shot in the dark.
More common forms of sports betting, such as backing the Moneyline or a Point Spread, are implicitly more about the form book and require a deeper understanding of the machinations of sports betting as a whole.
Think of it this way. If sports betting in its purest form is a prime-cut steak, then a prop bet is a fast-food burger.