The complete guide for Props Bets / Specials

Prop bets are a popular and unique betting market, allowing punters to wager on a single player or team across goals, cards, shots, and offside calls.

Sports betting has evolved since its inception in the gambling scene. Instead of betting on match winners or the number of goals, punters can now stake bets on their favourite players and teams in the form of prop bets.  This sports prop bets and specials article provides a breakdown of these betting markets. We provide the most popular types of prop bets you can place, how to place them, and common mistakes punters make when placing these bets.

What are Prop Bets?

Proposition bets or special bets, most commonly known as prop bets, allow punters to wager on a specific event to occur in a sports fixture. Unlike traditional bets, which are placed on the outcome of a match, prop bets allow punters to wager on niche events such as fouls and offsides. 

How Prop Bets Work

Betting specials, or props, are a two-way market where you generally bet on whether an event will occur. For example, placing a bet on whether Kylian Mbappe will score a goal anytime. Most prop bets can only occur during regulation time, and any events happening during extra time or penalties do not count, unless specified.

Common Football Prop Bets

The most common prop bets taken are on football, with the most common prop markets including:

Anytime Goalscorer

Staking a wager on whether a player will score a goal during regulation time. Mostly taken on star forwards or set-piece takers.

First Goalscorer

Wager on the first goalscorer of a game – generally placed on star forwards for the stronger team.

Player Shots and Shots on Target

A popular prop bet on the total number of shots a player will take, either forcing a save from the keeper (shot on target) or in general (on target, off target or blocked).

Player Cards

A bet on whether a specific player will get booked during regulation time. This bet is best taken on ‘dirty’ players or players who like to remove their shirt during goal celebrations.

Player Assists

A prop betting market for players who directly set up a goal during the match. This bet is best placed on set-piece takers or playmakers.

Team Corners and Cards

A team prop bet on the total number of corner kicks or cards in a match for a specific team – generally an over/under bet.

How to Place a Prop Bet

To place a prop bet, simply browse your bookie’s special bets section in their sportsbook and select your bets. Depending on your bookie, you can either place prop bets as a single or as an accumulator. Thereafter, select your bet slip and the type of bet and enter your stake to place your bet.

How Prop Bet Odds Work

The odds on betting props work the same as any traditional bet, and indicate your potential payout and the likelihood of a specific event occurring. Going back to our example, if Mbappe is placed at 1.75 to score anytime, and you stake R100 on a single. You can expect to win R175 (R75 profit) if he scores during the match. 

Prop Bets in Different Sports

Prop bets are a popular betting market in Mzansi, and you can find a market in almost every popular sporting code at most betting sites. Popular sports include football, rugby, cricket, boxing, MMA, NBA and the NFL.

Prop Bets vs Bet Builder

While player prop bets can be taken as a single bet, bet builders combine multiple prop bets into a single betslip. There are alternate lines in bet builders with higher payouts, but you have more control with prop bets.

Common Prop Betting Mistakes

Common mistakes to avoid when wagering on props:

• Understand what the prop bet means and its settlement rules before wagering.
• Chasing long shots (high odds) in bet builders increases risk.
• Only looking at stats and ignoring match context and starting lineups.
• Betting on rotated players or injury-prone/injured players.
• Forgetting to shop for the best prop line and odds.

Important Prop Bet Settlement Rules

The settlement rules for prop bets work the same as traditional bets. If the event of the prop bet occurs, your bet is settled as a winner. If your player gets injured or does not complete the event, your bet is settled as a loss. If you take a prop bet in a bet builder or an acca and the player does not play, the bet is voided, and the odds are recalculated.

Summary

Prop bets are a unique and fun way to stake and watch a sporting event, as you are following a specific player or team rather than the whole match. With the rise in popularity, more bookies are adding prop markets and bonuses, making props a lucrative betting market.

Prop Bets / Specials FAQs

Here are the most common questions punters have when taking prop bets:

Q: What is a Prop bet in sports betting?

A: A prop bet is a unique bet where you stake on whether a specific event will occur, instead of the final outcome of the match.

Q: What is the difference between a prop bet and a special?

A: Prop bets and special bets are the same thing and can be used interchangeably.

Q: What happens to a player prop bet if the player does not play?

A: If a player does not play, your prop bet will be voided.

Q: Can prop bets be added to an Accumulator?

A: Yes, prop bets can be added to multiples, either in the form of a bet builder or an acca.

Vinolin Naidoo

Writer/Betting Tipster

I have been in the iGaming industry for a decade and am an avid sports bettor and fan. I have expanded my betting knowledge to create articles on the iGaming industry focusing on online casino content and sports betting analysis for several regions, including South Africa. I cover various sports, including Soccer, Cricket and Horse Racing. All my predictions, tips and insights are thoroughly researched and I aim to help fellow punters in beating the bookies!