What are prop bets? An overview of Arizona online prop betting.

Can you explain what a Prop Bet is?

At Arizona betting sites, prop bets are wagers on specific events during a sporting event. These bets involve predicting if a team or player will meet a specific statistical target set by oddsmakers. Prop bets are similar to over-under bets, where bettors predict if the actual total will be higher or lower than the set total.

Proposition bets can be linked to individual players or whole teams, but what sets them apart is that they have no direct impact on the game’s outcome, unlike traditional spread bets, moneyline bets, and totals. While there may be combination bets offered by oddsmakers that function as parlays and involve the game’s final result, a standard prop bet typically does not consider the final score.

What is the purpose of prop bets in sports betting?

How often do we see a player put on an impressive individual performance only for their team to still lose? In 2021, the Suns experienced this seven times when Devin Booker scored 30 points, and the Cardinals had a 2-3 record in 2020 when Kyler Murray threw for three touchdowns. Player prop bets in Arizona take away the impact of the team’s overall performance. Game props focus on a team’s performance strictly from a statistical perspective. For example, if you have faith in the Diamondbacks’ offense but are unsure about their pitching, you can bet on the Diamondbacks to score over 5.5 runs, regardless of the final outcome of the game.

Understanding Prop Bet Odds

Prop bets can have odds that range from +150 to -150, especially when they involve over-under bets. However, there are prop bets with a wide variety of odds that can impact potential payouts. For example, a prop bet on Deandre Ayton achieving a double-double may have odds of -250, while a prop bet on Chris Paul achieving a triple-double may have odds of +2000. In baseball, odds for a player hitting a home run typically range from +300 to +900. Kyler Murray’s odds of throwing for one touchdown could be as high as -10000, but his odds of throwing for four touchdowns could be as high as +600.

Just like traditional bets, prop bet payouts are calculated based on the odds established by oddsmakers and the probability of the outcome. Some Arizona sports betting sites provide boosted odds for specific prop bets, giving bettors a chance to take advantage of them.

Types Of Proposition Bets

Prop bets are available in a wide range of sports and cover a diverse array of outcomes, from predicting a player’s performance to guessing the winner of a non-sports event like the Academy Awards. This article will explore the standard format of prop bets in sports to assist bettors in making well-informed decisions when placing their wagers.

Player Props

Player props are the preferred choice for prop bets, diverging from conventional bets that hinge on the game’s final score. Rather, player props focus on an individual player’s statistical output. Oddsmakers usually set a benchmark in a particular statistical category (like points, goals, hits, rushing yards, etc.) and bettors must forecast if the player will exceed or fall below that mark in the game. Other player props could entail forecasting how an individual’s performance will stack up against their rivals (like being the leading scorer or making the initial field goal).

Game Props

Game props are akin to player props in that they are rooted in statistics rather than the final result of the game. The difference lies in the fact that game props revolve around team statistics, whether focusing on one team or a combination of both. These prop bets can range from predicting which team will score first or last, to which basketball team will reach 10 points first, or the total number of touchdowns scored. Game props usually have odds ranging from -110 to +110, requiring bettors to choose between either team or an over-under bet on the specific statistic being wagered on.

NFL Prop Bets

Arizona residents love to participate in NFL betting, especially when it comes to prop bets. These bets often focus on individual player statistics like passing yards, rushing totals, and receiving yards. Predicting the first touchdown scorer or team performance in terms of points scored or sacks achieved are also popular prop bets. While regular season betting is common, the most anticipated form of prop betting in Arizona is during the Super Bowl.

NBA Prop Bets

The increase in scoring in the NBA has caused a boost in interest for prop bets. With a league full of top players and various statistical categories, there are now numerous NBA prop bets to choose from for every game. These bets range from predicting if a player will exceed a specific number of points, rebounds, or assists, to the likelihood of a player achieving a double-double or triple-double, or even which player will make the first field goal. Additionally, team prop bets are popular, including guessing how many 3-pointers a team will make or which team will reach 10 points first.

MLB Prop Bets

Over the past few years, the rise in strikeouts and home runs in baseball has resulted in an increase in exciting prop bets. While MLB betting in Arizona may present challenges due to the unpredictable nature of a lengthy season, there are still valuable opportunities available for those who know where to find them. Popular prop bets include predicting the number of strikeouts by starting pitchers, the likelihood of position players hitting home runs or achieving a certain number of hits, and the total bases accumulated by position players. Team props can involve guessing which team will score first or last, as well as predicting the number of runs scored by individual teams. Prop bets gain even more popularity during the World Series, with oddsmakers offering a wider range of betting options to choose from.

NHL Prop Bets

The emergence of young talent in the NHL has caused a spike in interest in prop bets and hockey betting in Arizona. Popular prop bets include guessing if a player will score a goal, the total points scored, and the number of saves a goalie will make. Head-to-head props are also favored, giving bettors the opportunity to predict which player will outperform another in terms of points or other statistics.

College Football Prop Bets

Arizona college football prop bets are highly sought after, thanks to the exceptional talent, high-scoring offenses, and continuous game action from Saturday through Sunday. A diverse range of prop bets are offered, including predictions on quarterback passing yards, running back rushing yards, wide receiver receiving yards, and the first player to score a touchdown. Furthermore, team-specific prop bets like total points and the first team to score are popular choices for bettors.

College Basketball Prop Bets

Even though more players are opting for professional leagues over college basketball, there is still a special allure to betting on college basketball games and the excitement of March Madness. College basketball places a greater emphasis on teamwork compared to the professional leagues, but individual player bets on points, rebounds, and assists remain popular. Additionally, betting on the player to score the first field goal of the game is a common choice. During March Madness, there are even more player and team prop bets available to elevate the intensity of the tournament.

Super Bowl Prop Bets

On a typical NFL game day, there are plenty of prop bets to consider. However, come Super Bowl Sunday, the stakes are higher and the options for prop bets are even more expansive. With thousands of different betting choices available on game day, ranging from traditional props like passing yards and winning coach to more unconventional props like the length of the National Anthem and the color of Gatorade poured on the winning coach, the possibilities are endless. Additionally, inter-sport prop bets are a common occurrence on Super Bowl Sunday, such as predicting whether the Cardinals’ first downs in the Super Bowl will surpass Devin Booker’s points scored in a Suns game that same weekend. If you can think of it, chances are there’s a prop bet for it on the most highly anticipated sports day of the year.

Exotic Event Prop Bets

Prop bets have evolved beyond typical sports betting, as Arizona sports betting apps now provide opportunities for casino prop bets on a variety of pop culture events involving celebrities, award shows like the Academy Awards, and even TV shows such as The Bachelor. If there is interest, oddsmakers will create markets and odds for bettors to engage in the thrill of these non-traditional betting options.

Payouts on Prop Bets

The potential winnings from prop bets are based on the odds set by oddsmakers. For example, a safe bet like Deandre Ayton scoring 10+ points may have odds as low as -1000, while a riskier bet like Kyler Murray throwing for 500+ yards could have odds as high as +2000. While prop bets typically do not have guaranteed outcomes, the diverse range of odds on different props allows bettors to analyze and place their bets based on their preferences and strategies.

Prop Bet Parlays

Arizona oddsmakers are expanding their offerings to include prop bets in parlays, allowing bettors to combine multiple player or game props for higher potential payouts. However, some online sportsbooks have restrictions and do not allow prop bets to be included in a parlay with a bet on the same game.

Operators are beginning to relax restrictions on the types of bets allowed in a parlay, suggesting that bettors may soon be able to include prop bets in a parlay alongside other selections. Each site’s bet slip will clearly show which prop bets are ineligible for inclusion in a parlay.

Arizona Prop Betting Strategy

Prop bets may seem simple, like guessing whether Kyler Murray will throw for more or less than 305.5 yards. But there is more to them than meets the eye. Strategy is crucial when placing prop bets. By understanding what to look for, staying informed on current trends, and sticking to a consistent approach, you can improve your odds of making a successful bet.

Find the Edge

Oddsmakers take into account the present performance of players and teams when creating odds, but bettors can use historical data to determine who is in good form and which teams are likely to succeed or fail. Analyzing past performances can give bettors an advantage in predicting outcomes and making smart bets on props like the over or under.

Bet with Reason

While it may be tempting to wager on longshot odds such as +900 for overtime or +3000 for Devin Booker achieving a triple-double, it is important for bettors to maintain a realistic approach when making prop bets. Conducting thorough research on past performances is essential in crafting a successful betting strategy. Avoid making impulsive bets on individual games and take into account factors like point spreads and player statistics. For instance, games with a double-digit point spread are unlikely to go into overtime, and Booker has never achieved a triple-double in over 400 career games. Make well-informed decisions when placing bets and concentrate on plays with a higher likelihood of success, rather than chasing improbable outcomes.

Players’ study and usage rates

When creating player and game props, oddsmakers consider factors such as past performance, opponents, and schedules. Betting can be difficult because of the expertise of oddsmakers, but those who do their own research and spot trends have a better chance of success. For example, Kyler Murray may have averaged 293.5 passing yards overall last season, but his average increased to 324.5 against the Rams. Additionally, factors like player injuries or rest can affect game outcomes and prop bets. It is important to have a deep understanding of the player and statistic being bet on to make informed decisions. Thorough research is crucial for making profitable bets in Arizona prop betting.

Avoid depending on props that rely on luck.

Certain Arizona prop bets can be considered ridiculous, like wagering on whether the victor will have an odd or even point total. While this might be logical in football, it’s purely luck-based in an NBA match. It’s crucial to have some rationale or data behind your prop bets, as making blind wagers is akin to playing Roulette. Exercise caution and careful consideration when contemplating prop bets, particularly those centered around arbitrary elements like commercials or halftime performances during the Super Bowl.

Prop Bets vs. Futures

While prop bets and future bets have some similarities, they ultimately differ in their focus. Futures bets are based on end-of-year outcomes like Super Bowl MVP, NBA Finals winner, Cy Young winner, or Rookie of the Year. These bets can involve individual players but are separate from prop bets, which are based on specific events within a single game. Prop bets are linked to the outcome of a single game, while futures bets are not limited to any one game.

Make your first prop bet in Arizona now!

Proposition bets are highly favored in Arizona due to the added excitement they bring compared to traditional bets on game outcomes. These bets focus on specific game or player actions, providing an extra layer of fun for bettors. The wide variety of options and odds boosts offered by oddsmakers for major games further enhances the appeal of prop bets.

Although props may seem straightforward, they actually warrant careful thought and research because of the wide array of choices available. By making well-informed decisions and conducting thorough research, you can confidently invest in props and find value in your bets.

Author

Davis Daniel

Over the last ten years, Joss has written articles on a range of online betting subjects for top gambling magazines. After serving in the Army, he moved into business and then shifted to online poker. His passion for gambling has since grown to include casino games and sports betting. Now, Joss is dedicated to producing helpful content to help Arizona bettors navigate the booming sports betting sector.