Game Props Explained: Complete Beginner Guide (2025)

Game props are proposition bets on events or outcomes within a game that do not directly tie to individual player performance or the final score. They focus on game-level milestones, team stats, or specific events that happen during the game. This guide explains what game props are, how they differ from player props and team props, and common examples across major US sports.

By the end, you should have a clear understanding of game props and be ready to explore betting them responsibly. Sports betting is for adults 21+ only in legal US states.

What Are Game Props?

A game prop is a bet on a specific event or outcome within a game that does not focus on individual player stats or which team wins. Instead, you are betting on things like:

• Will the game go to overtime?
• What will the winning margin be?
• Which team scores first?
• Longest touchdown or field goal distance

Game props create more betting markets per game and add variety beyond traditional spreads and totals.

How Game Props Differ From Player Props and Team Props

Player props:

• Focus on individual player performance (yards, points, strikeouts)
• Example: Patrick Mahomes over 275.5 passing yards

Team props:

• Focus on team-level stats (total team points, first team to score)
• Example: Kansas City Chiefs total points over 27.5

Game props:

• Focus on game-level events or outcomes (overtime, winning margin, specific events)
• Example: Will the game go to overtime? Yes +400 / No -600

Common Types of Game Props by Sport

NFL Game Props

• Will the game go to overtime?
• Winning margin (1-6 points, 7-12 points, 13+ points)
• Longest touchdown distance (over/under yards)
• Longest field goal made (over/under yards)
• Total points scored in first quarter
• First scoring play (touchdown, field goal, safety)

NBA Game Props

• Will the game go to overtime?
• Winning margin (1-5 points, 6-10 points, 11+ points)
• Total points in first quarter
• Race to X points (first team to reach 20, 40, etc.)
• Largest lead of the game (over/under points)

MLB Game Props

• Will there be a run in the first inning? (YRFI/NRFI)
• Total runs in first inning
• Winning margin (1 run, 2-3 runs, 4+ runs)
• Extra innings? Yes/No
• Total hits by both teams

Other Sports

Game props are also available in NHL, soccer, golf, tennis, and other sports. The types vary by sport and scoring dynamics.

How Game Props Are Priced

Sportsbooks price game props by:

1. Analyzing historical data and trends for the specific event
2. Estimating the probability of the event occurring
3. Converting to odds and adding vig

Because game props are often lower volume than player props or main markets, vig can be higher.

Why Bettors Like Game Props

Game props appeal to bettors who:

• Want more variety than traditional spreads and totals
• Enjoy betting on novelty markets and specific events
• Like to build same game parlays with different types of props

Are Game Props Profitable?

Like all prop bets, game props can be profitable for disciplined bettors with good research, but they often carry higher vig and are less liquid than main markets.

Success requires:

• Understanding the specific event and historical trends
• Line shopping for the best odds
• Bankroll management with small stakes

For detailed prop betting strategy, see our Prop Betting Strategy Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a game prop?

A game prop is a bet on a specific event or outcome within a game, such as whether the game goes to overtime, the winning margin, or which team scores first.

How do game props differ from player props?

Player props focus on individual player stats, while game props focus on game-level events like overtime, scoring milestones, or team stats.

Are game props legal?

Game props are legal in states where online sports betting is licensed and regulated. Availability varies by sportsbook and state.

Can I combine game props with player props in a same game parlay?

Yes, most sportsbooks allow you to combine game props, player props, and main markets in same game parlays.

Why are game props popular?

Game props add variety, create more betting markets per game, and let bettors focus on specific events rather than just the final score.

Should beginners bet game props?

Beginners can bet game props, but should start small, understand the specific event, and track results to identify what works.