Getting ready to unwind and watch the game, it’s common to have a hunch about how things will play out. You might be confident that Anthony Rizzo will hit a home run for the Cubs, or that the Chicago Bears will have a strong rushing game on Sunday.

With sports betting now legal in Illinois, you can finally back up your predictions with some cash.

Proposition betting is a growing sector within the sports betting industry where you can wager on specific events that might happen during a game.

There are numerous opportunities for exploration in every contest mentioned, and making smart choices can lead to significant returns. In this article, we will thoroughly examine all aspects of prop betting in Illinois.

What is prop betting?

Prop bets provide additional betting options for individual games and events, as well as season-long props in the futures market. Many of these prop bets center around statistical accomplishments.

Prop bets bring a fantasy sports element to traditional sports betting, focusing on individual performances rather than just the outcome of the game.

Various operators may have different prop options available. All legal and regulated sports betting operators in Illinois offer a wide range of prop bets for each game. You can compare the prop bet choices offered at sportsbooks such as Caesars and FanDuel.

What are the different types of prop bets?

Prop bets are generally classified into four main categories. In this article, we will explore each category in detail and give an example for each.

Player props

A player prop is focused on a specific statistical accomplishment or performance metric, typically resembling a totals bet where you choose whether the outcome will be above or below a certain threshold.

How many strikeouts will Yu Darvish have?
Over/Under 7.5

Team props

The collective props will include a club’s performance during a match, as well as possible specific scenarios. For example, in an NFL game, you may come across the following:

In the game between the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams, which team will have more rushing yards?

Game props

A prop bet in a game will depend on the outcome of the game as a whole or a specific event that may take place during the game. For instance, take the following example for an NHL game:

Will overtime be needed to decide the game?
Yes or No

Season-long props

These bets will be centered around accomplishments over the course of a full season. For example, a proposition bet for the entire season may entail forecasting a player’s performance in the upcoming season.

How many sacks will Khalil Mack have this year?
Over/under 11.5

Legal and regulated sportsbooks in Illinois offer a wide range of choices in each of the four categories. It is important to compare the offerings in order to find the best prices and types of bets available.

How do I place a prop bet?

It is simple to place a prop bet using an Illinois sportsbook app or website. Start by selecting the prop bet you are interested in making. You can either browse through the game listing or click on the “More Wagers” link to view all available options for each game on the sportsbook.

Frequently, you will see dropdown menus with various prop categories. For example, a prop bet for an NBA game may include options for player scoring.

Who will have more points in the game?
Zach LaVine (+105)
Jimmy Butler (-115)

After choosing your bet, click on the box with the odds to add it to your betting slip. Enter the amount you wish to wager and review all the information. To confirm your bet, press the submit button.

Prop betting odds explained

With the wide variety of prop bets available, it is natural for odds to change. You may encounter prop bets with a limited selection of options, as well as those with a wide range of choices to consider.

A prop bet with only two options will have odds listed for each possible outcome. For example, a prop bet for an NFL player may look like this:

How many yards will Nick Foles throw for?
Over 249.5 (-125)
Under 249.5 (+115)

Some props will require considering multiple options and will factor in the odds, such as a typical wager on NHL games.

Which player will score the game’s first goal?
Patrick Kane +125
Connor McDavid +125
Leon Draisaitl +140
Dominick Kubalik +165

You may also observe the odds listed with specific numbers for many elite players, along with a final choice labeled as “any other player.” The list goes on.

The odds listing for two or three choices will look like a moneyline bet, while a prop bet with many options will be more akin to the futures market, with odds listed in descending order.

Which Illinois sportsbooks offer the best prop bet odds?

No matter the type of bet you plan to make, it’s important to remember that odds can differ between different sportsbooks. For example, PointsBet might have odds of -125 for a moneyline favorite, while FanDuel could offer -120 for the same team.

The story remains the same for prop betting. The odds you see at BetRivers might not match those at Caesars, and the options for specific props can differ as well. While most operators will have similar prop bets for popular sports, there will inevitably be some discrepancies.

Comparison shopping is essential because it allows you to explore different prices and services offered by various providers. By doing so, you may uncover unexpected treasures that cater to your preferences.

How do books calculate prop bet payouts?

Prop bets often have favorable odds, like +120, which means that for every $100 bet, there is a potential win of $120.

When you add a proposition bet to your betting slip and enter the amount you wish to bet, the sportsbook will display the potential return. While this process is quick and easy, make sure to double-check your selections before finalizing any bets.

Certain digital handicapping calculators allow you to input the bet amount and odds to determine your potential return. If you prefer to calculate it manually, follow the formulas provided below:

For Negative Odds: Wager amount/(odds/-100) = potential profit

For Positive Odds: Wager amount*(odds/100) = potential profit

Online prop betting rules in Illinois

Prop bets are generally consistent among various online and mobile operators in Illinois, but there may be slight variations between different sportsbooks. Here are the important details to understand about prop bets:

• According to the book, player prop bets are considered active bets only after the game has started and the player is ready to participate. If the player is declared unfit to play before the game commences, the sportsbook will void the bet and return the amount wagered.
• Prop bets are resolved based on official league data, scores, and outcomes.
• If a game is delayed, postponed, or canceled but is completed within a reasonable time frame, the prop bet will still be active. However, if the game is not completed in a timely manner, the prop bet will be voided.

The fundamental rules are provided above, but various scenarios may arise. To learn how these situations are addressed in the games you participate in, be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions.

Examples of sports prop bets

As you gain more experience in prop betting, you will begin to feel more at ease with it. To speed up this learning process, let’s take a look at some examples from different sports.

NFL prop bets

From busy NFL Sundays to standalone primetime games, NFL betting sites offer a wide range of prop betting options for each match.

Every year, a variety of popular Super Bowl prop bets will be offered, including performance goals for key players in the NFL.

How many total receptions will Allen Robinson have?
Over 6.5 (-115)
Under 6.5 (+105)

For this bet, you simply have to predict the number of passes Robinson will catch during the game. Selecting the over bet with odds of -115 means you win if he catches seven or more passes. On the other hand, choosing the under bet with odds of +105 means you’re betting on him catching six or fewer receptions in the game.

NBA prop bets

Prop betting is closely linked to high-scoring NBA games, offering numerous opportunities for bettors in every basketball matchup, whether it be during the regular season or playoffs.

Who will have more points plus assists in the game?
Kawhi Leonard (-112)
LeBron James (-108)

To participate in this proposition, you must forecast which superstar will accumulate more points and assists together during the game. If you wager $100 on Leonard with -112 odds and succeed, you will make $89.30 in profit. Betting $100 on James with -108 odds and winning will earn you a $92.30 return.

MLB prop bets

In order to increase your engagement throughout the extended MLB season, there will be a variety of props available for each game. These props will range from individual player performances to team-wide achievements. For example:

Which team will deliver the first to three runs?
White Sox (+135)
Twins (-105)
Neither (+150)

This prop bet allows for the option of choosing ‘neither’, suggesting that you do not think either team will score three runs in the game.

NHL prop bets

Most NHL prop bets tend to center around scoring goals, but there are also unique options that offer high payout potential for bettors.

Player to score two or more goals in the game:
Nikita Kucherov +350
Brad Marchand +450
David Pastrnak +600
Steven Stamkos +700

If your NHL pick is correct, you may see a significant payoff. Yet, keep in mind that these bets are risky, so it is recommended to handle your wager sizes and anticipations with caution.

Golf prop bets

At every PGA Tour event and major golf tournament, a variety of prop bets are offered, including ones that center around the performance of specific players.

How many birdies will Tiger Woods have in Round Two?
Over 5.5 (+145)
Under 5.5 (-125)

When it comes to props like this, thorough research is essential. It is important to examine Woods’ recent average number of birdies per round, as well as his past performances on the course at hand.

UFC prop bets

Props are offered for every match on UFC fight cards, including the possibility of props for the entire card such as “fight of the night.” Additionally, individual fights may have prop options available.

Will the fight go the distance?
Yes (-160)
No (+130)

If you think the outcome is probable, you would choose to bet “yes” with odds of -160. On the other hand, if you predict an early end to the fight with a knockout, submission, or referee stoppage, you would select a “no” bet with odds of +130.

Prop betting for other sports

Furthermore, the menu will showcase items related to various sports such as NCAA football, NCAA basketball, NASCAR, and tennis. It’s important to note that online betting on games involving teams from your home state is prohibited in college football and basketball.

You can now place Tier 1 bets on Illinois teams in person, but player props are not included in this offering.

Props in NASCAR and tennis will function similarly to those in golf and UFC, allowing bets to be placed on individual competitors and the overall event. While props may also be available in some lesser-known sports, the variety of options will be more limited.

How to handicap sports prop bets

When analyzing team performance or game outcomes, you can depend on typical information found through game evaluation. However, player propositions require a different approach.

A player prop bet adds an element of fantasy sports to the game, focusing on specific statistical achievements or performance measures of individual players. The outcome of the game is irrelevant as the bet is solely based on the potential performance of the player during the match.

In simpler terms, analyzing the gambling odds and lines for the game can provide insight into potential scoring results. For example, if a match is expected to be tight and have a lot of scoring, it could have a positive impact on key players’ performance.

Meanwhile, a game anticipated to be focused on defense and with low scoring could lead to lackluster performances. The odds for the primary betting options – moneyline, point spreads, and totals – may offer insight into potential outcomes.

Below are some more recommendations for gaining a deeper understanding of a player’s performance or an upcoming match:

• Exploring Fantasy Sports Projections: For those who enjoy participating in daily fantasy sports or other fantasy leagues, you may already be familiar with the various websites offering player projections. While completely accurate forecasts are rare, utilizing a collective intelligence approach can be advantageous. When several reputable sources all predict a player to have a strong performance, it is worth paying attention to.
• When considering player props, it is important to analyze how a player has performed against their current opponent in the past. Some players may excel against certain teams while struggling against others, due to factors such as matchups, defensive assignments, and game strategies. Examining historical performance can provide valuable insights into how a player may fare in a given matchup.
• Examining Player Performance in Recent Matches: Similar to ordinary individuals, athletes experience peaks and valleys in their performance. While they may excel effortlessly at times, they may also encounter struggles. Reviewing their performance in the last three to five games can offer valuable insight into their potential performance in the next match.

When it comes to prop betting, it’s important to follow the same guidelines as with any other form of gambling: create a strategy, stick to a budget, and avoid going overboard. You don’t have to bet on every prop option out there. Instead, approach the most probable choices with a discerning mindset.

When creating your budget, set aside a portion of your funds for prop bets. Allocate this amount between safer and riskier bets, aiming for an 80/20 split. Remember to always gamble responsibly and within your financial limits.

What to remember about prop betting

Prop bets are additional wagering opportunities offered by sportsbooks on a wide range of games and events, including popular sports like the NFL, NBA, and golf. Many prop bets center around the individual performance of players, while others are centered on team dynamics or specific game scenarios.

In essence, a prop bet is like adding extra stakes to a competition. Once you grasp how they work, prop bets can easily be incorporated into your overall betting strategy.