Dangers of Prop Betting: How Prop Bets can be Risky
Published:
Jun 21, 2024
The increase of states legalizing online sports betting has brought with it many effects, one of which is the abundance of ways that fans can wager on games. Prop bets have become the most popular for many, but they can also arguably be one of the riskiest. With that in mind, it’s vital to be aware of not only what prop bets are, but the dangers, risks and how to wager on them responsibly.
What are props and prop betting in sports gambling?
First and foremost, what are prop bets? At the most basic level, “prop” bets are short for proposition bets. This means that fans can wager on the outcome of a specific occurrence to happen within a sporting event that does not directly affect the outcome of that contest.
Some of the most popular examples of prop bets are “player props,” usually predicting over or under a set value for a player within a matchup. For instance, predicting over or under a set number of passing yards for Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. As you can likely see, there are nearly countless varieties of these prop bets that bookmakers can offer.
There are also “game props” or “team props” that are not connected to an individual player’s performance, such as the method of the first score in a game. In an NFL or college football game, that could be a touchdown, field goal or safety. In the NBA or college basketball, that could mean a three-pointer, standard two-point field goal or free throw.
The dangers & risks of prop betting for bettors
While prop bets certainly provide a greater variety of bets for fans, with that comes an increased risk. The sheer volume itself can cause bettors to become overwhelmed at the options and feel compelled to wager on many of them, ultimately risking more than they should.
Prop bets generally require a bit more knowledge and research, as they are more specific and can have more nuance than more standard markets, such as simply predicting a winner. Therefore, many fans end up placing these wagers without the proper intel.
How popular are prop bets?
Although prop bets are a fan-favorite for many, it is still worth noting that game results (spread or money line) and totals (over/unders) still lead the way in that regard. However, another factor that can lead to fans preferring prop bets is the popularity of fantasy, whether daily or season-long.
No matter if it’s a fantasy football league that runs an entire season with a group of friends or finding the best pitching matchups in baseball on a nightly basis, there is a direct correlation between setting lineups with individual players and predicting prop markets for that player in the sports betting world.
Unfortunately, that presents a pseudo-double-down situation, as fans can end up relying on an individual for both their fantasy plays and a sports bet.
Pushes to ban prop betting
As mentioned, there have already been significant issues with players themselves manipulating their own prop markets to hit wagers, perhaps the most notable being Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. After an investigation began on March 25, 2024 regarding suspicious bets, the NBA swiftly banned him for life on April 17, 2024.
Given that situation, among others, the conversation for prop bets to be banned heightened, and specifically, for low-tier players. If you’ve never heard of Jontay Porter before, you’re not alone, as he was a fringe player for the Raptors that logged just a handful of minutes per game.
That seemed to make it easier for him to manipulate his stats, as he could cite illness or a nagging injury to return to the bench without significantly impacting his team. On top of all this, prop bet issues are not unique to professional sports.
Collegiate contests can also have prop bets available, and as you can imagine, that can bring about even more nefarious opportunities given the financial situations of many students. The incorporation of name, image and likeness in college sports further amplifies that, as the top-tier athletes can earn elite-level salaries, while others are left behind and at times struggling.
Even before the recent storylines, collegiate prop betting was already more limited than the options in professional sports, as they are not available in a total of 13 of the 30 locations with legal online sports betting, including some of the largest markets such as New York and Pennsylvania.
NCAA president Charlie Baker has called and pushed for a ban on prop bets in collegiate athletics. This was also while the college sports world was at their height of the year with March Madness. Not only does Baker want to protect the integrity of the game, but the student-athletes themselves, who have reported receiving props-related abuse verbally and via social media.
While being the NCAA president is certainly an important role, Baker himself cannot make the decision. Nonetheless, the NCAA is taking all measures to ensure the safety of student-athletes by partnering with Signify to identify potential threats made by individuals, which can at times be caused by problem gambling.
Prop betting addiction help, resources & treatment
Speaking of problem gambling, that is where Birches Health can help. Gambling addiction is a significant issue in today’s society, and Birches Health provides an online treatment center with licensed professionals where 90% of patients lead to improved quality of life. Birches being an online help center provides a way for individuals to get the help they need on their schedule and in the most comfortable setting possible.
If you believe you or someone you know could benefit from the Birches Health offerings, please feel free to call (833) 483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com.
Sources:
States React to Controversy over Prop Betting | Sports Litigation Alert.
Where Can I Bet College Player Props? College Sports Betting Laws By State
US Sports Betting Revenue & Handle
NCAA president Charlie Baker wants ban on prop bets in college sports - The Athletic
