Ultimate Prop Betting Glossary
Master the language of player props betting with our comprehensive glossary of terms, definitions, and examples.
Understanding Player Props Betting Terminology
Whether you're new to player props betting or looking to expand your knowledge, our comprehensive glossary covers all the essential terms, concepts, and strategies you need to know. From basic definitions to advanced metrics used by professional bettors, this guide will help you navigate the world of player props across all major sports and sportsbooks.
Player props betting has exploded in popularity, offering a more engaging and personalized betting experience focused on individual player performances rather than just game outcomes. As the market has grown, so has the specialized terminology used by bettors, analysts, and sportsbooks. Understanding this language is crucial for making informed betting decisions and identifying value opportunities.
This glossary is organized by category, covering general betting terms, sport-specific terminology (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL), and sportsbook-specific concepts. Each entry includes a clear definition and practical examples to help you apply these concepts to your betting strategy. Whether you're betting on DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, PrizePicks, or any other platform, this glossary will serve as your definitive reference for player props terminology.
General Prop Betting Terms
Prop Bet
Short for 'proposition bet,' a wager on a specific occurrence or non-occurrence during a game that doesn't directly affect the final outcome. Prop bets focus on individual player or team performances rather than who wins the game.
Player Prop
A type of prop bet specifically focused on an individual player's statistical performance in a game.
Team Prop
A prop bet focused on a team's performance metrics rather than an individual player.
Over/Under
A bet on whether a statistical total will be higher (over) or lower (under) than the line set by oddsmakers.
Line
The number set by oddsmakers that represents the threshold for an over/under bet or the handicap in a spread bet.
Juice/Vig
The commission or fee charged by a sportsbook on bets, typically built into the odds. Standard juice is -110, meaning you must bet $110 to win $100.
American Odds
The standard odds format used in the United States, shown with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. Minus odds show how much you need to bet to win $100, while plus odds show how much you win on a $100 bet.
Decimal Odds
An odds format that shows the total return on a winning bet, including the original stake, expressed as a decimal.
Fractional Odds
An odds format popular in the UK and Ireland that shows the potential profit relative to the stake as a fraction.
Push
When the result exactly matches the line, resulting in neither a win nor a loss, and the stake is returned.
Hook
The half-point added to many betting lines to prevent pushes, ensuring the bet will either win or lose.
Alternate Line
A different line than the standard offering, typically with adjusted odds to reflect the changed probability.
Parlay
A single bet that combines multiple individual bets, requiring all selections to win for the parlay to pay out. Parlays offer higher potential returns but are more difficult to win.
Same Game Parlay (SGP)
A parlay bet where all selections come from the same game, allowing bettors to combine correlated outcomes.
Correlation
The relationship between two or more outcomes, where one result may increase or decrease the likelihood of another result.
Hedge
Placing a bet opposite to an existing wager to guarantee a profit or minimize potential losses.
Value
When the odds offered on a bet represent a better chance of winning than implied by the probability, giving the bettor a long-term advantage.
Implied Probability
The probability of an outcome occurring as suggested by the odds. For American odds, the formula is: (-odds)/(-odds+100) for negative odds and 100/(odds+100) for positive odds.
Market
A specific type of bet offered by a sportsbook, such as points, rebounds, or assists for NBA players.
Closing Line
The final line offered by a sportsbook right before a game begins, often considered the most accurate prediction.
Closing Line Value (CLV)
The value gained or lost by comparing the line you bet on to the closing line. Consistently beating the closing line is a sign of a skilled bettor.
Steam
Sudden, significant line movement across multiple sportsbooks, often indicating heavy betting from sharp bettors.
Reverse Line Movement
When the betting line moves in the opposite direction of where most of the money or bets are placed, often indicating sharp money on the other side.
Sharp
A sophisticated, professional bettor who typically has an edge over the sportsbooks and whose action can move lines.
Square
A recreational or casual bettor who typically bets based on intuition or bias rather than analysis, often favoring popular teams and overs.
Chalk
The favorite or most popular betting option.
Dog
Short for underdog, the less favored option in a bet.
No Action
When a bet is canceled and the stake returned, typically because a player doesn't participate or doesn't meet minimum playing time requirements.
Void Bet
Similar to no action, a bet that is canceled and the stake returned due to specific circumstances outlined in the sportsbook's rules.
Live Betting
Placing bets during a game after it has started, with odds that adjust based on the current state of play.
Teaser
A type of parlay bet where you adjust the lines in your favor in exchange for lower odds.
Prop Builder
A tool offered by some sportsbooks that allows bettors to create custom prop bets by combining different statistical categories.
Handicapping
The process of analyzing statistics, trends, matchups, and other factors to predict the outcome of sporting events and identify valuable betting opportunities.
NBA Prop Betting Terms
Double-Double
When a player records double-digit totals in two statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks) in a single game.
Triple-Double
When a player records double-digit totals in three statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks) in a single game.
PRA (Points + Rebounds + Assists)
A combined statistical prop that adds a player's points, rebounds, and assists into a single number.
PR (Points + Rebounds)
A combined statistical prop that adds a player's points and rebounds into a single number.
PA (Points + Assists)
A combined statistical prop that adds a player's points and assists into a single number.
RA (Rebounds + Assists)
A combined statistical prop that adds a player's rebounds and assists into a single number.
First Basket Scorer
A prop bet on which player will score the first points of the game.
First Team to Score
A prop bet on which team will score the first points of the game.
Race to X Points
A prop bet on which team will be the first to reach a certain point total in the game.
Player Performance Doubles
A prop bet where you predict whether a player will achieve specific statistical milestones in multiple categories.
Usage Rate
The percentage of team plays used by a player while they're on the floor, a key metric for predicting scoring opportunities.
Pace Factor
The number of possessions a team averages per 48 minutes, indicating how fast or slow a team plays.
Defensive Rating (DRTG)
Points allowed per 100 possessions, a measure of team defensive efficiency that can impact opposing players' prop potential.
Offensive Rating (ORTG)
Points scored per 100 possessions, a measure of team offensive efficiency that can impact team players' prop potential.
True Shooting Percentage (TS%)
A measure of shooting efficiency that accounts for field goals, three-pointers, and free throws.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)
A shooting percentage that adjusts for the fact that three-point field goals are worth more than two-point field goals.
Rebound Rate
The percentage of available rebounds a player grabs while on the floor, a key metric for predicting rebounding props.
Assist Rate
The percentage of teammate field goals a player assists while on the floor, a key metric for predicting assist props.
Minutes Projection
The estimated playing time for a player in a game, a crucial factor in prop betting as more minutes generally means more opportunities for statistical accumulation.
Back-to-Back
When a team plays games on consecutive days, which can impact player performance and minutes due to fatigue.
Load Management
The practice of strategically resting players or limiting their minutes to prevent injury and maintain long-term health, which can significantly impact prop betting.
Blowout Risk
The possibility that a game becomes lopsided, leading to star players being rested in the fourth quarter, which can negatively impact their statistical totals.
Revenge Game
When a player faces their former team, potentially leading to increased motivation and performance.
3&D Player
A player who specializes in three-point shooting and defense, typically with more limited statistical contributions in other areas.
Stretch Big
A taller player who can shoot from outside, potentially affecting their rebounding and scoring prop potential.
Point Forward
A forward who handles significant playmaking duties, typically leading to higher assist totals than other forwards.
NFL Prop Betting Terms
Passing Yards
The total yards gained through completed forward passes by a quarterback in a game.
Rushing Yards
The total yards gained by a player carrying the ball on running plays.
Receiving Yards
The total yards gained by a player catching passes from the quarterback.
Completions
The number of successful passes completed by a quarterback to receivers.
Attempts
The number of passes thrown by a quarterback, whether completed or not.
Completion Percentage
The percentage of pass attempts that are successfully completed by a quarterback.
Passing Touchdowns
The number of touchdown passes thrown by a quarterback in a game.
Interceptions
The number of passes thrown by a quarterback that are caught by the opposing team.
Rushing Attempts
The number of times a player carries the ball on running plays.
Rushing Touchdowns
The number of touchdowns scored by a player carrying the ball across the goal line.
Receptions
The number of passes successfully caught by a receiver.
Targets
The number of passes thrown to a specific receiver, whether caught or not.
Receiving Touchdowns
The number of touchdowns scored by a player catching a pass in the end zone.
Anytime Touchdown Scorer
A prop bet on whether a specific player will score a touchdown at any point during the game.
First Touchdown Scorer
A prop bet on which player will score the first touchdown of the game.
Longest Completion/Reception
A prop bet on the yardage of the longest successful pass play in the game, either from the quarterback's or receiver's perspective.
Sacks
The number of times a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage before a pass is thrown.
Tackles + Assists
The combined total of solo tackles and assisted tackles made by a defensive player.
Air Yards
The distance a pass travels in the air from the line of scrimmage to the point of reception or incompletion, not including yards gained after the catch.
Yards After Catch (YAC)
The distance a receiver travels with the ball after catching a pass.
Target Share
The percentage of a team's total pass attempts that are directed to a specific receiver.
Red Zone Targets
The number of passes thrown to a specific receiver when the offense is inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Snap Count
The number of offensive or defensive plays a player participates in during a game.
Route Participation
The percentage of passing plays in which a receiver runs a route, a key metric for predicting receiving opportunities.
Pressure Rate
The percentage of dropbacks on which a quarterback faces pressure from the defense, which can impact passing efficiency.
Stacked Box
When the defense positions extra defenders near the line of scrimmage to stop the run, typically defined as 8+ defenders in the box.
Game Script
The expected flow of a game based on the point spread and game total, which can significantly impact player usage and statistical opportunities.
Explosive Play
A play that gains a large chunk of yardage, typically defined as a run of 10+ yards or a pass of 20+ yards.
DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average)
A statistical measure that evaluates a team's or player's efficiency compared to league average, adjusted for opponents.
EPA (Expected Points Added)
A measure of the value of a play in terms of points, based on down, distance, and field position.
Success Rate
The percentage of plays that are considered successful (40% of yards needed on first down, 60% on second down, 100% on third/fourth down).
Weather Impact
How weather conditions (wind, rain, snow, extreme temperatures) affect player performance and prop betting.
MLB Prop Betting Terms
Strikeouts Recorded
The number of batters a pitcher strikes out during their appearance in a game.
Hits Allowed
The number of hits a pitcher gives up during their appearance in a game.
Earned Runs Allowed
The number of runs scored against a pitcher that were not the result of defensive errors.
Outs Recorded
The number of outs a pitcher records during their appearance, often expressed in terms of innings pitched (3 outs = 1 inning).
Pitches Thrown
The total number of pitches thrown by a pitcher during their appearance in a game.
Hits
The number of times a batter safely reaches base by hitting the ball into fair territory without an error or fielder's choice.
Total Bases
The sum of all bases a player reaches on hits (1 for singles, 2 for doubles, 3 for triples, 4 for home runs).
Home Runs
The number of home runs hit by a player in a game.
Runs Scored
The number of times a player crosses home plate to score a run for their team.
Runs Batted In (RBI)
The number of runs that score as a result of a player's batting actions, excluding certain situations like errors and double plays.
Stolen Bases
The number of bases a player advances by running during another player's at-bat, without the benefit of a hit, error, fielder's choice, force out, or passed ball.
Walks
The number of times a batter reaches first base after receiving four pitches outside the strike zone.
Strikeouts (Batter)
The number of times a batter is called out after receiving three strikes during an at-bat.
Pitcher vs. Batter Matchup
Historical performance data between a specific pitcher and batter, often used to inform prop betting decisions.
Quality Start
When a starting pitcher completes at least six innings and allows three or fewer earned runs.
WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched)
A measure of a pitcher's effectiveness in preventing baserunners, calculated by adding walks and hits allowed divided by innings pitched.
ERA (Earned Run Average)
The average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings pitched.
FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching)
A measure of pitcher performance that focuses on outcomes a pitcher directly controls (strikeouts, walks, hit batters, home runs), independent of defensive performance.
K% (Strikeout Percentage)
The percentage of plate appearances that result in a strikeout, for either pitchers or batters.
BB% (Walk Percentage)
The percentage of plate appearances that result in a walk, for either pitchers or batters.
Hard Hit Rate
The percentage of batted balls hit with an exit velocity of 95 mph or higher.
Barrel Rate
The percentage of batted balls with an optimal combination of exit velocity and launch angle, typically resulting in extra-base hits.
Exit Velocity
The speed of the ball off the bat after being hit, measured in miles per hour.
Launch Angle
The vertical angle at which the ball leaves the bat after being hit, measured in degrees.
Ballpark Factors
How a specific stadium affects offensive production due to dimensions, altitude, weather patterns, etc.
Platoon Advantage
The advantage a batter typically has when facing a pitcher of the opposite handedness (right-handed batter vs. left-handed pitcher or vice versa).
Bullpen Game
When a team uses multiple relief pitchers to cover all innings instead of a traditional starting pitcher, which can affect prop betting.
Pitch Count Limit
A predetermined maximum number of pitches a pitcher will throw in a game, often used for injury management.
Umpire Tendencies
How a specific home plate umpire's strike zone tendencies affect pitcher and batter performance.
NHL Prop Betting Terms
Goals
The number of goals scored by a player in a game.
Assists
The number of goals a player helps create by passing to the goal scorer (up to two assists can be awarded per goal).
Points
The combined total of a player's goals and assists in a game.
Shots on Goal
The number of shots a player takes that would have entered the net if not for the goaltender's save.
Saves
The number of shots a goaltender stops from entering the net.
Save Percentage
The percentage of shots a goaltender stops, calculated by dividing saves by total shots faced.
Blocked Shots
The number of times a player prevents an opponent's shot from reaching the net by putting their body in the way.
Hits
The number of times a player delivers a body check to an opponent.
Faceoff Wins
The number of faceoffs a player wins during a game.
Power Play Points
The number of points (goals or assists) a player records while their team has a man advantage due to an opponent's penalty.
Time on Ice
The total amount of time a player spends on the ice during a game, measured in minutes and seconds.
Anytime Goalscorer
A prop bet on whether a specific player will score a goal at any point during the game.
First Goalscorer
A prop bet on which player will score the first goal of the game.
Corsi
A measure of shot attempt differential while a player is on the ice, including shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots.
Fenwick
Similar to Corsi, but excluding blocked shots from the calculation.
PDO
The sum of a team's shooting percentage and save percentage while a player is on the ice, often used as a measure of luck (with 100 being average).
Zone Starts
The percentage of faceoffs a player starts in the offensive zone versus the defensive zone, which can impact scoring opportunities.
Line Combinations
The specific grouping of forwards or defensemen that play together, which can significantly impact prop betting.
Power Play Unit
The group of players that play together when their team has a man advantage due to an opponent's penalty.
Penalty Kill Unit
The group of players that play together when their team is shorthanded due to a penalty.
Expected Goals (xG)
A statistical measure of the quality of scoring chances, based on factors like shot type, distance, angle, and game situation.
High-Danger Chances
Scoring opportunities from prime areas of the ice, typically in the slot or directly in front of the net.
Back-to-Back Games
When a team plays games on consecutive days, which can impact player performance due to fatigue.
Goalie Confirmed
Official confirmation of which goaltender will start the game, crucial information for goalie prop betting.
Sportsbook-Specific Prop Betting Terms
DraftKings Player Props
Player performance bets offered by DraftKings Sportsbook, known for competitive odds and a wide variety of prop markets.
FanDuel Player Props
Player performance bets offered by FanDuel Sportsbook, featuring a user-friendly interface and unique prop markets.
Underdog Fantasy
A daily fantasy sports platform focused on player props in a pick'em format, where users select over/unders on player statistical projections.
PrizePicks
A daily fantasy sports platform where users select over/unders on player props across multiple sports to create parlay-style entries.
Caesars Player Props
Player performance bets offered by Caesars Sportsbook, known for competitive odds and frequent odds boosts on popular props.
BetMGM Player Props
Player performance bets offered by BetMGM Sportsbook, featuring a wide range of prop markets and customizable same-game parlays.
PointsBet Player Props
Player performance bets offered by PointsBet Sportsbook, known for their unique PointsBetting format where winnings or losses can multiply.
Bet365 Player Props
Player performance bets offered by Bet365 Sportsbook, featuring early lines and a wide variety of international sports coverage.
Barstool Sportsbook Player Props
Player performance bets offered by Barstool Sportsbook, featuring personality-driven odds boosts and promotions.
ChalkBoard Fantasy
A daily fantasy sports platform focused on player props in a pick'em format, similar to Underdog and PrizePicks.
Betr Player Props
Player performance bets offered by Betr, a newer sportsbook focused on micro-betting and player props.
Odds Boost
A promotional offer from a sportsbook that improves the odds on a specific bet, including player props, resulting in a higher potential payout.
No-Vig Lines
Betting lines with the sportsbook's commission (vigorish or juice) removed, showing the true implied probability.
Cash Out
A feature offered by sportsbooks that allows bettors to settle a bet before the event concludes, either to secure a partial win or minimize losses.
Same Game Parlay (SGP)
A bet that combines multiple prop bets from the same game into one parlay, often with correlated outcomes.
Prop Builder
A tool offered by some sportsbooks that allows bettors to create custom prop bets by combining different statistical categories or adjusting lines.
Alternate Lines
Modified versions of standard prop bet lines with adjusted odds, allowing bettors to choose different thresholds for higher risk or reward.
Prop Insurance
A promotional offer from a sportsbook that refunds your stake (usually as a free bet) if your prop bet loses in a specific way.
Live/In-Game Props
Prop bets offered during a game with odds that adjust based on the current state of play.
Prop Bet Correlation
The relationship between different prop bets, where the outcome of one prop may increase or decrease the likelihood of another prop hitting.
Prop Market Limits
The maximum amount a sportsbook will allow you to bet on a specific prop market, typically lower than limits for main markets like point spreads or moneylines.
Prop Bet Hold Percentage
The percentage of wagered money a sportsbook expects to keep as profit on prop bets, typically higher than main markets.
Prop Betting Limits
Restrictions placed on accounts that consistently win on prop bets, limiting the amount they can wager.
Prop Betting Closing Line Value (CLV)
The value gained or lost by comparing the prop line you bet on to the closing line, a key indicator of long-term betting success.
Complete Alphabetical Listing
ATerms Starting with A
Air Yards
The distance a pass travels in the air from the line of scrimmage to the point of reception or incompletion, not including yards gained after the catch.
Alternate Line
A different line than the standard offering, typically with adjusted odds to reflect the changed probability.
Alternate Lines
Modified versions of standard prop bet lines with adjusted odds, allowing bettors to choose different thresholds for higher risk or reward.
American Odds
The standard odds format used in the United States, shown with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. Minus odds show how much you need to bet to win $100, while plus odds show how much you win on a $100 bet.
Anytime Goalscorer
A prop bet on whether a specific player will score a goal at any point during the game.
Anytime Touchdown Scorer
A prop bet on whether a specific player will score a touchdown at any point during the game.
Assist Rate
The percentage of teammate field goals a player assists while on the floor, a key metric for predicting assist props.
Assists
The number of goals a player helps create by passing to the goal scorer (up to two assists can be awarded per goal).
Attempts
The number of passes thrown by a quarterback, whether completed or not.
BTerms Starting with B
Back-to-Back
When a team plays games on consecutive days, which can impact player performance and minutes due to fatigue.
Back-to-Back Games
When a team plays games on consecutive days, which can impact player performance due to fatigue.
Ballpark Factors
How a specific stadium affects offensive production due to dimensions, altitude, weather patterns, etc.
Barrel Rate
The percentage of batted balls with an optimal combination of exit velocity and launch angle, typically resulting in extra-base hits.
Barstool Sportsbook Player Props
Player performance bets offered by Barstool Sportsbook, featuring personality-driven odds boosts and promotions.
BB% (Walk Percentage)
The percentage of plate appearances that result in a walk, for either pitchers or batters.
Bet365 Player Props
Player performance bets offered by Bet365 Sportsbook, featuring early lines and a wide variety of international sports coverage.
BetMGM Player Props
Player performance bets offered by BetMGM Sportsbook, featuring a wide range of prop markets and customizable same-game parlays.
Betr Player Props
Player performance bets offered by Betr, a newer sportsbook focused on micro-betting and player props.
Blocked Shots
The number of times a player prevents an opponent's shot from reaching the net by putting their body in the way.
Blowout Risk
The possibility that a game becomes lopsided, leading to star players being rested in the fourth quarter, which can negatively impact their statistical totals.
Bullpen Game
When a team uses multiple relief pitchers to cover all innings instead of a traditional starting pitcher, which can affect prop betting.
CTerms Starting with C
Caesars Player Props
Player performance bets offered by Caesars Sportsbook, known for competitive odds and frequent odds boosts on popular props.
Cash Out
A feature offered by sportsbooks that allows bettors to settle a bet before the event concludes, either to secure a partial win or minimize losses.
Chalk
The favorite or most popular betting option.
ChalkBoard Fantasy
A daily fantasy sports platform focused on player props in a pick'em format, similar to Underdog and PrizePicks.
Closing Line
The final line offered by a sportsbook right before a game begins, often considered the most accurate prediction.
Closing Line Value (CLV)
The value gained or lost by comparing the line you bet on to the closing line. Consistently beating the closing line is a sign of a skilled bettor.
Completion Percentage
The percentage of pass attempts that are successfully completed by a quarterback.
Completions
The number of successful passes completed by a quarterback to receivers.
Correlation
The relationship between two or more outcomes, where one result may increase or decrease the likelihood of another result.
Corsi
A measure of shot attempt differential while a player is on the ice, including shots on goal, missed shots, and blocked shots.
DTerms Starting with D
Decimal Odds
An odds format that shows the total return on a winning bet, including the original stake, expressed as a decimal.
Defensive Rating (DRTG)
Points allowed per 100 possessions, a measure of team defensive efficiency that can impact opposing players' prop potential.
Dog
Short for underdog, the less favored option in a bet.
Double-Double
When a player records double-digit totals in two statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks) in a single game.
DraftKings Player Props
Player performance bets offered by DraftKings Sportsbook, known for competitive odds and a wide variety of prop markets.
DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average)
A statistical measure that evaluates a team's or player's efficiency compared to league average, adjusted for opponents.
ETerms Starting with E
Earned Runs Allowed
The number of runs scored against a pitcher that were not the result of defensive errors.
Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%)
A shooting percentage that adjusts for the fact that three-point field goals are worth more than two-point field goals.
EPA (Expected Points Added)
A measure of the value of a play in terms of points, based on down, distance, and field position.
ERA (Earned Run Average)
The average number of earned runs a pitcher allows per nine innings pitched.
Exit Velocity
The speed of the ball off the bat after being hit, measured in miles per hour.
Expected Goals (xG)
A statistical measure of the quality of scoring chances, based on factors like shot type, distance, angle, and game situation.
Explosive Play
A play that gains a large chunk of yardage, typically defined as a run of 10+ yards or a pass of 20+ yards.
FTerms Starting with F
Faceoff Wins
The number of faceoffs a player wins during a game.
FanDuel Player Props
Player performance bets offered by FanDuel Sportsbook, featuring a user-friendly interface and unique prop markets.
Fenwick
Similar to Corsi, but excluding blocked shots from the calculation.
FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching)
A measure of pitcher performance that focuses on outcomes a pitcher directly controls (strikeouts, walks, hit batters, home runs), independent of defensive performance.
First Basket Scorer
A prop bet on which player will score the first points of the game.
First Goalscorer
A prop bet on which player will score the first goal of the game.
First Team to Score
A prop bet on which team will score the first points of the game.
First Touchdown Scorer
A prop bet on which player will score the first touchdown of the game.
Fractional Odds
An odds format popular in the UK and Ireland that shows the potential profit relative to the stake as a fraction.
GTerms Starting with G
Game Script
The expected flow of a game based on the point spread and game total, which can significantly impact player usage and statistical opportunities.
Goalie Confirmed
Official confirmation of which goaltender will start the game, crucial information for goalie prop betting.
Goals
The number of goals scored by a player in a game.
HTerms Starting with H
Handicapping
The process of analyzing statistics, trends, matchups, and other factors to predict the outcome of sporting events and identify valuable betting opportunities.
Hard Hit Rate
The percentage of batted balls hit with an exit velocity of 95 mph or higher.
Hedge
Placing a bet opposite to an existing wager to guarantee a profit or minimize potential losses.
High-Danger Chances
Scoring opportunities from prime areas of the ice, typically in the slot or directly in front of the net.
Hits
The number of times a batter safely reaches base by hitting the ball into fair territory without an error or fielder's choice.
Hits
The number of times a player delivers a body check to an opponent.
Hits Allowed
The number of hits a pitcher gives up during their appearance in a game.
Home Runs
The number of home runs hit by a player in a game.
Hook
The half-point added to many betting lines to prevent pushes, ensuring the bet will either win or lose.
ITerms Starting with I
Implied Probability
The probability of an outcome occurring as suggested by the odds. For American odds, the formula is: (-odds)/(-odds+100) for negative odds and 100/(odds+100) for positive odds.
Interceptions
The number of passes thrown by a quarterback that are caught by the opposing team.
JTerms Starting with J
Juice/Vig
The commission or fee charged by a sportsbook on bets, typically built into the odds. Standard juice is -110, meaning you must bet $110 to win $100.
KTerms Starting with K
K% (Strikeout Percentage)
The percentage of plate appearances that result in a strikeout, for either pitchers or batters.
LTerms Starting with L
Launch Angle
The vertical angle at which the ball leaves the bat after being hit, measured in degrees.
Line
The number set by oddsmakers that represents the threshold for an over/under bet or the handicap in a spread bet.
Line Combinations
The specific grouping of forwards or defensemen that play together, which can significantly impact prop betting.
Live Betting
Placing bets during a game after it has started, with odds that adjust based on the current state of play.
Live/In-Game Props
Prop bets offered during a game with odds that adjust based on the current state of play.
Load Management
The practice of strategically resting players or limiting their minutes to prevent injury and maintain long-term health, which can significantly impact prop betting.
Longest Completion/Reception
A prop bet on the yardage of the longest successful pass play in the game, either from the quarterback's or receiver's perspective.
MTerms Starting with M
Market
A specific type of bet offered by a sportsbook, such as points, rebounds, or assists for NBA players.
Minutes Projection
The estimated playing time for a player in a game, a crucial factor in prop betting as more minutes generally means more opportunities for statistical accumulation.
NTerms Starting with N
No Action
When a bet is canceled and the stake returned, typically because a player doesn't participate or doesn't meet minimum playing time requirements.
No-Vig Lines
Betting lines with the sportsbook's commission (vigorish or juice) removed, showing the true implied probability.
OTerms Starting with O
Odds Boost
A promotional offer from a sportsbook that improves the odds on a specific bet, including player props, resulting in a higher potential payout.
Offensive Rating (ORTG)
Points scored per 100 possessions, a measure of team offensive efficiency that can impact team players' prop potential.
Outs Recorded
The number of outs a pitcher records during their appearance, often expressed in terms of innings pitched (3 outs = 1 inning).
Over/Under
A bet on whether a statistical total will be higher (over) or lower (under) than the line set by oddsmakers.
PTerms Starting with P
PA (Points + Assists)
A combined statistical prop that adds a player's points and assists into a single number.
Pace Factor
The number of possessions a team averages per 48 minutes, indicating how fast or slow a team plays.
Parlay
A single bet that combines multiple individual bets, requiring all selections to win for the parlay to pay out. Parlays offer higher potential returns but are more difficult to win.
Passing Touchdowns
The number of touchdown passes thrown by a quarterback in a game.
Passing Yards
The total yards gained through completed forward passes by a quarterback in a game.
PDO
The sum of a team's shooting percentage and save percentage while a player is on the ice, often used as a measure of luck (with 100 being average).
Penalty Kill Unit
The group of players that play together when their team is shorthanded due to a penalty.
Pitch Count Limit
A predetermined maximum number of pitches a pitcher will throw in a game, often used for injury management.
Pitcher vs. Batter Matchup
Historical performance data between a specific pitcher and batter, often used to inform prop betting decisions.
Pitches Thrown
The total number of pitches thrown by a pitcher during their appearance in a game.
Platoon Advantage
The advantage a batter typically has when facing a pitcher of the opposite handedness (right-handed batter vs. left-handed pitcher or vice versa).
Player Performance Doubles
A prop bet where you predict whether a player will achieve specific statistical milestones in multiple categories.
Player Prop
A type of prop bet specifically focused on an individual player's statistical performance in a game.
Point Forward
A forward who handles significant playmaking duties, typically leading to higher assist totals than other forwards.
Points
The combined total of a player's goals and assists in a game.
PointsBet Player Props
Player performance bets offered by PointsBet Sportsbook, known for their unique PointsBetting format where winnings or losses can multiply.
Power Play Points
The number of points (goals or assists) a player records while their team has a man advantage due to an opponent's penalty.
Power Play Unit
The group of players that play together when their team has a man advantage due to an opponent's penalty.
PR (Points + Rebounds)
A combined statistical prop that adds a player's points and rebounds into a single number.
PRA (Points + Rebounds + Assists)
A combined statistical prop that adds a player's points, rebounds, and assists into a single number.
Pressure Rate
The percentage of dropbacks on which a quarterback faces pressure from the defense, which can impact passing efficiency.
PrizePicks
A daily fantasy sports platform where users select over/unders on player props across multiple sports to create parlay-style entries.
Prop Bet
Short for 'proposition bet,' a wager on a specific occurrence or non-occurrence during a game that doesn't directly affect the final outcome. Prop bets focus on individual player or team performances rather than who wins the game.
Prop Bet Correlation
The relationship between different prop bets, where the outcome of one prop may increase or decrease the likelihood of another prop hitting.
Prop Bet Hold Percentage
The percentage of wagered money a sportsbook expects to keep as profit on prop bets, typically higher than main markets.
Prop Betting Closing Line Value (CLV)
The value gained or lost by comparing the prop line you bet on to the closing line, a key indicator of long-term betting success.
Prop Betting Limits
Restrictions placed on accounts that consistently win on prop bets, limiting the amount they can wager.
Prop Builder
A tool offered by some sportsbooks that allows bettors to create custom prop bets by combining different statistical categories.
Prop Builder
A tool offered by some sportsbooks that allows bettors to create custom prop bets by combining different statistical categories or adjusting lines.
Prop Insurance
A promotional offer from a sportsbook that refunds your stake (usually as a free bet) if your prop bet loses in a specific way.
Prop Market Limits
The maximum amount a sportsbook will allow you to bet on a specific prop market, typically lower than limits for main markets like point spreads or moneylines.
Push
When the result exactly matches the line, resulting in neither a win nor a loss, and the stake is returned.
QTerms Starting with Q
Quality Start
When a starting pitcher completes at least six innings and allows three or fewer earned runs.
RTerms Starting with R
RA (Rebounds + Assists)
A combined statistical prop that adds a player's rebounds and assists into a single number.
Race to X Points
A prop bet on which team will be the first to reach a certain point total in the game.
Rebound Rate
The percentage of available rebounds a player grabs while on the floor, a key metric for predicting rebounding props.
Receiving Touchdowns
The number of touchdowns scored by a player catching a pass in the end zone.
Receiving Yards
The total yards gained by a player catching passes from the quarterback.
Receptions
The number of passes successfully caught by a receiver.
Red Zone Targets
The number of passes thrown to a specific receiver when the offense is inside the opponent's 20-yard line.
Revenge Game
When a player faces their former team, potentially leading to increased motivation and performance.
Reverse Line Movement
When the betting line moves in the opposite direction of where most of the money or bets are placed, often indicating sharp money on the other side.
Route Participation
The percentage of passing plays in which a receiver runs a route, a key metric for predicting receiving opportunities.
Runs Batted In (RBI)
The number of runs that score as a result of a player's batting actions, excluding certain situations like errors and double plays.
Runs Scored
The number of times a player crosses home plate to score a run for their team.
Rushing Attempts
The number of times a player carries the ball on running plays.
Rushing Touchdowns
The number of touchdowns scored by a player carrying the ball across the goal line.
Rushing Yards
The total yards gained by a player carrying the ball on running plays.
STerms Starting with S
Sacks
The number of times a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage before a pass is thrown.
Same Game Parlay (SGP)
A parlay bet where all selections come from the same game, allowing bettors to combine correlated outcomes.
Same Game Parlay (SGP)
A bet that combines multiple prop bets from the same game into one parlay, often with correlated outcomes.
Save Percentage
The percentage of shots a goaltender stops, calculated by dividing saves by total shots faced.
Saves
The number of shots a goaltender stops from entering the net.
Sharp
A sophisticated, professional bettor who typically has an edge over the sportsbooks and whose action can move lines.
Shots on Goal
The number of shots a player takes that would have entered the net if not for the goaltender's save.
Snap Count
The number of offensive or defensive plays a player participates in during a game.
Square
A recreational or casual bettor who typically bets based on intuition or bias rather than analysis, often favoring popular teams and overs.
Stacked Box
When the defense positions extra defenders near the line of scrimmage to stop the run, typically defined as 8+ defenders in the box.
Steam
Sudden, significant line movement across multiple sportsbooks, often indicating heavy betting from sharp bettors.
Stolen Bases
The number of bases a player advances by running during another player's at-bat, without the benefit of a hit, error, fielder's choice, force out, or passed ball.
Stretch Big
A taller player who can shoot from outside, potentially affecting their rebounding and scoring prop potential.
Strikeouts (Batter)
The number of times a batter is called out after receiving three strikes during an at-bat.
Strikeouts Recorded
The number of batters a pitcher strikes out during their appearance in a game.
Success Rate
The percentage of plays that are considered successful (40% of yards needed on first down, 60% on second down, 100% on third/fourth down).
TTerms Starting with T
Tackles + Assists
The combined total of solo tackles and assisted tackles made by a defensive player.
Target Share
The percentage of a team's total pass attempts that are directed to a specific receiver.
Targets
The number of passes thrown to a specific receiver, whether caught or not.
Team Prop
A prop bet focused on a team's performance metrics rather than an individual player.
Teaser
A type of parlay bet where you adjust the lines in your favor in exchange for lower odds.
Time on Ice
The total amount of time a player spends on the ice during a game, measured in minutes and seconds.
Total Bases
The sum of all bases a player reaches on hits (1 for singles, 2 for doubles, 3 for triples, 4 for home runs).
Triple-Double
When a player records double-digit totals in three statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks) in a single game.
True Shooting Percentage (TS%)
A measure of shooting efficiency that accounts for field goals, three-pointers, and free throws.
UTerms Starting with U
Umpire Tendencies
How a specific home plate umpire's strike zone tendencies affect pitcher and batter performance.
Underdog Fantasy
A daily fantasy sports platform focused on player props in a pick'em format, where users select over/unders on player statistical projections.
Usage Rate
The percentage of team plays used by a player while they're on the floor, a key metric for predicting scoring opportunities.
VTerms Starting with V
Value
When the odds offered on a bet represent a better chance of winning than implied by the probability, giving the bettor a long-term advantage.
Void Bet
Similar to no action, a bet that is canceled and the stake returned due to specific circumstances outlined in the sportsbook's rules.
WTerms Starting with W
Walks
The number of times a batter reaches first base after receiving four pitches outside the strike zone.
Weather Impact
How weather conditions (wind, rain, snow, extreme temperatures) affect player performance and prop betting.
WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched)
A measure of a pitcher's effectiveness in preventing baserunners, calculated by adding walks and hits allowed divided by innings pitched.
YTerms Starting with Y
Yards After Catch (YAC)
The distance a receiver travels with the ball after catching a pass.
ZTerms Starting with Z
Zone Starts
The percentage of faceoffs a player starts in the offensive zone versus the defensive zone, which can impact scoring opportunities.
Additional Prop Betting Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are player props?
Player props (short for proposition bets) are wagers on individual player performances rather than game outcomes. They focus on statistical achievements like points scored, yards gained, or strikeouts recorded, regardless of whether the player's team wins or loses.
How do over/under player props work?
Over/under player props involve betting on whether a player will exceed (over) or fall short of (under) a statistical threshold set by oddsmakers. For example, if a quarterback's passing yards line is 275.5, you bet on whether they'll throw for 276+ yards (over) or 275 or fewer yards (under).
What's the difference between traditional sportsbooks and fantasy prop platforms?
Traditional sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel offer player props as direct bets with fixed odds. Fantasy prop platforms like Underdog Fantasy and PrizePicks operate under daily fantasy sports regulations, requiring you to combine multiple props into parlay-style entries with multiplied payouts based on how many selections you get correct.
What happens to my prop bet if a player gets injured?
If a player doesn't participate in the game, most sportsbooks void the bet and return your stake. If the player starts but gets injured during the game, the bet typically remains active. Each sportsbook has specific rules about minimum playing time requirements, so always check the terms before betting.
How can I find value in player props?
Finding value in player props involves analyzing statistics, matchups, trends, and contextual factors like injuries, weather, and coaching strategies. Look for discrepancies between your projections and the lines offered by sportsbooks. The Props Optimizer app helps identify value opportunities by analyzing millions of data points and providing AI-powered insights across all major sportsbooks.
Master the Language of Player Props Betting
Understanding the terminology and concepts in this glossary is essential for making informed decisions when betting on player props. Whether you're analyzing NBA points props, NFL passing yards, MLB strikeouts, or NHL goals, having a strong grasp of these terms will help you identify value opportunities and develop more effective betting strategies.
As player props betting continues to grow in popularity, staying informed about the latest terms, metrics, and strategies is crucial for maintaining an edge. Bookmark this glossary as your go-to reference for player props terminology across DraftKings, FanDuel, Underdog Fantasy, PrizePicks, and all major sportsbooks.
For more in-depth analysis and real-time player props data, download the free Props Optimizer app. Our AI-powered platform provides premium insights that would typically cost $30+ per month from other services, completely free of charge. Get the edge on player props without paying a dime!