This article explains what it means when a market covers player props, the typical formats you will encounter, and how settlement is determined under state catalogs and operator house rules. It also highlights recent regulatory changes affecting college player props and offers a practical checklist you can use to confirm whether a market covers the player props you expect.

State catalogs and operator house rules define which player props are permitted and how they are graded.

Common formats include over/under totals, head-to-head matchups, milestones, and combination stats like points+rebounds+assists.

Since 2024 many regulators have restricted college player prop bets to protect student-athletes, so availability varies by state.

What it means when a market covers player props

When a market covers player props, it means the sportsbook or operator is offering wagers tied to the statistical performance of individual players rather than the final game outcome. The phrase covers player props is commonly used in catalogs and house rules to indicate permitted player proposition lines such as individual scoring totals or yardage bets, and it signals that settlement will follow the specific grading definitions listed for those markets.

State catalogs and operator house rules define which player propositions are allowed and how they are graded, so availability and wording are not uniform across jurisdictions. For a clear example of how a regulated challenge or platform might describe its allowed markets, see the Massachusetts sports wagering catalog for a typical catalog layout and definitions Sports Wagering Catalog.

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Short definition

A plain definition: a player prop is a bet on an individual athlete's measurable stat in a single game, for example points, rebounds, or rushing yards. When a market explicitly covers player props, that market will list the specific player stats permitted and the formats allowed for wagering.

Why this matters for bettors and operators

Knowing that a market covers player props is important because it tells bettors which statistics will be used for settlement and what formats are legal in that jurisdiction. Operators must follow catalog rules and disclose house rules so bettors can see whether a stat is tracked officially and how push or void scenarios are handled, which affects whether a bet wins, loses, or is returned.

Common formats that covers player props use: over/under, head to head, milestones, and combination stats

Over/under (player totals)

Over/under player totals are the most common format and ask whether a player will record more or fewer units than the published line, for example a points total in basketball or passing yards in football. These lines rely on a single statistic and are settled using the official figure for that stat as defined in the catalog or house rules.

Operators may publish alternative lines, such as half-game totals or alternate totals, but those options and their permitted scope are set out in the jurisdictional catalog or the operator's rules, so what you see in one state may not appear in another. For a representative list of permitted formats, consult a state catalog such as the New Jersey approvals for how formats are described Approved Sports Wagering Events and Wagers.

Head to head matchups and milestones

Head-to-head player matchups pit two players against each other on a specific stat, for example which receiver will record more receiving yards. Milestones are yes/no markets on whether a player will reach a defined achievement, like scoring a touchdown or recording a triple double. These formats are discrete and often have specific grading triggers that determine settlement.

Because states list permitted formats at the catalog level, a head-to-head or milestone market will only be available if included in the catalog language or allowed by the operator's approved offerings. That means a milestone offered in one jurisdiction may be prohibited or worded differently elsewhere.

Combination stats and alt lines

Combination stats join multiple measures into one line, for example points+rebounds+assists in basketball, and alternate lines change the reference total to create different risk and payout structures. Combination markets are convenient for bettors seeking broader performance measures, but their availability and allowed compositions are defined in catalogs and by operator policy.

When an operator offers alternative lines or combined stats, the catalog will typically specify whether combined totals are permitted and how each component is measured, so always check the catalog or house rules to see if a particular combination is lawful where you are placing the wager.

Common player prop bets by sport that covers player props in state catalogs

Basketball: points, rebounds, assists, and combos

Basketball player prop markets commonly include points, rebounds, assists, and combined totals such as points+rebounds+assists. State catalogs routinely list these player totals as permitted markets for professional leagues and define how each total is measured and settled.

For examples of catalog entries that enumerate basketball player totals and combination markets, see standard state catalog listings which describe permitted player statistics and formats Sports Wagering Catalog.

Verify player stat definitions and official sources

Stat name
Official source
Push rules

Use league official stat pages for verification

Football: passing, rushing, receiving yards and touchdowns

Football player props commonly cover passing yards, rushing yards, receiving yards, and player touchdowns. State catalogs list these categories and often allow variants such as receiving yards for a single game or total touchdowns, with settlement tied to the official league statistic for the event.

Because catalogs vary, the precise set of permissible football player prop markets is catalog-specific, so consult the appropriate state document to confirm whether a particular yardage or touchdown market is listed for the league in question Sports Gaming Catalog.

Baseball: hits, home runs, RBIs, strikeouts

In baseball, common player props include hits, home runs, RBIs, and strikeouts. State catalogs typically enumerate which batting or pitching outcomes are permitted as player proposition markets and will note whether combined or alternative stat lines are allowed for MLB or other professional leagues.

Because catalog wording controls permitted markets, bettors should check a regulator's approved list to see which specific MLB player outcomes are allowed and how they are described in the catalog for settlement purposes Approved Sports Wagering Events and Wagers.

How player prop bets settle: grading rules, official data sources, and push conditions

Official league statistics as source of record

Most operator house rules and state catalogs specify that official league statistics are the source of record for settling player props. That means the number used to determine an over/under or milestone typically comes from the league's official stat provider, as endorsed in the catalog or house rules.

Because the official source is determinative for settlement, bettors should verify which data feed or official league tracking is named in the operator house rules or the state catalog before relying on third-party apps for outcomes Regulation 22. For an example of state reporting on official data approaches, see the Washington State overview Sports Betting in Washington State.

Typical push and void scenarios

Push rules cover cases where the final official stat exactly equals the published line, resulting in a returned wager, while void scenarios can arise when a required stat is not recorded or if an event is canceled. These contingencies are spelled out in house rules so bettors know when a bet will be graded as a win, loss, push, or void.

Push and void wording is often granular, addressing overtime, partial games, suspended games, and statistical corrections; read the operator's grading policy and the state catalog to learn how specific scenarios are handled in your jurisdiction.

Operator house rules and regulator oversight

Operator house rules implement the catalog permissions and provide the operational detail on grading. Regulators review and approve those rules, and baseline frameworks such as Nevada's Regulation 22 illustrate how oversight and settlement standards are applied to proposition markets.

Because settling player props depends on both the catalog and house rules, regulator oversight helps ensure consistent enforcement of grading standards across allowed operators in a state Regulation 22.

Where availability differs: reading jurisdictional catalogs that cover player props

Each U.S. jurisdiction publishes a sports wagering or gaming catalog that lists permitted player prop markets and describes allowed formats and definitions. These catalogs are the authoritative source to confirm whether a market covers player props in that state.

For direct examples, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission catalog and the Ohio Casino Control Commission's catalog show how states document permitted player statistics and wagering formats, which operators must follow Sports Wagering Catalog. Industry-level summaries can also help contextualize state differences, for example the American Gaming Association's state map Gaming Map.

Review challenge and catalog details on the FundedPlays Challenges page

Check the current state catalog or regulator notice for the definitive list of permitted player prop markets before you compare offerings across operators.

View Challenge Guidance

Catalogs change over time, so availability can differ between states and across seasons. That means a market you find in one jurisdiction may be worded differently or not offered at all in another, and staying current requires checking regulator notices or the catalog updates issued by the relevant agency. You can also consult industry trackers such as the Legal Sports Report revenue tracker for market context Sports Betting Revenue Tracker.

What catalogs list and where to find them

Catalogs typically include sections titled permitted events, permitted wagers, and definitions that enumerate player statistics and allowed bet formats. Look for those headings on regulator websites to find the exact language that governs player propositions where you play.

Examples include state regulator pages for gaming and sports betting where catalogs and updates are posted; regular review of those pages helps you spot changes that affect whether a market covers player props in your state Sports Gaming Catalog.

College player props and recent restrictions since 2024

Why regulators moved to restrict college player props

Since 2024, many jurisdictions and industry bodies have moved to restrict or prohibit college player prop bets to reduce harassment risks for student-athletes and protect their safety. This policy shift directly affects whether a market covers player props when the subjects are college players.

The NCAA publicly called on states to ban college prop bets to protect student-athletes, and similar positions from industry associations have influenced regulator choices about catalog permissions and prohibitions NCAA calls on states to ban college prop bets.

Positions from NCAA and industry bodies

The American Gaming Association has indicated support for restrictions on college player prop markets to mitigate risks to athletes, and regulators have incorporated these concerns into catalog reviews and guidance to operators.

Because these policy positions shaped catalog decisions beginning in 2024, bettors should expect continued scrutiny and possible limits on college prop availability through 2026 and beyond AGA supports bans on college player prop bets.

What this means for availability

The practical effect is that many operators either removed or limited college player props where regulators directed or where industry guidance recommended restraint. That changes which markets cover player props in particular jurisdictions, so confirm local rules before assuming college-based markets are available.

If you plan to compare or place college player prop-style wagers, check the state catalog and any recent regulator notices that address restrictions or prohibitions to avoid unexpected voids or unavailable offerings.

How to evaluate whether a specific market covers player props you want to use

Start by locating the market text and the operator's house rules that apply to the market. Confirm whether the market explicitly names the player stat, the time period it covers, and the official data source used for settlement.

Look for documented push or void rules and any special conditions such as treatment of overtime or statistical corrections. These details determine how the wager will be graded if an unusual event affects the stat. For procedural detail on evaluations, see how Funded Plays evaluates markets how Funded Plays evaluations work.

What does it mean when a market covers player props?

It means the market includes wagers tied to individual players' statistical performance, and that those wagers will be defined and graded according to the state catalog and the operator's house rules using an official data source.

If the house rules or catalog are unclear, contact operator support and ask which official league feed is used to settle the prop, then cross-check that feed against the league's published stat definitions so you know the exact measurement that will govern the bet. If helpful, check the Funded Plays blog for related discussions Funded Plays blog.

For authoritative guidance, consult the state catalog or regulator notice, since catalogs list permitted markets and the definitions that operators must follow when a market covers player props Sports Wagering Catalog.

Typical mistakes bettors make when a market covers player props

One common error is relying on third-party stat trackers or apps when the operator uses an official league source for settlement; that can lead to surprise differences if a correction appears in the official record. Always check the named official source.

Another frequent mistake is overlooking milestone or overtime language that can change a bet from a win to a push or void. Read push and milestone wording carefully before placing a wager.

Finally, bettors sometimes assume a market offered in one state is identical in another. Jurisdictional differences mean availability and permitted formats can vary, so check the catalog for the state where the wager will be graded Regulation 22.

Practical examples and scenarios: sample NBA, NFL, and MLB player props that cover player props

Sample NBA player total and a combination prop

Example NBA single-stat prop: James Smith over 24.5 points. Settlement would rely on the official league scoring total for that game and push rules if the final official total equals 24.5. Example combination prop: James Smith points+rebounds+assists over 40.5, which sums multiple official stats and is graded according to the catalog or house rule definition of each component.

These examples reflect typical catalog entries that list points totals and combined player stats as permitted markets, but exact wording and allowed combinations are jurisdiction-specific and must be confirmed in the catalog Sports Wagering Catalog.

Sample NFL receiving yards and head-to-head matchup

Example NFL single-stat prop: Alex Receiver over 79.5 receiving yards. Settlement uses the official receiving yards total for that game, and any posts from official stat corrections would be applied per house rules. Example head-to-head: Alex Receiver vs. Ben Receiver, which pays based on which player records more receiving yards as measured by the official source.

Head-to-head and single-stat examples are commonly listed in state catalogs as permitted formats, but confirm the exact definitions and whether ties or pushes are covered in the operator rules Sports Gaming Catalog.

Sample MLB hits and strikeout prop

Example MLB prop: Chris Hitter over 1.5 hits. Settlement refers to the official hitting statistics for that game, and operators define whether partial-game situations or suspended games alter grading. Example pitching prop: Pitcher K over 6.5 strikeouts, graded against the official strikeout total recorded by the league's stat provider.

Because baseball statistics are frequently enumerated in catalogs, these sample bets illustrate how common player prop bets are described, while noting that precise settlement and allowable markets are catalog-defined and operator-implemented Approved Sports Wagering Events and Wagers.

Combination player props and how operators treat parlayed player props

What combination stats look like

Combination stats add two or more individual player measures into a single line, for example points+rebounds or points+rebounds+assists. These markets let bettors focus on overall contributions rather than a single metric, but combination composition and permitted pairings depend on catalog permissions.

Operators must state how each component is measured and which official sources apply, since a combined stat is only as reliable as its definitions for each part.

How parlays and correlated props may be handled

Operators often apply correlation rules or restrict certain parlay combinations that would create excessive exposure or impossible outcomes. For instance, linking a player's minutes total with an unlikely scoring total may be restricted or subject to special settlement rules defined in house policies.

Minimal 2D vector laptop on a clean Funded Plays style workspace showing a PDF with highlighted blocks representing permitted wagers and definitions, no people covers player props

Because parlay handling and correlation exceptions are defined by operator rules and overseen by regulators, consult the house rules to learn whether a combined player prop can be parlayed and how correlated outcomes are treated Approved Sports Wagering Events and Wagers.

Settlement examples for combined lines

Example settlement: a points+rebounds line uses the official points and rebounds totals for the player; if either component is affected by an official correction, the combined result is adjusted per the operator's grading policy. Operators may also specify tie breakers or partial-credit rules for combined outcomes.

Because combined parlay rules can affect payout and resolution speed, review the catalog and house rules for the operator to ensure you understand how combined player props are treated in your jurisdiction.

How to read a state sports wagering catalog to confirm which player props are covered

Key sections to look for in a catalog

Search a catalog for headings like permitted events, permitted wagers, definitions, and data sources. Those sections usually list player statistics, allowed bet formats, and the official sources that will be used for settlement.

Catalogs also include procedural sections that explain how updates are issued and where regulators post notices about changes to permitted markets, which helps you stay current when a market that covers player props is added or removed Sports Wagering Catalog.

Language cues that define allowed markets

Look for explicit lists of stat names and phrases such as player totals, head-to-head matchups, milestones, and combination markets. Precise terms indicate which props are covered and prevent ambiguity about what bettors may legally wager on.

When a catalog uses precise stat names rather than generic terms, it is signaling that the regulator intends operators to offer only those enumerated player proposition markets.

Where to find updates or notices

Regulator websites post catalog updates, guidance, and notices that clarify permitted markets and grading rules. Bookmark the gaming commission or regulator page for your state and check it periodically for notices that could change whether a market covers player props where you play.

For example, the Ohio Casino Control Commission posts a sports gaming catalog and updates on its site where new permitted wagers are listed and changes are described Sports Gaming Catalog.

Quick checklist to compare player prop offerings across operators and states

Use this short checklist when comparing markets: confirm the exact market name and phrasing, identify the official data source named for settlement, read push/void rules, verify allowed combinations, and check for college player restrictions.

Prioritize the state catalog and operator house rules over headlines or third-party aggregator descriptions, and contact operator support or the regulator if the catalog language remains unclear about whether a market covers player props in that jurisdiction Regulation 22.

When to avoid player props and responsible participation advice

Avoid player props when grading rules are ambiguous, the official data source is not clearly named, or the catalog shows restrictions such as bans on college player props. Those situations increase the risk of disputes or unexpected voids.

Respect athlete safety concerns and the regulatory intent behind college restrictions; when a market could expose student-athletes to harassment, regulators and industry groups have advised limiting or removing those lines to protect participants NCAA calls on states to ban college prop bets.

Final checks before placing a prop: confirm the grader, read push rules, verify allowed combinations, and ensure the market is explicitly permitted in the state catalog.

Conclusion: key takeaways about what covers player props

Common player props by sport and permitted formats are listed in state catalogs and implemented through operator house rules, with settlement typically tied to official league statistics. Understanding those two documents is essential when a market covers player props.

Check the state catalog and the operator's house rules to confirm the official data source, push rules, and any college player restrictions before acting. That is the most reliable way to confirm which player prop markets are actually available where you play. For more background from Funded Plays, see the homepage Funded Plays.

How are player props graded?

Player props are usually graded using the official league statistics named in the operator's house rules or the state catalog; push and void conditions are defined in those documents.

Are college player props allowed everywhere?

No. Since 2024 many jurisdictions have restricted or prohibited college player prop bets to protect student-athletes, so availability varies by state.

Where can I find authoritative lists of permitted player prop markets?

Authoritative lists are published in each state's sports wagering catalog or regulator notices and are the primary source for permitted markets and definitions.

If you need to confirm a specific market, start with the state sports wagering catalog and the operator's house rules. When in doubt, contact operator support or the regulator for clarification to avoid disputes and ensure you understand how a player prop will be graded.