Unlocking Player Props via API: How to Get Prop Betting Odds in Real Time

Sports betting has evolved far beyond moneyline, spreads, and totals. Today, player props are one of the fastest-growing markets, especially in the US. From LeBron James’ points to Patrick Mahomes’ passing yards, props add a new layer of engagement that users expect in modern betting apps.

But accessing reliable, real-time prop data isn’t easy. Many odds APIs focus only on basic markets, leaving props as an afterthought. In this article, we’ll explain why props matter, the challenges in getting this data, and how developers can use an API to seamlessly integrate player prop odds into their applications.

What Are Player Props?

Player props are bets tied to an individual player’s performance rather than the overall team outcome. Examples include:

NBA: LeBron James over/under 27.5 points
NFL: Patrick Mahomes passing yards over/under 275.5
MLB: Aaron Judge to hit a home run
NHL: Connor McDavid to score a goal

Props create unique betting experiences and appeal to both fantasy sports players and casual fans.

Why Player Props Data Matters

Market Growth: Props account for a rising percentage of total betting handle in the US.
User Engagement: Casual fans often prefer player-focused bets over team outcomes.
Fantasy + Betting Crossover: Many fantasy platforms are blending with prop betting to engage users year-round.

For developers, offering props is a way to differentiate apps and capture a larger audience.

The Challenge: Accessing Prop Data

While main odds markets are widely available, props are harder to find in APIs because:

Not all bookmakers provide structured prop feeds
Props vary widely by sport and market
Odds update frequently, requiring low-latency data

Some APIs offer limited props coverage, often restricted to US sportsbooks or only a handful of markets.

How Odds-API.io Solves This

Odds-API.io provides comprehensive player props coverage with real-time updates from 250+ bookmakers, including US leaders like DraftKings and FanDuel. Key advantages:

Wide Props Coverage: NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, NCAAF, and more
Fast Updates: Sub-second latency ensures your users see the latest lines
Easy Integration: Props data is available via the same endpoints as other markets, no separate system required

Example API call:

GET https://api.odds-api.io/v3/odds?apiKey=YOUR_KEY&eventId=12345&bookmakers=DraftKings,FanDuel

Sample response snippet:

{
  "id": 12345,
  "sport": "basketball",
  "league": "NBA",
  "home": "Los Angeles Lakers",
  "away": "Boston Celtics",
  "bookmakers": {
    "DraftKings": [
      {
        "name": "Player Props",
        "odds": [
          {
            "label": "LeBron James - Points",
            "hdp": 27.5,
            "over": "1.90",
            "under": "1.90"
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}

Use Cases for Developers

Props Comparison Tools: Let users compare player prop odds across multiple bookmakers.
Fantasy Integration: Combine fantasy stats with live betting odds for player projections.
Alert Systems: Notify users when prop odds shift significantly.

Sport-Specific Examples

NFL Props API: Passing yards, rushing yards, touchdowns, receptions.
NBA Props API: Points, rebounds, assists, three-pointers.
MLB Props API: Strikeouts, home runs, total bases.
NHL Props API: Goals, shots on goal, saves.

These are all supported via Odds-API.io.

Conclusion

Player props are the future of betting engagement, and developers need APIs that deliver them in real time. Odds-API.io combines fast updates, global bookmaker coverage, and extensive props markets, making it the go-to solution for integrating player props into modern betting apps.

👉 Ready to unlock props in your app? Get your free API key and start integrating real-time player prop data today.