For player shots props in soccer (e.g., over/under total shots or shots on target), the key rule revolves around whether the bet is considered “action” (valid and settled based on performance) if the player doesn’t start the match. If the player doesn’t meet the participation threshold, the bet is typically voided (returned) rather than graded as a loss or win. Rules are based on official house guidelines and apply to pre-match wagers unless otherwise noted. Extra time and penalty shootouts generally do not count toward shots stats.
| Sportsbook | Starting Requirement for Bet to Be Valid | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | No – Player must enter the field at any point (as a starter or substitute). | Bets stand once the player participates, even briefly. If they don’t play at all, the bet is voided. Early exit due to injury doesn’t void the bet. |
| DraftKings | No – Player must participate at any point (as a starter or substitute). | Explicitly states bets are not voided if the player enters as a substitute. If they don’t play at all, the bet is voided. Applies to shots markets. |
| Bet365 | No – Player must participate at any point (as a starter or substitute), unless you select the “No action if player does not start” option at bet placement. | By default, all participants (including subs) are treated as “starters” for settlement (bet is action). The optional checkbox voids the bet if they don’t start. Shots settled via Opta data. |
| Props Builder | Yes – Player must start. | Refers to custom prop builders (e.g., at Bovada). If the player doesn’t start, the bet is voided. Applies to soccer player stats like shots. |
| BetMGM | Yes – Player must start. | For all player props, including shots, the player must start for action. If they don’t start or play at all, the bet is voided. Parlay legs may be removed and repriced. |
| Hard Rock Bet | No – Player must play/participate at any point. | General rule: Player must play for props to have action (no specific soccer distinction requiring a start). Bets on non-participants are voided. |
| MyBookie | Yes – Player must start. | For soccer player props, if the player is not in the starting lineup, the bet is voided. Applies specifically to stats like shots. |
| Bookmaker | No – Player must participate at any point (as a starter or substitute). | Bets have action if the player plays at any point during the match. If they don’t play at all, the bet is voided. (Goalscorer variants may differ.) |
| Pinnacle | Yes – Player must start. | The player must start for statistical props like shots to have action. Substitutes do not qualify unless specified otherwise. |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | No – Player must enter the field at any point (as a starter or substitute). | Bets void if the player is listed as inactive or does not play. If they participate (even briefly), the bet stands; early injury exits may qualify for void under Fair Play policy if in first half. |
In short, I would arbitrage bet the “YES”s or “NO”s to make sure you don’t get one sided.
YES; MUST START:
Props Builder, BetMGM, MyBookie, Pinnacle
NO; CAN PLAY AT ANY POINT:
FanDuel, Draftkings, Bet365, HardRock Bet, Bookmaker, Fanatics
