A pick ’em game in sports betting is a matchup where neither team is favored because both sides are considered evenly matched. When oddsmakers view a game as a coin flip, each side is typically listed at -110 odds on the moneyline.
Whether you’re checking out a tightly-contested NFL game or an MLB duel featuring a pair of aces, it’s important to understand the nuances of pick ’em games. The following guide takes a deeper dive into pick ’em games, exploring how they work and more.
What is a pick ’em game?
A pick ’em game in sports betting is a matchup in which there is no favorite or underdog, as both sides are priced equally. Instead of one team being favored by a certain number of points or commanding a higher price on the moneyline, both are listed evenly.
When you see both sides on the board at -110 odds to win, this is an example of a pick ’em game: neither side is giving or receiving points. In some cases, one side might be listed at -105 while the other sits at -115; this is still a pick ’em game.
When it comes to pick ’em games, players must simply choose which team they think will come out on top. If their selection wins the game, the bet wins; if it loses, the wager is graded as a loss. There’s no margin of victory to consider, no spread to cover: just a clean, even bet on the game’s outcome.
What are some examples of pick ’em games?
Pick ’em games can appear across most sports when two opponents are considered evenly matched. Below, we’ve outlined a few examples of what a pick ’em game would look like in each of the four major sports.
NFL Pick ‘Em Games
In the NFL, true pick ’em games are relatively rare because most matchups feature at least a small point spread. Many contests are priced closely (such as -1.5 versus +1.5) but an exact pick ’em line is harder to come by.
Occasionally, you’ll also see a half-point hook (+0.5 / -0.5), which is a pure pick ’em game with a twist – that small margin can be the difference between a win or loss, specifically in regular season games that reach overtime and end in a tie.
Here’s what a pick ’em game would look like at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook:
- Buffalo Bills (-110): A $110 wager on Buffalo would return $100 in profit if the Bills win the game.
- Kansas City Chiefs (-110): A $110 wager on Kansas City would return $100 in profit if the Chiefs come out on top.
NBA Pick ‘Em Games
Basketball odds are similar to football betting in the sense that both sports revolve around point spreads. That being said, you’re more likely to see NBA games with short spreads (-1.5 versus +1.5) rather than true pick ’em odds. Despite this, they do surface from time to time, and would look something like this:
- Miami Heat (-110): A $110 wager on Miami would pay out $100 in profit as long as the Heat win the game.
- Orlando Magic (-110): A $110 bet on Orlando would return $100 in profit if the Magic escape with a victory.
One important area to note is that NBA games cannot end in a tie, so the aforementioned example of the hook (+0.5 / -0.5) in NFL games would not apply here. When selecting a side in a pick ’em game in the NBA, it’s as simple as picking the winner – nothing else matters.
MLB Pick ’Em Games
In baseball, pick ’em games are much more common since moneyline betting is the sport’s standard format. When oddsmakers view both teams as evenly matched, often due to comparable starting pitchers, both sides will be listed at -110 odds. Baseball bettors simply need to choose which club they believe will win outright, regardless of the score or margin of victory.
Here’s how a pick ’em matchup in MLB would work:
- Los Angeles Dodgers (-110): A $110 bet on the Dodgers would return $100 in profit if Los Angeles closes out the victory.
- Philadelphia Phillies (-110): A $110 wager on the Phillies would pay out $100 in profit as long as Philadelphia wins the game.
NHL Pick ‘Em Games
In the NHL, pick ’em games are also a lot more common. Just like baseball betting, hockey betting revolves around the moneyline, eliminating any chance of a close game carrying a short spread like the ones mentioned above.
Here’s an example of what a pick ’em game in the NHL would look like:
- Florida Panthers (-110): A $110 bet on Florida would return $100 in profit if the Panthers win the game.
- Tampa Bay Lightning (-110): A $110 wager on Tampa Bay would pay bettors $100 in profit if Tampa Bay secures the victory.
How can I bet pick ’em games at Hard Rock Bet?
Now that you have a strong idea of what pick ’em games are and how they work, it’s time to put it all into motion. While it isn’t guaranteed that you’ll find a pick ’em game on the board every single slate, you can get started and take a look by following these steps:
- Step 1: Select the sport or league you’re looking to wager on using the search bar on the homepage or the Discover tab.
- Step 2: Scroll through the menu of options to locate the game you’d like to bet on.
- Step 3: Choose your side: remember, you’re simply picking the outright winner when betting on pick ’em games.
- Step 4: Press your preferred team’s odds to add the pick to your bet slip.
- Step 5: Enter the amount you’d like to risk, review your wager, and lock it in.
Earn more with every wager on pick ’em games
Every bet placed at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, pick ’em game or not, will provide active players with even more bang for their buck. You’ll earn Unity Points through the platform’s rewards program, which are redeemable at Hard Rock properties across the map – including casinos, cafes and more.
In addition to earning Unity Points, every bet made will also boost your weekly Legendary Reward Drops. Every Thursday, you’ll be able to bust open a guitar case that’s filled with perks and rewards – the more you play, the better these rewards become.
FAQ about pick ’em games
Still have some questions about pick ’em games in sports betting? We’ve got answers.
How do you bet on a pick ’em game?
Betting on a pick ’em game is simple: just select the team you believe will win the game. There is no point spread or margin of victory to worry about, so correctly picking the winner will get the job done.
Can pick 'em games end in a tie?
It all depends on the sport and league. In the NFL, regular season games can end in a tie, which would result in a push when betting on a pick ’em game. However, in leagues like the NBA, MLB, and NHL, games continue until a winner is decided, so ties aren’t a factor.
Do pick ’em games appear in every sport?
Yes. Pick ’em games can occur in almost any sport, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and even tennis. Any time two opponents are viewed as evenly matched, there’s a chance they could be listed at -110 on either side.
Can I bet on pick 'em games in my state?
Yes. As long as you’re located in an active Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook state, you will have the ability to bet on any pick ’em games listed on the app or website.
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook is currently accepting bets in each of the following states:
