Understanding Pick'Em Bets: When Oddsmakers Call It Even in Sports Betting

Understanding Pick'Em Bets: When Oddsmakers Call It Even in Sports Betting

By Michael Harrison

December 31, 2024 at 09:26 AM

A pick'em in sports betting occurs when two teams are considered evenly matched, resulting in identical or very similar odds for both sides. The odds typically appear as (-110) vs (-110), meaning you need to bet $110 to win $100 regardless of which team you choose.

Orange-helmeted player in sporting gear

Orange-helmeted player in sporting gear

Key aspects of pick'em bets:

  • Both teams have equal or nearly equal odds
  • No clear favorite or underdog
  • Common in basketball and football, especially during crucial matchups
  • Spreads are minimal or non-existent due to perceived even matchup

Tips for betting pick'ems:

  1. Consider home advantage
  2. Analyze team power ratings
  3. Review recent form and head-to-head history
  4. Study team statistics and matchup specifics

While pick'ems can be challenging since bookmakers see the matchup as even, they present opportunities for bettors who thoroughly research both teams and identify slight advantages that could influence the outcome.

Remember: A pick'em doesn't always mean exactly equal odds - slight variations (like -115 vs -105) may still be considered pick'ems since the teams are closely matched.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Should you avoid pick'em bets? A: No, but thorough research is essential since there's no clear favorite.

Q: How does a pick'em differ from standard moneyline bets? A: Pick'ems show equal or near-equal odds, while typical moneylines have clear favorites (-) and underdogs (+).

Q: What sports commonly feature pick'ems? A: Basketball and football most frequently offer pick'em opportunities, especially in significant games.

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