What Does ‘PK’ Mean in Sports Betting?
In sports betting, PK is an abbreviation for “pick’em.”
It’s a term used in point spread betting when two teams are considered so evenly matched that the sportsbook has not designated a favorite or an underdog.
Simple Breakdown
- No Point Spread: In a typical point spread bet, the favorite “gives” points (e.g., -3.5) and the underdog “gets” points (e.g., +3.5). In a PK or pick’em, the spread is effectively zero (0).
- How You Win: To win a PK bet, the team you wager on simply needs to win the game outright. The margin of victory does not matter.
- What Happens in a Tie: If the game ends in a tie, the bet is declared a “push,” and your original wager is refunded. You don’t win any money, but you don’t lose your stake either.
Example
Let’s say the Green Bay Packers are playing the Dallas Cowboys, and the betting line is set at PK.
- If you bet on the Packers at PK, you win your bet if the Packers win the game (e.g., 24-21).
- If you bet on the Cowboys at PK, you win your bet if the Cowboys win the game (e.g., 20-17).
- If the game ends in a tie (e.g., 27-27), your bet is a push, and your money is returned.
PK vs. Moneyline
A PK bet is very similar to a moneyline bet, as you are just picking the winner. The key difference is how a tie is handled.
- PK (Pick’em): A tie results in a push (stake returned). This is a 2-way bet (Team A or Team B).
- Moneyline (3-way, common in soccer): A “Draw” or “Tie” is a separate betting option. If you bet on Team A to win and the game ends in a tie, you lose your bet.
- Moneyline (2-way, common in US sports): In sports where ties are rare but possible (like the NFL), a 2-way moneyline bet will also result in a push if the game ends in a tie.
In sports like soccer, a PK bet is essentially the same as a “Draw No Bet” (DNB) wager.