If you’re new to PrizePicks, you might wonder what happens if a projection ties on PrizePicks. This can seem a little tricky at first. It’s a common question because it affects how your bets play out.
Don’t worry, it’s actually quite simple once you know the rule. We’ll break it down step by step so you can play with confidence. Let’s look at how ties are handled and what it means for your winnings.
Understanding PrizePicks Ties
How PrizePicks Works
PrizePicks is a daily fantasy sports game where you pick over or under on player projections. You choose at least two different players and their statistical categories. For example, you might pick LeBron James to go over 25 points or Patrick Mahomes to go under 280 passing yards.
You can choose as many as six players. The more players you correctly pick, the higher your payout becomes.
The game is designed to be easy to understand. You’re not competing against other players directly. Instead, you’re betting against the projection set by PrizePicks.
If your pick matches reality, you win. If it doesn’t, you lose that part of your bet.
What is a Tie in Sports Betting?
In sports betting, a tie happens when the actual result of a statistic is exactly the same as the projected number. For instance, if a basketball player is projected to score 20 points, and they end up scoring exactly 20 points, that’s a tie.
This is also often called a “push” in traditional sports betting. A push means your bet is returned to you. You neither win nor lose money on that specific wager.
It’s like the bet never happened in terms of its outcome.
PrizePicks Tie Rules Explained
How PrizePicks Handles Ties
PrizePicks has a clear rule for when a player’s projection results in a tie. When a projection ties, that specific leg of your entry is treated as a “push.” This means that particular player pick does not count as a win or a loss for your overall entry.
The impact of this push depends on how many players you selected for your entry. Let’s break this down by the number of picks.
Impact on Your Entry Based on Number of Picks
The way a tie affects your payout is directly related to the number of picks you make in your entry. PrizePicks offers different payout structures depending on whether you choose two, three, four, five, or six players.
Two-Pick Entry
If you make a two-pick entry (e.g., Player A Over, Player B Under) and one of those picks results in a tie, the entry is considered a push. This means you get your original stake back. You do not win any money, but you also do not lose any money.
It’s as if you didn’t place the bet at all.
Three-Pick Entry
With a three-pick entry, if one of your picks results in a tie, your entry is re-graded as a two-pick entry. For example, if you picked Player A Over (win), Player B Under (tie), and Player C Over (win), your entry would be graded as if you only picked Player A and Player C. The payout for a two-pick entry is generally lower than for a three-pick entry.
You will be paid based on the payout for a successful two-pick entry.
If two of your three picks tie, the remaining single winning pick means your entry is considered a push. You get your stake back.
Four-Pick Entry
For a four-pick entry, a single tie changes the entry into a three-pick entry. You will be paid according to the payout structure for a winning three-pick entry. If two of your four picks tie, the entry becomes a two-pick entry, and you’ll receive the payout for that.
If three of your four picks tie, the remaining single winning pick means your entry is considered a push.
Five-Pick Entry
In a five-pick entry, if one projection ties, your entry converts into a four-pick entry. You receive the payout associated with a successful four-pick entry. If two picks tie, it converts to a three-pick entry, and so on.
If four of your five picks tie, the remaining single winning pick means your entry is considered a push.
Six-Pick Entry
With a six-pick entry, a tie in one projection makes it a five-pick entry. A tie in two projections makes it a four-pick entry. The payout is adjusted accordingly for the remaining number of winning picks.
If five of your six picks tie, the remaining single winning pick means your entry is considered a push.
PrizePicks Payouts Table (Illustrative Example)
It’s important to note that PrizePicks can change its payout structures. Always check the current payout rates within the app for the most accurate information. However, here’s an illustrative example of how payouts might work for different entry types, assuming a $10 stake:
| Number of Picks | Correct Picks Needed | Potential Payout (Example) | Tie Scenario Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2/2 | $20 (2x Stake) | Push (Stake Returned) |
| 3 | 3/3 | $40 (4x Stake) | 1 Tie: Graded as 2/2 entry (e.g., $20 payout) |
| 4 | 4/4 | $70 (7x Stake) | 1 Tie: Graded as 3/3 entry (e.g., $40 payout) |
| 5 | 5/5 | $120 (12x Stake) | 1 Tie: Graded as 4/4 entry (e.g., $70 payout) |
| 6 | 6/6 | $200 (20x Stake) | 1 Tie: Graded as 5/5 entry (e.g., $120 payout) |
As you can see from the table, a tie reduces the potential payout because it lowers the number of successful selections. The key is that your entry doesn’t automatically lose if there’s a tie. It simply adjusts to the next lower tier of payout based on the remaining winning picks.
Strategies When Dealing with Ties
Embracing the Push
A tie or push is not a bad outcome. It’s a neutral one. It means your stake is safe.
In a game where losing is possible, getting your money back on a projection tie is a win in itself. It saves you from a loss and allows you to try again with your full stake.
Understanding Payout Adjustments
Knowing that ties adjust your payout is crucial for setting expectations. If you’re aiming for the maximum payout with a six-pick entry, a tie means you won’t hit that top prize. However, you still have a chance to win a significant amount with the adjusted number of winning picks.
This makes even an entry with a tie potentially profitable.
Selecting Players with Clear Outcomes
While you can’t perfectly predict ties, you can sometimes lean towards player statistics that are less likely to hit an exact projection. For instance, a quarterback throwing for 300 yards might be easier to go over or under than a player projected for exactly 15 points where scoring can be very precise.
However, it’s important not to overthink this. The core of PrizePicks is making good picks based on research and your understanding of the sport. The tie rule is a safety net, not a strategic element to build around.
Flexibility in Entry Size
PrizePicks allows you to choose your entry size. If you’re particularly worried about ties, you might opt for two-pick entries. This ensures that any tie results in a push, protecting your stake without any payout reduction.
As you become more comfortable, you can explore larger entries for higher potential rewards, knowing how ties will affect them.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Assuming a Tie Means a Loss
The most common mistake for beginners is thinking a tie means they lost that specific pick and potentially the entire entry. This is not true. Remember, a tie is a push and neutralizes that one pick.
Your entry’s fate then depends on your other selections.
Not Checking Payout Structures
Another mistake is not being aware of the payout structure for different numbers of picks. If you hit two out of three picks, you want to know what that payout looks like compared to hitting three out of three. Always check the PrizePicks app or website for their current payout tables to manage your expectations.
Over-Reliance on Tie Predictions
You cannot reliably predict when a tie will occur. Sports are dynamic. Trying to “game” the system by picking players you think will tie is unlikely to be a successful long-term strategy.
Focus on picking players you genuinely believe will exceed or fall short of their projections based on performance, matchups, and other relevant factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What happens if two of my four picks tie on PrizePicks?
Answer: If two of your four picks tie, your entry is re-graded as a two-pick entry. You will be paid according to the payout structure for a successful two-pick entry.
Question: Does a tie on PrizePicks mean I lose my money?
Answer: No, a tie on PrizePicks means that specific pick is a “push.” You do not win or lose money on that particular selection. Your overall entry payout will be adjusted based on the remaining winning picks.
Question: How does a tie affect a two-pick entry on PrizePicks?
Answer: If you have a two-pick entry and one of the picks results in a tie, the entire entry becomes a push. You get your original stake back. Your bet essentially has no outcome.
Question: Can a tie lead to a win on PrizePicks?
Answer: A tie itself does not lead to a win. It neutralizes the pick. However, if you have other winning picks in your entry, a tie can lead to a reduced, but still potentially winning, payout compared to if all your picks had won.
Question: What happens if all my picks tie on PrizePicks?
Answer: If all of your picks in an entry tie, the entire entry is considered a push. You will receive your original stake back for that entry.
Final Thoughts
When a projection ties on PrizePicks, it’s a neutral event for that pick. It’s called a push and your stake is returned for that leg. Your overall entry’s payout adjusts to reflect the remaining successful picks.
This means a tie doesn’t result in a loss; it simply lowers the potential win amount. Knowing this rule helps you play with more confidence and understand every outcome.