PICKEM sportsbook review
Established in late 2025 and operated by Joyloop, Inc., this PICKEM sportsbook review aims to uncover its key features, including eight payment methods and 11 sporting options covering many of the world’s top leagues.
- Rewarding VIP Club
- Low $3 entry fees
- 11 sports, including football markets
- Transparency could be improved
- No live betting
- Unreliable customer support
Editor's note
Data and analysis below are accurate at the time of publishing, but may be subject to change.
Expert verdict
I enjoyed the way PICKEM combines standard sports-picking formats with a more casual Career Mode. It adds variety without straying too far from what most fantasy and sportsbook players are already familiar with.
Although limited and with no live wagering available, the core betting structure is also very easy to understand and its sporting options cover the basics very well.
I also appreciated the option to choose between Full Send and Save Play payouts. Plus, the low entry fees and decent win potential make PICKEM’s sportsbook very approachable for both beginners and more experienced players.
However, as I continued my journey through PICKEM’s platform, the cracks became evident. Key details around payment methods as well as promotional information like cashback amounts were missing. Maximum entry limits are also vague.
The biggest disappointment for me was how weak its customer support is, well, at least for lower VIP members. Regardless of the VIP tier, I still expect consistent and reliable assistance.
While its customer support needs a complete overhaul, I believe other areas only need some minor adjustments to become more competitive. Overall, PICKEM’s sportsbook platform carries a lot of potential but needs to address some serious teething issues.
Where is PICKEM sportsbook legal?
You can choose to play Picks or Career Mode in 21 U.S. states. An additional 19 states only offer Career Mode as an option. As the table below outlines, this currently leaves just nine states where neither platform is available:
| Picks and Career Mode | Career Mode Only | Banned |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming | Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, and Virginia | Connecticut, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Washington |
PICKEM sportsbook bonuses and promotions
Following registration, users at PICKEM will automatically receive a Sign-Up Bonus with 50,000 Gold Coins (GC) and 1 Sweepstakes Coin (SC). All you need to do is complete basic sign-up requirements such as providing your full name, email address, and contact number.
The SC earned can only be used on the sweepstakes platform, the GC can be used with Picks gameplay and it can also help you with upgrading cards in Career Mode.
In addition to the Sign-Up Bonus, PICKEM also offers a selection of six Welcome Packs with your first purchase. The packs allow users to purchase GC at discounted rates, with SC given as an extra.
Each player can only choose one of the following packs listed below:
| Price | Gold Coins | Bonus Sweepstakes Coins | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.99 | 60,000 GC | 6 SC | 84% |
| $1.99 | 120,000 GC | 12 SC | 83% |
| $9.99 | 300,000 GC | 30 SC | 67% |
| $19.99 | 500,000 GC | 50 SC | 60% |
| $34.99 | 750,000 GC | 75 SC | 53% |
| $49.99 | 1 million | 100 SC | 50% |
After completing a purchase, the corresponding GC and bonus SC are immediately credited to your account.
With Picks, you can use the GC to play in Picks “fun mode”. This mode mirrors the real-money format in terms of lineup structure and payouts, but does not include group matchmaking or cash redemptions.
This means you can still practice building your lineups by selecting two to six athletes and choosing which stat projections you think will go over or under. You can also choose between Full Send or Save Play payouts. Successful picks are paid out in non-reedemable GC.
It’s worth noting that in “fun mode”, push, DNP, or voided selections are removed from the lineup. If all your picks are voided, the entry stake is returned.
In Career Mode, predictions are made using daily Tokens rather than GC. However, GC can still be used to level up and upgrade Prediction Cards that can boost your scores.
Bonus facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 50,000 GC + 1 SC |
| Bonus code | N/A |
| Wagering requirements | 1x |
| VIP rewards | Available |
| Other bonuses | Purchase promos, coinback, daily login rewards, in-app promos, email promos |
It’s worth pointing out that the PICKEM platform also includes daily login rewards for its casino games, where you can build streaks and claim GC and SC. While the login rewards only account for the sweepstakes casino, the GC earned can still be used on the sportsbook side.
Furthermore, for every real-money lineup placed in PICKEM Picks, users can earn SC as cashback, which can later be redeemed for prizes. That said, the platform does not provide any additional information on cashback amounts or requirements.
In addition to these bonuses, PICKEM also runs a VIP program with eight levels. All users start off at the Bronze tier after registering, with progression through the tiers earned through gameplay.
For every $1 in entry fees, you earn one VIP point. Alternatively, wagering 100,000 in GC will get you one VIP point.
| Level | Tier | VIP Points Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bronze | 0 |
| 2 | Silver | 500 |
| 3 | Gold | 5,000 |
| 4 | Sapphire | 50,000 |
| 5 | Ruby | 500,000 |
| 6 | Onyx | 1.5 million |
| 7 | Diamond | 5 million |
| 8 | GOAT | Invitation-only |
Some VIP perks include birthday bonuses that start out at 20,000 GC and 2 SC for Bronze members and rise to 5,000,000 GC and 500 SC at the GOAT tier. From Ruby tier onwards, players are also entitled to both premium customer support and 24-hour redemptions.
Other rewards include level-up bonuses and a weekly Coinback Rate based on your wagering and VIP tier. Bronze members start off at 2% weekly coinback, rising up to 10% at the GOAT tier.
Players can track their VIP status any time by visiting the VIP Club section within account settings. There are also in-app promotions and email notifications which PICKEM occasionally posts, so be sure to keep an eye out for those too.
Bonus rating
69/100 Strong VIP, but most bonuses non-redeemable
- Beginner-friendly bonus structure
- Well-organized VIP program
- Lacks sports-related bonuses
- Bonus GC is non-redeemable
While beginner-friendly and easy to understand, my main critique of PICKEM’s bonuses is that they aren’t exactly sports-focused.
Plus, the GC earned by the Sign-Up Bonus and Welcome Packs are non-redemable, and as a result, lack value. In other words, they might suit casual players, but they fall short for anyone focused on real-money betting.
By comparison, DFS platforms like Wanna Parlay provide a first deposit bonus with a 100% match up to $250. This gives players something tangible to work with and a real chance to potentially win back withdrawable funds.
To be fair to PICKEM, I thought the VIP program was well structured and very rewarding. However, once again, much of its value for sportsbook players is not actually related to sports, but rather comes from receiving faster transactions and premium customer support.
PICKEM sports and markets
PICKEM’s sportsbook arm is home to 11 sports that include major markets in football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. Other disciplines include soccer, esports, tennis, golf, MMA, Formula 1, and NASCAR.
Football markets include the NFL and college football with the NCAA. Basketball is heavily represented by the NBA, WNBA, and college basketball for both men and women. Baseball and hockey are covered by the MLB and NHL respectively.
Sports facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of sports | 11 |
| Betting markets — Baseball | Unclear |
| Betting markets — Basketball | Unclear |
| Betting markets — Football | Unclear |
| Esports | Available |
| Other markets (politics/event betting) | N/A |
Soccer leagues include the MLS, the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, the German Bundesliga, as well as the Champions League. Players can also access major international tournaments like the World Cup.
Esports options include League of Legends, Counter Strike 2, Valorant, and Call of Duty. Golf is represented by the PGA Tour, tennis through the ATP and MMA by the UFC.
Sports and markets rating
70/100 Strong core, but lacks transparency
- Strong coverage of major leagues
- Includes motorsports and esports
- Lacks niche sports
- Poor market visibility for non-users
PICKEM’s sports offerings cover the essentials very well, with strong representation across major U.S. leagues like NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Also, the inclusion of other markets like college football and basketball is a big plus in my book.
I was also quite impressed with its international markets, especially when it came to soccer, with a variety of European leagues and international tournaments covered. The inclusion of esports and MMA also adds to the variety in my book.
That said, it does lack niche entries. For instance, Underdog Fantasy is home to 18 different sports that include international baseball leagues and unique events like High Limit Racing and World of Outlaws.
A lack of transparency is another concern. Detailed information on the number of available markets per day is not available for non-registered users, making it difficult to assess depth before signing up.
So while coverage is decent overall, it can be improved upon, but the most pressing issues center around transparency.
PICKEM sportsbook betting features
In order to explain how PICKEM’s sports betting features work, it’s best to divide it by Picks and Career Mode. While both formats involve making predictions on real sporting events, each mode follows a different structure.
PICKEM Picks
When it comes to Picks, players may select between two to six athletes from a mixed variety of sports. Each athlete will have specific stat projections attached to them. It is the player’s job to select whether they believe said athlete will reach “More” or “Less” than the projected stat.
These More or Less projections are based on player prop markets for that particular sport. For instance, football markets will include stats for Passing, Rushing, and Receiving, while basketball has player props based on Points, Assists, and Rebounds.
Users can also choose between two payout styles: Full Send or Save Play. The former option requires all your selections to be correct in order to receive a payout. Save Play options allow you to receive payouts even if one or two of your picks are wrong.
Once you submit your lineup, you will also automatically be entered into a group and paired up with real players based on experience level, number of picks, and entry time.
The platform states that typical group sizes vary between 50 players for two and three picks, 100 users for four and five picks, and 500 for six-pick contests.
Each pick is converted into potential points based on its difficulty. At the end of the contest, all players in the group are ranked by their total score. Only those in first place can win rewards.
PICKEM Career Mode
Career Mode is a strictly F2P points-based competition with no redemptions. Users enter small Arenas and compete against 10 other players to win points, collect Trophies and GC, and unlock higher Prediction Cards.
Predictions are made using daily Tokens and center around gameplay-based props tailored for each sporting discipline. For instance, NFL markets include conditions such as whether the home or away team scores the first touchdown.
You can make as many predictions as your tokens allow for but once you run out, you’ll have to purchase GC to make any more. Alternatively, you can wait until your Tokens refill the next day.
It’s worth noting that information on how many Tokens are rewarded each day is not publicly available, but the amount does increase as players level up.
To potentially boost your score, you also have the option to add a Prediction Card to your selection. Prediction Cards are ranked as Common, Uncommon, Rare, or Epic. This rating simply affects how frequently they appear.
Common cards feature Home/Away outcomes and are the easiest to obtain, but they come with usage limits per Arena. Uncommon cards are also capped but include Any/Both game outcomes.
Rare cards are harder to obtain but once you do get hold of them, they can be used for an unlimited number of times per Arena. Rare cards come with Home/Away outcomes. Epic cards also have unlimited usage and come with Any/Both outcomes.
At the end of each Arena, players are ranked according to their total score. The higher up the leaderboard you are, the more rewards and Trophies you can earn.
Trophies can be used to advance through the Trophy Road. Earning more Trophies can help you level up and you unlock more Arenas with stronger users, rarer cards and bigger GC rewards.
You do not have to finish first in the leaderboard in order to win a Trophy and once you get promoted to a new Arena, you can never get demoted.
Betting features rating
68/100 Creative format, but lacks advanced options
- Includes player and gameplay props
- Prediction Cards add to strategy
- No live betting
- No live streaming
The betting features available at PICKEM follow very standard, but no less enjoyable, player and gameplay-based props. This makes the betting structure quite easy to understand and I feel it would make a great introduction for new players.
With only six picks per entry, PICKEM Picks does feel a bit limiting in this respect. However, unlike other DFS platforms like Chalkboard, PICKEM Picks allows you to mix and match players from different sports which immediately makes things a lot more interesting in my book.
However, PICKEM lets itself down big time by not having any live betting or cashback options available, features which are all available on platforms like Chalkboard and Underdog Fantasy.
Elsewhere, PICKEM’s Career Mode can appear quite complicated at first glance, but it’s actually built around pretty standard gameplay prop features. Overall, I appreciated its creativity and competitive elements.
Plus, the optional Prediction Cards and its usage limits add an extra layer of strategy to gameplay as it means you can’t just overly rely on the same cards.
PICKEM odds and payouts
PICKEM sportsbook uses a multiplier system to determine payouts, and carries a maximum payout potential of 1,000x your stake. These multipliers remain mostly fixed, however, certain combinations (such as selecting multiple players from the same team) may alter the payout. Regardless, your exact potential return will always be clearly displayed.
Prior to submitting your lineup, you have to choose between Full Send or Save Play payouts. Full Send offers higher potential rewards but in order for a payout to occur, all your picks must be correct.
On the other hand, with Save Play, you can still receive payouts even if one or two of your picks is wrong. If you select the maximum of six athletes, then only one of your picks is allowed to be incorrect for a payout to occur.
It’s worth noting that the payouts for six correct picks when using the Save Play option are less than six correct picks when using Full Send. The same goes for the rest of the payouts, Full Send picks always pay more than their Save Play counterparts.
Below is a table outlining how payouts are managed for each choice and number of picks:
| Correct Picks | Save Play Payout | Correct Picks | Full Send Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/3 | 1.25x | 2-pick | 3x |
| 3/3 | 2.25x | 3-pick | 5x |
| 3/4 | 1.5x | 4-pick | 10x |
| 4/4 | 5x | 5-pick | 20x |
| 3/5 | 0.4x | 6-pick | 37.5x |
| 4/5 | 2x | N/A | N/A |
| 5/5 | 10x | N/A | N/A |
| 4/6 | 0.4x | N/A | N/A |
| 5/6 | 2x | N/A | N/A |
| 6/6 | 25x | N/A | N/A |
The above payout structure is also used for group contests. After users have been paired into groups with other players, their picks are judged and scored based on how safe or risky they are. High-risk selections earn you more points when proven correct.
Points are distributed accordingly:
- Loss: 0 points (All your picks are incorrect)
- Reboot: 0 points (When picks are voided)
- Push/DNP: 0.50 points (The chosen athlete does not feature or finishes exactly on the line)
- Discounted Win: 0.95 points (A reduced-risk or promotional pick)
- Angel Win: 0.95 points (Low-risk selection)
- Standard Win: 1.00 points (Normal difficulty)
- Demon Win: 1.05 points (High-risk selection)
At the end of the contest, the player with the highest total score in the group wins the group payout. In the event of a tie, prizes are split.
However, it’s important to note that if you finish first in your group and your picks also qualify for a Full Send or Save Play payout, only the higher amount is awarded.
Elsewhere, the payout structure for Career Mode follows the same format as for Picks. However, it’s worth remembering that while Picks can result in real-money payouts, rewards earned in Career Mode cannot be redeemed.
Instead, the rewards you earn in Career Mode are converted into points that help you unlock new Arenas through Trophies for more competitive play as well as earn more GC.
Odds rating
74/100 Simple format, but lacks flexibility
- Semi-fixed multipliers
- Clear payout displays
- Low 1,000x max payout
- Lacks flexibility of odds-based pricing
Unlike traditional sportsbooks like Sportzino, which uses standard betting odds to calculate payouts, the mostly fixed multiplier system at PICKEM represents a far more simplified and straightforward payout structure.
While certain combinations can lead to minor adjustments, the payouts are not influenced by shifting markets or pricing like traditional odds.
This might not suit hardcore odds nerds, but personally, I found this format very approachable, especially for more casual players. That said, the fixed system does limit flexibility and leaves me unable to calculate and compare average payouts.
Another downside is that the maximum payout of 1,000x feels very conservative, especially when compared to other platforms like Chalkboard with a 5,000x max payout. Still, in terms of simplicity and ease of use, I still found the system enjoyable to work with overall.
Payment methods at PICKEM sportsbook
There are eight payment methods available at PICKEM sportsbook that range from traditional card methods to online banking and digital wallets. These are as follows: Visa and Mastercard (Credit/Debit), American Express (Credit only), Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, online banking options, and prepaid/gift cards.
The minimum entry fee for any lineup or competition is $3 per contest. The platform does not clearly state what the maximum entry fee per contest is, but it does confirm that the amount varies by sport, stat type, and membership.
Entry fees are processed instantly, allowing players to immediately set up their picks and selections.
Payment facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of payment methods | 8 |
| Popular payment | VISA |
| Minimum deposit | $3 |
| Maximum deposit | N/A |
| Average deposit time | Instant |
| Minimum withdrawal | 100 SC |
| Maximum withdrawal | Not specified |
| Average withdrawal time | Up to 5 days |
| Deposit fees | N/A |
| Withdrawal fees | N/A |
At the time of writing, PICKEM does not provide clear information on minimum or maximum withdrawal limits. When depositing entry fees, players can use online banking or card options such as Visa and Mastercard. The same methods are also available for withdrawals.
However, PICKEM does not provide information on which of the remaining methods can be used for depositing or withdrawing. It does state that withdrawal times typically take between three to five days to be processed.
Payments rating
66/100 Solid options but lacks transparency
- Low minimum entry fee
- Instant entry processing
- Unclear withdrawal limits
- Lacks big names like Skrill
PICKEM’s payment system works well in practice, with instant deposits and a low $3 entry fee that makes it easy for players to get started. Core methods like cards and online banking options cover most users’ needs.
However, the platform struggles with a lack of transparency and missing information, particularly when it comes to withdrawal caps. Plus, the lack of information for non-registered users about other available payment methods like digital wallets is a big letdown.
For instance, Legendz is a sportsbook platform with seven payment methods, one less than PICKEM. But at least I know clearly where I stand regarding its minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts.
Plus, while the selection at PICKEM is decent, it would have been nice to have seen other popular methods, especially in terms of digital wallets like Skrill or Neteller.
It’s not a dealbreaker for PICKEM as the options available are still solid, but there definitely needs to be more information on the limits and methods you can use for depositing and withdrawing.
How safe is PICKEM sportsbook
When it comes to protecting users from unhealthy habits, PICKEM sportsbook allows players to set self-limits. This includes purchasing and wagering caps, as well as daily time limits.
Other functions players can implement include a “Take a Break” feature, which temporarily suspends access to the account for a defined period of time. A Self-Exclusion option can restrict account access for either an extended period, or even indefinitely.
These measures can be activated by going to your Account Settings and selecting Responsible Gaming. You may also email such requests to [email protected].
The above information was obtained from a Help article available on PICKEM’s website. However, the platform also has a separate page dedicated to responsible gaming (RG).
Safety facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Auditing seals | N/A |
| Responsible gambling seals | On-Line Gamers Anonymous (OLGA), Game Quitters, Recovery.org Forums, Stop Gaming Reddit Forum, and Computer Gaming Addicts Anonymous |
| Licenses | State Dependent |
| SSL encryption | 384-bit |
| Two-factor authentication | Available |
| Ever blacklisted? | No |
| Deposit, wager, time, and loss limits | Available |
| Self-exclusion | Available |
| Cooling-off period | Available |
The page provides more general guidance on gameplay, but does not list the full range of limits as seen on the Help article. Plus, it directs users to contact customer support directly to request account restrictions.
The page itself is filled with tips and advice on recognizing problematic behavior and managing gameplay. The page also comes with links to a number of organizations that specialize in helping people with gambling addiction.
This includes the On-Line Gamers Anonymous (OLGA), Game Quitters, Recovery.org Forums, Stop Gaming Reddit Forum, and Computer Gaming Addicts Anonymous.
To secure user data and financial transactions, PICKEM uses SSL/TLS encryption with ECDSA security, as well as SHA-384 hashing.
Safety rating
73/100 Decent tools, unclear presentation
- Multiple self-limit options
- Strong data security
- Inconsistent RG information
- Fragmented documentation
PICKEM’s use of modern encryption methods is second to none, while its range of responsible gaming tools allow players plenty of freedom to manage their activity pretty effectively.
However, information on these tools is spread across different sections of the site. The fact that a random Help article provided me with more information on limits than the platform’s actual page dedicated to RG speaks volumes and was less than ideal.
Plus, the dedicated RG page advises players to contact customer support to implement restrictions, while the Help article refers to self-service tools available once you create an account.
For players looking to potentially sign up, this fragmented information makes it harder for them to know where they stand. Overall, the foundations in place are solid, but clearer and more consistent information is desperately needed.
Customer support at PICKEM
Through its Live Chat widget and email support system, PICKEM sportsbook is home to two main modes of direct communication. The platform also features an extensive Help Center filled with countless articles covering a wide range of topics related to the platform.
For non-registered users, the live chat widget can be accessed through the Help Center while registered players will find it available on the app. When you send in a query, you will normally receive an automated reply with an estimated response time from an agent.
Support facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Customer support availability | No displayed hours |
| Live chat | Available |
| [email protected] | |
| Contact number | N/A |
| On-page support | FAQs and Help Center |
These response times tend to vary between six to 12 hours and usually arrive via email rather than through the actual widget, although this varies. Occasionally, some responses can come back within an hour or two, but this is inconsistent.
The responses are generally informative and friendly, although during testing, some queries were left completely unanswered. Furthermore, there are no official support hours listed anywhere on the website.
Support rating
51/100 Accessible, but slow and inconsistent
- Live chat available
- Extensive Help Center
- Six to 12-hour response times
- Some queries left unanswered
There’s no sugarcoating this one, my experience with PICKEM’s customer support system was both tiring and frustrating. Firstly, the live chat widget often feels like little more than a gateway to email support.
Regardless of the time of day, estimated response times were nearly always listed as six to 12 hours, occasionally dropping down to under four hours if I was “lucky”.
Most queries I sent through live chat were eventually answered via email. Many other questions were left completely unanswered, which was super disappointing and left me with a really bad taste in my mouth.
That said, the replies I did receive were generally helpful and informative. The main issue is that when I needed further clarification, the waiting process started all over again.
In truth, the platform’s one true saving grace in this area was its Help Center articles, offering clear and well-structured guidance across a lot of topics.
Usability and mobile-play at PICKEM sportsbook
Unlike PICKEM’s casino platform, which can be accessed on both mobile and desktop, its sportsbook platform is only available through mobile play on the Apple Store or Google Play.
The app doesn’t have a search bar, but sport categories and stat filters are positioned near the top of the page, allowing users to switch between markets without leaving the main selection area.
Featuring a modern-looking blue theme, its interface uses large player cards that display key information such as fixtures, projections, and “More” or “Less” options, all of which can be viewed without having to scroll up and down on the card.
Platform facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Mobile app | AndAndroid, iOS and Web app |
| Ease of navigation | Limited |
| Filters | Basic |
| Search function | N/A |
| Loading speed | 1s |
| UI and UX rating | Needs work |
| Other products | Casino |
Navigation is handled through a bottom menu bar which provides access to Picks, Career Mode, lineups, and account settings. Your account balance, bonuses, and rewards are displayed at the top of your screen.
Platform rating
65/100 Clean design, but missing key tools
- Modern, engaging interface
- Clear and intuitive navigation
- Mobile only
- No search bar
PICKEM’s mobile app strikes a good balance between functionality and aesthetics. While heavy on the blue, the layout with cartoonish player images and stadium graphics give the platform a fun and engaging vibe.
However, the absence of a search bar is a major drawback, especially if you are looking for a specific player, state, or market. Until they add that function, you’re forced to scroll manually.
It’s a good thing then that navigation is built around being quick and intuitive. Everything is clearly labeled and most core features are never too far away.
That said, the mobile-only setup means non-registered users cannot preview the sportsbook without actually downloading the app first. And while the app works well, having a web-based version would make the overall experience more flexible for people. All in all, it’s a pretty solid app though.
PICKEM user reviews
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