0 spread, also known as the “fairway” or “pick ‘em,” is a unique type of sports bet where no point spread is applied. This means neither team has an advantage built into the odds. It’s a straight-up contest of who will win, but with adjusted moneyline odds reflecting the perceived evenness of the matchup. It’s increasingly popular, especially with newer bettors.
How Does 0 Spread Differ From Traditional Spreads?
Traditionally, sportsbooks assign a point spread to level the playing field. For example, Team A -7.5 vs. Team B +7.5. A 0 spread eliminates this. Instead of predicting by how much a team will win, you’re simply predicting which team will win. However, the odds are typically around -110 on both sides, meaning you need to bet $110 to win $100. This reflects the 50/50 nature of the bet.
Key Features of 0 Spread Betting:
- No Point Spread: The core difference.
- Adjusted Moneylines: Odds are closer to even than traditional moneylines.
- Higher Risk/Reward (Slightly): While seemingly even, slight advantages can be built into the odds.
- Simplicity: Easier to understand for beginners.
Why Choose 0 Spread?
0 spread betting appeals to several types of bettors:
- Beginners: It removes the complexity of point spreads.
- Those Avoiding Large Spreads: If a spread feels too generous or unfair, 0 spread offers an alternative.
- Confidence in a Straight Win: If you strongly believe a team will win outright, it’s a direct way to bet on that outcome.
Example:
Let’s say the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Boston Celtics. A traditional spread might be Lakers -3.5. A 0 spread bet would look like this:
Lakers: -110
Celtics: -110
To win $100, you’d need to bet $110 on either team. If the Lakers win, Lakers bettors win. If the Celtics win, Celtics bettors win. No points are considered.
Potential Downsides
The -110 odds mean a slightly lower potential payout compared to winning a traditional spread bet with more favorable odds. Also, identifying true “even” matchups can be difficult, and sportsbooks are skilled at setting odds that favor them.
Where to Find 0 Spread Bets
Many major sportsbooks now offer 0 spread options, particularly on popular sports like NFL, NBA, MLB, and college sports. Look for it specifically labeled as “0 Spread,” “Fairway,” or “Pick ‘Em.”
