What is Push in Sports Betting

The gambling field is growing rapidly, and so are betting types and options. We’re looking inside each betting type to help you make better choices. This piece is about push betting. 

Definition of a Push

A push happens when the outcome of your bet exactly matches the sportsbook’s line. For example, if you bet a team to win by 3 points and they win by exactly 3 points, it’s a push. In this case, the sportsbook refunds your original wager.

Pushes can occur in different types of bets, such as point spreads, totals (over/under), and moneylines. The common factor is that the final result lands exactly on the sportsbook’s line.

What Happens When You Get a Push?

When your bet results in a push, you get your initial wager back. Let’s break down what this means.

How a Push Affects Your Bet

If your bet pushes, you simply get back the money you originally placed on that bet. No profit, no loss. For example, a $100 bet that pushes means you still have your $100.

Refund vs. No Win/No Loss Outcome

A push is like a refund. The sportsbook returns your original bet without any extra money. It’s a neutral outcome where your bankroll remains the same for that bet.

Push in Parlays and Accumulators

In parlays, which combine multiple bets, a push affects the whole bet differently. If one part of your parlay pushes, that part is removed, and the rest of the parlay continues. For instance, in a 5-leg parlay, one push makes it a 4-leg parlay. The payout is based on the remaining legs. Rules can vary, so check your sportsbook’s policies.

Common Scenarios That Result in a Push

Pushes can happen in different sports and bet types. Here are some common examples.

Push in Football Betting

Football often sees pushes with point spreads and totals. If you bet on a team with a -3 spread and they win by exactly 3 points, it’s a push. Similarly, if the total score is set at 48 and the game ends with exactly 48 points, all over and under bets push.

Push in Basketball Betting

Basketball also has frequent pushes. For example, if you bet on a team with a -4 point spread and they win by exactly 4 points, it results in a push. The same goes for totals—if the game’s total points match the sportsbook’s line exactly, bets on both over and under push.

Push in Other Sports (Hockey, Soccer, etc.)

Pushes aren’t just in football and basketball. In hockey, a -1 goal spread that matches exactly leads to a push. In soccer, if you bet on a 2-way moneyline and the game ends in a draw, it’s a push. Although less common in lower-scoring sports like baseball or tennis, pushes can still occur in specific bet types like totals or handicaps.

Push Betting Examples

Let’s look at some specific examples to understand how a push works in betting.

Push Example in Point Spread Betting

You bet on the Buffalo Bills with a -3 point spread against the Miami Dolphins. The Bills win 27-24, covering the spread precisely by 3 points. This results in a push, and both Bills and Dolphins bettors get their original wagers back.

Push Example in Totals Betting

Suppose the Over/Under for a Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans game is set at 48 points. The final score is 28-20, totaling exactly 48 points. This causes a push for both over and under bettors, refunding everyone’s original bets.

Push Example in Prop Betting

You bet on a quarterback to throw exactly 300 passing yards. If he finishes with exactly 300 yards, it’s a push, and you get your stake back. However, most sportsbooks use half-point increments (like over/under 278.5 yards) to avoid pushes, making it rare for a prop bet to push.

Push Rules in Sportsbooks

Each sportsbook has its own rules for handling pushes, especially with parlays and teasers.

• Single Bets: Most sportsbooks refund your original wager if it pushes.
• Parlays: If one leg pushes, that leg is removed, and the parlay adjusts to the remaining legs.
• Teasers: Some sportsbooks refund the entire teaser if any leg pushes, while others adjust by removing the pushed leg.
• Specialty Bets: Push rules can vary. Always check the sportsbook’s terms for unique bet types.

Reading rules helps you manage your bets and avoid surprises when a push occurs.

How to Avoid a Push in Sports Betting

While you can’t eliminate pushes, you can reduce their chances with these strategies.

Bet on Lines with Half-Points

Choose lines with half-points, known as “hooks.” For example, instead of a -3 spread, bet on -3.5. Since no team can score half a point, pushes are impossible.

Shop for Better Lines

Different sportsbooks offer different lines. Compare them to find lines that reduce the chances of a push or offer better conditions if one does occur.

Use Half-Point Spreads or Totals

Look for markets with half-point increments. These lines prevent the final score from landing exactly on the set number, minimizing push outcomes.

Consider Betting Props with Whole Numbers

While most prop bets use half-points, some use whole numbers. Be aware that pushes are possible with these props, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Understand the House Rules

Each sportsbook has unique rules for pushes, especially in parlays and teasers. Learn these rules to choose strategies that minimize push scenarios.

Push in Live/In-Play Betting

Live betting adds excitement but also changes how pushes can occur.

Dynamic Lines and Pushes

In live betting, lines change based on the game’s progress. This means the initial line you bet on can shift multiple times as the game progresses. If the final result matches the live line exactly, it results in a push.

Increased Possibility of Pushes

Because live lines adjust frequently, there’s a higher chance the final outcome could land on the push threshold. As the game nears its end, lines stabilize, increasing the likelihood of a push if the final score aligns with the line.

Strategies to Manage Pushes in Live Betting

• Stay Informed: Watch the game and understand how changes affect live lines. This helps you anticipate potential push scenarios.
• Use Partial Hedging: If a push seems likely, place additional bets to offset possible outcomes.
• Set Clear Objectives: To make better decisions, you should set goals and be risk-tolerant.  

Conclusion

A push in sports betting is a tie where you get your money back. It’s not a win, but it’s better than losing. Understanding how pushes work helps you manage your bets better and stay realistic.

Whether you’re new or experienced, knowing about pushes in different bet types—like point spreads, totals, moneylines, and parlays—can help you win. Use strategies to reduce pushes, and always check your sportsbook’s rules to stay ahead.

By Kai Iliev

Updated: 16 Jan 2025, 16:09