What Is a Push in Sports Betting?

A “push” in sports betting refers to a situation where neither side of a wager wins or loses because the final outcome matches the point spread or total set by the sportsbook. For example, if a bettor wagers on a football game with a point spread of exactly three points and the favorite wins by three, the result is a push. In this case, the stake is typically refunded, and neither a profit nor a loss is recorded for that bet. Understanding the concept of a push is important for managing expectations and accurately tracking betting outcomes, as it ensures that bettors recognize when their wagers do not result in a financial gain or loss.

Understanding the Concept of a Push

In sports betting, a push occurs when the final score or total aligns exactly with the sportsbook’s listed line, resulting in neither a win nor a loss for the bettor or the sportsbook.

In this situation, the bettor’s original stake is returned, with no profit or loss, and the vigorish (the bookmaker’s commission) isn’t applied.

Pushes are most common in point spread and totals bets when the result matches the line precisely. Although less frequent, a push can also occur on a moneyline bet, such as when an NFL game ends in a tie.

Recording pushes separately when tracking bets is important, as they impact overall win-loss records and provide a more accurate picture of betting performance.

Push Outcomes by Bet Type

Understanding how a push outcome applies to various bet types is important for managing expectations and assessing betting results.

In point spread and total wagers, a push occurs when the final outcome matches the exact number set by the sportsbook. For spread bets, if the margin of victory equals the posted spread, the wager is considered a push and the bettor’s original stake is returned.

Similarly, with totals bets, a push is declared if the combined score lands exactly on the designated line, resulting in a refund of the original wager for both “over” and “under” selections.

In moneyline wagers that offer two possible outcomes, a tie between the competitors leads to a push, which also results in the stake being returned.

For parlays or teasers that include a leg resulting in a push, that particular selection is removed from the bet, and the wager is recalculated based on the remaining legs. You can find more detailed betting information at MegaBetList if you’re interested in exploring various wagering options.

In each case, a push doesn’t result in a win or loss for the bettor, and no profit or loss is incurred for that specific bet.

How Sportsbooks Process a Push

After a game’s conclusion, sportsbooks review all bets to determine whether the outcome is a win, loss, or push based on the final result.

A push occurs when the final score matches the point spread or total exactly, resulting in neither a win nor a loss for that wager. In these cases, sportsbooks refund the original bet amount to the bettor. The wager is typically recorded as “no action” in the betting history.

While most sportsbooks update accounts automatically, the specific processing time may vary depending on the operator. If a push takes place within a parlay, the affected leg is removed from the bet, and the payout is recalculated based on the remaining selections.

In general, bettors don’t incur any charges, such as the vigorish or “juice,” on a push.

Real-World Examples of Pushes

Understanding how sportsbooks handle pushes is important for accurately interpreting betting outcomes.

For example, consider a bet on the New England Patriots as 7-point favorites against the Miami Dolphins. If the Patriots win by exactly seven points—for instance, 24-17—the result is a push, and the original wager is returned without profit or loss.

Similarly, in total bets, if you bet over or under 50 points and the final combined score is exactly 50, the result is also a push.

For NFL moneyline wagers, a tie in regulation (such as a 20-20 final) generally results in a push and the return of the stake.

In the case of parlays, if one component or “leg” of the bet results in a push, that leg is typically removed from the parlay calculation, and the payout is adjusted based on the remaining selections.

This approach ensures that neither the bettor nor the sportsbook is advantaged in situations where the outcome matches the set line exactly.

Tips to Avoid or Manage Pushes in Your Betting Strategy

Pushes are a common occurrence in sports betting, but there are practical measures bettors can use to minimize their frequency and impact.

One method is to seek out point spreads and totals with half-point increments, such as -3.5 or 44.5, as these can’t result in a push. Paying attention to key numbers—like 3 and 7 in football, which are typical margins of victory—can help bettors assess where pushes are more likely to occur.

Limiting the use of parlays or teasers is also advisable, since a push can reduce potential payouts or change the outcome of the bet. Utilizing odds comparison websites can assist in finding more favorable or varied betting lines, potentially avoiding push-prone numbers.

Finally, reviewing historical outcomes and specific team performances can provide useful data when evaluating the likelihood of a push in future wagers.

Conclusion

Now that you understand what a push is in sports betting, you’ll be better prepared when it happens. A push isn’t a win or a loss, but just getting your money back. It’s smart to track pushes separately so you’ve got a clear picture of your betting results. Remember, you can often avoid pushes by choosing half-point lines or alternative bets. Stay aware, and let pushes work in your favor, not against you.

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