An Explanation To What is a Push in Sports Betting: Push Bet Talk

Understanding How a Push Bet Works and Its Impact

If you've ever placed a wager on a sporting event, you may have heard the term "push" used in relation to your bet's outcome. But what exactly does push mean in sports betting? In this guide, we'll cover the key things you need to know.

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What Is a Sports Betting Push Bet?

A push bet occurs when the game or matchup ends in a tie between the bettor and the sportsbook. If the spread or total lands right on the sports betting number, neither side wins, and all wagers are refunded. This tie is called a push.

For example, if New England is a -7-point favorite against Miami and they win 28-21, it’s a push because the margin of victory was exactly seven points. Since neither the bettor nor the book won, all spread bets on this game would be pushed, and the stakes would be returned.

How and Why Do Push In Betting Happen?

Pushes occur when the final score or total lands exactly on the spread or total betting line set by oddsmakers. This results in a tie between what the bettor wagered and what actually happened.

Spreads and totals are designed to attract equal betting action on both sides. So when the actual outcome lands perfectly on the key number, a push results.

What Happens to a Bet That Is a Push?

If a bet ends up being a push after the game ends, your original stake is returned to you since neither side won the wager. For instance, if you bet $110 to win $100 on a game that ended in a push, you'd get back your $110 wager during the payout.

Essentially, it's as if the bet never happened. This is the sportsbooks way of calling it a draw when the outcome lands exactly on the betting line.

Pushes in Parlays and Teasers

In parlays and teasers, getting a push on one of your bets will result in that selection being excluded from the parlay. The rest of your parlay plays on with adjusted odds.

So if you have a 4-team parlay and one game is a push, it becomes a 3-teamer. This avoids the entire parlay being lost on a push.

How to Avoid Pushes When Betting Point Spreads?

There are a couple of approaches bettors use to reduce push possibilities on spread bets:

Buy points to move the spread half a point off key numbers of 3, 7, or 10. This way, a win by exactly the original spread becomes a win or loss instead of a push.

Look for alternate point spreads that are already off the key numbers. Most sportsbooks offer spread options with half-points built in.

Bet moneylines instead of points spreads if you expect a close game that could result in a tie against the spread.

Examples of A Push Bet

Here are a few examples to illustrate push bets:

Packers vs. Vikings (-3 spread) ends with the Vikings winning 27-24. The Vikings margin of victory was exactly 3. This game results in a push on the spread bets.

Lakers vs. Heat (over/under 205 total) ends with a final score of 102-103. The exact total was 205 points. Total bets would be a push.

Key Takeaways on Push Bets

A bet is a push when the score lands exactly on the spread or total betting line.

With a push, all bets are refunded as if the wager never happened.

Getting a push on one leg of a parlay results in that bet being reduced and the parlay adjusting accordingly.

Smart bettors utilize alternative spreads and buy points to avoid pushes on key numbers.

Look for half point spread IE 3.5, 7.5

Knowing how pushes work is an important aspect of sports betting. While not ideal, a push is better than a loss and at least gives bettors their stake back. Now that you understand this unique betting outcome, you can make educated wagers and account for the possibility of pushes.

FAQ's

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!