What Does Push Mean in Sports Betting?

A Push in sports betting is when nothing wins or loses- a tie between you and the betting platform. This occurs when the final score corresponds to the wagering line. Think of it like this: if you bet that a team will win by 3 points, and they win by exactly 3 points, that's a push.

Pushes often appear in two types of bets:

- When you bet on point spreads (the margin of victory)
- Over/under bets (total points scored).

When you get a tie, you get your stake back. It's as if the wager was not made. Knowing about pushes is essential when you bet on sports. It helps you track your wins and losses better, and you won't be surprised when your bet ends in a tie.

What Is a Push in Betting?

A push in betting is like hitting a perfect tie—nobody wins and loses. It is when your bet lands right between winning and losing. Your wagered money gets returned to your bet account when a tie happens.

Here is an example of a push in betting: Say you bet on a team expected to win by 3 points. Should they win by 3, that tie is referred to as “A push”. The same thing happens with scoring bets. If you guess the teams will score 50 points together, that's precisely what happens: you've hit a tie.

Stay calm about losing your money in the event of a push. The bookmaker will return your original bet. It will be as though the bet never happened. Pushes are typical, especially when betting lines use whole numbers instead of decimals.

How Does a Push Affect Your Bet?

Should your sports bet end in a push, you keep your money (no pain, no gain). Think of it as a tie where no one wins or loses. It's like the bet never happened.

These ties happen most often with whole numbers in betting lines. When a push occurs, bookmakers return your original bet amount. It's their way of handling situations without a clear winner or loser. That's all there is to it - a push means you walk away with your money back in your pocket, ready to bet another day.

How to Identify Push Outcomes in Betting?

A push outcome is directly seen in a betting card. However, you must wait until the final score is released. Should this score correspond to the specified point spread? Your betting slip will read “Push.” On the other hand, it will read void if it doesn't match. This signifies that neither side has won against the spread. Such an outcome results in your wager being reimbursed.

While pushes are typical in point spread and total betting, they generally don’t happen in moneyline bets where you pick the game’s winner. However, you can see pushes in total bets if the combined score hits the set line strictly. For instance, if you bet on a game’s total score going over 46 points and it ends up strictly at 46, that counts as a push, and you’ll get your original stake back.

What Happens in a Parlay Bet with a Push?

A push generally keeps the tied leg out of the total bet in a parlay bet. It decreases the number of selections without nullifying the entire bet. When one of the bets within a parlay results in a push, it is regarded as if it did not occur. The payout is recalibrated based on the remaining winning legs.

For instance, consider a three-leg parlay where you place a bet on three teams to cover the spread. If two teams successfully cover their spreads while the third game concludes with a push (e.g., the team favoured by 4 points wins by exactly 4), that leg is removed from the parlay.

Rather than remaining a three-leg parlay, it changes into a two-leg parlay with modified odds and a reduced potential payout. This characteristic can safeguard a parlay from losing entirely if one leg results in a push, permitting partial winnings if the other selections are successful.

Tips to Avoid Pushes in Betting

One effective strategy to reduce the likelihood of a push in sports betting is to bet on half-point spreads, often called "hook" spreads (e.g., -3.5 instead of -3). Since no team can score half a point, a half-point spread guarantees that a push won’t occur. Instead, the outcome will be a clear win or loss, which can be beneficial in maintaining the momentum of your betting strategy.

Additionally, comparing lines across different sportsbooks can help you avoid potential pushes. Odds and spreads can vary slightly between sportsbooks. When you browse these bookies, you may find a spread with a half-point difference. This type of opportunity reduces the chance of a push.

For example, assume Bookie A has a game total of 48 and B offers 47.5. Choosing the latter means the combined score either wins or loses the bet outright, providing a more precise outcome.

Conclusion

Understanding pushes in sports betting is essential for any bettor, as pushes can frequently occur with whole-number point spreads and totals. A push means the final outcome aligns precisely with the set line, resulting in a refund of the original wager rather than a win or loss. While this outcome is neutral, betting on half-point spreads and comparing lines across sportsbooks can help minimize the chance of a push, creating a more straightforward betting experience.

For those looking for a secure and enjoyable betting platform, CryptoCasino.com offers transparent push policies and a range of betting options tailored to user preferences. By choosing platforms with clear rules around pushes, bettors can better manage their strategies and enjoy a smoother betting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pushes in Betting

What Is a Push in Point Spread Betting?

Push-in point spread betting happens when the final margin of victory matches the point spread precisely, resulting in no winner or loser. For instance, if 6 points and wins favor a team by exactly 6, the bet "pushes." In such cases, the original wager is refunded to the bettor.

Can a Push Happen in Over/Under Bets?

Yes. Punters can encounter a push in over/under betting. This happens when the combined final score matches the set total.

Do You Lose Money on a Push?

No. A push does not result in a loss of wager funds. When a push occurs, the sportsbook refunds your original wager, canceling the bet as though it never happened. Neither a win nor a loss is recorded for the better.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Please gamble responsibly and ensure compliance with the laws in your jurisdiction.