What Is a Push in Sports Betting?

In essence, a push is a tie or a “no action” bet between the bettor and the sportsbook.

Wagers result in one of three possible outcomes: a win, a loss, or a tie.

Sports leagues do their best to eliminate ties with overtime or shootouts. Sportsbooks do the same by adding the hook to a point spread or total.

The hook is the additional half-point that guarantees there will not be a push; however, sometimes the spread or total is a whole number, creating the possibility that a bet will push.

A push isn’t the desirable outcome for a better, but it’s a whole lot better than taking a loss. In the case of a push, the original stake is returned, and the event is graded as no action, or like it didn’t happen at all.

Examples of a Push in Sports Betting

It’s common to see a push on the point spread or total of a game, proving again just how good sportsbooks are at handicapping games. That is their job after all, and it decreases their risk.

Though it’s rare, there can be a push on a moneyline bet.

Although they have an overtime period, NFL games can still end in a tie.

Backing one team on the moneyline with the result being a tie after the extra session, the bet is graded a push

What is a Push in Spread Betting?

It’s important to note that a push happens only when whole numbers are involved because it’s impossible to push a line of +3.5 or -7.5 since teams can’t score a half point.

If you want to avoid the possibility of a push, shop for lines with the .5 hook. It’s not unusual to see a push on the whole point spread.

If the Packers were -7 and they beat the Bears, 17-10, that would be a push on the spread with both wagers being refunded their original stake. An example from the NBA would be the Lakers -4 beating the Clippers 104-100. That bet would also result in a push.

What is a Push in Totals Betting?

Just like in a point spread bet, there is the chance of a push on the over/under in a totals wager.

The same rule applies for the half-point hook, meaning a push is impossible with a total containing a half-point.

A push on the total takes place when the combined final scores of the teams involved equal the number established by the sportsbooks.

For example, an NFL game between the Panthers and Seahawks has a total of 48, and one side wins 28-20, the bet is a push, and the original stake would be returned.

Again, teams can’t score a half point, so totals that aren’t a whole number will never push.

Prop Bets Push Example

The same principle applies to props as to point spread and totals wagering. There’s a chance a prop can push if the prop is a whole number; however, sportsbooks are more generous in applying the half-point hook in a prop, making a push nearly impossible.

For example, an individual prop for Patrick Mahomes to have 275.5 passing yards in a game can never push because a quarterback cannot officially pass for a half-yard. Similarly, a basketball player can’t score a half point, and an NHL player can’t record half an assist.

Not all sportsbooks operate by the same guidelines, so familiarize yourself with the rules of the sportsbook you do business with.

Pushes on Parlays and Teasers

Rules regarding a push are fairly standard for the above-mentioned wagers.

In point spread, totals, and prop bets, there is no action on a push, and it’s as if the bet never happened. Your original wager is returned, and you live to bet another day.

Yet, when it comes to parlays and teasers, it’s critical to know the rules of the sportsbook. Some shops say that if any leg on a 2-bet teaser pushes, the entire bet will be graded “no action” and the original stake is returned. Other books may consider the same bet with a push and a loss a losing ticket.

Most books state that if one leg of a parlay is a push, the entire bet is reduced by one. For instance, a five-bet parlay consists of four winning bets and a push, the payout is for a four-bet winner.

How Sportsbooks Handle a Push

Every sportsbook has its own set of rules, but when it comes to a push, the response is standard. In just about every case, when a bet pushes the wager, it is considered “no action” with the original stake returned.

A tie is the ultimate sister-kisser for both sides, with neither winning.

This is tough on sportsbooks because even paying out a winning bet makes them a small amount via the vigorish. Bettors may feel elated if their team comes from behind to forge a tie. Or, they could be deflated if their team loses a lead and settles for a push.

On wagers with multiple bets attached, like a parlay or teaser, the usual action is to eliminate the push from the ticket, reducing the number of bets by one.

Note the house rules before placing any wager.