Author Guarantor: Pimploy Sinakorn
Mentor
Created: 01/07/2022 - 08:50
Last updated: 11/12/2023 - 09:07

In sports betting, ties can be both intriguing and perplexing. This article explores the concept of a "push" in betting, deciphering what occurs when your wager ends in a tie. From the ins and outs to its impact on different bet types, join us as we unravel the mystery of the push in sports betting.

What is a Push in Betting?

In sports betting, a "push" refers to a situation in which the final outcome of a bet results in a tie or a draw between the bettor and the sportsbook. When a push occurs, neither the bettor nor the sportsbook wins the wager, and the stake is typically returned to the bettor.

Example of a Push in Betting:

Let's say you place a bet on an NFL football game between Team A and Team B. You bet that Team A will win by more than 7 points, and the point spread is set at -7. If Team A wins by exactly 7 points, it's considered a push.

For instance, if the final score is:

  • Team A: 24
  • Team B: 17

In this case, Team A won by 7 points, which matches the point spread (-7) you bet on. As a result, the bet is considered a push. Your wagered amount is returned to you, and there are no winnings or losses.

Pushes are quite common in sports betting, especially when the point spread or over/under totals align perfectly with the final game result. While they may not result in a win, pushes do help bettors avoid losing their stake entirely. It's essential to be aware of the specific rules and policies of the sportsbook you're using regarding pushes, as some sportsbooks may handle them differently.

What Occurs in the Event of a Push in Betting?

When a push happens in sports betting, the outcome of the wager is typically nullified, and the bettor receives their original stake back. Here's what happens when a push occurs:

  • Bet Refund: In the case of a push, neither the bettor nor the sportsbook wins the wager. The money that was staked on the bet is returned in full to the bettor.
  • No Winnings or Losses: Bettors do not profit from a push, but they also do not incur a financial loss. It essentially results in a "break-even" situation.
  • Bet Settlement: The sportsbook settles the bet as a push and returns the original stake to the bettor's account.
  • No Impact on Betting Record: Pushes do not affect a bettor's win-loss record or overall betting statistics. They are considered neutral outcomes.

It's important to understand that the treatment of pushes may vary depending on the specific rules and policies of the sportsbook and the type of bet placed. Some sportsbooks may have different rules for pushes, especially in cases involving point spreads and over/under totals. Therefore, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the rules of the sportsbook you're using to ensure clarity in the event of a push.

What Happens When a Push Happens?
Source: Freepik

What Do You Get Out of a Push?

Of course, having a push happen can disappoint bettors, who always expect a win. No one wants to spend hours and hours watching a sporting event in the hopes of making a few extra dollars, only to have the match end in a draw and nothing to do with the bets. Therefore, it is understandable if you are wondering if there is a way to avoid push cases, and the answer is yes.

To break the even structure of a tie in sports, operators have adopted half points, also known as a hook. For example, in football, where the number of goals is determined by an integer, a draw is impossible if a team handicaps the opponent by 0.5 goals. Assuming Man City handicaps Arsenal by 0.5 goals and the match ends with Man City winning 1-0, those who bet on Man City are still determined to win the bet with a score of 1-0,5.

Although a push is quite common in football, in major sports like basketball, baseball, or hockey, a push is quite rare. For instance, there was only one draw throughout the last NFL season. Therefore, if you regularly bet on these sports, you don't need to worry about how often a push will happen with your bet.

How a push effect your bet?
Source: Freepik

Do You Pay Juice on a Push?

No, you typically do not pay juice (also known as vigorish or vig) on a push in sports betting. When a push occurs, the bet is essentially nullified, and your original stake is returned to you. Since no winning or losing outcome results from a push, there are no additional fees or commissions deducted from your bet.

Juice is usually associated with winning bets, where the sportsbook takes a percentage of the winnings as their commission. In the case of a push, no winnings are generated, and therefore, no juice is applied. Your original stake is returned in full, and there are no additional costs associated with the push outcome.

Read more: What is Three-Way Moneyline in Betting? Detail Explanation

What Happens If One Leg of a Parlay Pushes?

When one leg of a parlay (also known as an accumulator) push occurs in sports betting, the treatment and outcome can vary depending on the rules of the sportsbook where the bet was placed. Here are the typical scenarios that may unfold:

  • Partial Refund: Some sportsbooks will consider the parlay as if the push leg never existed. In this case, your parlay bet will continue with the remaining legs. You won't win on the push leg, but you won't lose either. If all the other legs win, your parlay will be calculated based on the remaining winning selections.
  • Reduced Parlay: In some cases, the sportsbook may treat the entire parlay as a single bet with the push leg excluded. This means your parlay will have fewer legs, potentially resulting in a lower potential payout.
  • Push Result: Certain sportsbooks may treat the entire parlay as a push if any of the legs push. In this scenario, your entire parlay bet is refunded, and you neither win nor lose any money.
  • Sportsbook-Specific Rules: It's important to note that the treatment of a push in a parlay can depend on the specific rules and policies of the sportsbook. Different sportsbooks may have varying approaches to handling pushes in parlays, so it's crucial to review the terms and conditions of the betting site where you placed the parlay.

Can You Push an Over UnderBet?

Yes, it is possible to have a push in an Over/Under (also known as a totals) bet in sports betting. A push in an Over/Under bet occurs when the final combined score of the game or event matches the exact total that was set by the sportsbook. In this case:

  • If you bet Over the total and the final score equals the set total, the bet is a push, and you neither win nor lose your wager.
  • If you bet Under the total and the final score matches the set total, the bet is also a push, and your original stake is returned.

Pushes in Over/Under bets are relatively common and result in the bettor getting their money back without any winnings or losses. It's essential to be aware of the specific rules and policies of the sportsbook regarding pushes in Over/Under bets, as some sportsbooks may have unique ways of handling them.

Read more: What are If Bets and How Do If Bets Work?

FAQs

1. Do I win or lose money on a push?

On a push, you neither win nor lose money. Your original stake is returned to you, resulting in a "break-even" outcome.

2. Are pushes common in sports betting?

Pushes are relatively common, especially in bets involving point spreads, over/under totals, or proposition bets where the final result can align perfectly with the set odds.

3. How are pushes handled in parlay bets?

The treatment of a push in a parlay bet can vary by sportsbook. Some sportsbooks may exclude the push leg and continue the parlay with the remaining selections, while others may refund the entire parlay bet.

4. Can you have a push in an Over/Under (totals) bet?

Yes, pushes can occur in Over/Under bets when the final combined score matches the set total. In this case, the bet is nullified, and the stake is returned.

5. Are there different rules for pushes at different sportsbooks?

Yes, the handling of pushes can vary from one sportsbook to another. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and policies of the sportsbook where you place your bets.

6. How do sportsbooks determine the outcome of a push?

Sportsbooks determine the outcome of a push based on their specific rules and policies. They may choose to refund the bet, exclude the push leg, or take other actions, depending on their guidelines.

7. Can a push impact my win-loss record in sports betting?

No, pushes do not affect your win-loss record or overall betting statistics. They are considered neutral outcomes and do not contribute to your betting record.

This article has briefly explained the definition of a push in sports betting and how it affects your bets in specific situations. If you have any questions about any topic in the betting world, we provide in-depth articles on our homepage for your reference. Visit CasinoMentor now to increase your knowledge and gain better profits from sports betting.

Published: 01 July 2022 08:50
ic o_ c ompl_ w aiting