Understanding ‘Push’ in Betting: When Neither Side Wins

What Is a Push in Betting?

A ‘push’ is a betting outcome where neither the bettor nor the bookmaker wins. It occurs when the final result lands exactly on the point spread, total, or other specified line, effectively resulting in a draw. When this happens, the original stake is refunded, and no profit or loss is recorded on the bet.

Pushes are most common in bets with even-numbered point spreads and totals. They can also happen in moneyline bets where a match ends in a tie, depending on the sport and market rules. Understanding when a push occurs can help bettors manage their expectations and avoid confusion when their bet doesn’t result in a win or loss.

Essential Takeaways

• A push occurs when a bet results in a draw, leading to a refund of the original stake.
• It is most common in point spread and total bets when the final result lands exactly on the set number.
• Many bookmakers use half-point lines to prevent pushes and ensure a decisive result.
• Understanding bookmaker policies on pushes can help bettors make informed decisions.

How Does a Push Work in Different Types of Betting?

Point Spread Betting and Pushes

Point spread betting is a popular format in sports betting, where bookmakers set a margin of expected victory. If a team is favoured by exactly 3 points and wins by that exact margin, the bet is classified as a push.

Example:

• You bet on a football team to cover a -3 spread.
• They win by exactly 3 points.
• The result is a push, and your stake is refunded.

Many bookmakers now offer half-point spreads (e.g., -3.5 instead of -3) to avoid pushes and ensure a clear winner and loser in every bet.

Total (Over/Under) Betting and Pushes

Total betting, or over/under betting, is where a bookmaker sets a number for the combined score of both teams. If the total score lands exactly on the set number, the bet is a push.

Example:

• You place a bet on a football match’s total points being over 40.
• The final score adds up to exactly 40.
• The bet is a push, and your money is returned.

To prevent this, bookmakers often use half-point totals (e.g., 40.5) to ensure a clear result.

Moneyline Betting and Pushes

In moneyline betting, where you bet on a team to win outright, a push can occur in sports that allow tied results. Some markets, such as three-way betting in football, remove this possibility by offering a draw as a separate option.

Example:

• You bet on a boxing match, and it ends in a draw.
• The bookmakers’ rules classify it as a push, and your bet is refunded.

For events that rarely end in a draw, such as tennis or horse racing, moneyline bets don’t typically result in pushes.

Pushes in Horse Racing Odds

While horse racing primarily uses win, place, and show bets rather than point spreads or over/under totals, pushes can still occur in rare instances. This usually happens when a bet is voided due to an official ruling or race cancellation, and the bettor’s stake is returned.

For example, if a horse is declared a non-runner after a bet has been placed, certain bookmakers will classify the bet as a push and issue a refund. You can find more about horse racing odds here.

Why Do Bookmakers Refund Stakes on a Push?

Bookmakers refund stakes on pushes because the bet neither wins nor loses. Since neither the bettor nor the bookmaker has gained an advantage, returning the original stake ensures fairness. Pushes are a standard part of regulated betting markets and prevent disputes over ambiguous outcomes.

Some bookmakers have their own rules regarding pushes. While most return stakes automatically, others may offer promotions such as partial refunds or free bets. Always check a bookmaker’s terms before placing wagers to understand how they handle push scenarios.

How to Avoid Pushes in Betting

While a push doesn’t result in a loss, it also doesn’t result in a win. If you prefer clear outcomes, consider these strategies:

• Look for Half-Point Spreads: Betting on point spreads or totals that include .5 eliminates the possibility of a push.
• Choose Moneyline Bets: Instead of point spreads, consider moneyline bets where a team must win outright.
• Explore Alternative Betting Markets: Some bookmakers offer adjusted lines to minimise the risk of a push.

FAQs

What Happens If My Bet Is a Push?

If your bet is a push, the bookmaker will return your original stake. No profit or loss is recorded, and the bet is effectively void.

Can a Moneyline Bet End in a Push?

Moneyline bets can result in a push if the event ends in a tie and no draw option was available. In such cases, the stake is refunded.

Why Do Some Bookmakers Avoid Pushes?

Many bookmakers use half-point lines in point spread and total betting to eliminate pushes, ensuring every bet results in a clear win or loss.

Do Pushes Affect Parlay Bets?

In parlays, if one selection results in a push, the parlay is recalculated without that leg. The odds are adjusted accordingly, but the remaining selections still stand.

Understanding how pushes work can help you make more informed bets and manage your bankroll effectively. Always check the terms of a bookmaker before placing a wager to know exactly how they handle these situations.