Push: A Comprehensive Guide

What is a Push?

A push is a common term in the world of gambling, particularly in sports betting, that describes a tie between the bettor and the house (the sportsbook or casino). When a bet results in a push, there is no winner or loser. The sportsbook refunds the bettor's original stake in full, as if the wager was never placed. This outcome is also sometimes referred to as a "no action" bet or a "void" bet.

While not as exciting as a win, a push is certainly preferable to a loss. It essentially gives the bettor a do-over, allowing them to retain their capital for a future wager. Pushes are an integral part of the betting landscape and understanding how they work is crucial for anyone looking to get involved in sports betting or casino gaming.

How It Works

Pushes can occur in various types of bets, with the most common being spread and total bets in sports. However, they can also happen in moneyline bets and even in some casino games like blackjack.

Point Spread Betting

In point spread betting, a push occurs when the final score of a game lands exactly on the spread. For example, if the New England Patriots are favored by 7 points against the Miami Dolphins (-7), and the Patriots win the game by exactly 7 points (e.g., 24-17), the bet is a push. Anyone who bet on the Patriots to cover the spread, and anyone who bet on the Dolphins to beat the spread, would have their money refunded.

To avoid pushes, sportsbooks often use half-points in their spreads (e.g., -7.5). This ensures that there will always be a winning and a losing side to a bet.

Totals (Over/Under) Betting

Similar to point spreads, a push in totals betting happens when the total number of points scored in a game is exactly the same as the sportsbook's line. For instance, if the over/under for a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics is set at 220 points, and the final score is 115-105 (a total of 220 points), all bets on the over and the under are a push. The stakes are returned to the bettors.

Moneyline Betting

While less common, pushes can also occur in moneyline betting. This is most frequently seen in sports where a tie is a possible outcome, such as soccer or NFL regular season games. If a bettor wagers on a team to win a soccer match and the game ends in a draw, the bet is a loss if it's a three-way moneyline (Team A win, Team B win, or Draw). However, in a "draw no bet" market, a tie would result in a push, and the stake would be refunded.

In the NFL, if a regular season game is tied after overtime, all moneyline bets on either team are considered a push.

Casino Games

In the casino, the most common example of a push is in the game of Blackjack. If the player and the dealer both have hands of the same value (e.g., both have 19), the hand is a push. The player neither wins nor loses, and their bet is returned to them.

Example of a Push

Let's consider a real-world example from the NFL. The Green Bay Packers are playing the Chicago Bears, and the point spread is set at Packers -3. You decide to bet $110 to win $100 on the Packers to cover the spread. The final score of the game is Packers 27, Bears 24.

In this scenario, the Packers won by exactly 3 points, which is the same as the point spread. Therefore, your bet is a push. The sportsbook will refund your $110 stake, and you can use that money to place another bet.

Why It Matters

Understanding pushes is important for several reasons:

• Bankroll Management: Pushes are a neutral outcome that don't affect your bankroll. It's important to track them in your betting records to get an accurate picture of your win-loss record and overall profitability.
• Parlays and Teasers: A push in one leg of a parlay or teaser doesn't necessarily mean the entire bet is a loss. In most cases, the pushed leg is simply removed from the parlay, and the odds are recalculated based on the remaining legs. For example, a three-team parlay with one push becomes a two-team parlay. However, the rules for two-team teasers can be different, and a push combined with a win can sometimes result in a push for the entire teaser.
• Shopping for Lines: Bettors who want to avoid pushes can look for sportsbooks that offer lines with half-points. This can be a strategic decision to ensure a clear win or loss on a bet.

By understanding the concept of a push, bettors can make more informed decisions and better manage their betting strategies. It's a fundamental concept that every gambler should be familiar with.