Push
Quick Definition
A tie between the bettor and the sportsbook. Your stake is refunded.
A push occurs when the result of a game lands exactly on the number you bet. In a spread bet, a push happens when the favorite wins by exactly the spread. Your bet is cancelled and your stake is returned in full. No win, no loss.
When Pushes Happen
- Point spread: Team wins by exactly the spread (e.g., -7 and wins by 7).
- Total: Combined score hits the total exactly.
- Moneyline: In rare cases of a tie result.
The Hook
Bettors often pay extra to "buy" a half-point away from key numbers to avoid pushes. Adding 0.5 to a -3 spread costs extra juice but turns a push into a win if the team wins by exactly 3.
Key Takeaways
- A push means you get your full stake back with no profit and no loss.
- Half-point spreads and totals are set specifically to eliminate pushes.
- Key numbers (3, 7 in NFL) make pushes more common at round-number spreads.
Examples
- Cowboys -3, game ends Cowboys 27 – Eagles 24 (Cowboys win by exactly 3) → Push. Stake returned.
Related Terms
Test Your Knowledge
1 / 4Do you know what Point Spread means?
A handicap applied to a game that forces the favorite to win by a specified margin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a push affect a parlay?
Yes. A pushed leg is removed from the parlay, reducing it by one team. A 4-team parlay with one push pays out as a 3-team parlay.