A push in sports betting occurs when the final result of a match ends in a draw between the two teams or athletes based on the point spread applied by the sportsbook. In this case, the wager is neither a win nor a loss.
In this guide, we take you through what a push bet is, how they work, and what they mean for bettors. We also look at the different betting lines a push applies to and what a hook is, and how it can prevent a push. So, let’s jump in.
What is a Push in Betting?
When talking about the meaning of a push bet, bettors explain that a push happens when the final results of a sports event end in a tie between the two athletes or teams according to the point spread set by the bookmaker. Also, when a push takes place, the outcome of the bet is seen as neither a win nor a loss, and the sportsbook refunds the bettor’s original stake.
Handy Tip:
While many bettors use handicap and spread betting interchangeably, these are not exactly the same, and handicap betting references a wagering style found predominantly in Europe. If you want to learn more about handicap betting, check out our informative guide.
An Example of a Push in Betting
Understanding how a push in betting works is simpler when there is an example to reference. If we consider our NBA example below:
Here we have the Boston Celtics vs. the Atlanta Hawks, with the following odds:
- Boston Celtics: (-7) -112
- Atlanta Hawks: (+7) -108
In this situation, the point spread is +/-7. If the favorite (the Celtics) wins by more than seven points, bettors who supported this team on the spread win. However, if the Celtics win by exactly seven points, it is a push, and the sportsbook will return the bettor’s original stake.
Handy Tip:
To learn more about the + and – in sports betting and how to read odds, check out our article. Understanding how to read the odds makes it much simpler to place lucrative, winning bets and will help you know which team to put money on or who the bookie predicts will win, especially if you are new to sports betting.
A Push in Betting – How It Works with Different Betting Lines
In sports betting, a push can have various outcomes depending on the type of bet. So let’s explore the different possibilities and understand what a push means.
A Push in Sports Betting Moneylines
In sports betting, if the two teams or athletes in a match, draw, or tie and a bettor has taken the moneyline odds offered on the game, it’s called a moneyline push.
A moneyline wager is a betting line where the bettor backs the team they predict will win outright. When moneyline betting, a push takes place when both teams tie. In this instance, the sportsbook will return a bettor’s original stake to them as there is no outright winner, and the wager is considered neither a win nor a loss.
For instance, if we look at our example below, where the Chicago Cubs take on the Miami Marlins. If you were to back the Cubs with moneyline odds of +106 and the end result of the match is a tie, the bookie would refund your original bet.
What is a Push in Betting Over/Under
A push can also occur when bettors use the totals or over/under line when betting on sport. In this case, the over/under push occurs when the total number of goals, points, or runs scored in a match is equal to the number of points a sportsbook laid out for the wager. When this occurs, the bet is ruled a draw or a push, and the bettor doesn’t win or lose their wager and receives their original stake on the match back from the sportsbook.
For example, if there is a basketball game with over/under points set at 220 and the score is 110-110, the bet is a push. However, many betting sites use a half-point in their totals odds to prevent this, as you can see in our example below:
A Push in Betting the Spread
A spread push in sports betting takes place when the point spread or handicap laid out for that match ends in a tie between the two teams. Here, the bettor doesn’t win or lose their wager, and the sportsbook refunds their original stake.
For instance, if you look at our example below, where Miami Heat takes on the New York Knicks, and the spread is set at -4, where the favorite is set to win by more than four points, and the final score is 20-16 in their favor, the bet is a tie because they won by exactly the number of spread points.
What is a 3-Way No Push Bet?
When visiting the best soccer betting sites or sportsbooks that offer hockey, where there is the option for three-way lines (win, lose, or draw), there is no option for a push bet. In other words, the moneyline offers three outcomes instead of just two, and this makes provisions for a draw, so bettors can wager on a team to win or that the event will end in a tie.
If you look at our example below, bettors have the option to back the Boston Bruins, the Florida Panthers, or a draw result. Because the option for a draw is included, there is no option for a push, making this type of wager a 3 way no push bet.
Is a Push Bet a Loss in Parlay Wagering
We now know what happens when a push in betting occurs for other lines, but what about the parlay?
The way a push affects a parlay depends on how many legs or smaller bets your wager comprises. Typically, if a parlay has two or more legs, it is reduced to exclude the wager that results in a tie. For example, if you have a five-bet parlay and one of these wagers ends in a draw, the parlay will become a four-leg parlay, and the sportsbook will recalculate your payout.
However, sometimes in parlay betting, you may only have two legs. In this case, a tie will result in your wager becoming a single bet, and the sportsbook may offer to refund a bettor’s stake. Since the rules regarding pushes in parlay betting generally vary from sportsbook to sportsbook, it is always best to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the site before wagering your bet.
Is a Push and a Tie the Same Thing
Since a tie or a draw results in a push bet, they are regarded as being the same thing. A push happens when there is a tie in the results of a game, either in terms of goals scored or in the margin of victory applied by a spread or when the points equal those of the over/under bet outlined by a sportsbook.
Whether the tie occurs for the moneyline, point spread, or totals (over/under) bet, the sports betting site usually resolves this by refunding the bettor their original stake, as the match is considered such that there is neither a win nor a loss and no definite outcome to pay out on.
What is a Hook and How Does it Prevent a Push Bet
Earlier in this guide, we mentioned how a sportsbook will often add a half point to a spread or over/under betting line to prevent a push in sports betting; this is called a “hook.”
For example, instead of offering a point spread of +/-3, a sportsbook will provide a spread of +/-3.5, also known as a “three and a hook.” Since there are no half points in a sports scoring system, the half point ensures there is always a winner and no opportunity for a push.
How to Sign Up With a Sportsbook to Place a Push Bet
Bettors wanting to wager on sports where a push in betting may occur, like baseball, football, and basketball, must first sign up with a sportsbook, claim their welcome promo, and fund their accounts. Luckily, registering with a sportsbook is quick and simple, and we take you through the steps using the guide below.
In our following example, we reference BetOnline. However, bettors can use these steps to sign up with a range of BetOnline alternatives too, as most sportsbooks offer a similar registration process.
Step One – Register with BetOnline
Launch the BetOnline website and click the green “Join” button. Then, complete your details on the registration form that opens, and choose a username and password, before clicking “Create Account.”
Step Two – Get Verified
Once you have registered your account, BetOnline will email you a verification link which you must click to activate your new profile. Then, use your new credentials to sign back into BetOnline and access your account.
Step Three – Make Your First Deposit
Next, you’ll need to fund your account so that you can place your bets. So, click the blue “Banking” button on the homepage. Then, pick your payment method from the dropdown menu, and fill in the amount you wish to deposit. Next, type your BetOnline promo code “BOL1000” in the promo code box provided to claim your sign-up bonus. Finally, click “Deposit Now” and follow the prompts to complete your payment.
Step Four – Choose Your Sport
Click on the “Sports” tab on the BetOnline homepage. Then, select the sport you want to place a wager on, for example, football. Next, from the options available for this sport, select the league and match you want to put your money on.
Step Five – Place Your Wager
Once you have selected the game, click on the appropriate line to populate your bet slip with the relevant details. Next, type in the amount you want to put down on your bet slip. Then, click “place bet,” and you’re done!
Which Site Offers the Best Push Bet Options?
A push in sports betting is where the final outcome of a match results in a tie. This can occur in several betting lines, including moneylines, point spreads, and over/under bets. Generally, sportsbooks refund bettors their original stake when a push takes place, as the game is classified as neither a win nor a loss.
