Introduction

In sports betting, one of the most common yet often misunderstood outcomes is the “push.” A push happens when the result of your bet lands exactly on the betting line, leading to a tie with no winner or loser. Understanding what a push is and how to handle it is an essential part of managing your betting strategy.

What Exactly Is a Push?

A push occurs when the final outcome of a bet matches the point spread or total exactly. For example, if you bet on a game’s total points being over 50, and the final score is exactly 50, the bet is a push. In this case, your original wager is refunded, and no money is won or lost.

Typical Scenarios That Lead to Pushes

Pushes usually happen in the following situations:

• Point spreads: If the point spread is a whole number, such as -3 or +5, and the team wins or loses by that exact number, it’s considered a push.
• Over/Under totals: If you bet on the over for a total of 48.5 points and the final score results in exactly 48 or 49 points, it could be a push depending on the sportsbook’s rules.
• Prop bets: Some prop bets are set with whole numbers or specific values that, if met exactly, lead to a push.

What Happens When a Push Occurs?

In most cases, when a push occurs, the following happens:

• Your original wager is refunded in full.
• There is no profit or loss on the bet.
• If the bet was part of a parlay, it might count as a “no action” leg, potentially reducing the overall number of legs in the parlay.

How to Avoid Pushes in Your Betting

While you can’t completely avoid pushes, there are strategies you can use to reduce the likelihood:

• Bet on half-point lines: By choosing lines like -3.5 or +4.5, you can avoid a push altogether, since these lines can’t land exactly on a whole number.
• Focus on spreads and totals with smaller variations: Sometimes sportsbooks offer lines like -2.5 or over 47.5, which minimize the chance of a push.
• Check the sportsbook’s rules: Some books treat a push differently in parlays or teasers. Always read the fine print to understand how they handle pushes.

Why Do Sportsbooks Use Whole Numbers?

Sportsbooks may use whole numbers for point spreads and totals to create more balanced betting action. While this can lead to more pushes, it also helps the sportsbook attract more bets by making the lines seem more predictable. This practice is a way to manage risk while keeping the market as appealing as possible for bettors.

Conclusion

A push may seem like an anticlimactic result, but it’s a normal part of the betting landscape. By understanding how pushes work and when they are likely to happen, you can make smarter decisions and manage your bankroll more effectively. Keep an eye on the lines, shop for half-point spreads, and always know the rules of your sportsbook to avoid surprises when a push occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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