Introduction

In sports betting, there’s a rare outcome where nobody wins or loses—the push. While it might seem anticlimactic, a push is a normal part of betting that every bettor should understand. Let’s break down when it happens, how sportsbooks handle it, and how to minimize the impact on your bankroll.

Understanding the Push

A push occurs when the final result lands squarely on the betting line. This doesn’t trigger a win or a loss—instead, the bet is considered void, and your stake is returned in full.

Example: You wager on the Cowboys -7 and they win by exactly 7 points. Since they didn’t cover the spread, the result is a push.

When Pushes Are Most Common

Pushes can happen across several types of bets, though they’re more frequent with whole-number lines:

• Point Spreads: You bet on a team -3, and they win by 3.
• Totals (Over/Unders): The final combined score lands exactly on the total you bet (e.g., bet Over 44 and the score totals 44).
• Teasers: Depending on the book, a push on one leg may void the teaser or just that specific part of it.

How Books Handle Pushes

Most reputable sportsbooks will grade the wager as “no action.” That means:

• Your bet is refunded in full.
• The stake does not contribute to profit or loss.
• In parlays or teasers, a push may reduce the total number of legs or void the entire ticket—check the rules.

Strategies to Avoid Pushes

Although you can’t dodge every push, smart line management can reduce your exposure. Here’s how:

• Target Half-Point Lines: Betting at -2.5 instead of -3 makes a big difference.
• Totals with Decimal Values: Choose totals like 47.5 rather than flat numbers like 48.
• Line Shopping: Use multiple sportsbooks to find alternate numbers that avoid key values.

Why Sportsbooks Offer Flat Numbers

Sometimes, books intentionally hang whole numbers on spreads or totals. This can attract balanced action and limit their risk exposure. While it increases the chance of a push, it helps the book keep money flowing evenly on both sides.

Is a Push Good or Bad?

It depends on your perspective:

• Glass Half Full: You didn’t lose your stake—consider it a break-even outcome.
• Glass Half Empty: You were one point away from profit, which can be frustrating if you handicapped the game well.

Still, in the long run, pushes are neutral events. They don’t impact your win percentage, but they do affect your total betting volume.

Conclusion

Pushes are part of the betting landscape. While they may feel unsatisfying, they’re often the sign of a well-set line—and sometimes, a smart bet. By understanding how and when pushes occur, and tailoring your strategy accordingly, you can limit their frequency and stay focused on maximizing true +EV bets.

Frequently Asked Questions

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