What Is a Push in Sports Betting? A Beginner's Guide to Push Bets
A push in gambling, also known as a tie or draw, occurs when neither the player nor the house wins a bet. When this happens, you get your original stake back without winning or losing any money.
In sports betting, a push happens when the final score or point spread exactly matches the betting line. For example, if you bet on a team with a -3 point spread and they win by exactly 3 points, that's a push.
For casino games like blackjack, a push occurs when your hand ties with the dealer's hand. If both you and the dealer have 20 points, the bet is returned to you with no winnings or losses.
Common situations that result in a push: - Sports bet point spread matches exactly - Equal hands in blackjack or baccarat - Tie bets in certain poker variations - Specific number bets in roulette (depending on house rules)
Most casinos and sportsbooks handle pushes by returning the original wager to the bettor. This means if you bet $100 and the result is a push, you'll get your $100 back. It's important to note that parlays with a push typically reduce to the next lowest number of teams, rather than voiding the entire bet.
Some gambling establishments have specific rules to avoid pushes. For instance, many Asian handicap bets in soccer use quarter-goal spreads (like +0.25 or -0.75) to eliminate the possibility of a push.
Understanding pushes is crucial for responsible gambling as they effectively act as a "no action" result, preserving your bankroll when neither side has a clear advantage.