Push
A bet that ends in a tie because the actual result lands exactly on the line. Stake is returned with no win or loss. Most common on whole-point spreads and totals.
A push happens when the final result of a game lands exactly on the betting line, so the bet ties. Your stake is returned; no win, no loss.
Common push scenarios: - Spread of 3 in an NFL game, final margin exactly 3 → push. - Total of 220 in NBA, final combined exactly 220 → push. - Moneyline can't push (someone always wins or it's no contest, in which case the bet is voided).
Books use half-point lines (3.5, 220.5) to avoid pushes when they want to. Whole-point lines are common around "key numbers" — NFL 3 (field goal) and 7 (touchdown), NBA 5 and 10 — and books price them carefully because pushes are relatively common there.
A push is functionally similar to "no action" — your money is returned. For tracking and CLV purposes, pushes are usually excluded from win-rate calculations.
In parlays, a push leg typically reduces the parlay to one fewer leg (the parlay continues with the remaining legs). Some books treat a push leg as a loss for the entire parlay — read your book's rules.
Spread: Lakers -3 (-110). Final: Lakers 110, Celtics 107. Margin exactly 3 → push. Stake returned.
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By Kenny Hyder · SportsBookISH glossary
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