What Is a Push in Betting?
A push is a tie between the result and the betting line. Nobody wins, nobody loses, and the stake comes back.
Free for now. All sports, one page.
What a push means
When the final result lands exactly on the number, the bet is graded as a push. The book returns your stake in full, and you get no profit and no loss.
Examples on a spread, total and moneyline
On a spread, a team at -3 that wins by exactly 3 is a push. A 24-21 final does it. On a total of 47, a 27-20 final adds up to exactly 47, so both the over and the under push.
A moneyline can push in sports where ties exist. If a football game ends tied, a two-way moneyline bet is usually refunded.
- Spread -3 and a 3-point win: push
- Total 47 and a 47-point game: push
- Moneyline and a tied game: usually a refund
Parlays, teasers and half-points
In a parlay, a pushed leg drops out and the ticket is paid on the rest. In a teaser, rules vary by book. Some reduce the teaser to fewer teams, and others refund it.
Half-point lines such as -3.5 or 47.5 cannot push, because no game ends on a half. Whole-number lines can. Pushes also change the break-even math. A -110 bet needs about 52.4% wins to break even, and refunded pushes do not count as wins or losses.
Before you place a bet
Check each line for a whole number, and read your book's rules for pushes in parlays and teasers.
Bets can lose. Never bet money you cannot afford to lose. Bettors must be 21 or older where betting is legal. If gambling is a problem for you or someone you know, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Questions
Do I get my money back on a push?
Yes. The stake is returned in full. You do not win or lose anything on that bet.
How do I avoid pushes?
Choose lines with a half-point, like -3.5 or 47.5. No game can land exactly on a half-point.
What happens to a parlay when one leg pushes?
That leg is removed and the parlay is paid on the remaining legs at a lower price. The ticket still needs every other leg to win.
More guides
For information and entertainment only. Bets can lose. 21+ only, and only where it is legal. If gambling is a problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. See our responsible gaming page.