In the intricate world of sports betting, the term “push” carries specific significance. This happens when a sports wager neither wins nor loses, essentially resulting in a tie for betting purposes. It can happen on any sports betting app like FanDuel or Caesars Sportsbook.

How a Push Occurs

Let’s delve into the mechanics of a push in sports betting:

Example Scenario: Consider an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos. A bettor places a bet on the Patriots, with a point spread of -7. If the Patriots win by exactly seven points, it results in a push.

Tied Outcome: In a sports betting push, the game’s final outcome exactly matches the set point spread or total, resulting in a tie. In such cases, the sportsbook typically returns the wagered amount to the bettor.

In the example below, the Blazers are 3 point underdogs. If they lose by exactly 3 points, this bet would push.

Common Push Situations

1. Point Spread Push: A push in sports betting frequently occurs when the actual margin of victory or defeat aligns perfectly with the point spread set by the sportsbook. For example, if a team wins by exactly 7 points while being favored by 7 points, it results in a push.
2. Total Push: A push in sports betting can also happen in over/under (total) bets when the combined score of both teams precisely matches the set total. For example, if the total is 45 points, and the game ends with a score of 45-45, it’s a push for total bettors.

Impact on Wagers

1. Return of Wager: In the case of a push, the bettor typically receives their original wager amount back, and the bet is essentially void.
2. No Winnings or Losses: Neither the bettor nor the sportsbook records a win or loss, making it a neutral outcome in wagering terms.

Understanding the concept of a push in sports betting is essential, as it can influence the outcome of your bets, particularly in point spread and total wagers. It’s a testament to the precision and unpredictability of sports events, where even a single point can make a significant difference in the world of sports betting.