What Is a Push in Betting: Push in Sports Betting Explained
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Last Updated: 4 August, 2025
A push in sports betting is when the final result lands exactly on the sportsbook’s line.
The bet is graded as a tie, and your original stake is refunded.
This most often happens with point spread or over/under bets.
In push betting, you don’t win or lose, you simply get your money back.
When does a push happen in sports betting?
A push happens when the outcome of a bet lands exactly on the line set by the online sportsbook.
In this case, the bet is a tie.
You don’t win or lose; the sports betting app refunds your original stake.
Pushes can occur in several types of bets, though they’re most common with spreads, totals, and props.
1. Point spread bets
This is one of the most common places for a push in betting.
A point spread gives one team a handicap to even the odds.
If the winning margin matches the spread exactly, the bet is a push.
Example (NFL): You bet Chiefs -3 against the Ravens. The final score is 27–24. The Chiefs win by 3, the exact spread, so the bet is a push. You get your money back.
Example (NBA): Lakers -5 vs. Suns. Final score: Lakers win 110–105. They win by 5, right on the line. That’s a push.
This is why many sportsbooks offer spreads ending in .5 (like -3.5 or +6.5) to avoid pushes.
2. Totals (Over/Under) bets
This bet type is based on the total number of points, runs, or goals scored in a game.
If the final score adds up to the exact line, the result is a push.
Example (MLB): Over/Under is set at 8 runs. The final score is Red Sox 5, Yankees 3. Exactly 8 runs total, this bet pushes.
Example (College Football): Over/Under is 63. The final score is Alabama 35, LSU 28. That’s 63 total points, so the bet is graded a push.
Just like spreads, totals often end in .5 to avoid this outcome.
3. Player prop bets
Player props include over/unders for stats like passing yards, rebounds, or strikeouts.
If a player hits the exact number posted, the result is a push.
Example (NFL): Justin Herbert’s passing yard prop is 280. He throws for exactly 280, your bet pushes.
Example (NBA): A prop lists Joel Embiid’s rebounds at 10. He finishes with 10, again, a push.
Many sportsbooks list props with half-points (like 10.5 rebounds) to create clear outcomes.
4. Moneyline bets on games that end in a tie
A push on a moneyline bet is rare but possible.
It only happens when the game ends in a tie and the sportsbook didn’t offer a draw as a betting option.
Example (NFL): You bet the Steelers moneyline. The game ends 20–20 after overtime. Regular-season NFL games can end in a tie, so this bet is a push if no draw option was listed.
Example (Soccer): You place a two-way moneyline bet—just Team A or Team B, no draw. If the game ends in a tie, the bet pushes.
In contrast, if you bet a three-way moneyline (Team A, Team B, or Draw), and you didn’t pick “Draw,” you lose.
Quick push examples by bet type
Here’s how a push works across common bet types:
Spread (NFL) Bet: Packers -4 vs. Bears. Result: Packers win 24 to 20. Outcome: The margin is exactly 4. This is a push.
Total (MLB) Bet: Over 8 runs, Dodgers vs. Giants. Result: Final score is 5 to 3. Outcome: Exactly 8 total runs. The bet pushes.
Player Prop (NBA) Bet: LeBron James over 25 points. Result: He scores exactly 25. Outcome: No win or loss. It’s a push.
Moneyline (Soccer – Two-Way Market) Bet: Team A to win. Result: Final score is 2 to 2. Outcome: No draw option was offered. This results in a push.
Parlay Bet: Leg 1 – 49ers -3, Leg 2 – Over 215 in Celtics vs. Heat. Result: 49ers win by 3 (push), NBA game total is 220 (win). Outcome: The push leg is removed. The parlay is graded based on the second leg only.
How to handle a push bet
If your bet ends in a push, here’s what to expect:
How sportsbooks grade a push
After a game ends, sportsbooks review every bet to determine the outcome.
When a bet lands exactly on the line and results in a push, here’s what typically happens:
The bet is refunded: You’ll see your original stake returned to your account. There’s no payout, but you also don’t lose any money.
No vig or juice is taken: Since the bet didn’t win or lose, you don’t pay any fees. It’s treated like the bet never happened.
Labeled as push, tie, or void: Some sportsbooks list the result as a “push,” others might call it a “tie” or “void.” All mean the same thing: your bet was canceled and refunded.
Appears in your betting history: Most platforms mark the bet clearly in your bet slip or history. If you're tracking your personal stats, log it as a neutral result.
While pushes are routine, exact handling can vary slightly between sportsbooks. Always check the house rules to confirm how your book settles pushes on props, parlays, or futures.
How a push affects parlays and teasers
When one leg of a parlay or teaser results in a push, most sportsbooks adjust the bet rather than cancel it entirely.
Here’s how it usually works:
In a parlay
If one leg pushes and the others win, the push is removed.
The bet is graded based on the remaining legs.
Example: You bet a three-leg parlay.
Leg 1 wins
Leg 2 pushes
Leg 3 winsResult: The parlay becomes a two-leg bet. You’re paid out based on those two legs.
If it’s a two-leg parlay and one leg pushes while the other wins, most sportsbooks treat the entire parlay as a push and refund the full stake.
Find out what a same game parlay is here.
In a teaser
Teasers adjust point spreads or totals for better odds.
If one leg pushes in a multi-leg teaser, most sportsbooks treat it like a parlay, remove the push and settle the rest.
Example: You place a four-team, 6-point teaser.
One leg pushes, the other three win.
Result: Your teaser becomes a three-leg teaser, and your payout is adjusted.
Always check your sportsbook’s rules.
Some may handle pushes in parlays or teasers differently, especially for same-game parlays or alternate lines.
Pushes in soccer betting
Pushes work a little differently in soccer because ties are common.
Whether your bet results in a push depends on the type of market you choose.
Three-way moneyline: This includes three outcomes: Team A wins, Team B wins, or the match ends in a draw. If you bet on a team to win and the game ends in a draw, it’s not a push; it’s a loss. You had the option to pick a draw.
Two-way moneyline: Some sportsbooks offer only two outcomes: Team A or Team B wins. In this setup, if the match ends in a tie, your bet is graded as a push and refunded.
Draw no bet: This option removes the tie from the equation.
If your team wins, you win.
If the match ends in a draw, it’s a push and your stake is returned.
Check how the market is listed before placing any soccer bet.
If a draw isn’t one of the betting options, a tie usually means a push.
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Josh Miller
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Josh Miller, Sporting Post’s Sports & Casino Editor, brings over five years of experience in feature writing, blogging, and SEO.
With a strong background in football coverage and sports betting, his work has been featured in VAVEL.
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With over 12 years of experience, Bradley Gibbs is a seasoned sports betting writer and analyst specializing in uncovering value bets across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf.
His extensive coverage of these sports has been featured on numerous websites and in The Racing & Football Outlook, a renowned UK betting publication.
Bradley's expertise lies in identifying betting edges and delivering insightful, data-driven content for informed wagering.