If you're new to sports betting, you might hear the term "push" and wonder what it means. A push happens when there is no winner or loser for a bet — the result lands exactly on the betting line. But how does this affect your wager? More importantly, what counts as a push in sports betting, and what happens to your money?
In this article, we will explain what a push is in sports betting, including real examples, common situations, and how sports books deal with them.
What Is a Push in Sports Betting?
A push in sports betting occurs when the final score of a game matches the point spread, total, or betting line established by the sportsbook. In these situations, your original wager is refunded because the bet is considered a tie—resulting in neither a win nor a loss.
Example of a Push in Sports Gambling
Let’s say you bet on an NBA game:
Bet: Lakers -4 vs. Celtics
Final Score: Lakers 104, Celtics 100
Result: Lakers win by 4 points — exactly the spread.
Since the winning margin matches the spread, this is considered a push. You don’t win or lose; you simply get your money back.
What Is Considered a Push in Sports Betting?
A push can occur in various bet types, including:
Point Spread Bets – If the final score lands on the spread.
Over/Under (Total) Bets – If the total points scored is exactly equal to the line.
Moneyline Parlays or Teasers – If one leg is a push, rules vary by sportsbook.
What Is a $4 Push in Sports Betting?
A $4 push means that you placed a $4 bet, and the outcome resulted in a push. The sportsbook will return your $4 stake since the bet neither won nor lost.
It doesn't refer to any special type of push — it just indicates the amount of your original wager that is refunded.
What Is a Push in Sports Gambling?
In general sports gambling, a push functions the same way:
It is a tie between your prediction and the actual result.
No profit is made, but you don’t lose your stake either.
This ensures a fair betting environment and builds trust between bettors and sportsbooks.
Who Wins a Push in Sports Betting?
No one wins in a push.
Both the bettor and the sportsbook essentially break even. You will:
Receive your original wager back
Not earn any profits or bonuses on that bet
Some sportsbooks may exclude push bets from parlay payouts, so always check the rules.
How Do You Push in Sports Betting?
You can “push” in sports betting if your bet lands exactly on the line set by the bookmaker. You don’t do anything manually — it's simply the result of how the event plays out.
To avoid pushes, some bettors opt for:
Half-point lines (e.g., -3.5 instead of -3)
Buying points to slightly shift the line in your favor
Push vs. Win/Loss: What’s the Difference?
Result | Outcome | Do You Get Your Money Back? | Do You Win Profit? |
Win | Bet is correct | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Loss | Bet is incorrect | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Push | Tie with betting line | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Understanding what is a push in sports betting is crucial to managing expectations and protecting your bankroll. While it may feel anticlimactic, a push is far better than a loss. It means you were close, and most importantly — you get your money back.
Whether you’re betting on spreads, totals, or parlays, knowing how you push in sports betting and how it impacts your returns will make you a more informed bettor.
FAQs
Q1: What happens to a push in a parlay?
A: In most cases, the push is removed from the parlay, and the parlay continues with remaining legs.
Q2: Can you lose money on a push?
A: No, your wager is refunded in full. No profit, no loss.
