When a push happens
Pushes occur on whole-number lines. If a spread is -7 and the favorite wins by exactly 7, the bet pushes and everyone gets their money back. Same with a total of 48 if the teams combine for exactly 48. Half-point lines, like -6.5 or 47.5, cannot push because a score can never land on a half.
Pushes in parlays
When one leg of a parlay pushes, that leg usually drops out and the parlay reprices as if it had one fewer team. A three-team parlay with one push becomes a two-team parlay. The rest of the ticket still has to win, but the pushed leg neither helps nor hurts.
Avoiding or seeking pushes
If you want to eliminate the chance of a push, bet half-point lines, though they often cost a little more. If you would rather keep the tie option alive, whole numbers give you that refund cushion on the key margins. Which you prefer depends on the sport and where the key numbers fall.
Frequently asked questions
Do you get your money back on a push?
Yes. A push refunds your original stake in full. Nobody wins and nobody loses the bet.
Can a moneyline bet push?
Only in sports that allow ties, like soccer, if the tie is not a listed option. In most US sports with overtime, moneylines resolve as a win or loss.
Your next step
- 1Learn itPush (this page)
- 2Apply itHow betting odds work →
- 3Run itBetting Splits →
- 4Master itDay 22: Three questions before every bet →
Related terms
- Point Spread
- A point spread is a handicap that levels a matchup: the favorite must win by more than the spread to cover, and the underdog covers by losing by less than the spread or winning outright.
- Over/Under (Total)
- An over/under bet, also called the total, is a wager on the combined score of both teams rather than who wins.
- Cover
- To cover means a bet beats the point spread, not just the scoreboard.
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