Push: An Unexpected Result in Sports Betting

In sports betting, a 'push' refers to a situation where a bet is neither won nor lost due to the point spread matching the difference in points scored by the two teams. When a push occurs, it's a draw, and the stakes are returned to the bettors.

The concept of a 'push' adds another dimension to the dynamics of sports betting. It embodies a third outcome in a bet that typically has two possible outcomes: a win or a loss. With the possibility of a 'push', bettors might find themselves receiving their wager back rather than winning or losing money.

A 'push' usually plays in a point spread and totals (over/under) betting. If the score lands precisely on the point spread or total, all wagers are refunded, and no money changes hands. For instance, if the spread for a game is 7 points and the favourite wins by exactly 7, it's a 'push'. The same goes for total betting: if the over/under is 45 points, and the combined score of both teams equals that, it's a 'push'.

The term 'push' is believed to have originated from the motion of physically pushing one's bet back across the table, which was common in old-school casino gambling. It has since been adopted into sports betting vocabulary, marking the unique and often relief-inducing phenomenon of having one's bet returned.

Example 1

Let's say the Miami Dolphins are favoured by 3 points against the New York Jets in an NFL match. If the Dolphins win the game by exactly 3 points, the bet results in a 'push', and all wagers are refunded.

Example 2

In an NBA game, the over/under for a game between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers is set at 215. If the combined score of both teams is exactly 215, any bets on the total result in a 'push'.

Example 3

During a soccer match, if you bet on a specific score outcome, say 2-1, and the game ends with that exact score, it's a 'push' for bets on the draw-no-bet market.