What Is a Push in Sports Betting? 

In betting terminology, a push is a neutral outcome, often referred to as “No Action” or “Void” (especially in $\text{UK}$markets). It is the best possible outcome next to a win, as your bankroll remains intact.

Real-World Examples of a Push

Pushes occur whenever the final result lands exactly on the betting line (for spread or total bets) or when a two-outcome market ends in a tie.

1. Point Spread Pushes (The Most Common)

A push happens on a point spread when the favorite wins by a margin exactly equal to the spread.

2. Totals (Over/Under) Pushes

A totals bet pushes when the final combined score of both teams exactly matches the set total line.

Moneyline bets usually only push when the game is a tie and the betting line did not offer the draw as a third option.

• Soccer: A standard $\text{3}$-way moneyline includes “Draw” as an option, so a tie is a loss if you bet on either team. However, if you bet the popular “Draw No Bet” option and the match ends tied, the wager is a push and your stake is returned.
• NFL: An extremely rare $\text{NFL}$ regular-season game that ends in a true tie will push all $\text{2}$-way moneyline bets.
• Combat Sports: On a $\text{2}$-way moneyline for a boxing or $\text{MMA}$ match, an official draw decision will typically result in a push (stake refunded), unless a draw was explicitly offered as a $\text{3}$-way betting option.

Pushes in Parlays and Teasers

Pushes in multi-leg bets do not automatically result in a loss. The rules are generally favorable to the bettor:

Pushes in Multi-Game Parlays

If one leg of a parlay pushes, the parlay simply drops that leg and is recalculated based on the remaining legs.

• Example: You place a $\text{3}$-team parlay, and the results are ($\text{Win}$, $\text{Win}$, $\text{Push}$).
• Outcome: The parlay is settled as a $\text{2}$-team parlay win. Your payout is reduced because the pushed leg’s odds are removed.
• Note: A push does not count as a loss. Only a losing leg will bust a parlay. If all legs in a parlay push, the entire parlay is void and your stake is refunded.

Same-Game Parlays ($\text{SGP}$)

This is where rules can differ by sportsbook.

• Most Common Rule (FanDuel, DraftKings): A push or voided leg is simply removed from the $\text{SGP}$, and the odds are recalculated based on the remaining winning legs.
• Alternative Rule (BetMGM, Caesars): Some sportsbooks’ house rules stipulate that if any leg of an $\text{SGP}$ pushes or voids (e.g., a player prop voids because the player didn’t play), the entire $\text{SGP}$ is voided (a push/refund).

Always check the $\text{SGP}$ rules for your specific sportsbook.

Pushes in Teasers

Teasers, special types of parlays where spreads are adjusted in your favor, typically follow the standard push rule:

• Standard Teaser: A push on one leg of a $\text{3+}$-team teaser means that leg is dropped, and the teaser is settled as a smaller parlay (e.g., $\text{3}$-team $\to \text{2}$-team).
• $\text{2}$-Team Teaser: If one leg pushes and the other wins, the entire $\text{2}$-team teaser is usually graded as No Action (a refund).
• “Ties Lose” Variants: Some exotic teasers (often with extra points awarded) are explicitly marked “Ties Lose.” If you bet one of these, a push on any leg will result in a total loss. Avoid these unless you fully understand the unfavorable odds.

Pushes in Futures and Edge Cases

The push rule also applies to long-term bets structured around a numerical threshold.

• Season Win Totals: If you bet Over $\text{8.0}$ Wins and the team finishes with exactly $\text{8}$ wins, the bet is a push and all wagers are refunded.
• Player Props: If a player’s line is Over/Under $\text{10.0}$ Home Runs and they hit exactly $\text{10}$ home runs, the bet is a push.

Final Word: A push is a neutral event that protects your capital. It signifies that the market was priced perfectly for the outcome, resulting in a break-even scenario. As a bettor, a push is always preferable to a loss.