Push in Sports Betting Explained: Rules, Refunds and Parlay Impact

A push in sports betting is one of the most important concepts every bettor needs to understand, yet it is often overlooked until it happens for the first time. When a bet pushes, the result lands exactly on the number set by the sportsbook, and your wager is returned to you. No win, no loss. Your original stake comes back to your account as though the bet was never placed.

Pushes can happen on point spread bets, over/under totals, prop bets, and even certain moneyline scenarios. Understanding when pushes occur, how different sportsbooks handle them, and what happens to parlays when a leg pushes will help you make better decisions and avoid confusion when it matters.

This guide covers everything US bettors need to know about pushes across all major bet types, sportsbook-specific rules, sport-by-sport breakdowns, and strategies to manage push risk effectively.

What Is a Push in Sports Betting?

A push occurs when the final result of a game or event lands exactly on the line set by the sportsbook. When this happens, the bet is considered a tie between the bettor and the book. Neither side wins. The sportsbook returns your original wager in full.

Here is a simple example. You bet on the Dallas Cowboys at -3 on the point spread. The Cowboys win the game 24-21, which is a margin of exactly 3 points. Because the result matches the spread exactly, the bet pushes. Your stake is returned to your account.

A push is not a loss. It is also not a void, although the two are sometimes confused. A push specifically means the outcome matched the line. A void happens when a bet is cancelled for other reasons, such as a player not participating in a prop bet or a game being postponed.

Key points about pushes:

• Your full stake is returned when a bet pushes
• Pushes only happen on whole-number lines (not half-point lines)
• A push has no effect on your overall profit or loss for that bet
• Different bet types and sportsbooks handle pushes in slightly different ways

How Pushes Work by Bet Type

Pushes do not happen the same way across every type of wager. The mechanics depend on whether you are betting spreads, totals, moneylines, or props.

Point Spread Pushes

Point spread pushes are the most common type. They occur when the favourite wins by exactly the number of points in the spread.

For example, if the spread is Philadelphia Eagles -7 and the Eagles win 28-21, the margin of victory is exactly 7 points. The bet pushes and all wagers on both sides are refunded.

Spreads with whole numbers like -3, -7, -10, and -14 carry push risk. This is why many sportsbooks set lines at half-point values like -3.5 or -7.5 to eliminate the possibility of a push entirely. Learn more about how spreads work in our point spread betting guide.

Over/Under (Totals) Pushes

A totals push happens when the combined final score of both teams equals the exact number set by the sportsbook for the over/under.

If the total is set at 45 and the final score is 24-21, the combined points equal 45, and the bet pushes. All over and under bettors receive their stakes back.

Like spreads, sportsbooks often use half-point totals (such as 44.5 or 45.5) to prevent pushes. When you see a whole-number total, there is always a chance of a push. Our over/under betting guide covers how totals work in detail.

Moneyline Pushes (Ties and Draws)

Moneyline pushes are less common in American sports because most major leagues have overtime or tiebreaker rules that prevent draws. However, there are situations where moneyline bets can push:

• NFL regular season games can end in ties if overtime does not produce a winner (rare but possible under current rules)
• Boxing and MMA can result in draws, which typically push moneyline bets
• Soccer (if betting on the 90-minute result) can end in draws, though most sportsbooks offer a three-way moneyline (home/draw/away) that accounts for this

In sports with overtime, the moneyline is almost always settled by the final result, so pushes are extremely rare.

Prop Bet Pushes

Player and game prop bets can also push when the result matches the line exactly. This happens most often with whole-number prop lines.

For example, if you bet the over on a basketball player scoring 24.5 points, a push is impossible because no player can score exactly 24.5 points. But if the line is set at 24.0 points and the player scores exactly 24, the bet pushes.

Some sportsbooks handle prop pushes differently than spread or total pushes, so always check the terms before placing the bet.

Half-Point Lines and Push Prevention

Sportsbooks use half-point lines as a deliberate strategy to eliminate pushes. A spread of -3.5 or a total of 210.5 cannot result in a push because no game can produce a half-point final score.

The half-point itself is sometimes called the hook. When a line moves from -3 to -3.5, that extra half-point is the hook, and it completely removes push risk from the equation.

Here is how this works in practice:

• Line at -3: Push is possible if the favourite wins by exactly 3
• Line at -3.5: No push possible. The favourite either covers (-4 or more) or does not (-3 or less)

Sportsbooks may offer whole-number lines when the market is evenly split and they want to attract action on both sides. Whole numbers also tend to appear on key numbers in football (3, 7, 10) where the market naturally settles.

Buying Half-Points

Many sportsbooks allow you to buy half-points by paying extra juice (higher vig). For example, you might move a line from -3 to -2.5 by accepting -120 odds instead of -110. This eliminates the risk of a push at 3 but costs you extra on every bet.

Whether buying points is worth it depends on the specific number and sport. In NFL betting, buying off the 3 (moving from -3 to -2.5) is one of the most common adjustments because games land on exactly 3 points frequently. Buying off less significant numbers is usually not worth the extra cost.

What Happens to Your Bet When a Push Occurs

When a single bet pushes, the process is straightforward:

1. Your original stake is returned to your sportsbook account
2. No profit is earned and no loss is recorded
3. The bet settles as though it was never placed
4. Refunds are typically instant once the game result is final

Most sportsbooks process push refunds automatically within minutes of the game ending. You do not need to take any action. The funds will appear in your available balance.

Push vs Void: Understanding the Difference

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have different meanings:

• Push: The game result landed exactly on the betting line. Your stake is returned.
• Void: The bet is cancelled for a reason unrelated to the game score. Common reasons include a player not participating (for props), a game being postponed, or a market error by the sportsbook.

The practical outcome is the same in both cases (you get your money back), but the distinction matters for parlays and multi-leg bets, where the rules for pushes and voids can differ depending on the sportsbook.

Pushes in Parlays and Teasers

How pushes are handled in multi-leg bets is one of the most important details to understand before placing parlays or teasers. The rules are not the same everywhere.

Parlay Push Rules

When one leg of a parlay pushes, most sportsbooks remove that leg from the parlay and recalculate the payout based on the remaining legs.

For example, if you place a 4-leg parlay and one leg pushes:

• The pushed leg is removed
• Your parlay becomes a 3-leg parlay
• The payout is recalculated at the lower odds
• All other legs must still win for the parlay to pay out

This means a push in a parlay does not kill your bet. It reduces your potential payout but keeps the ticket alive. If you had a 2-leg parlay and one leg pushes, it becomes a straight bet on the remaining leg at that leg's original odds.

Teaser Push Rules

Teaser push rules are where things get complicated, and sportsbook-specific rules vary significantly. There are generally three approaches:

• Push reduces legs: The pushed leg is removed and the teaser is recalculated (similar to parlay treatment). This is the most bettor-friendly rule.
• Push voids the teaser: The entire teaser is voided and your stake is returned if any leg pushes. Less common but not unusual.
• Push counts as a loss: Some sportsbooks treat a teaser push as a losing leg. This is the least bettor-friendly rule and can significantly affect your expected returns.

Always check the teaser push rules at your sportsbook before placing teaser bets. The difference between "push reduces legs" and "push counts as a loss" can have a meaningful impact over time.

Push Rules by Sportsbook

Not every sportsbook handles pushes the same way, especially for parlays and teasers. Here is a general comparison of how major US sportsbooks treat pushes:

Sportsbook	Single Bet Push	Parlay Push	Teaser Push
DraftKings	Stake returned	Leg removed, odds recalculated	Leg removed (2+ legs remain) or void
FanDuel	Stake returned	Leg removed, odds recalculated	Leg removed, odds recalculated
BetMGM	Stake returned	Leg removed, odds recalculated	Varies by teaser type
Caesars	Stake returned	Leg removed, odds recalculated	Push counts as loss on some teasers
ESPN BET	Stake returned	Leg removed, odds recalculated	Leg removed, odds recalculated
Fanatics	Stake returned	Leg removed, odds recalculated	Check house rules

Important: Sportsbook rules can change, and some books apply different rules for different bet types or promotions. Always check the house rules or terms and conditions at your specific sportsbook before placing bets where pushes are possible.

Pushes by Sport

The likelihood of a push varies significantly depending on the sport. Key numbers, scoring patterns, and overtime rules all affect how often pushes occur.

NFL

The NFL has the highest push frequency of any major sport because of key numbers. Games frequently land on margins of 3, 7, 10, and 14 points due to the scoring structure (field goals worth 3, touchdowns with extra point worth 7).

Approximately 15% of NFL games land on a margin of exactly 3, and another 9% land on exactly 7. When spreads are set at these numbers, pushes happen at a notable rate. Totals in the NFL also push occasionally, particularly when set at round numbers like 43, 44, or 47.

NBA

NBA pushes are less common than NFL pushes because basketball has a wider range of final score margins. There are no dominant key numbers the way football has 3 and 7. However, pushes still happen when spreads or totals land on whole numbers. The high-scoring nature of the game means totals pushes are rarer but not impossible.

MLB

In baseball, pushes most commonly occur on the run line (the standard -1.5/+1.5 spread). Because the run line is almost always set at 1.5, pushes on the spread are extremely rare. Total pushes can happen when the combined run total lands exactly on a whole number.

NHL

Hockey pushes work similarly to baseball. The puck line is typically set at -1.5/+1.5, making spread pushes very rare. Total pushes occur occasionally because NHL games are low-scoring and totals are often set at whole numbers like 5 or 6.

College Football and Basketball

College sports follow similar push patterns to their professional counterparts. College football has the same key numbers as the NFL (3, 7, 10, 14), and college basketball pushes are uncommon for the same reasons as the NBA.

Strategies Around Pushes

Understanding pushes is not just about knowing what happens when they occur. You can factor push probability into your betting decisions to make smarter wagers.

Know the Key Numbers

In NFL betting, lines set at 3 and 7 carry the highest push probability. If you are betting a spread of exactly -3 or -7, you should be aware that pushes are more likely than at other numbers. This does not mean you should avoid these lines, but it should be part of your evaluation.

Evaluate Buying Half-Points

Moving off a key number can be valuable. Buying from -3 to -2.5 in the NFL is generally considered worthwhile because of how often games land on exactly 3. Buying from -7 to -6.5 is less commonly recommended because the cost usually outweighs the benefit.

For non-key numbers (like -4, -5, -8, -9), buying half-points is almost never worth the extra juice. Games land on these margins infrequently enough that the cost does not justify the protection.

Factor Pushes into Parlay Decisions

When building parlays, consider whether any of your legs are on whole-number lines that carry push risk. A push will not kill your parlay, but it will reduce your payout. If maximizing payout is important, you might prefer half-point lines in your parlay legs.

Shop Lines to Manage Push Risk

Different sportsbooks may offer different lines on the same game. One book might have a spread at -3 while another has -3.5. Shopping lines is always a good practice, and push risk is one more factor to consider when deciding which book to bet at. Our sports betting terms glossary covers line shopping and other essential concepts.

Common Mistakes Bettors Make with Pushes

Not Checking Parlay and Teaser Push Rules

This is the most common and most costly mistake. Bettors place multi-leg bets without knowing whether a push will remove the leg, void the bet, or count as a loss. The difference matters, especially for teasers where push rules vary widely between sportsbooks.

Assuming All Sportsbooks Handle Pushes the Same Way

They do not. Single-bet push rules are standardized (stake returned), but parlay and teaser push rules differ from book to book. If you bet at multiple sportsbooks, learn the push rules at each one.

Overpaying to Avoid Pushes

Buying half-points to avoid pushes can be smart at key numbers, but some bettors do it habitually on every bet. Moving from -5 to -4.5 costs extra juice and provides minimal benefit because games rarely land on exactly 5. Be selective about when you pay for push protection.

Ignoring Push Probability When Evaluating Lines

A line set at -3 is not the same value proposition as a line set at -3.5, even though the half-point seems small. At key numbers, that half-point represents a meaningful probability of a push. Ignoring this can lead to inaccurate assessments of a bet's expected value.

Panicking After a Push

A push is a neutral outcome. Some bettors treat it like a loss because they expected to win, or they immediately re-bet the same game out of frustration. A push means you got your money back. There is no need to chase or make emotional follow-up bets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when you push a bet?

When a bet pushes, the result lands exactly on the number set by the sportsbook. Your original stake is returned to your account in full. You do not win anything, but you do not lose anything either. The bet settles as though it was never placed. Most sportsbooks process push refunds automatically within minutes of the game ending.

Do you get your money back on a push in sports betting?

Yes. A push always results in your full stake being returned. This applies to all bet types including spreads, totals, moneylines, and props. The refund is automatic at all regulated US sportsbooks. You will see the funds back in your available balance shortly after the game result is confirmed.

Is a push the same as a void bet?

Not exactly. A push occurs when the game result matches the betting line exactly. A void occurs when a bet is cancelled for a reason unrelated to the game score, such as a player withdrawal, game postponement, or sportsbook error. The practical result is similar (stake returned), but the distinction matters for parlay and teaser bets where push and void rules may differ.

What happens to a parlay when one leg pushes?

At most sportsbooks, a pushed leg is removed from the parlay and the payout is recalculated based on the remaining legs. A 4-leg parlay with one push becomes a 3-leg parlay. A 2-leg parlay with one push becomes a straight bet. The remaining legs must still win for the parlay to pay out. Always verify your sportsbook's specific parlay push rules.

Can a moneyline bet push?

In most cases, no. Major American sports have overtime rules that produce a winner. However, moneyline pushes can occur in NFL regular season games that end in a tie, in boxing or MMA bouts that end in a draw, and in soccer when betting on the 90-minute result. Some sportsbooks may include a "draw" option on moneylines in sports where ties are possible.

How do sportsbooks handle pushes differently?

Single-bet pushes are handled the same way everywhere: your stake is returned. The differences emerge with parlays and teasers. Most sportsbooks remove pushed parlay legs and recalculate. For teasers, some books remove the leg, some void the entire teaser, and some count a push as a loss. Always check your sportsbook's house rules.

Should I buy half-points to avoid a push?

It depends on the number. Buying off NFL key numbers like 3 and 7 can be worthwhile because games land on those margins frequently. Buying off non-key numbers (4, 5, 8, 9) is usually not worth the extra juice. Consider the cost (worse odds) versus the benefit (push protection) on a case-by-case basis.

What are the most common numbers for pushes in NFL betting?

The most common push numbers in NFL betting are 3, 7, 10, and 14. These correspond to the sport's scoring structure: field goals (3 points), touchdowns with extra points (7 points), and combinations thereof. A margin of exactly 3 occurs in roughly 15% of NFL games, making it by far the most common push number.