A push in sports betting occurs when the final score lands exactly on the spread or total, resulting in a tie — your stake is returned with no profit or loss.
When Pushes Happen
Spread pushes: You bet Chiefs -7. They win by exactly 7. Push — stake returned.
Total pushes: You bet over 47.5... but the total is a whole number like 48. The game ends 24-24 = 48 total points. Push on the over 48 bet.
Moneyline pushes: Rare, but can happen in sports that allow ties (MLS soccer, some NFL overtime scenarios in parlay context).
Why Sportsbooks Use Half-Points
Many books price spreads and totals at half-points (like -7.5, over 47.5) specifically to eliminate the push. A half-point spread can't produce a push because football scores are integers — you either cover by 8+ or you don't.
When a spread is offered at a whole number (like exactly -7), the push is a real possibility and a legitimate result.
How Pushes Affect Parlays
The rules vary slightly across books, but the standard: a push in a parlay removes that leg. A 4-team parlay with one push pays as a 3-team parlay. None of the other legs are affected — they still need to win.
This is different from a loss. If one leg loses, the entire parlay loses. A push just simplifies the parlay.
Why Whole-Number Spreads Can Have Value
If a team is listed at -7 (whole number) and you bet them +7 as the underdog, a push gives you your money back instead of losing. This creates value at whole-number spreads in football. Compare -7 to -7.5 — the half point matters because of the push frequency at exactly 7.
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