What does it mean to "push" a bet in sports betting?
Comprehensive guide to understanding push bets and how arbitrage betting offers a risk-free alternative.
What does it mean to "push" a bet in sports betting?
To 'push' a bet in sports betting means the result of the bet neither wins nor loses, resulting in the original stake being refunded to the bettor.
A push typically occurs when the outcome lands exactly on the sportsbook's set line or point spread, causing a tie between the bettor and the bookmaker.
While pushes can create uncertainty in traditional betting strategies, arbitrage betting eliminates guesswork by securing guaranteed profits regardless of such outcomes.
Understanding What a Push Means in Sports Betting
A push happens when the final score or result matches the sportsbook's line exactly. In point spread bets or totals (over/under), if the final margin or total points scored equals the set number, the bet is considered a tie or 'push.' This means neither side wins or loses, and the bettor's original wager is returned without any profit or loss. Pushes help maintain fairness when outcomes are extremely close.
- •Pushes occur mostly with point spread and totals bets
- •The original stake is refunded in a push
- •No profit or loss is realized from a push
💡Example of a Push in Point Spread Betting
If you bet on a football team -3 points and they win by exactly 3 points, the bet results in a push and you get your stake back.
Bet amount: $100, Outcome: Win margin exactly 3 points, Result: Refund $100
How a Push Differs from Wins and Losses
Unlike winning or losing bets where money is gained or lost, a push returns the bettor's stake without additional payout or deduction. This outcome is rare compared to wins or losses but can impact betting strategies, especially when multiple bets are involved. Understanding pushes is crucial for accurate bankroll management and bet tracking.
- •Pushes do not affect your bankroll positively or negatively
- •They differ from losses where the entire stake is lost
- •They differ from wins where profit is added to the stake
💡Comparing Outcomes: Win, Lose, and Push
Bet $50 on over 2.5 goals in soccer. If 3 goals are scored, you win. If 2 goals are scored, you lose. If exactly 2.5 goals were possible (hypothetically), it would be a push and your $50 refunded.
Win = $50 stake + winnings, Lose = $0 returned, Push = $50 returned
Impact of Pushes on Betting Strategies and Bankroll
Pushes can disrupt momentum in betting strategies that rely on consecutive wins or losses. Since no money is gained or lost, a push may delay reaching profit goals or recouping losses. For parlays, a push can reduce the number of legs or convert the bet to a smaller parlay, which complicates outcomes. Arbitrage betting offers a superior alternative by minimizing the risk and eliminating guesswork involved with pushes and uncertain results.
- •Pushes can pause progress in progressive betting systems
- •They may reduce parlay legs, altering potential payouts
- •Bankroll management must account for refunded stakes
💡Push Effect on a Parlay Bet
In a 3-leg parlay, if one leg pushes, the parlay becomes a 2-leg parlay with adjusted odds. This can reduce the expected payout but still keeps the bet alive.
Original parlay odds multiplied by odds of pushed leg (1.0) results in adjusted payout
How to Handle Pushes When Betting
When a push occurs, sportsbooks refund the original wager, and bettors can decide how to proceed next. Many experienced bettors adjust their staking plans to account for potential pushes, ensuring they do not overexpose their bankroll. In manual calculations, pushes can complicate evaluating expected returns, but arbitrage betting tools like ArbitUp automate these calculations, making it easier to manage bets and maintain guaranteed profits.
- •Expect wager refunds on push results
- •Adjust staking strategies to accommodate pushes
- •Use tools like ArbitUp to simplify calculations
💡Adjusting Stakes After a Push
If your original bet pushes, you might choose to place a new bet or wait for the next opportunity depending on your strategy.
Stake remains unchanged since original bet amount is refunded
Why Arbitrage Betting Is a Superior Approach to Pushes
Traditional betting involves managing risks like pushes, which can complicate outcomes and bankroll management. Arbitrage betting, however, involves placing bets on all possible outcomes across different sportsbooks to guarantee a profit regardless of the result. This eliminates the uncertainty of pushes or losses entirely. Additionally, arbitrage software such as ArbitUp automates complex calculations and identifies profitable opportunities quickly, making it easier to avoid the guesswork and risks associated with pushes.
- •Arbitrage guarantees profit regardless of push outcomes
- •Removes uncertainty and risk in bet results
- •Tools like ArbitUp automate calculations and spotting opportunities
💡Arbitrage Bet Covering Possible Push Outcomes
By betting on both sides with different sportsbooks offering varying odds, the bettor covers the push scenario and ensures a profit regardless of the final result.
Stake divided proportionally across outcomes to lock in profit
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️Confusing a push with a loss and incorrectly tracking bankroll
- ⚠️Failing to adjust betting strategies after experiencing a push
- ⚠️Ignoring the impact of pushes in parlay bets and how they affect payouts
- ⚠️Overlooking the benefit of automating calculations to manage pushes effectively
- ⚠️Assuming pushes always result in a loss of stake or profit
- ⚠️Not considering arbitrage betting as a way to avoid push-related uncertainties
- ⚠️Placing large bets without accounting for potential push outcomes
The Power of Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting eliminates guesswork by guaranteeing profits regardless of pushes or other uncertain outcomes.
- ✓Secures profits by covering all possible results
- ✓Removes reliance on unpredictable outcomes like pushes
- ✓Simplifies complex risk management with automation tools
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
This content is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Sports betting involves substantial risk. Only bet with money you can afford to lose. See our Terms of Service for complete legal disclaimers.