Definition of Push

What is the definition of the term "push" as it applies to the world of sports betting? What is meant by a "push" in sports betting?

A "push" occurs when there is a "tie" between a sports book and the person who is placing a bet. A "push" applies to games in which there is a spread, such as American football.

Let's take a look at an example.

The Seattle Seahawks are playing the Minnesota Vikings. The Seahawks are 7 point favourites heading into the game, and you decide to take Seattle -7.

Let's say that the Seahawks end up winning the game by a score of 24-17. After removing the seven points that you were giving up, the game ends in a "push", or tie.

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What happens to your bet in the event of a push?

The sports book will refund your bet, as you neither won nor lost.

Most sports books will include a half point on the end of a spread in order to avoid a "push".

As far as I know, all of the major sportsbooks, including Bet365, Bovada, William Hill, Betfair and more, deal with pushes in the same manner.