Definition
A push is a tie between the bet and the posted number. The bet does not win or lose, and the sportsbook returns the original stake.
For a straight bet that pushes:
net profit = $0
total returned = original stake
A push most often happens on point spreads or totals when the final result lands exactly on the betting line.
Worked Example
You bet $110 on a team at −110 odds to cover a −3 point spread.
If that team wins by exactly 3 points, the bet pushes. You do not win the $100 profit, and you do not lose the $110 stake. The sportsbook returns your $110.
Final result:
stake = $110
profit = $0
total returned = $110
The same applies to a total. If you bet over 44 and the game finishes with exactly 44 combined points, the over bet pushes and the stake is refunded.
Why It Matters
Pushes make key numbers important, especially in sports like football where margins of 3 and 7 are common. Understanding push outcomes helps a bettor compare lines, because −3 is materially different from −3.5.