What is 'Push' in betting?

What is a Push in betting?The "Push" is a relatively uncommon term in the world of betting, yet it is important to know if you plan to bet wisely and regularly, but... why is it so interesting, what is it for, and how much could it benefit us? Here at SportyTrader, we will explain everything about this betting term so that you can keep improving your percentages and ultimately make more money with your bets.

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First of all, its definition par excellence is synonymous with tie, no bet, that is to say, the 'push' is a reimbursed bet by the sportsbook, when neither the player nor the book have agreed on a result or event. 

However, before continuing to explain how a push works, you should know in which markets you can find this feature: 

  • Winner without a draw 
  • Final result
  • Asian Handicap 
  • Bets without a draw
  • Over/Under 
  • Goals
  • Cards 
  • Corner kicks
  • Games in tennis
  • Points 

Before we jump into examples and different uses of the Push function, be sure to check out our 100% exclusive section of sports predictions that will help you develop a more nuanced view of a particular match. With this info, you'll know the strengths and weaknesses of the teams on various stat points. Our predictions section is updated every day, so do not hesitate to consult it.

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How does the "Push" work in sports betting? 

First and foremost, the 'Push' will only be given in sports where a tie is possible at the end of the match and where results can be given in whole numbers and not decimals, such as in soccer where a team can not finish with 4.5 goals to 2, or in basketball can not finish with 122.5 points. 

The term 'Push' is often compared to 'Win without a draw', which is not always the case since the 'Push' can be used in other markets that we will gradually unveil throughout this article. 

But to focus on the main and best known, we will give an example of 'Win without a draw': In a Champions League match between PSG and Bayern Munich.

Let's say our bet is that one of the two wins, but BEWARE! not using the double chance option, but the 'Win without a draw' option, as these would be the possible cases of success, failure or 'PUSH': 

  • Success if the team we bet on wins.
  • Failure if our selected winning team loses. 
  • Push, if the match ends in a draw and therefore we get our money back. 

As you will also see when searching for this bet with your favorite sportsbook, some sites will list this bet as 'Draw - No Bet', the odds on the final result will be lower since we are eliminating a choice from the equation. We do not lose money nor are we eliminated from a multi-outcome bet. 

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How to use the 'Push' in other markets? 

Push betting does not happen very often, in fact, as we said at the beginning, it's considered a more fringe bet, so there may even be newer players who have never seen or played with this option. Depending on the most popular markets, it may even be that the 'push' is never given as an option at all.

In the intro, we indicated a series of markets in which this modality can occur, however, we will only talk about the most relevant or what we know where more 'Push' situations can occur: 

Asian Handicap 

This type of handicap is the only one in which the 'Push' will help us to get money back.

For example: If we bet on LAFC vs NY Red Bulls (-1), it means that, for us, our winner will start the match "losing" 0-1, so in order to win our bet the LA team must win with a 2-goal advantage. Therefore, with the Asian handicap, in case the win is only 1 goal, the 'PUSH' will be applied and we will not lose money. 

Handicap Goals/Points

In this style of betting (over/under), a push occurs when the total goals/points scored in the match are equal to the limit set by the sportsbook. For example, in an NHL match, if you bet that there will be less than 4 goals in total and the final result is 2-2, adding up to exactly 4 goals, the bets are returned.

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When to take advantage of push bets? 

Betting on the winner without a draw is not a bad option, the reduction in odds at the expense of increasing probability makes it valuable. However, as we always recommend in Sportytrader, every trend, technique, or modality must be studied to know the exact situation where it's useful, therefore, here are some good examples:

  • Live bets in which the superior team has started losing and that still has time and level left to come back.
  • When we want to bet on duels between very defensive teams, thus there is more risk of a scoreless game.
  • In matches of high importance where neither of the 2 teams wants to risk: in a final, Playoff match, relegation fight...
  • If your style or strategy for betting is based on low odds with slow but steady returns.

In short, don't sleep on the push bet. As always, continue enjoying betting, increase your betting knowledge, and don't go beyond your means! SportyTrader has free predictions for daily matches and tons of useful betting info in our guide section!

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