A push occurs when the result of an event lands exactly on the betting line, creating a tie between the bettor and the bookmaker. Neither side wins; the stake is simply returned. It is most common in handicap and spread betting, where the margin of victory is measured against a precise numerical line.
In Asian handicap betting, a push arises with whole-number handicap lines. If you back a team at -1 and they win by exactly 1 goal, the handicap-adjusted result is level (0-0 on handicap), and the bet is returned. This is why half and quarter handicap lines were introduced — to eliminate the push possibility.
In American sports point spread betting, pushes are common. An NFL game with a -3 spread on the favourite that wins by exactly 3 points results in a push for everyone who bet the spread. The over/under also pushes if the total matches the line exactly.
Impact on accumulators: a pushed leg is treated like a voided leg — it is removed from the accumulator and the remaining legs continue. A five-fold with one push becomes a four-fold, with the combined odds recalculated accordingly.
Bettors sometimes seek out whole-number handicap lines specifically because a push is a partial safety net. In a two-outcome (win/lose) market, there is no push possibility. In a -1 handicap market, the three outcomes are: cover the spread (win), push (stake returned), or fail to cover (lose).
Example
You back the favourites at -2.5 goals and they win 3-1. The handicap result is 3 - 2.5 = +0.5 on the favourite — the bet wins. If the same team had won 3-0 on a -3 spread, the adjusted result would be 3 - 3 = 0, a push, and your stake would be returned.