Push in Sports Betting: Why Bets are Settled at Odds of 1

A push (aka void bet or refund) occurs when a bet is neither won nor lost, resulting in the bet being settled at betting odds of 1 (even money). 

This means the bettor’s stake is returned in full, as if the bet never took place.

Note: This scenario is most commonly encountered in total (over/under) and handicap bets. 

For instance, if you place a bet on total goals over 2 for a football match, and the game ends with exactly two goals scored, the bookie will settle your bet at odds of 1. Whether the final score is 0:2, 2:0, or 1:1, the specific outcome aligns precisely with the total you bet on, leading to a push. Your initial stake is then returned to your account balance in full.

Common Scenarios Leading to a Push in Sports Betting

Here are specific scenarios where a push might occur:

• Cancellation or Rescheduling: If an event is canceled or rescheduled for any reason — such as weather conditions or logistical issues — the bet may be voided.
• Abandonments: Bookies have individual rules regarding the maximum suspension time allowed before a bet is voided. For instance, if a tennis match is suspended and doesn’t resume within the set timeframe, the bet could be pushed.
• Odds Setting Error: Should the bookmaker set incorrect odds due to a human or system error, they may settle bets at odds of 1 to rectify the mistake.
• Technical Glitches: System malfunctions within the bookmaker’s platform can affect the integrity of bets, leading to them being voided.
• Match-Fixing Suspicions: If there’s credible suspicion or evidence suggesting a match is fixed, bookmakers may void bets to maintain fairness.
• Rule Violations by the Player: Engaging in prohibited activities (such as using multiple accounts) can lead to voided bets.
• Late Bets: Bets placed after the result is already known are voided. The stake is returned to the bettor at odds of 1.

Understanding the rules of your bookmaker is key to knowing when a bet might be settled at odds of 1. PaddyPower, for instance, details these scenarios to guide bettors. Familiarizing yourself with these rules can prevent confusion and ensure you’re informed about the potential outcomes of your bets.

Refunds in Sports Betting

A refund happens when a bet is voided, and you get your stake back, either in full or partially. Here are some common reasons why this might happen:

• Player Injury: When a player is inactive and on the official injury list, you’ll get your bet refunded. But if they’re active and just don’t play, some bookies might still honor the bet.
• Player Doesn’t Play: When a player stays on the bench the whole game, some bookies will void the bet and give you a refund. However, if they step on the field even for a second, the bet might still be considered live.
• Game Doesn’t Finish: When the game doesn’t meet the minimum length of time to be considered finished, the wager is voided. But if the game is just postponed to a later date, your bet usually stays the same.

Push vs. Void Bet: Differences and Similarities

In both cases, you get your stake back, so no worries. Just make sure to check your specific sportsbook’s terms to get all the details.

Calculating the Outcome of a Void Bet in Parlays

When a push occurs in one or more legs of a parlay bet, the affected legs are removed, and the parlay’s total odds are recalculated. Here’s how to adjust your parlay:

Imagine you’ve placed a four-leg $100 parlay. Here’s how things stand:

Now, the first two events have pushed, so they’re out of the equation. Your parlay isn’t lost; it’s merely shifted. To find out what’s at stake now, you calculate the odds of the winning events:

• Adjusted Parlay Odds = 2.55 × 3.15

Your potential winnings are now based on these adjusted odds, multiplied by your original stake. And if all events had pushed? You’d simply get your full $100 back — no harm, no foul.

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