The world of sports betting contains exhilarating highs and deflating lows. This article will explore three unique outcomes – pushes, ties, and dead heats – and their impact on sportsbooks and bettors. These nuanced results add complexity and chance to betting markets beyond simply winning or losing a wager.
What is a Push?
A push happens when the final score lands on the betting line, creating no winner. If New England favored by 7 wins 28-21 over Buffalo, it’s a push – no cover. Sportsbooks refund pushes, frequent with whole number lines in football and basketball. Smart handicappers watch for potential pushes on key numbers.
The Impact of Pushes on Bettors and Books
Pushes benefit sportsbooks by letting them avoid losses when bets push. Bettors get their wager back but can feel disappointed at missing a win. Still, pushes are better than losses since bettors receive funds to bet again. Though sometimes disappointing, pushes are an integral, natural part of sports betting.
Notable Pushes in Sports History
Some of the most famous pushes in sports betting history include:
- Super Bowl XIII: Pittsburgh vs Dallas closed at PIT -3.5. Pittsburgh won 35-31, pushing on the 3.5 line.
- 2019 AFC Championship: Kansas City closed as 3-point favorites over New England. KC won 37-31 in OT, pushing on the 3-point line.
- 2021 NBA Finals Game 4: Milwaukee was favored by 5 points but beat Phoenix 109-103, pushing on the 5-point line.
As you can see, NFL and NBA playoff games quite frequently land on key betting numbers and result in pushes.
All About Ties
While relatively rare, tied outcomes occasionally occur in sports betting and are handled much like pushes. When a wager results in a tie between opponents, all bets on the point spread and moneyline are voided and refunded. Ties are more common in certain sports, especially soccer, hockey, and some forms of auto racing. Standard NFL and NBA games cannot end in a tie due to overtime rules.
Treatment of Ties by Sportsbooks
Ties benefit sportsbooks by letting them avoid losing wagers – all bets are refunded. Bettors can find ties annoying when they want one team to win outright. But a tie beats losing. One downside for books is reduced handle when games end early in ties. Still, the house maintains its edge when contests are tied.
Famous Ties in Betting History
While not as prevalent as pushes, some unforgettable ties have occurred in major sports:
- In 2011, the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United ended 1-1. This secured Manchester the league title.
- The 2019 League Cup Final between Manchester City and Chelsea ended 0-0 after regulation and extra time, with Man City prevailing on penalties.
- In soccer’s Euro 2020, heavy favorites France and Portugal played to a 2-2 draw.
As you can see, even major championship events see the occasional tie game. Ties add an extra element of suspense and profit protection for sportsbooks.
Breaking Down Dead Heats
A dead heat happens when competitors tie by finishing at the exact same time. They’re common in horse racing when horses cross together. Bets on the tied competitors pay out at reduced odds divided by the number of winners. If two 3/1 horses tied, bets would pay just 1/1.
How Dead Heats Impact Betting
Dead heats benefit sportsbooks by letting them pay out at reduced odds, taking in more money. For bettors, potential wins become minimized payouts. But some handicappers strategically back multiple competitors hoping for dead heats, since reduced payouts are better than losing. Though frustrating, dead heats are part of betting sports with photo finishes like horse racing.
Famous Dead Heat Moments
Dead heats may frustrate bettors, but they have provided some of horse racing’s most memorable moments over the years:
- The 2000 Breeders Cup featured a dead heat between Spain and Tiznow.
- In the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Classic, horses Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man finished in a dead heat for first place at Santa Anita Park.
- Churchill Downs saw a dead heat in the 2022 Kentucky Oaks when Nest and Secret Oath hit the finish line together.
While not ideal for bettors, dead heats undoubtedly provide excitement and leave a lasting mark on horse racing history.
To sum it up, pushes, ties, and dead heats may not generate the ecstasy of an emphatic win, but they are fascinating quirks of sports betting that affect bookmakers and bettors. Savvy gamblers keep them in mind when handicapping games and races. An awareness of these potential outcomes allows bettors to endure their downsides and perhaps even exploit them occasionally. They also provide entertainment value and memorable moments to look back on after the bets are settled. Given their prominence, pushes, ties, and dead heats will continue impacting the sports betting landscape for years to come.