Understanding Parlay Pushes
A FanDuel parlay push occurs when one or more legs of a parlay bet result in a tie or push.
This scenario can significantly impact the overall outcome of the parlay ticket. Understanding how pushes are handled is crucial for bettors to accurately assess their potential payouts and risks.
In most cases, when a push occurs in a parlay, that leg is removed from the parlay calculation. The parlay continues with the remaining legs, and the odds are adjusted accordingly. This means that a push doesn't necessarily result in a loss of the entire parlay bet, but it does reduce the potential payout.
For example, if a bettor places a four-leg parlay and one leg pushes, the parlay effectively becomes a three-leg parlay.
The odds and potential payout are recalculated based on the remaining legs. This rule applies to various types of parlays, including same-game parlays and game parlays across different sports.
Parlay Types and Pushes
Different types of parlays may handle pushes in slightly different manners.
The two main categories to consider are same-game parlays (SGPs) and traditional game parlays. Each type has its own set of rules and considerations when it comes to pushes.
In both cases, the general principle remains the same: a push typically results in that leg being removed from the parlay calculation.
However, the specific implications can vary depending on the type of parlay and the sport involved. It's important for bettors to log and understand these differences to make informed betting decisions.
Same-Game Parlays (SGP)
Same-game parlays, often abbreviated as SGPs, allow bettors to combine multiple bets from a single game into one parlay.
When it comes to pushes in SGPs, the rules generally align with those of traditional parlays. If one leg of an SGP pushes, it is typically removed from the parlay calculation, and the odds are adjusted for the remaining legs.
However, it's important to note that some sportsbooks have specific rules for SGPs that differ from their standard parlay rules.
For example, in a basketball SGP, a bettor might combine a point spread, a player prop, and a total. If the point spread push occurs, that leg would be removed, and the parlay would continue with the player prop and total bets. The payout would be recalculated based on these remaining legs.
Game Parlays
A game parlay involves combining bets from multiple different games or events.
These parlays can span across various sports and bet types, offering bettors the flexibility to create diverse betting combinations. In game parlays, pushes are handled similarly to SGPs, but with some key differences to consider.
When a leg in a game parlay pushes, it is typically removed from the parlay calculation. The parlay continues with the remaining legs, and the odds are adjusted accordingly. This means that if you have a five-leg game parlay and one leg pushes, it effectively becomes a four-leg parlay.
It's important to note that in some cases, particularly with certain prop bets or exotic wagers, a push might result in the entire leg being voided rather than just removed.
This can have a significant impact on the overall parlay odds and potential payout. Here's a summary of how that scenario can affect different parlay types:
| Parlay Type | Push Handling | Impact on Odds |
|---|---|---|
| SGP | Leg Removed | Recalculated |
| Game Parlay | Leg Removed | Recalculated |
| Teaser | Varies | May Void Bet |
Straight Wagers
While not a parlay, understanding how pushes work in straight wagers provides valuable context for parlay betting.
A straight wager is a single bet on a specific outcome. In the case of a push in a straight wager, the bet is typically refunded, and the stake is returned to the bettor.
For example, if a bettor places a straight wager on a team to cover a 3-point spread, and the team wins by exactly 3 points, the bet would push. The bettor would receive their original stake back, resulting in neither a win nor a loss.
This straightforward handling of pushes in straight wagers contrasts with the more complex scenarios encountered in parlays, where a push can alter the structure and potential payout of the entire bet.
Sport-Specific Scenarios
Different sports have unique characteristics that can affect how pushes are handled in parlays.
For instance, sports like soccer, where ties are common, may have different rules for handling pushes compared to sports like basketball or American football.
In soccer betting, many sportsbooks offer three-way moneyline bets that include a tie option.
Basketball and football often see pushes occur on point spreads and totals. In these sports, it's common for sportsbooks to offer half-point spreads (e.g., -3.5, +2.5) to avoid pushes.
However, when whole-number spreads are used, pushes become more likely and can significantly impact parlay outcomes.
Some sports, like tennis, rarely see pushes in standard betting markets. However, prop bets in tennis (e.g., total games in a match) can result in pushes, which would be handled according to the sportsbook's parlay rules.
Common Scenarios
Several common scenarios can lead to pushes in parlays.
Understanding these can help bettors better anticipate potential outcomes and make more informed betting decisions. One frequent scenario involves point spread bets where the final score margin exactly matches the spread.
For example, if a bettor includes a -3 point spread in their parlay and the favored team wins by exactly 3 points, that leg would push. In this case, the leg would typically be removed from the parlay, and the odds would be recalculated based on the remaining legs.
Another common scenario involves total bets, also known as over/under bets.
If the total points scored in a game exactly match the line set by the sportsbook, this results in a push. As with point spread pushes, this leg would usually be removed from the parlay calculation.
Conclusion
Understanding how pushes are handled in FanDuel parlays is crucial for informed sports betting.
Whether dealing with same-game parlays, traditional game parlays, or teasers, knowing how pushes can impact your bets allows for better decision-making and risk management.
Pushes in parlays typically result in the removal of the pushed leg and a recalculation of the parlay odds. However, specific rules can vary depending on the type of parlay, the sport involved, and the particular sportsbook's policies.
Remember that while pushes can sometimes work in a bettor's favor by removing unfavorable legs from a parlay, they also reduce the potential payout.
FAQ
All Legs Pushing
What happens if all legs in a parlay push?
If all legs in a parlay push, most sportsbooks will void the entire bet and return the stake to the bettor. However, specific rules can vary between sportsbooks, so it's important to check the terms and conditions.
Affect on Wins
Can a push ever result in a win in a parlay?
Generally, no. A push is typically treated as if that leg of the parlay never existed. The parlay continues with the remaining legs, but a push itself cannot contribute to a win.
Odds Shift
How do pushes affect the odds in a parlay?
When a push occurs in a parlay, that leg is typically removed from the calculation, and the odds are recalculated based on the remaining legs.
This usually results in reduced odds and a lower potential payout compared to the original parlay.
Avoiding Pushes
Are there any strategies to avoid pushes in parlays?
While pushes can't always be avoided, bettors can reduce their likelihood by choosing bets with half-point spreads or totals (e.g., -3.5 instead of -3).
Additionally, some bettors prefer to use alternate lines to avoid common push numbers, though this can affect the overall odds of the parlay.
Live Betting Pushes
How are pushes handled in live betting parlays?
In live betting parlays, pushes are generally handled the same way as in pre-game parlays. The pushed leg is typically removed from the parlay, and the odds are recalculated based on the remaining legs.
However, due to the dynamic nature of live betting, it's crucial to understand the specific rules of the sportsbook, as some may handle live bet pushes differently, especially if the push occurs due to a game or event being suspended or cancelled.
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