Push

Definition

A push is a tie between the player and the house. When a push occurs, no money is won or lost; the player’s original bet is returned to them.

In context

In Blackjack, if the player has a total of 20 and the dealer also finishes their hand with a total of 20, it is a push. The dealer will typically tap the table behind the bet and the player is free to leave the bet where it is or take it back.

Why it matters

A push acts as a “reset” button for the hand. It preserves the player’s bankroll, but it also means the player hasn’t made any progress against the house edge. In some games, the rules are designed to turn what looks like a tie into a house win to increase the casino’s advantage.

Related terms

• House Edge
• Stand-off
• Commission

In detail

The concept of a “push” is central to the flow of table games. It is the neutral ground of gambling. However, while it seems simple—“nobody wins”—the way a push is handled is a key part of game design and casino math.

The Mechanics on the Floor

When a push happens, the dealer will signal it clearly to the surveillance cameras. In Blackjack, this is often done by tapping the table or spreading the cards in a specific way. The player’s chips are not touched by the dealer. The player then has three choices:

1. Let it ride: Leave the same chips out for the next hand.
2. Press it: Add more chips to the original bet.
3. Pull it: Take the chips back and stop playing or change the bet size.

Variations by Game

Different games handle ties in different ways, and this drastically affects the house edge:

• Blackjack: A standard tie is a push. However, in some “no-bust” variants or “Free Bet Blackjack,” if the dealer busts with a total of 22, all remaining player bets are pushed rather than paid out. This “Push on 22” rule is the primary way the casino pays for the “free” options offered to the player.
• Baccarat: A tie between the Player and Banker hands is a push for those two main bets. However, players can also bet on the Tie itself. If the Tie happens, the main bets push, but the Tie bet pays out (usually 8 to 1 or 9 to 1). If a Tie doesn’t happen, the Tie bet is lost, but the main bets are resolved normally.
• Casino Poker (e.g., Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker): In many of these games, if the dealer does not “qualify” (have a minimum hand like a pair or King-high), the “Ante” bet is paid, but the “Play” bet is a push.
• Sports Betting: If a game ends with a score exactly on the “point spread” (e.g., you bet on a team -3 and they win by exactly 3 points), it is a push, and your wager is refunded. This is why many sportsbooks use “half-points” (e.g., -3.5) to ensure a result and avoid pushes.

The Strategic Value of a Push

For a player, a push is a “win in disguise.” While you didn’t gain any chips, you successfully navigated the house edge for one round. In high-variance sessions, pushes help extend your “time on device” or “time at table.” For the casino, a push is a “non-event” for the bottom line, but it is important for player psychology. A game with frequent pushes feels “looser” and more “fair” to a player than a game where you either win or lose every single hand. This keeps players in their seats longer.

Common Misunderstandings

The most common mistake beginners make is thinking they must win a hand to get their money back. They might take a risky “hit” in Blackjack because they are afraid of a tie. In reality, a push is a perfectly acceptable outcome. Another confusion arises in Baccarat, where a tie doesn’t mean you lose your Banker or Player bet—those bets stay “live” and are simply returned to you.

Operational Controls

Surveillance monitors pushes closely. Because no money moves, a push is an easy place for a “collusive” dealer to help a friend. They might signal a push on a losing hand to protect the player’s money. This is why dealers are required to use distinct hand signals and why the cards are displayed clearly for the cameras before the chips are returned.

In the grand scheme of the casino, the push is the “friction” in the machine. It slows down the speed at which the house edge grinds away at a bankroll, making for a longer, more engaging experience for the guest.