How to Bet on Hockey: Betting Guide

You are a big NHL fan and want to start betting on ice hockey. Where do you start? How does NHL hockey betting differ from other sports in online sports betting? Here’s what you need to know about the best hockey betting sites, bet types, and more when it comes to betting hockey.

Types of NHL Bets and Hockey Betting Lines

When starting to look at the hockey betting basics, you will need to understand the different bet types. Here are a few of the different wagers you will see when you go to place a bet on a hockey game with top sportsbooks.

Moneyline

For a moneyline bet, you are placing your wager on which team will win the game. It’s an extremely common bet type on the top betting sites and apps as you are picking who will win the game outright. Just pick the team you believe will win. The favorite is listed with negative odds while the underdog has positive odds.

For example, you check the best NHL sportsbooks and see the Florida Panthers are listed as -125 favorites to win. A $125 bet would win $100.

Puck Line

In several other sports, it’s referred to as a point spread. In hockey, it happens to be called a puck line. It’s set at -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog for every single game across the league. This is because NHL games usually come down to just one goal and are extremely low-scoring events.

For example, you check your favorite NHL sportsbook to see that the Las Vegas Golden Knights are -1.5 puck line favorites vs the Chicago Blackhawks. You decide to get in on the betting action and bet on the Golden Knights. They need to win by two goals or more to cover the puck line.

Totals

A popular hockey wager is a total bet which is also called an over/under. You are betting on the total number of goals scored in a game. The sportsbook sets hockey odds and a line for how many total goals will be scored in the game.

For example, you see the total for the Wild-Jets game is over/under 6.5 goals. You take the over and the final score is 5-3. You would win the bet because a total of eight goals were scored in the game. It’s common to see totals of 5.5, 6.5, or 7.5 due to the low number of goals scored in hockey games.

Futures

When betting on NHL games online, you will often come across futures bets. These are bets on events that will take place in the future, such as which team will win the Stanley Cup or which players will win season awards.

Betting sites and mobile apps offer odds on these events throughout the season, which can change based on team performance, injuries, and other factors. For instance, at the start of the season, you may find odds on every NHL team to win the Stanley Cup.

Props

Prop bets are wagers within a game that might not be tied to the end result. There are game, team, and player props. For example, there might be a player prop for the total number of goals a specific player will score in a game or how many saves a goalie will have at the end of the night. The best hockey betting sites will offer a solid amount of props to get users excited about NHL action.

Parlays

Parlays are when you combine multiple bets into one single wager. All of the bets have to win to get a payout. Each bet that you add is called a “leg.” The legs added to the parlay determine the probability it will win. This creates huge odds which can excite sports bettors. Some parlays include multiple games or you can bet what is called a same-game parlay.

Live Betting

In-game betting is becoming increasingly popular in all sports, including the National Hockey League. It is an exciting way to place bets on the NHL online. You can track the game’s progress and stay up-to-date with the latest odds and lines. The odds change rapidly based on the game’s outcome. The top NHL betting sites and apps offer many live betting options and NHL game odds.

60 Minutes (Three-Way)

A 60 minutes bet is a moneyline wager that concludes after three periods. You’re betting on which team will be winning in sixty minutes. And unlike other hockey betting lines, there is an option to bet on a tie, thus it sometimes being called a “three-way moneyline”. NHL games go into overtime if they are tied after three periods. If tied after overtime, there is a shootout.

Grand Salami

A “Grand Salami” is a hockey bet that resembles a total bet but with a massive twist. As a bettor, you are going for it all and betting on the total number of goals scored in all games on a particular day. So, if you have a 10-game day, there might be an over/under set at 60.5 for the Grand Salami.

Best NHL and Hockey Betting Sites

If you are looking to bet on the NHL or hockey around the world, there are a solid amount of betting sites that have great lines, odds, and more throughout the hockey season on every game. Here are a few of the top online sportsbooks as well as their promotions for new customers and hockey bettors.

FanDuel

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FanDuel is a highly regarded and reputable sportsbook known for its exceptional live betting options, making it one of the best in the industry. It’s a great choice for beginners who are learning how to bet on the NHL, as the sportsbook offers users the opportunity to bet on top games and teams in hockey.

BetMGM

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BetMGM is a well-respected and widely recognized name in the sports betting industry, offering a variety of features to its customers, such as live betting, the option to “edit my bet”, and more. Additionally, the sportsbook provides exclusive promotions for new users throughout the year, including many NHL odds.

PointsBet

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PointsBet may not be a well-known name in the betting market, but it has still managed to establish a strong reputation by offering unique betting options, such as “Points Betting”.

Moreover, the sportsbook provides attractive offers, such as second-chance bets and other promotions designed specifically for new users. For those interested in betting on NHL, PointsBet is an excellent option to consider.

DraftKings

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DraftKings is a widely used and highly popular sports betting platform in the United States. The platform boasts a rewards program that enables users to earn bonuses, promotions, odds boosts, and other benefits specifically tailored for NHL bettors.

Tipico

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Tipico Sportsbook is accessible in various states, such as Ohio, New Jersey, Colorado, and Iowa, offering bettors a diverse range of features and options.

For new NHL bettors seeking to take advantage of bonuses and additional options, Tipico Sportsbook is an excellent choice. Users can expect to receive solid bonuses and other valuable benefits while using this sportsbook.

BetRivers

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BetRivers is rapidly expanding and is an excellent option for sports bettors who want to place NHL wagers. The sportsbook provides a plethora of features, including second-chance bets, odds boosts, rewards, and other exciting options that users can take advantage of.

Betfred

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Betfred is making progress in the sports betting industry and expanding its presence in the United States. The sportsbook provides several notable features, such as promotional offers, live betting options, and early cashouts, making it an excellent choice for NHL bettors who are just getting started.

Caesars

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Caesars is known for having one of the best VIP reward programs in the sports betting industry, which helps bettors earn valuable rewards. In addition to this program, the sportsbook offers live betting, promotions, odds boosts, and other features.

How to Bet on Hockey FAQs

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