Table of Contents
This is how to bet on hockey.
Key Points
– Learning how to bet on hockey takes a strong understanding of bet types and betting markets.
– Take advantage of offshore sportsbooks when you bet on hockey.
How to Bet on Hockey
Hockey is one of the most popular sports in North America, and as a result, there is a lot of money to be made from betting on hockey games.
In this blog post, we will teach you how to bet on hockey games like a pro. We will discuss the different types of bets that you can make and give you some tips on how to win more often. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a complete beginner, everything you need to know to bet on hockey is provided here.
NHL Betting
Hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world, and it’s no surprise that betting on hockey is also a popular pastime. There are a few things to keep in mind when you bet on hockey.
First, it’s important to understand the game itself. Hockey can be a fast-paced and physical sport. Understanding how the game is played will give you a better understanding of how to bet on it. You don’t have to know every single rule and nuance about the game, but it helps to have a strong knowledge of the basics. Keep in mind that knowledge is power, especially when it comes to hockey betting.
Second, it’s important to know the teams. Study up on each team’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as their recent performances. It helps to know which teams are better known for their scoring or defense. This information will give you an edge when placing your bets.
Finally, don’t get too caught up in the odds. The favorite doesn’t always win, and sometimes the underdog can be a wise bet. Make sure you understand how to read odds as it will help in placing bets. Remember, do your research and place your bets cautiously. That way, you can have a lot of fun when you bet on hockey.
Hockey Betting Markets
Sports betting is a popular activity all over the world, and hockey is no exception. In fact, bettors can find markets for almost every professional and amateur hockey league in existence.
However, before placing a bet on hockey, it is important to understand the different types of bets available. The most common bet on hockey is the moneyline. A moneyline bet simply requires bettors to choose which team will win the game.
Take the following game as an example. The Pittsburgh Penguins are favored to beat the Washington Capitals.
Pittsburgh Penguins -175 -1.5 (+105) O 6 (-110)
Washington Capitals +200 +1.5 (-110) U 6 (-110)
The Penguins are a -175 moneyline favorite. If you like the Penguins, you must bet $175 to win $100 ($1.75 to win $1.00). If the Penguins win, you win. The score does not matter.
Puck Lines Offer Solid Value
Bettors can also place bets on the puck line. Because of a lack of scoring in NHL hockey, sportsbooks establish the puck line at 1.5. This allows bettors to wager on the point spread in hockey.
In the example, the Penguins are the favorite. The odds on the puck line bet are given in parentheses. A $100 bet on the Penguins to cover the puck line (point spread) would pay out $105 if Pittsburgh wins by at least two goals.
On the other side of the bet, the Capitals cover if they lose by one or win outright. A $110 bet would win $100. Notice the Penguins puck line bet was given plus-money odds. This happens quite a bit in the NHL as many games are decided by just one goal.
The other popular hockey bet is on the total number of goals scored in a game. In the example, the total has been set at 6.0. Most NHL games will see a total set between 5.0 and 6.5. The odds on both sides of the bet are -110 meaning a bettor will have to lay out $110 to win $100.
Other hockey bets that are gaining in popularity are prop bets, particularly those that focus on player performance. Popular prop bets include Anytime Goal Scorer or the Over/Under on total points in a game.
Bet on Hockey – Player & Team Props
Hockey is a fast-paced and exciting sport, and bettors can find plenty of opportunities to cash in on the action. There are numerous ways to bet on hockey, from moneyline bets and puck line bets to props and futures. As mentioned, proposition bets are gaining in popularity as more and more daily fantasy players crossover into sports betting.
Player props offer bettors the chance to wager on individual player performances. Will a certain player score the first goal of the game? How many shots will a goaltender make? These are just a few examples of the types of player props that bettors can find.
Team props offer bettors the opportunity to wager on team performances. How many goals will a team score in a game? How many penalty minutes will they rack up? Again, these are just a few examples of the types of team props that bettors can find.
Team and player props can often be played in correlation with a moneyline, puck line, or totals bet. For those looking to add an extra level of excitement to their betting, player props and team props offer excellent opportunities to do so. With so many different ways to bet, hockey bettors can find plenty of ways to cash in on the action.
Betting NHL Periods
Hockey bettors also have the opportunity to bet on hockey periods. This can be done instead of betting a whole game or in addition to other whole game wagers. NHL games are divided into three 20-minute periods. Bettors can place bets on any or all three periods.
Betting NHL periods takes some knowledge and a bit of strategy. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
The first step is understanding the periods are all 20 minutes long. When you bet on a certain period, the only thing that matters is what happens in that period. For example, in the Pittsburgh-Washington matchup, the second period line looks as follows.
Pittsburgh Penguins +100
Washington Capitals -110
The Capitals have the lead after the first period. Because of their performance in Period 1, sportsbooks have installed them as the favorite to win the second period. If you like the Caps to continue their success, you would wager $110 to win $100 on Washington to win the second period. The final score of the game doesn’t matter, only the score in the second period.
First Period Can Be Key
If you’re betting on the first period, it’s generally best to bet on the favorite team. This is because the favorite team is more likely to score early in the game. This gives them a good chance to win the period and, ultimately, the game. Teams that score first in the NHL win roughly two-thirds of all games.
When you’re betting on the second or third period, it’s often better to bet on the underdog. Underdogs often score later in games that are out of reach. That gives them a better chance of winning the second or third period.
Finally, it’s important to remember that anything can happen in hockey. Favorites can lose any given period. Don’t be afraid to take risks when betting on hockey periods. There are numerous times when it pays off!
NHL Futures Market
With another Stanley Cup Playoffs coming up at the end of a long regular season, it’s always time to start thinking about betting on NHL futures. Futures bets can be a lot of fun as you cheer and root for your team to do well throughout the entire season.
The big thing is that betting NHL futures can be extremely profitable. It is common to find the overall NHL Stanley Cup favorite at odds of +300 or even higher. Top contenders may be given odds closer to +1000 before a season or right as a season gets underway.
There are a few things to keep in mind when placing your NHL futures bets. Here are a few tips to help you make some money on your wagers.
Do Your Research or Let Us Do It For You
First, do your research. Nothing will help you more than digging deep and staying up to date on what is happening throughout the league. Know which teams are hot and which ones are not. Check out their recent record and see how they’ve been playing. You don’t want to bet on a team that is struggling and may not even make the playoffs.
Second, remember to analyze the odds. The favored team may have better odds, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best bet. There’s always a chance that an underdog could pull off an upset. In fact, preseason betting favorites often do not win the Stanley Cup.
Third, set a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of betting and spend more than you can afford to lose. Remember, when you bet on hockey futures, whatever you lay out will be tied up for the entire season. If you make three $100 wagers on three different teams, that $300 is not available to you during the NHL season.
Also, don’t forget about the postseason. You will have essentially another short season to bet on hockey. You will still have an opportunity to place a bet on the Stanley Cup champion even as teams hit the playoffs. You’ll get better odds by betting early, but you could still capitalize on a solid NHL futures bet just as the postseason starts.
History of Betting on the NHL
Betting on the NHL has a long and storied history. It is said that the first bet on a hockey game was made in 1875. Two men reportedly placed a wager on a game between the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association and the McGill University Hockey Club. Since then, bettors have been flocking to hockey games in order to make some quick money.
In the early days of betting on the NHL, most bets were made on who would win the Stanley Cup. However, as the league has grown and evolved, bettors now have the opportunity to bet on individual games, player props, and a whole host of other factors. This has made betting on the NHL more popular than ever before.
Even so, betting on hockey is not as popular as football and baseball. Those are the two sports where sportsbooks really make their money. Hockey, while not an afterthought, is not the primary focus of most sportsbooks. As a result, bettors can often find advantages when they bet on hockey.
So, whether you’re looking to make a quick buck or just want to add some excitement to your hockey viewing experience, betting on the NHL or any hockey league is a great option.
Pros & Cons – Betting Hockey at Offshore Sportsbooks vs. Land-Based Sportsbooks
There are a few things to consider when choosing where to bet on hockey. One is whether you want to bet at an offshore sportsbook or a land-based sportsbook. Here are some pros and cons of each option:
These are the pros of betting on hockey at offshore sportsbooks.
- You can often find better odds at offshore sportsbooks.
- There is a wider range of bets available, including props and live betting.
- You can usually bet on more games, as well as international games.
These are the cons of betting on hockey at offshore sportsbooks.
- There is often less information available about the games and teams.
- It can be challenging to deposit and withdraw money.
- There is less customer service available if you have questions or problems.
Anonymity, Best Odds & Much More
Offshore sportsbooks can be a good option for experienced bettors who are looking for the best odds and the widest range of bets. Going offshore is great for the savvy bettor who is not as concerned with customer service. It’s also the go-to sportsbook of those bettors that really like their anonymity.
Beginning bettors may prefer a land-based sportsbook. Beginners may need a more personal touch which they cannot get from an offshore sportsbook.
These are the pros of a land-based sportsbook.
- You can get information about the games and teams from the staff at the sportsbook.
- It is usually easy to deposit and withdraw money.
- There is typically better customer service available if you have questions or problems.
These are the cons of a land-based sportsbook.
- The odds are often not as good as at offshore sportsbooks.
- The range of bets is often more limited, with fewer props and live betting options.
- You can usually only bet on games taking place in your region.
Land-based sportsbooks can be a good option for beginners or those who value customer service. However, they may not be the best choice for experienced bettors who are looking for the best odds and the widest range of bets.
Bet on Hockey – Strategies & Tips
Many people enjoy betting on hockey games, but it can be difficult to know where to start. There are a few simple strategies that can help you make the most of your bets and give you a better chance of winning.
When you bet on hockey, it is important to do your research. It can’t be stated enough. Bettors have to know how teams are playing. It’s important to know if any players are hurt or if a team is on a big winning or losing streak. Bettors can often take advantage of an NHL team that is streaking. The bottom line is to have enough information to make a smart betting decision.
When betting on the NHL, you have to be comfortable placing bets on underdogs. That’s where you can really expand your bankroll. Hitting a couple plus-money moneyline underdogs can do wonders for your profits.
There is often no value in betting big NHL favorites. That’s why doing the research is important. There are times when you can find an advantage betting on a big underdog. One of the keys is checking the overall NHL schedule.
Monitor Road Trips and Back-to-Backs
Look for teams that have been on long road trips or are playing on back-to-back nights. There are times when teams may play five or six games over seven or eight days. Tired teams, even when they are favored, can often be upset by a better-rested underdog.
Always consider the different bet types too. You may not find a moneyline or puck line worth betting on a given night. There may, however, be some value in betting on an Anytime Goal Scorer. Players get hot and when they do, bettors can take advantage.
Bettors can also make correlated bets or even correlated parlay bets. You can parlay a player’s Shots on Goal Prop with the Anytime Goal Scorer Prop. If you like a high-scoring team to win, you might also bet the Over if the numbers are right. Again this all goes back to doing the homework to make sound betting decisions.
You should also stick to what you know and are comfortable with. If you don’t understand a certain bet, don’t haphazardly place a wager. With all of the various options, pick those that best suit your needs. By following these tips, you will be in a better position to make successful hockey bets.
Betting International Hockey
Many hockey fans turn their attention to betting on international tournaments like the IIHF World Championships or on the KHL, a popular league that features teams primarily from Russia, but also from Kazakhstan, Belarus, and China. While bettors in North America are more likely to be familiar with betting on NHL games, international tournaments offer a unique opportunity to profit from your knowledge of the sport.
Understanding the relative strengths and weaknesses of the various teams is the key to successful betting on international hockey. For example, while Canada is always a favourite to win gold at the World Championships, they have been less successful in recent years due to the rise of European powers like Russia and Sweden. As a result, bettors who are knowledgeable about international hockey can find value by betting on other teams to win.
Of course, betting on international hockey is not without its risks. The biggest challenge is finding reliable information about the various teams. With so many different leagues and tournaments going on around the world, it can be difficult to keep track of all the latest developments. However, for those who are willing to do their homework, betting on international hockey can be a great way to take advantage of your knowledge.
Bet on Hockey – Grand Salami
The NHL Grand Salami is a traditional hockey wager. It’s a great way to bet on not just one game, but every single game on the daily NHL schedule. The bet itself is a totals wager, but it is a bet on all the goals scored on a specific day on the schedule.
The Grand Salami total is set at a certain number. Bettors then wager whether the day’s total number of goals scored by all teams will go Over or Under that number. As with any wager, the payouts might vary, but you’ll typically find them in the EVEN to plus or minus 120. Before placing a bet on the Grand Salami, one should consider the various variables that go into the oddsmakers’ chosen number.
The first factor to consider is how many teams will be competing that evening. This certainly affects the overall goal total. You’ll note how the number of games will alter the oddsmakers total goals figure when you place more of these bets.
Always Consider Starting Goalies
The next item to consider is which goalies will be playing that day. The most crucial members of NHL defenses are the goalies. A strong goalie can drastically reduce scoring and change the course of a game. However, a goaltender who is having a bad night may concede many goals. Watch out for rookies in general and any backup goalies who may be called up from the minor leagues in an emergency.
Next, consider the teams on the schedule. Are they high-scoring teams? Does the day’s schedule feature more defensive-minded teams? As a season wears on, you will be dialed in to which teams are more defensive-oriented and which teams can really light up the nets.
It’s also important to know which teams are playing each other. Sometimes, a certain matchup can affect the overall scoring of a game. This goes back to goalies and offensive- versus defensive-minded teams. A matchup of two powerhouse goalies and better defensive teams is likely to not produce many goals.
Where teams are playing will also have an effect on scoring. Some teams do better on their home ice. Others may struggle mightily to score at all when playing away.
Schedules Will Always Play a Role
As mentioned in an earlier section, the overall season schedule can play a role when you bet on hockey. It can affect the Grand Salami as well.
Are any of the teams playing in back-to-back contests? Teams that are worn out won’t score as much. The NHL’s schedule is extremely rigorous. Due to the lengthy season, games are frequently played back-to-back with no breaks.
There are times when a team might have to play on a Saturday night and then come right back for a late afternoon game on a Sunday.
When teams are on a lengthy road trip, playing the second game of a back-to-back, or playing earlier in the day, it is worth noting as it will have an impact on scoring.
Bettors can also make Grand Salami wagers on just the home teams or just the visiting teams. The same rules apply. When betting on the home teams for example, a bettor wagers on whether or not all the home teams’ goals will go Over or Under the number established by the sportsbooks.
It is also possible to place a Grand Salami wager on a period. For example, bettors can place a bet on the total number of goals scored in just the first period of all NHL games on a given day. The Grand Salami is a fun way to bet on hockey.
