How To Bet On The NHL
How NHL Betting Works
NHL games feature two teams that are trying to outscore their opponents over the course of a game. Most hockey betting revolves around deciding who you think will win the hockey game and be the game outright winner. If you can determine how likely a team is to win, this will help you decide if a bet is worthwhile or not. You can check top online sportsbooks and see what odds they are offering for that team to win. If the odds offered by the sportsbook are better than your predicted odds, you have found a good bet. This is the most basic way to bet on NHL teams and players. But there are many different types of bets offered so we will explain them in the next section. NHL betting is not limited to simply choosing who will win the game. You can also make bets on specific events or even on individual players. A good understanding of player stats and how to read team statistics will offer you a huge advantage. The more information you have, the better chance you have of finding a winning bet.
Popular NHL Bets Explained
Sharp hockey bettors do not simply bet on their favorite team. They use player stats and team statistics to find out which bets are worthwhile. To find winning bets, it is important to understand the different types of bets available. We will explain the most common bet types in this betting guide.
Moneyline
The easiest bet to understand in NHL betting is a Moneyline bet. The sportsbook will place a number next to each team to signify how likely a team is to win. And a plus or minus sign will show whether they are the favorites. For example, if you see that the Boston Bruins are +130 on the Moneyline, this means they are the underdog. If they win, you will receive a $130 profit from every $100 you wager. But if you see that they are -130 on the Moneyline, they are the favorites to win this game. Here, you will not receive as much for a winning bet. You will make a $100 profit from every $130 you bet.
Puck Line Bets
A puck line bet is similar to NHL spread betting and a spread bet in other sports. If you check NHL stats you will see that most NHL games are low scoring. So the puck line gives the favorite -1.5 goals and the underdog +1.5 goals in every game. Since sometimes there is an overwhelming favorite, there are also payout odds attached. Imagine a Stanley Cup game where the Edmonton Oilers feature as -1.5 (+120) on the puck line. They must win by 2 goals and the sportsbook will payout $120 for every $100 you bet. If they show at +1.5 (-140), they can lose by one goal and still win the bet. This time your payout will be $100 for every $140 you bet.
Parlays
If you could have one winning bet on an NHL game, you would want it to be a parlay. A parlay bet is simply a combination of two or more bets. Imagine you place a parlay bet on three NHL games. If your first bet wins, the money you staked plus your profit will move onto the second bet. Now if the second bet wins, the new total will be the amount that rides on the third bet. And if you win this bet, you will receive a very big payout. But the downside is that all three of your bets must be winners. If any one bet loses, you will lose the entire parlay bet.
Future Bets
Future bets are fun to make and they usually pay out more the sooner you place the bet. You are predicting an outcome that will happen sometime in the future. This could be anything from one day to the entire NHL season. If you are confident that the Detroit Red Wings will win the Stanley Cup, you can place a future bet in advance. Since the NHL season is long, the odds for them to win will change depending on how the current standings are. And future bets are not limited to team events. You could bet on the player you think will win the Hart Memorial Trophy. Again, the sooner you bet on the player, the better the odds will be.
Prop Bets
NHL betting sites also offer prop bets. This is a fun way to enjoy hockey betting, especially if you do not know a lot about the NHL. Prop bets vary depending on the matchup. Player prop bets center around the statistical performance of a particular player. For example, you could bet on how many points a player will score, or how many assists they will make. Other player prop bets offer a player vs player line where you bet on which player will outscore the other. Team prop bets work the same way, and are more common on NHL sportsbooks. Popular team prop bets are a team to score first, or whether they will score over or under a certain amount.
Where Can I Bet Legally on the NHL?
When it comes to gambling in the United States, the rules and regulations change fast. There is no one set of rules that govern all the states, and what is legal in one state, might not be legal in another. There is no ban on sports betting, so it is up to each state to regulate the law itself.
Sports betting is fully legal in Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia, Mississippi, and more states.
But that does not mean that every sportsbook can operate there. And not every sportsbook will offer special bets such as parlays. If you search on Oddspedia, you will see the best sports betting sites that are legal in your current state.
$1,000 First Bet on CaesarsClaim bonusIf your wager is unsuccessful, Caesars Sportsbook will refund the full amount of your initial wager, up to a maximum of $1,000, back as one bonus bet. If your first wager wins, the offer is void. Must be 21+ years of age and physically present in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-522-4700.
- Up to a $500 Second-chance BetClaim bonus
Payout on Bonus Bet wagers includes profits only(stake not returned). Must be 21+ and present in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-522-4700.
- Up to $1,500 back in Bonus BetsClaim bonus
Place your first wager and receive up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets if the bet loses. If the bet does lose, your Bonus Bets will be available once your initial wager is settled. Must be 21+ and located in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER OH. Please Gamble Responsibly!
- Bet $5, Get $200 + No Sweat NBA SGP TokensNo code required Claim bonus
Regardless of the outcome of the wager the bonus will be awarded as six(8) $25 Bonus Bets. Must be 21+ years of age or older and physically located in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-522-4700.
How To Start Betting?
Everything You Need To Know In 5 Easy Steps!
Find the right betting site for you and sign up
Make a deposit with the payment provider you prefer. Consider responsible gambling features and bankroll management.
Many betting sites have a welcome bonus or free bet, which you can claim after making the first deposit. *never forget to read the small print!
Find an event you are interested in, select a betting market that appeals to you the most and "click" on the odds.
Go to the bet slip and input the details of your desired bet and confirm the wager.
How does Live betting for NHL Games Work?
The most exciting way to enjoy NHL betting is to place a live bet. The NHL season is long and there are always many games to choose from. You can use Oddspedia to find out what games are live right now. Once an NHL game starts, it will feature in the live betting or in-play section. The odds will now change according to how the game is progressing. Each time a team scores, their odds of winning will reduce and the other team's odds will increase. This makes for exciting bets and you need to be fast to capitalize on events that occur. If you see that one team is struggling, it is a good time to place a bet on the opponents to win. Many NHL betting sites allow you to watch the game live directly from their website.
How to Bet on NHL: Step-by-step guide
NHL betting is easy once you understand what the various types of bets are. Then you just need to find the sharpest NHL sportsbook to place your bet. Here are the steps you need to take if you are new to hockey betting.
- Use Oddspedia NHL Odds Comparison Tool to find the best online sportsbooks.
- Choose the site that you like best and that offers the features you need.
- Check for promotions and welcome bonuses to boost your bankroll.
- Create your account with your chosen site. You will need to confirm your identity and personal details before you can request a payout.
- Select your preferred payment option. Most hockey betting sites accept major credit cards and e-wallets.
- Make a deposit to add funds to your account.
- Search Oddspedia to find a list of games to bet on. Select a game to see what markets are available. You can compare the odds that each sportsbook is offering.
- Search for tips and strategies from tipsters to help find the best bets.
- Once you find a bet you like, click on it to add it to your bet slip. Enter the amount you wish to wager and you are all set.
NHL Betting Tips And Strategies
The greatest tool you can use in hockey betting is information. From prop bets to Moneyline bets, the more tips you get, the better your chances are of winning. There are also common strategies that you should follow.
Look Out For The Best Available Betting Lines
It goes without saying that you should always choose the sportsbook that offers you the best payout. If you get more profit each time you win, no matter how small it is, you will be more successful. While it is common to use one sportsbook that you like, it makes sense to use more than one if you can make more profit. You can use Oddspedia to find which sports betting site is offering the best odds for any market.
Take Advantage Of Sure Bets
Many tipsters will tell you they have a sure bet, but that is rarely the case. Sure bets are a very rare commodity and only occur under certain conditions. Some sportsbooks offer promotions and welcome bonuses. You can sometimes use these for matched betting. You place multiple bets on the same market to remove the risk of losing a bet. There is also arbitrage betting where you bet on two opposing outcomes using different sites. These are very hard to find, but if you do find one, take advantage of this sure bet.
Follow NHL Tipsters And Their Expert Predictions
There is no need to invent the wheel when NHL betting. There are many people around that have been using online sportsbooks to win money for many years. These tipsters offer advice and information for free online. If you check several of their tips and record the results, you may find tipsters that are often correct. These expert predictions can help you make informed bets. Remember that information is key, so if you find a good tipster, be sure to follow them online. You do not always have to follow their advice, but a second opinion always helps.
Take The Small Wins And Profits
When you start NHL betting, do not get fixated on finding the ultimate bet. There is very rarely one bet that is a sure thing, and there is always a chance you will lose. But you might find many different bets that have a good chance of coming in. If you bet small amounts on each of these bets, you may win more than on a single big bet. Every bet you win gives you profit, no matter how small. And smaller bets mean you lower your risk of losing your bankroll.
Most Common NHL Betting Mistakes
Many people only tell you about their winning bets and neglect to tell you about their losses. But you can learn from every bet on hockey you make, even when you lose. Here are some common NHL betting mistakes you should try to avoid.
Not Familiar With The NHL or Sports Betting
Many people assume that hockey is a simple sport and they know enough to find a winning bet. But often these same people end up losing. Take the time to read through this betting guide to ensure you are better prepared before you place a bet. Once you understand the different types of NHL bets you can make, only then should you look for a bet. There is no one bet that is the best one to make, so being familiar with the various bets opens up more opportunities.
Ignoring Team Form And Injuries
No matter how strong a team is, form and injuries can hamper their season. Many bettors believe that the top teams are always going to win. But a quick look at previous NHL seasons will show you that this is not the case. When a team is not playing well, it can often take a few games to get out of this slump. Always take heed of times when a team is not performing well or suffers player injuries. This kind of information can help you avoid bets that you might otherwise make.
Mismanaging your bankroll
The most common mistake you can make when gambling is to mismanage your bankroll. Finding the best NHL odds and the sharpest NHL sportsbook is just a small part of gambling. You need to plan ahead to avoid getting into money trouble. Only bet what you can afford to lose. And try not to place a bet that risks your entire bankroll. Managing your bank well will allow you to recoup your losses when you have a bad run of luck. But if you place all your eggs in one basket, you can lose your entire bank.
Avoid betting on your favourite team
Another common mistake is blindly following your favorite team. Just because they are your favorite and you want them to win, doesn't mean they will. And no team will win every game. And even if they did, the odds would quickly reflect this and drop considerably. You should put all bias aside when you bet on NHL teams or a player. Take every game for what it is and check the numbers. If you think a team will lose, and the odds are in your favor, then that is a good bet - even if they are the team you support.
Online NHL Hockey Betting FAQs
❔ Is It Easy to Place A Bet On the NHL?
Placing a bet on NHL teams or players is extremely easy. Use Oddspedia to find a game and the available markets. Once you find a bet you like, use the comparison tool to find which sportsbooks are offering the best odds. Click on the best one and place your bet. Once you find a good bet, make sure to manage your bankroll and bet responsibly.
🏆 What are the Most Successful Teams in the NHL?
Our experts have compiled a list of the top 5 most successful teams in the NHL:
- Toronto Maple Leafs might not win many cups but that does not dent their popularity. They have one of the most successful teams and sell out all their games. Forbes lists them as the richest team.
- Detroit Red Wings have some pretty amazing stats. The most notable is their 11 Stanley Cup wins, the most by any American team. They have a huge fan base and it can be difficult to get a ticket when they play.
- Montreal Canadiens are one of the oldest teams and have a huge fanbase. This most likely stems from their incredible 23 Stanley Cup wins.
- Philadelphia Flyers have a pretty good record in the NHL. They are fun to watch and have an exciting play style. This has led to a massive fanbase and makes finding a ticket for their games no easy task.
- New York Rangers are one of the original 6 teams in the NHL. They do not have the greatest number of wins, but their fans are loyal, making them number 5 on this list.
💶 Which Is The Best NHL Betting Site?
There is no one sportsbook that has the title of being the sharpest. But there are many betting sites that fight for this honor. Fanduel is one sportsbook that always appears at the top. They also have great promotions and offers for new players. BetMGM is another sharp sportsbook that often offers risk-free bets for new customers. And Caesars Sportsbook offers some of the sharpest odds and has great offers for new players.
💳 What Does the Puck Line Mean In NHL Betting?
Hockey games are not high scoring so they use a puck line as the spread bet. Imagine a game where the Philadelphia Flyers feature as -1.5 (+120) on the puck line. They must win by 2 goals and the sportsbook will payout $120 for every $100 you bet. If they show at +1.5 (-120), they can lose by one goal and still win the bet. This time your payout will be $100 for every $120 you bet.
🤔 Can I Cash Out NHL Bets?
The rules will change from sportsbook to sportsbook, but almost every betting site will allow you to cash out an NHL bet. And this might not be the case for every bet, but it will allow you to cash out the most common bets. The site will usually let you know if you can cash out a particular bet or not from the outset. The amount you receive will also change depending on how the game is going.
❔ What Types Of Sports Betting Promotions Will I Find for Hockey Betting
When looking for the best sportsbook, the promotions it offers might be the deciding factor. You will find many that offer you risk-free bets. This is a great promotion since, as the title suggests, the bet is risk-free. There are other sportsbooks that offer cash bonuses for signing up. The amount you receive is usually less than with a risk-free bet, but you usually have more markets to bet on. A deposit bonus will reward you with a certain amount when you make a deposit. Another promotion you should look for is a no-deposit bonus. This is like free money that you can use to place a bet.
🏆 Can I Bet On Live NHL Games?
Yes, you can bet on live NHL games and this is the most exciting way to bet. You can use Oddspedia to find out what games are currently live, or check upcoming games. Once a game is live it will move to the live section of your betting site. The odds will change quickly as certain events take place. To get the most from live betting, look for a betting site that offers live streaming. You can watch the game for free and place a bet when the time is right. You can see all the betting options without needing to open a separate site.
💶 How Does DFS Work?
DFS, or Daily Fantasy Sports, is a short version of fantasy games. While most fantasy sports games run over the entire season, Daily Fantasy Hockey runs over a much shorter period. Your lineup will consist of a fantasy selection, where you pick players from any of the NHL teams. There are certain restraints such as budget, and you can only pick players under the contest's budget restraints. You must also follow the lineups that the contest dictates. An example might be 2 goalies, 2 defenders, 2 centers, and 3 wingers. You cannot pick all your players from the same team and usually will need several teams represented. DFS requires a strategy to be successful and is a lot of fun to play. You can also find many free DFS games to hone your skills.
💳 Which Are The Best Sites For Fantasy Hockey?
There are many sites that offer Fantasy Hockey. The rules will differ from site to site, so the best site will depend on the rules you enjoy most. FanDuel is one of the most popular and is very beginner-friendly. The interface is easy to use and the rules are straightforward. DraftKings is another popular site that has some great options for Fantasy Hockey. Both of these sites partner with many professional sports entities such as the NHL. So you get the most up-to-date information and advice. PrizePicks is another site offering fun games to play DFS. They also offer contests where you play against the house instead of other players.
- Hockey Betting Tips & Guide | DraftKings Sportsbook. (2021). Draftkings. https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/help/how-to-bet/hockey-betting-guide
- G. (2020, February 5). Sports Betting Tips: How to Bet on Hockey for NHL Gamblers. Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. https://www.goldengatecasino.com/blog/hockey-sports-betting-tips/
