How to Bet on NHL Games – Ultimate Betting Guide

With a rich history, a devoted fan base, and exciting games, the National Hockey League (NHL) is the best professional ice hockey league in the world. In addition to the excitement of seeing elite players compete at the greatest level, sports bettors may take advantage of the NHL’s vibrant and thrilling environment. NHL betting has become a popular option for bettors all around the world because of its fast-paced action, huge variety of NHL betting markets, and potential for large rewards.

Introduction to NHL Betting

For those who enjoy sports betting, the National Hockey League (NHL) provides a vibrant and thrilling environment. NHL betting has gained a great deal of popularity among bettors all over the world because of its exciting action, vast range of betting markets, and profitable return possibilities.

The act of betting on NHL games is making bets on a variety of sports-related events, including match results, goal totals, and player performances. Sportsbooks, both online and physical, provide platforms for placing these bets.

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Understanding NHL Betting Odds

NHL betting odds are numerical representations of the probability of a particular outcome occurring in a match. These odds are set by sportsbooks and serve as the basis for calculating potential payouts.

Moneyline odds express the likelihood of each team winning a match. They are presented as either positive or negative numbers.

  • Positive Odds: Indicate the underdog, and the number represents the potential payout for a $100 wager.
  • Negative Odds: Indicate the favorite, and the number represents the amount you need to wager to win $100.

For example, if the odds are:

  • Team A: +150
  • Team B: -175

As the underdog, Team A may make a profit of $150 if a $100 wager on them wins. As Team B is the favorite, you would need to bet $175 on them in order to win $100 should they win.

Main features in NHL betting

The world of betting on NHL extends beyond individual matches, offering a captivating realm of futures bets that allow you to predict outcomes over an entire season or tournament. These bets provide an added layer of excitement and anticipation as you follow the league’s progression and witness your predictions unfold.

Advantages of NHL features betting:

  • Long-Term Engagement: Futures bets keep you engaged throughout the season, adding excitement to every match as you track the progress of your predictions;
  • Potential for High Payouts: Futures bets often offer higher payouts compared to single-game wagers, providing opportunities for substantial rewards;
  • Variety of Betting Options: NHL futures encompass a wide range of betting options, catering to diverse interests and strategies;
  • Division Winners: Predict which team will emerge victorious in each of the four NHL divisions.
  • Conference Champions: Forecast the teams that will reign supreme in the Eastern and Western Conferences in the NHL Stanley Cup;
  • Regular Season Points Totals: Predict the total number of points a team will accumulate during the regular season;
  • Individual Awards: Wager on which players will receive prestigious awards, such as the Hart Trophy for league MVP or the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender.

These futures bets offer a different perspective on NHL wagering, allowing bettors to focus on long-term predictions and potentially secure substantial payouts if their predictions are accurate.

Steps to Place Your NHL Bet

Placing a bet on NHL games is a straightforward process, allowing you to easily engage in the thrilling world of hockey wagering. To simplify the process, we’ve outlined a few easy steps to guide you how to bet on NHL.

Step 1: Register at a Reliable Sportsbook

Choose a licensed and reputable sportsbook that offers a secure platform, competitive odds, and a variety of betting options. Conduct thorough research and consider factors such as user reviews, licensing, and available promotions. Prioritize a sportsbook that employs robust security measures to protect your personal information and financial transactions.

Step 2: Navigate to NHL Betting Online

Once registered, log in to your sportsbook account and locate the NHL betting section. This section typically features upcoming games, live betting options, and various betting markets.

Step 3: Select Your Preferred NHL Bet Type

Explore the available bet types, such as moneyline, puck line, totals, and prop bets. Choose the bet type that aligns with your knowledge, risk tolerance, and betting strategy.

Step 4: Enter Your Desired Bet Amount

After selecting your bet type, enter the amount you wish to wager. Consider your bankroll management strategy and ensure you’re betting within your limits.

Step 5: Confirm and Submit Your Bet

Review your bet details carefully, ensuring you’ve selected the correct game, bet type, and wager amount. Once satisfied, confirm your bet and submit it to the sportsbook.

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Varieties of NHL Bets

The world of online NHL betting offers a diverse range of bet types, each with its unique characteristics and appeal. Understanding the nuances of each bet type is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing your betting experience.

Understanding the NHL Puck Line

Puck NHL betting line, also known as handicap bets, add an extra layer of complexity by considering the margin of victory. The favorite is assigned a negative handicap, while the underdog receives a positive handicap.

For example, if the puck line odds are:

  • Team A: +1.5 (-150)
  • Team B: -1.5 (+130)

Team A is the underdog, and a bet on them would win if they win the game outright or lose by one goal. The odds of -150 indicate that a $150 wager would yield a $100 profit if successful.

Team B is the favorite, and a bet on them would win only if they win the game by at least two goals. The odds of +130 indicate that a $100 wager would yield a $130 profit if successful in these NHL betting lines.

Live Betting

NHL live betting, also known as in-play betting, allows you to place wagers on matches as they unfold in real-time. This dynamic NHL betting online option adds excitement and unpredictability, as odds fluctuate based on the game’s progression.

NHL live betting odds are constantly changing based on the ongoing action, reflecting the evolving circumstances of the game. This dynamic nature creates opportunities to capitalize on shifts in momentum, unexpected events, or perceived mispricing of odds.

Over/Under

Over/under bets, also known as totals bets, focus on the total number of goals scored in a match. Sportsbooks set a total, and bettors wager on whether the actual score will be over or under that number.

Over/under bets are presented with a set total, typically ranging from 5 to 6.5 goals in NHL games. Bettors then choose whether to wager on the “over” or “under” option. For example, if the over/under is set at 5.5 goals:

  • Over 5.5: A bet on “over” wins if the total goals scored in the game is 6 or more.
  • Under 5.5: A bet on “under” wins if the total goals scored in the game is 5 or fewer.
Example of Over 5.5 Bet for Real NHL Match between New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes
Example of Over 5.5 Bet for Real NHL Match between New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes

Engaging with NHL Prop Bets

Prop bets, short for proposition bets, venture beyond the standard outcomes of a match, offering wagers on specific events or occurrences within a game. These bets can range from predicting individual player performances to more niche scenarios based on the NHL betting odds.

Prop bets include several different types of gambling, such as:

  • Player props: Forecast the stats of individual players, such as how many goals they’ll score, how many saves the goalie will make, or whether a player will collect a point.
  • Team Awards: Place bets on team-specific outcomes, such who will score first, who will score more goals on the power play, or how many penalties a team will receive overall.
  • Game props: Forecast particular outcomes or events throughout the match, such as the overall number of goals scored, the first goal’s time, or if overtime will be used.

Combining Odds

Combining odds, also known as parlay bets, involves combining multiple bets into a single wager. The potential payout increases with each added bet, but all selections must be correct for the parlay to win.

Parlay bets combine the NHL playoff betting odds of each individual selection, resulting in a multiplied payout if all selections are successful. For example, if a two-leg parlay consists of:

  • Bet 1: Moneyline odds of +120
  • Bet 2: Puck line odds of +150

The combined odds for the parlay would be 1.20 x 1.50 = 1.80, indicating a potential payout of $180 for a $100 wager. As more selections are added to a parlay, the potential payout increases exponentially, but the likelihood of winning decreases.

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Predicting the Long-Term: NHL Futures Betting

NHL futures betting extends beyond individual matches, offering wagers on outcomes over an entire season or tournament. These bets provide an added layer of anticipation as you follow the league’s progression and witness your NHL bet predictions unfold.

While futures bets offer the potential for significant payouts, it’s crucial to practice responsible gambling. Set limits, manage your bankroll carefully, and avoid chasing losses. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the excitement of futures betting while maintaining control over your finances.

NHL Events Worth Betting On

The National Hockey League (NHL) offers a captivating array of events throughout the season, providing ample opportunities for sports betting enthusiasts to engage with the sport and potentially profit from their knowledge and strategic analysis.

Wagering during the NHL Regular Season

The NHL regular season spans from October to April, encompassing 82 games for each team. This extensive schedule provides a wealth of betting opportunities, with moneyline, puck line, totals, and prop bets available for every matchup.

The NHL regular season offers a wide array of betting options, catering to various preferences and risk tolerances. Moneyline bets, puck line bets, totals bets, and prop bets are readily available for every matchup, allowing bettors to choose the wagers that align with their strategies.

The sheer volume of games during the regular season presents opportunities to identify value bets, particularly when it comes to underdogs or specific prop bets. By conducting thorough research and analyzing team trends, bettors can uncover favorable odds that may lead to profitable outcomes.

Anticipating the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Stanley Cup Playoffs, the pinnacle of NHL competition, commence in April and feature the top 16 teams battling for the coveted Stanley Cup trophy.  Betting on NHL playoffs is particularly exciting, as the stakes are high and the intensity of the games amplifies.

Betting on NHL playoffs in Stanley Cup brings a heightened level of intensity and pressure, as every game carries significant implications. Teams who play with greater intensity tend to play more physically, play tighter defense, and win games with fewer points.

In the playoffs, home-ice advantage is especially significant because teams benefit from the familiarity of their home rink and the intensity of their home fans. This advantage can influence betting decisions on the NHL Stanley Cup betting odds, especially when considering puck line bets.

Highlights: NHL All-Star Game Betting

Held in January or February every year, the NHL All-Star Game features the best players in the league in a demonstration of skill and entertainment. A special chance to place bets on individual player performances and certain events during the exhibition game is provided by betting on the All-Star Game.

The focus of NHL All-Star Game betting is frequently on individual player performances as opposed to team results. Prop bets are becoming more and more popular. Examples include guessing how many goals a player will score or who will win MVP.

The event includes a skills competition in addition to the main All-Star Game, providing a range of interesting and distinctive betting chances.

Early Predictions: NHL Preseason Bets

The NHL preseason, taking place in September, provides a glimpse into the upcoming season and allows bettors to test their predictive abilities early on. While preseason results can be unpredictable, they offer insights into team dynamics and potential player breakouts.

The preseason provides an opportunity to observe new team formations, coaching strategies, and player combinations. Bettors can assess how teams are adapting to changes and identify potential strengths or weaknesses that may carry over into the regular season.

With teams often trying out new players and prospects during the preseason, bettors can evaluate the potential impact of these additions. Observing how new players integrate into the team’s system and perform in exhibition games can provide insights into their potential contributions.

NHL Betting Advices & Tips 

Here are some NHL betting guide and tips:

Capitalizing on Plus-Money Underdogs

In this case look for underdogs with positive odds (plus-money). These bets can offer higher payouts when they win. Analyze the underdog’s recent performance, roster changes, and any potential advantages they might have, such as home-ice advantage or a strong goaltender. Don’t bet blindly on underdogs; make sure there’s a solid rationale for your selection.

Steering Clear of Mainstream Picks

Avoid blindly following popular or mainstream picks, as they often have lower odds due to public perception. Do your own research and analysis to find value in less popular or under-the-radar teams. Consider factors like team statistics, recent form, and historical head-to-head records.

Being Contrarian in Your Bets

Sometimes, betting against the public can be a profitable strategy. If the majority is backing one team, consider taking the opposing side if you have a compelling reason. Be cautious when adopting a contrarian approach and ensure you have valid reasoning to support your bets.

Monitoring Player Injuries

Key players’ injuries can significantly impact a team’s performance. Stay up-to-date on injury reports and how they may affect the game. Consider the depth of a team’s roster and their ability to compensate for injured players. Be aware that odds can shift dramatically in response to player injuries, so it’s essential to act quickly if you see an opportunity.

Referees

Research the referees assigned to a game. Some referees may call more penalties than others, which can affect the outcome. Familiarize yourself with the historical statistics related to penalty calls for specific referees. Be cautious about placing bets solely based on the referee, as many other factors come into play.

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Remember, responsible gambling is essential, it is the main point among the NHL betting tips. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and always gamble within your means. 

NHL Betting: Answering the FAQs

What does “total betting” mean in the NHL?

Total betting, also known as over/under betting, involves predicting the total number of goals scored in a match. Sportsbooks set a total, and bettors wager on whether the actual score will be over or under that number.

Can one make a profit from betting on hockey?

Yes, it is possible to make a profit from betting on hockey. However, it requires a combination of knowledge, strategic analysis, responsible gambling practices, and a bit of luck.

Which NHL bets are the most favored?

Moneyline bets are the most popular and straightforward NHL bets, involving predicting the outright winner of a match. However, puck line bets, totals bets, and prop bets also hold significant appeal among bettors.

Is overtime included in hockey betting?

Yes, overtime is included in hockey betting unless otherwise specified. Moneyline bets, puck line bets, and totals bets all consider the outcome of the entire match, including overtime and any shootouts.

Where are the best NHL bet predictions?

While there is no single definitive source for the best NHL bet predictions, Betting.bc.game periodically publishes forecasts for important playoff matches. Additionally, various reputable sports betting websites and analysts offer predictions and insights.

What are NHL betting odds?

NHL betting odds are numerical representations of the probability of a particular outcome occurring in a match. These odds are set by sportsbooks and serve as the basis for calculating potential payouts.

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About the Author

Born in London in 1986, Samuel Gray is a distinguished betting expert with a Master’s in Sports Analysis from the University of Leeds, obtained in 2011. From 2012 to 2019, he worked closely with multiple athletic federations, specializing in performance metrics across various common sports. Gray has authored 15 academic papers, predominantly on the optimization of training regimes and injury prevention. Transitioning from research in 2020, Gray began a journalism career. He now pens analytical pieces about the nuances of common sports and contributes regularly to several sports-focused platforms, shedding light on contemporary tactics and athlete assessments.

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