NHL Betting
| Updated: 
With its fast pace and frequent physical contact, ice hockey has become one of the most popular competitive sports in the world. It was once believed that the game spread throughout Canada with the help of British and Irish immigrants. Later research suggests that a similar game was played by the Mi’kmaq Indians of Nova Scotia as early as the beginning of the 19th century.
Today, ice hockey is one of the most popular contact sports in terms of both participation and viewership, with more than one million registered players competing in different leagues worldwide. The sport has a particularly large following in countries such as Canada and the United States, where millions of viewers watch competitions from the National Hockey League (NHL, est. 1917).
Best Rated Bookmakers for United States-
Claim
$1000
Match Bonus9.718+ New customers only. 100% match bonus up to $1000. Min deposit $50. 10x rollover requirement. Promocode: MYB100 -
Claim
$250
Match Bonus9.4Join Bovada, make your first deposit and instantly receive a 50% Sports Welcome Bonus up to $250. -
Claim
$500
Match Bonus9.3Get a 100% Bonus, up to $500, to wager in the Xbet Sportsbook when you sign up and fund your new account with minimum of $45. Be sure to use promocode XB100 to claim this offer on your first deposit. 7x rollover requirement prior withdrawal. -
Claim
$200
Match Bonus9.2The bonus and the deposit need to be rolled over 4x at min. odds of -200 (1.5) before a payout is possible Max. $200 of every bet count towards the rollover. -
Claim
$150
Match Bonus9.1Get a 150% Bonus, up to $150, to wager in the BetUSR Sportsbook. Deposit minimum $100 and wager at least $500 within 30 days of registerening your account and you will automatically qualify for $150 CASH BONUS with just 1x wagering requirement.
The league expanded from 31 teams, comprising 7 Canadian teams and 24 US teams, to 32 when Seattle began playing during the 2021/2022 season.
It is not surprising that a league with such high viewership is also a favorite among millions of online sports bettors. Some people prefer to wager on NHL events casually for entertainment, while others take a more strategic approach.
A positive NHL online betting experience starts with finding a good sportsbook that offers a broad selection of markets at competitive prices. Given the huge number of NHL betting sites available, this is no easy task, but Sportingpedia is here to assist you in this venture. If you are interested in learning more about what constitutes a good NHL sportsbook, continue reading as we explore the features of quality NHL betting sites.
Features of NHL Betting Sites
Sportsbooks with a strong focus on the NHL tend to offer broad coverage of all franchises and events in the league, with punters able to choose from a huge range of markets and betting types. The interface of a good NHL sportsbook is normally intuitive enough to ensure that both inexperienced and seasoned bettors can use it without difficulty.
There is a user-friendly bet slip where punters can add multiple single bets or combine several wagers into parlays. Some of the best NHL sportsbooks also allow you to experiment with permutations, which are similar to parlays because they consist of multiple selections. The difference is that you do not need all of them to win to receive a payout.
An intuitive bet slip makes it easy for punters to keep track of their NHL wagers because it displays all open bets and parlays, along with settled bets. When interested in a particular wager, you simply click on it to add it to the bet slip and enter the amount you intend to stake. The software calculates your potential returns based on your stake and the odds posted by the online sportsbook.
A live, or in-play, section is an essential part of any worthwhile NHL betting site. All upcoming NHL events, along with their starting dates and times, are also listed. The best sportsbooks commonly feature live-streaming services that allow punters to watch some of the most important NHL competitions on their smartphones or desktop computers.
Live coverage begins shortly before the events start. On the downside, streaming is normally available only to registered punters with funded accounts. Major sportsbooks accepting wagers on the NHL may also offer radio and podcast services where you can listen to live or recorded commentary on hockey games.
As the odds on live NHL markets are updated in real time, punters may sometimes regret placing a particular hockey bet. This is not an issue if you have registered at a sportsbook that supports the early cash-out feature.
It enables you to accept an early payout on your bets before they are officially settled. This may be the right course of action when the circumstances of the event you have wagered on change. The feature can allow bettors to either secure a profit or minimize their potential losses. It is usually available on specific bet types, with popular match odds among the eligible markets.
If you missed a particular NHL match, this should not be an issue if you have registered at a good sportsbook, as there is a strong chance that you will be able to find the result there. You can also review comprehensive statistics about the performance of the NHL teams you follow, which may improve your chances of making better-informed bets.
All worthwhile sites accepting bets on the NHL offer punters a choice of three different odds formats: the moneyline, which is commonly used across North America; the fractional format, preferred by bookies and punters in Great Britain; and decimal odds, which are widely used throughout Continental Europe. The default odds format normally depends on the country from which you register, but you can easily access the settings and change it.
Odds Types at NHL Betting Sites
Trusted NHL betting sites that primarily target punters from Canada and the United States tend to use American odds as their default format. Also known as the moneyline, American odds show you which NHL team is the underdog and which is the favorite. This format reflects the potential profit you can generate based on a bet unit of $100.
The moneyline format uses a negative sign for the favorite and a positive sign for the underdog. Now, consider the following example:
- Pittsburgh Penguins -120
- Carolina Hurricanes +270
Here, the Pittsburgh Penguins are the -120 favorites, whereas the Carolina Hurricanes are the +270 underdogs. If you back the Penguins, you must stake $120 to earn a net profit of $100. If you back the Carolina Hurricanes with a $100 bet, you earn a net profit of $270 if they win.
The $100 base bet unit is commonly used for simplicity, but what happens if you choose a different stake amount, such as $20? How do you calculate your expected profit? It depends on whether you are backing the favorite or the underdog.
If you back the favorite, divide 100 by the quoted odds without the negative sign, then multiply the result by the amount staked. In this example, a $20 bet on the Pittsburgh Penguins can earn you a net profit of $16.67 because (100/120) * 20 = 16.67.
When the odds are positive, calculate your net profit by multiplying the quoted odds by the stake divided by 100. A $20 bet on the Carolina Hurricanes at odds of +270 can earn you $54 because 270 * (20/100) = 54.
Of course, there are NHL and hockey fans around the world, which is why a good sportsbook will support fractional and decimal odds alongside moneyline odds. Fractional odds are widely considered the most difficult format to work with, but they are not as complicated as they may initially seem.
Fractional odds are quoted as 5/6, 27/10, 5/1, and so on. The simplest way to understand this format is to interpret it as a profit-to-stake ratio. The numerator of the fraction shows your potential profit, whereas the denominator indicates the amount staked.
For example, fractional odds of 5/1, pronounced five to one, indicate that you can win five units for every unit staked. If you use a unit of $100 and win the bet, you will generate total returns of $600, comprising $500 in net profit plus your initial $100 stake.
As you have probably noticed, the numerator of the fraction is sometimes smaller than its denominator. Similar to negative moneyline odds, this means you must stake a higher amount than you can potentially win. This is the case with the 5/6 example, where you need to risk $600, based on a $100 unit, to win $500 in net profit. This usually happens when a particular NHL team is a decisive favorite.
All good sportsbooks accepting wagers on NHL events will display the potential returns in the bet slip after you select a bet at particular odds and enter the amount you plan to stake. However, it is essential to learn how to determine whether the price offered accurately reflects an NHL team’s chances of winning.
The potential returns from a winning bet quoted in fractional odds are not difficult to calculate. Divide your stake by the fraction’s denominator, multiply the result by its numerator, and then add your original stake. In the 5/6 example with a $100 stake, the calculation is [($100/6) * 5] + $100 = $183.33.
However, if you are an NHL fan who lacks previous sports betting experience, you are most likely looking for simplicity. This is precisely what decimal odds offer. They allow you to determine the value of a wager quickly. To calculate the amount you can win, you only need to multiply the odds by your stake.
Consider a situation where one bookmaker offers odds of 2.50 for the Tampa Bay Lightning, while the same team is assigned odds of 2.63 on another website. Where should you place your bet? If you back the Florida-based team with $100 at odds of 2.50, you can receive total returns of $250 ($100 * 2.50) on the first website. The second sportsbook offers a better price because the same $100 bet can return $263.
The lower the decimal odds, the higher the implied probability of your bet winning, but the potential profit will be smaller. Conversely, higher decimal odds imply a lower probability of winning but offer a greater potential net profit.
More importantly, remember that your original stake is included in the returns when decimal odds are used. Thus, a winning bet of $100 at odds of 2.63 earns you $163 in net profit plus your original stake, for total returns of $263.
Mobile Support
The convenience of placing your NHL bets online stems from the fact that you can carry a portable sportsbook in your pocket. One of the distinguishing traits of a good NHL sportsbook is mobile compatibility.
All trusted betting sites work smoothly on mobile devices and usually allow you to load their content directly in your browser without downloading anything. However, there is often an option to install the sportsbook’s native application on your iOS or Android smartphone if you prefer.
A mobile-compatible sportsbook works in much the same way as a desktop betting site but offers greater convenience and flexibility. You can choose from a huge range of NHL markets, combine multiple bets into parlays, review your settled wagers, and take advantage of in-play betting.
Should you suddenly want to place a bet on a live event, all you need to do is reach into your pocket and pull out your smartphone. If you do not have a sufficient balance, you can top it up through the sportsbook’s mobile cashier system, where you will normally have a choice of safe payment methods, including e-wallets, cards, online banking, and various prepaid options. Customer support is also available on mobile, making it even more convenient for NHL fans who need assistance.
Common NHL Bet Types
As the most popular ice hockey league in the world, the NHL gives fans a considerable variety of bet types to explore. If you already have experience betting on NHL franchises in land-based shops, you are off to a good start, especially if you combine that experience with knowledge of the different teams. However, if you are just entering the vast world of online NHL betting, here is a breakdown of the most commonly available bet types for this sport:
The Moneyline
The moneyline is one of the best ways for an inexperienced NHL bettor to get started. Also known as an outright winner bet, it involves betting on the team you believe will win the game.
One key point to understand is that the greater the advantage one franchise has over the other, the smaller the amount the sportsbook will pay for a winning bet. The opposite is true for the underdog. The more disadvantaged a team is, the longer its odds and the greater the potential profit from a winning bet. Another essential characteristic of the moneyline is that it rarely remains static. It tends to change, or “move,” depending on which team the betting public chooses to back.
The Over/Under
The over/under is another popular bet type among NHL fans. It is frequently called a “totals” bet because the punter must correctly predict whether the total number of goals scored by the two teams in a particular game will be over or under the figure posted by the online bookie. A commonly offered over/under line at NHL betting sites is 5.5 goals.
A typical over/under bet for the Pittsburgh Penguins against the Carolina Hurricanes might look like this:
- Over 5.5 (1.82)
- Under 5.5 (2.00)
The odds for each outcome are shown in brackets. Similar to moneyline odds, over/under odds may change.
If expectations favor the Penguins and Hurricanes collectively scoring more than 5.5 goals, meaning six or more, the odds may shift to increase the potential return for under bets. Conversely, when the two teams are expected to score five or fewer goals, the odds may change in favor of the over side.
Puck Line Bets
Puck line bets are more suitable for seasoned NHL bettors. This is a form of spread betting, also known as handicapping, in which bookmakers use a goal spread to balance the difference between the two franchises.
The odds for puck line bets are quoted like this:
- Vegas Golden Knights -1.5 (2.00)
- New York Rangers +1.5 (1.81)
The puck line resembles the moneyline to a certain extent, but there is one major difference between the two. Assume that you are backing the Vegas Golden Knights in the example above. You win the bet if the Knights prevail over the Rangers by more than 1.5 goals.
Because it is impossible to score half a goal, the Knights must win by two or more goals for your bet to succeed. Conversely, if you bet on the underdog Rangers and they lose the game by one goal, you will still win the wager.
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are another option for NHL fans who wager online. Keep in mind that these are more advanced wagers that can quickly reduce your betting bankroll if you lack knowledge and experience.
The wagers in this category are diverse because they can cover specific events within a hockey game rather than only its final outcome, which can make them more difficult to predict correctly. Here are a few examples of NHL proposition bets you can use to add more excitement to your betting session if your bankroll and knowledge allow it:
- Which team will score the first goal?
- Will a team score a goal during the first period?
- Which player will score the first goal?
- Which of the two teams will score more goals?
Double Chance
Double chance bets are another way to diversify your NHL betting experience. This wager gives you two ways to collect a payout. For example, a win-or-draw selection succeeds if the team you back is ahead or tied at the end of regulation, depending on the market’s settlement rules. You lose the wager only if your selected NHL team fails to cover either outcome.
Outright Bets
Outright bets, also known as futures, are another advanced type of NHL wager widely available at online sportsbooks. The challenging aspect of these wagers is that their outcomes are more difficult to predict because they are settled over the long term. Common examples include betting on a team to win the Stanley Cup, a player to win the Hart Trophy, or a team to win the NHL Western Conference.
In-Play Markets
Another must-have feature of a quality NHL betting site is the availability of in-play markets, where bets are accepted throughout the games. Sometimes called in-running or live betting, this wagering format allows you to gather more information before placing a bet.
It enables you to watch the NHL action for a while before deciding which team to risk your money on. Bookmakers will move the lines as events progress, with punters having the option to accept or decline the updated odds.
Another advantage is that you can experiment with different bet types on the in-play markets. One point worth remembering is that a particular in-play market may sometimes be temporarily suspended, such as when a penalty is called.
Payment Solutions at NHL Betting Sites
Any reputable sportsbook that accepts bets on NHL markets offers a cashier system supporting a reasonable variety of payment solutions. Of course, the available banking methods differ depending on the sportsbook and the country from which you register. For example, common ways to deposit and withdraw at betting sites serving punters from the USA include prepaid cards, checks, and cryptocurrency.
Punters from countries such as the UK, where sports betting legislation is less restrictive, have a much greater variety of banking methods to choose from. They can deposit and withdraw using e-wallets such as PayPal, Skrill, ecoPayz, and Neteller, while prepaid solutions such as Paysafecard and Neosurf are also readily available.
The overwhelming majority of NHL betting sites also support online banking gateways such as InstaDebit, Trustly, iDEAL, iDebit, EPS, and POLi. Carrier billing services such as those provided by Boku are another option, as are conventional methods such as wire transfers and checks. Review and compare the cashiers of different NHL sites, then choose one that offers trusted methods you recognize and supports your local currency.
Security at NHL Betting Sites
Many first-time bettors transitioning from land-based to online NHL betting are concerned about the safety and privacy of their information. This should not be a cause for concern as long as you join a licensed sportsbook overseen by a reputable regulatory authority.
Some of the best betting sites in the industry have received licenses from renowned regulators such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, the Gibraltar Gambling Commission, and the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, if you are based in that state.
The licensing terms under which these sportsbooks operate require them to protect their customers with high-end SSL encryption and firewalls that help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. The information is not disclosed to unauthorized third parties, helping punters keep their personal and financial details private when backing their favorite NHL teams.
A good sportsbook also helps you keep your betting activity under control. This is usually achieved through the option to set personal deposit limits, while permanent and temporary self-exclusion tools may also be available.
Hallmarks of a Good NHL Betting Site
This section summarizes what we have covered so far. What are the hallmarks of a good NHL sportsbook? First and foremost, you should look for websites offering a versatile selection of NHL markets, including both in-play and pre-match options.
Of course, signing up at a betting site solely because of its market diversity does little good if the bookmaker offers subpar odds. Such prices provide little value, so competitive odds are another factor to consider. The best approach is to shop the lines, meaning that you should find the best odds for your NHL bets to maximize your potential returns. One way to achieve this is by registering at several sportsbooks so that you can select the one offering the most value for a particular NHL event.
A quality betting site will support early cash-out, live streaming, and a statistics section where you can find detailed information about NHL teams’ performances in previous games, suspended players, penalties, and injuries. All these factors should be considered when making an informed wager.
The sportsbook’s interface is also important. If it is not sufficiently intuitive, you may struggle to navigate the site, spoiling your overall experience. The interface should simplify navigation between the website’s different sections.
It is highly recommended that you choose a site supporting mobile wagering through an in-browser platform or a downloadable app. This way, you will not have to miss the best prices available on NHL markets.
Always make sure that the websites where you bet are SSL-encrypted and licensed. A broad range of e-wallets, cards, prepaid methods, and other payment gateways is beneficial, but you should also ensure that the sportsbook processes payouts promptly. Having to wait an excessive amount of time to receive your winnings is a major red flag.
Finally, check the promotions page to see which bonuses and deals are offered by the NHL betting site that has caught your attention. Promotions such as deposit-match bonuses, free bets, parlay insurance, and enhanced odds can help extend your betting budget. However, you must ensure that the sportsbook’s generosity does not come at the expense of vague terms or requirements that are difficult to meet.