NHL Sports Betting in 2024 – How To Bet on Hockey Games Online

More and more people bet on NHL games each year, and the sport has grown in popularity with betting folks ever since betting became legal in 2018.

And for good reason too: NHL is one of the most popular leagues in the United States. The level of play in the NHL is high compared to other countries. Hockey fans start getting excited just a little after football starts, as they know the NHL is on the way, with the first game on October 10th this year.

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There are typically games every night of the season in the NHL from October to May. The postseason runs in May and June, and then an NHL Champion is crowned.

Below we’ve put together a guide that will help you bet on hockey games this season. Good luck!

How To Bet On The NHL: NHL Betting Lines And Odds

As with any other sport, when you bet on NHL it’s important to understand the basic betting concepts: point spreads, totals, and moneyline bets. Let’s delve into each with some examples.

Totals: Totals represent the projected number of goals both teams will score in a game. You can bet on whether the total will be “over” or “under” that number. For example, if the total for an NHL game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers is set at 5.5 goals, betting on “over” means you win if the teams score a combined 6 or more goals. These bets typically have odds of -110.

Puckline: Puckline betting in the NHL is a type of point spread bet where a standard point spread of 1.5 goals is applied to the game. The favored team must win by more than 1.5 goals, while the underdog can lose by up to 1.5 goals for a bet on them to win. This bet offers higher potential payouts for favorites and can be an alternative to moneyline betting when odds on the favored team are less favorable.

Moneyline Bets: Moneyline bets are straightforward; you pick the team you believe will win the game. If you see NHL odds like Toronto Maple Leafs -200 and Boston Bruins +175, it means the Leafs are the favorites, and you’d need to bet $200 to win $100. Conversely, a $100 bet on the Bruins would yield $175 if they win as the underdogs.

In NHL betting, odds are presented in three formats: American, Decimal, and Fractional.

• American Odds: These are displayed as either positive or negative numbers (+125 or -125), indicating potential payouts.
• Fractional Odds: Multiply your bet by the fraction to calculate your potential profit.
• Decimal Odds: These show the total potential payout, including your original bet, with a single number. For instance, 2.25 means you’d win $2.25 for every $1 wagered, and 3.35 equates to $3.35 for each $1 bet.

Other Popular NHL Betting Types

There are many other popular NHL bets to consider, including various futures odds such as:

• Odds to win the Stanley Cup Title:  You can place this bet before the season begins, with oddsmakers assessing team rosters and off-season moves to assign odds for each team’s championship chances. These odds may fluctuate throughout the season based on team performance.
• Odds to win Divisional title: Similar to the above, these bets focus on winning division titles, with shorter odds due to fewer teams in a division.
• Odds to win Conference Title: Both the Eastern and Western Conferences have their favorites and odds, offering bettors opportunities to predict conference champions.
• Odds to win Most Valuable Player (Hart Trophy): Bettors can wager on the player they believe will be named the NHL’s Most Valuable Player, either before or during the season.
• Odds to win Rookie of the Year (Calder Memorial Trophy): This bet allows you to predict which rookie player will make the biggest impact in their first NHL season, often providing favorable odds on less-heralded players.

In NHL game betting, there are numerous game props to consider. These bets focus on specific in-game occurrences, such as player performance. For example, in a game between the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames, you might have opportunities to bet on props like:

• Carey Price Over/Under 25.5 Saves
• Johnny Gaudreau Over/Under 1.5 Points
• Elias Lindholm Over/Under 4.5 Shots on Goal

In NHL betting, you can also explore parlays and teasers. Parlays combine multiple bets into one, potentially leading to larger payouts, but all bets within the parlay must win for the bet to succeed. Teaser bets allow bettors to adjust point spreads or totals, often involving at least two bets within the teaser, but both legs must win for the bet to pay out.

Lastly, live betting has gained popularity in NHL wagering. It requires constant monitoring of games and odds, allowing you to place bets during the game on outcomes like quarter or half-time results, total points, or upcoming plays. While live betting offers advantages, it demands careful attention and strategy for long-term profitability.

How to Bet on NHL: Frequently Asked Questions

Betting on the NHL is no walk in the park. If it were simple, there would be countless individuals raking in profits through their wagers. However, it’s essential to understand that the National Hockey League is not manipulated in favor of any particular outcome. 

While there have been occasional officiating controversies and player-related scandals, the integrity of the entire NHL season and league remains intact.

Engaging in NHL betting requires patience, persistence, and a sound strategy. Unless you’re directly involved with the team, such as being a player, coach, or trainer, betting on the NHL is entirely legal in the United States. Responsible betting within your financial means is always paramount. It’s important to note that wagering with legal, onshore sportsbooks is mandatory in the United States, as offshore books are not authorized. 

The country boasts numerous legal and reputable sportsbooks, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Nowadays, concerns regarding deposits and withdrawals have largely diminished, thanks to the legalization of sports betting, which has eliminated many previous hurdles.

As mentioned earlier, key terms for NHL betting include:

• Moneyline: Representing the potential winnings when betting on a specific team.
• Total: This refers to the total number of points scored in the game.
• Puckline: Puckline betting in the NHL is a type of point spread bet where a standard point spread of 1.5 goals is applied to the game.

Top NHL Betting Sites: Best Online Sportsbooks For NHL Betting Lines

When it comes to NHL betting, one of the top strategies is to seek out the best available lines and odds. To accomplish this, it’s essential to find a reliable and user-friendly sportsbook that is easily accessible. Additionally, diversifying your sportsbook options can enhance your chances of securing favorable odds.

The gradual legalization of sports betting in the United States has significantly improved the landscape, reducing concerns that existed before the repeal of PASPA. The current regulatory framework ensures a higher level of security and legitimacy for both sportsbooks and bettors.

Before you commence betting with a sportsbook, it’s imperative to conduct a thorough evaluation. Ensure that the sportsbook is fully licensed and regulated, providing robust options for deposits and withdrawals. Assess the range of betting opportunities they offer and the quality of their customer service. It’s crucial to scrutinize these aspects before entrusting your funds to any sportsbook.

In the United States, several reputable options stand out in the NHL betting arena. DraftKings and FanDuel are prominent names, but others like Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, WynnBet, and PointsBet also provide excellent legal alternatives. Availability may vary by state, so it’s important to check whether a specific sportsbook operates legally in your betting location.

Basic Tips For Becoming A Sharper NHL Bettor

When you embark on your NHL betting journey, you’ll quickly realize the wealth of information available. If you’re serious about becoming a successful sports bettor in the NHL, thorough research on teams and players is an absolute must.

Familiarize yourself with the coaches and their strategies, understand team dynamics, and recognize which teams they perform well against and struggle against. Keep tabs on player rotations and fatigue levels – are the key players getting enough rest, or are they running on empty? NHL Players do not miss much, so an injury is severe in the NHL. 

The key takeaway here is to conduct comprehensive research on both teams and players. Dive into articles, follow relevant tweets, watch games firsthand, and listen to expert insights.

Effective bankroll management is another crucial aspect of NHL sports betting. While it’s possible to strike it big, it’s equally easy to deplete your funds quickly. Understand that the NHL season is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t have to bet on every game, and daily bets aren’t mandatory. Define your bankroll strategy and stick to it – make the plan before you start betting.

Avoid emotional betting. It’s natural to have a favorite team or to be emotionally invested, but emotional bets aren’t conducive to long-term success in NHL betting. Don’t let personal bias or frustration dictate your wagers. Similarly, don’t chase losses. Accept that losses happen, learn from them, and move forward clearly. NHL betting is about consistency over time, not quick fixes.

Lastly, meticulous record-keeping is invaluable. Track all your bets, noting the amount wagered, the teams involved, and the outcome. Whether you do it manually or use online tracking tools, this practice will provide insights into your betting patterns, helping you refine your strategies and make informed decisions in the future.

How To Bet On The NHL Playoffs

Betting on the NHL Playoffs is a significant event in sports wagering. Unlike the College Football National Title or the Super Bowl, a single-game NHL Playoffs offer an exciting month-long extravaganza of hockey action. The principles of NHL Playoff betting closely mirror those of regular NHL season betting. Just like for the players, betting on the NHL Playoffs is a long grind.

The playoffs typically kick off in April, culminating with the NHL Finals in June. With 16 teams making the postseason, the playoffs often feature the best-of-7 series, where the first team to secure four wins advances. 

This process repeats through four rounds until a champion is ultimately crowned. Teams vying for the NHL Finals often endure an additional 25 games in their season. Winning the NHL Finals requires at least 16 victories, making it a grueling but rewarding journey for the triumphant team.

Despite these changes, the fundamentals remain constant: prioritize sound bankroll management and thoroughly analyze the teams, players, coaches, and matchups.

How Bet on NHL Games Online Legally

Sports betting has gained legal status in more than 30 states across the United States. It’s crucial to understand the differentiation between its legality when done online versus in-person. In-person sports betting involves physical sportsbooks, where bettors can place their wagers through windows or self-service kiosks.

Currently, 33 states have legalized in-person sports betting, while 25 states provide the option for online sports betting. At present, two states are in the process of legalizing both online and in-person sports betting simultaneously. Furthermore, two states are actively pursuing approval exclusively for online sports betting, while another state is awaiting validation specifically for in-person sports betting.

Conversely, the following states neither permit in-person nor online sports betting:

• Alabama
• California
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Missouri
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah

Before making any deposits with a sportsbook, it’s prudent to perform a brief verification to ensure that the chosen sportsbook possesses the requisite sports betting license and complies with all pertinent regulations. This precautionary measure is essential for fostering a secure and compliant sports betting experience.

Tips To Know Before Betting On NHL Games

Let’s explore a few essential tips to keep in mind before diving into National Hockey League Betting. Aside from reading up on the latest NHL news, here are a list of aspects to consider.

Understand Line Movement: Pay close attention to line movements in NHL betting. These shifts occur for specific reasons. It could be the sportsbooks encouraging bets in a certain direction, or it might result from a substantial amount of money placed on one side. Analyze line movements, and make sure you grasp the reasoning behind them. Always investigate the “why” before placing your bets and follow the trends diligently.

Stay Updated on Injury News: Knowing if certain team members will play is incredibly helpful and will help you make better betting decisions. While guys don’t usually miss in the NHL as much as other leagues, you might have insights into which players are likely to sit, and if the sportsbook hasn’t adjusted the odds yet, there could be an opportunity.  Staying informed about injury news is vital when betting on NHL games.

Consider Home and Away Performances: While NHL games are all played indoors, the game’s location still matters. Some teams perform exceptionally well on home ice, while others struggle on the road. Familiarize yourself with teams’ tendencies based on where the game is being played, as this can impact the outcome.

Start Small if You’re New: If you’re new to NHL sports betting, it’s wise to start with smaller bets until you gain confidence and a better understanding of how it all works. Starting small allows you to build your bankroll gradually, and as you become more comfortable, consider adjusting your unit sizes accordingly. This approach reduces the risk of significant losses while still learning the ropes.

In the broader perspective of things, engaging in NHL betting doesn’t just offer an exciting experience but also a wealth of opportunities for profitability. Profitable outcomes in NHL betting are achieved by those who approach it with intelligence and savvy.

Successful NHL bettors prioritize sound bankroll management strategies, conduct thorough analysis of teams, coaches, and players, and exercise astuteness in their wagering decisions. They leverage multiple sportsbooks, favoring those they know well and trust, ensuring they secure the most favorable odds. These astute individuals also avoid potential pitfalls, refraining from unfavorable parlays when the odds don’t align in their favor.

As you continue your journey in NHL betting, you must practice responsible betting and become well-versed not only in team dynamics and league knowledge but also in the art of selecting and placing bets.

Embrace a philosophy of ongoing learning and adaptability. With each bet you place, aim to gain fresh insights and adjust your approach accordingly. Sometimes, the adjustments may be minor tweaks, while other times, a complete shift in strategy may be necessary. Nevertheless, the ultimate goal remains consistent: to profit from your NHL betting endeavors.