Looking to get into NHL betting? You’re in for a treat! While everyone’s busy betting on football and basketball, the NHL quietly offers some of the most exciting betting opportunities in sports.
With lightning-fast action, momentum swings that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, and tons of different ways to bet, hockey betting can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just starting out — the NHL appeals to fans of all age groups, let’s review everything you need to know to bet on NHL games like a pro.
Since the Supreme Court lifted the federal ban on sports betting (PASPA) in 2018, 38 states had legalized some form of it by June 2024. Of these, 24 states work with online sportsbooks to offer welcome bonuses and promotions.
Some states are also looking to legalize sports betting soon, with new laws expected by 2025. While many states let you bet online and in person, some have rules that require you to sign up in person or limit the betting companies you can use.
Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi (limited), Montana (limited), New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming
Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
First things first — let’s talk about how NHL betting actually works. Everything revolves around odds, which are basically the bookmaker’s way of saying, “Here’s how likely we think this is to happen.” These odds aren't just pulled out of thin air — bookmakers (or sportsbooks, as we often call them) crunch all sorts of numbers, from team stats to injury reports, to set these lines. Odds are represented by a positive (+) and (-) sign, which we’ll discuss further in the next section.
Here’s something unique about hockey — unlike some other sports, when regulation time ends in a tie, they head to overtime or even a shootout. This can really spice things up when it comes to betting, especially for certain types of wagers. Now let’s dive deeper into betting strategies.
There are different types of bets you can place on the NHL. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular ones.
Moneyline betting is one of the simplest forms of NHL betting. You’re simply betting on which team will win the game. Each team is assigned odds based on their chances of winning. The favorite will have negative odds (e.g., -150), while the underdog will have positive odds (e.g., +130).
For instance, if the Montreal Canadiens are -150 favorites against the Toronto Maple Leafs, you would need to bet $150 to win $100. If you bet on the underdog Leafs at +130, a $100 bet would net you $130 if they win.
The puck line is hockey’s version of the point spread, but since hockey is a low-scoring game, it’s usually set at -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog. This means the favorite must win by at least two goals to cover the puck line, while the underdog can lose by one goal and still cover.
Over/Under Betting in the NHL refers to betting on the total number of goals scored by both teams combined. The sportsbook sets a line and you bet on whether the total goals will be over or under that number.
For if the Over/Under for a game between the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers is set at 5.5 goals, and the game ends 4-2, the total is 6, and the Over bet wins. If the game ends 3-2, the Under bet wins.
Proposition bets (or props) are wagers on specific events or outcomes within a game that don’t necessarily affect the final result. Common NHL prop bets include betting on which player will score the first goal, how many shots a specific player will take, or which team will score first.
For example, you might bet on Connor McDavid to score a goal in a game. If he scores at any point during the match, your bet wins, regardless of the final outcome of the game.
Futures bets are long-term wagers placed on outcomes that will be decided further down the road, such as which team will win the Stanley Cup, or which player will win the Hart trophy (MVP). These bets offer bigger payouts but also come with more uncertainty.
A parlay bet combines multiple individual bets into one wager. All selections in the parlay must win for the bet to cash. While parlays can offer large payouts due to increased risk, they’re notoriously hard to win since every leg of the bet must be correct.
Like you might place a parlay bet on the New York Rangers to win their game, the Over in the Detroit Red Wings game, and the Colorado Avalanche to cover the puck line. If all three outcomes happen, your bet wins.
Live betting takes things to another level — you’re placing bets while the game’s happening! The odds constantly shift based on what’s going on in the game. Maybe you notice one team’s dominating possession but hasn't scored yet, or the starting goalie looks shaky. These insights can be golden if you know how to use them.
Before placing any bet, do your homework. Check team trends, head-to-head records, goaltender performance, and injury reports. Some teams are road warriors, while others can’t buy a win away from home. These details matter more than you might think.
In hockey, goalies are everything. A hot goalie can steal any game, while a cold one can sink even the best team. Always check who’s starting between the pipes — a backup goalie can completely change how you should approach betting a game.
When betting lines start moving, pay attention. If a line moves significantly, it usually means the sharp bettors ( the pros) know something. Following these movements can help you spot value before it disappears.
This might not be the most exciting tip, but it’s probably the most important. Never bet more than you can afford to lose, and stick to betting 1-2% of your bankroll on any single game, ensuring you have enough to withstand the inevitable ups and downs of sports betting.
Look, you all have your favorite teams. But betting with your heart instead of your head is a quick way to empty your wallet. Stay objective, trust the numbers, and don’t let personal biases cloud your judgment.
Taking advantage of NHL betting promos and bonuses is a great way to give yourself an extra edge. Sportsbooks often roll out boosted odds, risk-free bets, or NHL-specific deals, especially during big events like the Stanley Cup Finals or the All-Star Game.
Boosted odds help increase your payout on certain bets, and risk-free bets give you a safety net since you can get your stake back as site credit if you lose. Keep an eye out for these offers — they can make your NHL betting experience more exciting and potentially more profitable.
Betting on NHL playoffs requires a different approach compared to the regular season due to the tighter, more defensive games and higher intensity. Team play with more caution, making betting on the “under” for total goals a smart choice.
Momentum from key wins can carry teams forward, while fatigue from long series can slow them down. Star players often step up in crucial moments, so prop bets on top performers become valuable. If you want to score a big win, learn to adapt your strategy keeping in mind all these key factors.
Betting on NHL games can add an extra rush to what’s already the fastest game on the ice. Whether you’re placing straight bets, trying to hit that massive parlay, or getting in on the live betting action, success comes down to knowledge, discipline, and a bit of puck luck.
Remember, even the greatest teams have losing streaks, and even the worst teams sometimes go on unexpected runs. The key is staying patient, sticking to your strategy, and never betting more than you can afford to lose.
Keep learning, keep watching games, and most importantly, keep having fun with it. After all, that’s what makes sports betting worth doing in the first place.
Now, get out there and put these insights to work. May the odds be ever in your favor, and may all your empty-net bets be winners.
