What types of wagers do NHL betting sites offer?
It’s not enough to understand the game of ice hockey inside and out as most fans do. In order to start betting on the game, you also need to understand the different types of wagers you can place.
Mainly these wagers fall into two categories, which include your main bets and your prop bets. The main types of bets cover events that are directly related to the outcome of the game, such as which team wins. Prop bets cover events that don’t directly affect the outcome, but tend to add variety in ice hockey betting. For example, you might place a bet on which player has to sit in the penalty box first.
Let’s take a closer look:
Moneyline bets
This is one of the most popular wagers, as it’s simply betting on who wins the game. Take note that unless the sportsbook states otherwise, this event includes overtime and shootouts during the regular season.
Puck line
If you’re familiar with point spreads in other sports, this is the ice hockey version of that same type of wager. Due to the low number of goals that occur during a typical ice hockey game, the spread works a bit differently than other sports. Namely, the spread is almost always 1.5 goals.
Total (over/under)
This refers to betting on the total goals made by each team combined. You’ll commonly see totals around the 5.5 to 6.5 range, and you can bet if the total will be over or under the sportsbook’s specified total.
Team totals
Instead of wagering on the combined goals of both teams, for this type of bet you wager on the total for one team. For example, you might predict that the Rangers will have a total of three goals by the end of the game. You’ll win your bet regardless if the Rangers win the game.
Regulation three-way betting
This type of bet excludes any play that extends beyond regulation play, which is 60 minutes. Here you pick from one of three outcomes at the end of regulation play: Home, Away, or Draw.
Futures
This is a long-term bet where you try to predict what will happen during the season, such as who will win the Stanley Cup.
Live betting
As the name suggests, this is where you place bets during the live game. This is a fast-moving type of experience, as the lines can adjust quickly based on penalties, goals, momentum, and more.
Prop bets
NHL betting sites that offer extensive prop bets might let you wager on the following types of individual player and team events:
✅ Goals
✅ Assists
✅ Penalties
✅ Goalie saves
✅ Shots on goal
✅ Blocked shots
✅ Power plays
✅ Hits
✅ Faceoffs
✅ First goal
✅ Last goal
✅ Time on the ice
✅ Shutout
✅ Period totals
✅ Winner at period end
✅ Overtime (yes/no)
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5 common mistakes to avoid when placing ice hockey bets
Even experienced bettors occasionally make the following mistakes, whether you spend your time at
political betting sites, or betting on team sports like ice hockey. Here’s what to avoid:
Odd lines differ across sportsbooks, so it’s a good idea to compare these lines before you place a bet. Check the sportsbook banners on this page, as they point to some of the better sportsbooks with competitive odds.
📊 Failing to check the stats
Many sportsbooks provide deep analytics. You’ll want to use this information to help make data-driven decisions, rather than just going with your gut. In addition, if you’re doing live betting, be sure you pick a sportsbook that offers live streaming.
📅 Not factoring in scheduling
Ice hockey is a physically demanding game, so scheduling can affect performance. For example, did the team play the last three nights out of four? Have the teams been traveling a lot? Fatigue is an important factor to look into.
The goalie is going to have a huge impact on the game, so be sure to see who’s playing. Are the teams putting forth their starting goalie or the backup? Are there any issues, such as the goalie is recovering from an injury?
📈 Not planning a betting strategy
Before you jump into sports betting, you’ll want to get clear about your strategy. For example, what is your bankroll strategy? If you plan on doing live betting, how will you react to certain factors? (E.G., Some bettors overreact to momentum changes during the heat of a game when emotions cloud judgement.)
What are the best NHL betting sites?
Check out these
online sportsbooks
that feature ice hockey betting:
BetMGM: One of the best sportsbooks for bonuses
BetMGM Pros & Cons
- Wide variety of betting options
- User-friendly mobile app interface
- Generous promotions for new users
- Extensive selection of casino games
- Limited availability in some states
Players who prioritize bonuses and rewards will want to take a good look at BetMGM. This sportsbook offers up to $1500 in bonus bets to new users who place a wager and lose. This brand also has a strong rewards program that offers real-world perks at MGM properties, such as dining experiences and free hotel stays. Take note that promotions vary by state, so check the banners on this page to see what’s currently available to you.
You can find NHL betting at this bookmaker, as well as over two dozen other sports. Users appreciate the live betting options and the deep sports coverage for both national and international contests. Overall the app is intuitive, which makes it suitable for beginners. However, those betting on live games may find the app performance a little slow.
Bottom line: If you want to maximize bonuses and join a sportsbook with ongoing promos and a strong rewards program, then you’ll want to check out this brand.
Bet365: Broad sports menu and good odds pricing
BET365: Pros & Cons
- Available in NJ, PA and other US states
- Sportsbook and online casino platform
- Welcome bonus for New Jersey and PA customers
- Extensive range of sports betting markets
- Not a homegrown US sportsbook
Welcome bonuses at this brand tend to be a bit smaller than other sites, but they often offer new bettors a choice between two bonuses. This is a great feature, as you can choose the best bonus for you based on your betting style and preferences. While bonuses vary over time and even by state, you can generally expect a “wager $5, get $150 in bonus bets” offer, or you can choose to get a “first bet safety net” of up to $1000.
This brand has deep sports coverage, so you can find plenty of ice hockey betting opportunities. In addition, this brand is considered one of the best
soccer betting sites, as it features broad global coverage with over 100 leagues. Better yet, this brand has some of the best odds pricing across sports. If you like live-betting options, this brand is also a good choice.
Bottom line: Smaller welcome bonus, but better sports coverage and odds pricing than many other brands.
Caesars Pros & Cons
- Elite loyalty rewards program integration
- Wide range of betting markets
- User-friendly sportsbook and casino interface
- Frequent promotions for new players
- Limited customization in betting options
Players who want to pair their NHL prop bets with plenty of opportunities to claim ongoing bonuses and rewards will appreciate Caesars Sportsbook. This brand kicks things off by welcoming new players with up to a $250 match bet (win or lose), but this may vary by state. Existing users will enjoy odds-boost promos, referral bonuses, and a top-tier rewards program. The rewards program offers both online incentives as well as real-world rewards such as hotel stays, entertainment packages, and dining experiences.
Players who enjoy prop bets will appreciate this brand’s deep betting markets that cover both national and international sports. The odds tend to be in line with other similar brands, so you won’t find any advantages here. Bettors at this bookmaker also enjoy among the fastest payouts, although occasional delays result in “average” withdrawal times of three to five days.
Bottom line: If you value ongoing incentives alongside deep sports coverage, Caesars is a good option.
FanDuel: Great choice for beginners and casual bettors
FanDuel Pros & Cons
- Seamless integration of sportsbook and casino
- Diverse casino game selection
- Frequent promotions for both platforms
- User-friendly and responsive interface
- High playthrough requirements on bonuses
This brand welcomes new players with a solid bonus that’s usually something along the lines of “bet $5, get $100 in bonus bets if you win.” This bonus is a little more restrictive than those brands that offer matching bonuses “win or lose.” Existing players typically get odds boosts, referral bonuses, free games, and on occasion you might even get betting insurance. Payouts are fast (24 hours), and occasionally you can take advantage of an early payout promo.
FanDuel has one of the best apps on the market. It’s intuitive and smooth, even for live betting. This makes it a great choice for beginners, or for casual bettors who don’t want to spend a lot of time learning how to use the app. Seasoned bettors will appreciate the deep sports coverage with dozens of sports, good odds, and extensive betting opportunities.
Bottom line: If you’re new to NHL betting sites, FanDuel’s beginner-friendly app, industry-standard bonuses, and fast payouts might be a good fit for you.
DraftKings Pros & Cons
- Extensive daily fantasy integration
- Frequent promotions and bonus offers
- Highly competitive betting odds
- Wide variety of casino games
- High rollover requirements on bonuses
This brand welcomes new users with $300 in bonus bets if the player wagers $5 and loses, as well as a 20% matching deposit bonus up to $1000. The site will keep you coming back for more with plenty of ongoing bonuses, such as “No Sweat Bets,” odds boosts, and promos for specific events. Some promos can be confusing, so read the rules carefully and ask questions as needed before accepting the bonus. You’ll also want to keep an eye on promo expirations, as some bonuses expire quickly.
Players who value deep sports coverage will like DraftKings, as it offers betting on 30+ sports and offers extensive betting menus. Players who enjoy niche sports, or those who are on the lookout for NHL prop bets, will also want to see what this brand has to offer. This bookmaker is also considered one of the top
boxing betting sites, as it has deep boxing markets. No matter which sport you’re betting on, you can expect comprehensive analytics, solid odds, and features you may not find elsewhere, such as microbetting.
Bottom line: this is a great option if you’re looking for good odds and/or extensive betting options and analytics.
| Sportsbook |
Welcome bonus (may vary over time or by region) |
| BetMGM |
Up to $1500 in bonus bets for players who lose their first wager. |
| Bet365 |
Wager $5, get $150 in bonus bets OR up to $1000 first bet safety net. |
| Caesars |
Up to $250 matching bet (win or lose). |
| FanDuel |
Wager $5, get $100 in bonus bets if you win. |
| DraftKings |
Wager $5, get $300 in bonus bets if you lose. |
Check out the banners on this page to learn more about these sportsbooks.
Pros and cons of the most popular NHL betting sites listed on this page
Unlike
UFC betting
where you have to focus on fighter vs fighter details, NHL betting is centered on team match-ups. Our recommended NHL betting sites are top-notch and you really can’t go wrong by choosing one of the bookmakers from this page. There are, however, advantages and drawbacks:
Pros and Cons
- Deep prop bets for NHL games
- Various welcome bonuses and ongoing sports betting promos
- Excellent NHL betting odds
- Some offers vary across different states
Final thoughts on NHL betting sites
As you’ve discovered, there are plenty of sportsbooks that provide opportunities for you to bet on hockey. Our favorites include those with extensive betting menus, solid welcome bonuses, and beginner-friendly apps that offer fast performance and a smooth experience. All the sites listed on this page meet if not exceed those standards.
When you’re ready to jump in, just choose the sportsbook that best fits your needs and then click on the bookmaker’s banner on this page. Any available welcome bonus will be applied automatically to your account, and you’ll be ready to make your first wager in just minutes from now!
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NHL betting sites FAQ
🏒 Aside from hockey betting, what other sports wagering opportunities exist?
Many of the sportsbooks mentioned here have deep sports coverage, so if there is something you love, you’re likely to find opportunities to bet on it. This includes popular activities like horseracing, golf, basketball, football, baseball, rugby, motor sports, MMA, and many more major sports. In addition, there are opportunities to wager on smaller or more obscure sports, such as table tennis, squash, badminton, snooker, darts, and more.
💵 Can you wager on non-sporting events at these sportsbooks?
No. Due to the laws and regulations, sportsbooks can only offer sports betting.
🏆 What are the best NHL bets?
There is no one universal bet that’s good for everyone. However, many players prefer underdog moneylines and player shot props.
