Betting Hockey:
Betting Hockey is an exhilarating game that offers exciting handicapping opportunities for enthusiasts, particularly in the context of ice hockey. With its fast-paced nature and unpredictable outcomes, understanding the various betting markets and betting odds in ice hockey leagues, such as the NHL, is essential for making informed wagers. In this article, we will explore the common betting markets in ice hockey, with a primary focus on the NHL, empowering you to navigate the world of hockey betting with confidence.
Moneyline Betting:
Moneyline betting is the most straightforward and popular market in hockey. It involves selecting the team you believe will win the game outright. Each team is assigned odds that reflect their perceived chances of winning. For example, if the odds for Team A are -150 and for Team B are +200, a $150 bet on Team A would yield a $100 profit if they win, while a $100 bet on Team B would yield a $200 profit if they win.
When placing bets on hockey games, it is crucial to verify whether the market includes the possibility of overtime, or regulation time betting, which focuses solely on the outcome within the regulation time. This distinction is significant in hockey betting, as it determines the parameters of your wager.
With our profitable teams tool, you can see the teams that are doing best against the Moneyline as well as Puck Line and Total markets, and our Streaks tool highlights the teams that are in form not only against the Moneyline but against a range of key markets and conditions.
Puck Line Betting:
No Hockey Betting Guide is complete without covering the Puck Line! Puck Line betting is similar to point spread betting in other sports, and is the equivalent of the Run Line in Baseball. A point spread, usually set at 1.5 goals, is assigned to the favored team, while the underdog receives the corresponding handicap. To win a puck line bet, the favored team must win by more than 1.5 goals, and the underdog must either win the game outright or lose by less than 1.5 goals. This means that a team that is favorite according to the puck line must win with a margin of at least two goals. The puck line is settled at the conclusion of the game, meaning overtime and shootouts are taken into account. Unlike a regular point spread, puck lines never result in a push, due to the fact that it is always set with a half goal.
See the best recent Puck Line Trends with our Angles tool.
Total Betting:
Total betting, also known as Over/Under betting, involves predicting whether the total combined score of both teams will be over or under a predetermined number of goals set by the sportsbook. For instance, if the Over/Under line is set at 5.5 goals, you can bet on whether the total goals scored in the game will be more or less than 5.5. This market is also settled at the conclusion of the game, with the final scoreline determining the result. Pushes are possible for total betting in Hockey, as the total does not always have to be set with a half point - unlike the puck line. There can also be team total markets, which is a predetermined number of goals set by the sportsbook for an individual team in the game. This means for example if a team’s total is set at 2.5 goals, an Over bet would mean you are betting on that team to score three or more goals in the game.
Regulation Time Betting:
Regulation time betting focuses solely on the outcome of the game within the regulation time (usually three periods of 20 minutes each). This market excludes overtime and shootout results, and is sometimes referred to as a 60 minute line. Similar to moneyline betting, you select the team you believe will win outright within the regulation time. Unlike regular Moneyline betting, this means a Tie is also a betting option in this market.
Futures Betting:
Futures betting allows you to bet on long-term outcomes, such as predicting the champion of the Stanley Cup prior to the season starting or midway through it. You can place bets on which team will win the championship, division, or conference. Futures betting often offers attractive odds but requires patience, as the outcomes are determined over an extended period.
Period Betting:
Period betting allows you to wager on the outcome of individual periods within a game. You can bet on which team will win a specific period or whether the period will end in a tie. This market adds an extra level of excitement to the game, particularly if you expect a team to have a strong start or finish.
Player Props:
Player prop bets focus on individual player performances within a game. You can bet on specific player statistics, such as the number of goals, assists, points, or shots on goal. Player props provide an opportunity to capitalize on your knowledge of players' strengths, playing styles, and recent form.
Team Props:
Team prop bets revolve around team-based outcomes within a game. You can bet on various team statistics, including total goals scored, power play goals, penalty minutes, and more. Team props allow you to analyze team tendencies and exploit specific matchups or situations. Check out in depth stats using the filters on our standings page.
Correct Score:
The Correct Score market in hockey betting offers a thrilling opportunity to predict the exact final score of a game. In this market, you are betting on the precise outcome of the game, whether it's a low-scoring affair or a high-scoring shootout, meaning you could bet on anything from a 0-0 scoreline (excluding OT) or a 5-4 thriller. Like with soccer betting, sportsbooks will provide a wide-range of potential score outcomes, with higher betting odds reflecting the challenging nature of the market. It is important to note the type of market you are betting on, as the correct score may either apply within regulation time only, or following overtime.
GIFT / Goal in First Ten Minutes:
Often abbreviated as the ‘GIFT’ market, the Goal in First Ten minutes is a popular Hockey market amongst bettors wanting to get a fast payout without having to watch a full game of Hockey. In this market, bettors can predict whether or not a goal is scored within the first ten minutes of the game starting. There may also be different variations on this market depending on the sportsbook you are betting with, such as whether or not a goal will be scored within the first five minutes of the game.
Conclusion:
Understanding the common betting markets in hockey leagues is crucial for making well-informed wagers. From moneyline and puck line betting to over/under and period betting, each market offers unique opportunities to capitalize on your knowledge and analysis. Explore the different markets, conduct thorough research, and develop a strategic approach to maximize your chances of success in hockey betting. Remember to manage your bankroll wisely, stay disciplined, and enjoy the thrill of betting on one of the most exciting sports in the world!
