The NHL season is underway, which means we need to know all the different ways to bet and profit on the sport!
The National Hockey League (NHL) is a fast-paced and dynamic sport, making it an exciting option for sports bettors. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned bettor, understanding the different ways to bet on hockey is crucial for increasing your chances of success. From the basic bets like money line and spread to more intricate proposition bets like shots on goal and goalie props, here’s a complete guide to betting on the NHL.
1. Moneyline Bets
The most straightforward way to bet on the NHL is the Money Line. In this type of wager, you’re simply betting on which team will win the game. (Of course, this is the most common type of wager regardless of the sport) Odds are set based on the likelihood of each team winning. For example:
- Team A: -150 (favorites)
- Team B: +130 (underdogs)
In this case, you would need to bet $150 on Team A to win $100, while a $100 bet on Team B would win you $130 if they come out victorious. The money line bet doesn’t consider goals or any other variables, just the final result.
2. Puck Line (Spread) Bets
The puck line is hockey’s version of a point spread, typically set at -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog. This means the favorite has to win by two or more goals for the bet to pay off, while the underdog can either win outright or lose by one goal to cover the spread. For example:
- Team A: -1.5 (+150)
- Team B: +1.5 (-170)
If you bet on Team A, they must win by at least 2 goals for you to win. If you bet on Team B, they can either win the game or lose by just one goal.
3. Totals (Over/Under) Bets
Totals betting in the NHL involves wagering on the combined number of goals scored by both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a projected total, and you bet whether the actual total will go over or under that number. For example:
- Over/Under 5.5 goals
If you bet on the over, you’re betting that the teams will combine for 6 or more goals. If you bet on the under, you’re betting that the total goals will be 5 or fewer.
4. Parlays
A parlay allows you to combine multiple bets into one wager for a larger payout. In the NHL, you can parlay money line bets, spreads, or totals. For example, you might parlay three teams to win their games, and all three must win for your bet to cash. While the payout is higher, the risk also increases as every selection in the parlay must be correct.
5. Proposition (Prop) Bets
Prop bets are wagers on specific outcomes within a game that don’t necessarily relate to the final score. In the NHL, prop bets can be highly detailed and are often fun for bettors looking for more than just the basic betting markets.
Over/Under Shots on Goal
Betting on over/under shots on goal means predicting how many shots a specific player will take during the game. Sportsbooks will set a number (e.g., Over/Under 3.5 shots), and you bet whether the player will have more or fewer shots than that number.
Goal Scorer Props
You can bet on whether a specific player will score during the game. Options typically include:
- First goal scorer
- Anytime goal scorer
- Last goal scorer
The odds will vary depending on the player’s likelihood of scoring, with top forwards having shorter odds and defensemen or less prolific scorers offering more value.
Goalie Props
Goalie prop bets can focus on various statistics, such as:
- Over/Under Saves: Similar to shots on goal props, you bet whether a goalie will make more or fewer saves than the number set by the sportsbook.
- Shutout Prop: You can bet on whether a goalie will post a shutout, with odds reflecting the difficulty of this achievement.
6. Live Betting
Live betting (in-game betting) allows you to place wagers on a game as it unfolds. Odds are updated in real-time based on the current score, time remaining, and the flow of the game. For example, you can bet on who will score the next goal, if a team will come back to win after falling behind, or if the game will go into overtime.
Conclusion
The NHL offers a wide range of betting markets, from basic bets like moneylines, spreads, and totals to more intricate prop bets involving individual player stats. Whether you’re a new bettor or an experienced one, understanding these various markets can help you make more informed decisions and increase your enjoyment of betting on hockey.
By exploring both traditional and prop betting opportunities, you’ll have the chance to engage with NHL games in new and exciting ways, while also increasing your chances of making profitable bets.
There’s so many unique ways to bet on the NHL, but the most important thing is having a profitable season!