Ice Hockey betting
Betting on ice hockey has been taking off in the US over the last few years, especially since Las Vegas got its team together in 2017. As one of the big four professional sports, hockey has many intensely devoted followers, especially in the northern states of the US and Canada. The National Hockey League’s (NHL) Stanley Cup is hotly contested every year, as teams battle it out on the ice, much to the delight of spectators and bettors alike.
With this rise in popularity, there has been an increase in ice hockey betting sites and betting markets. This review will guide you through the factors that need to be considered when choosing your strategies and the top bookies to trust with your money.
The biggest ice hockey event is the NHL which runs from October to June, with 30 teams from the US and Canada playing 82 games each as they battle it out for the Stanley Cup. The NHL offers approximately eight months’ worth of betting opportunities for punters. However, the 2020/2021 season has been reduced to 56 games per team due to unforeseen global events. One of the consequences of this is that teams will only play against the other teams in their division. The NHL hopes to return to the 82 games per team format for the next season in 2021/2022.
We recommend you to take look at our hockey betting guide for a more detailed overview. In addition, learning to spot a betting line that is likely to win and how to manage your bankroll, in addition to familiarizing yourself with the team, players, and rules of ice hockey. If you see hockey odds online, this is just a short-form for ice hockey, even more so if other phrases include ‘NHL’ in them.
Contents
Top Online Bookmakers for Betting on Hockey
Licensed bookmakers will display their licenses on their website, which is one way to distinguish verified online bookmakers from the fly-by-night operators. The most trusted betting sites will also have good reviews and trustworthy banking options available, and top bookies will have all of this plus great promotions and a varied betting line.
One way to boost your bankroll is with the promotions on offer from online bookmakers. If the bonus is 100% up to $2 500, this means that the bookmaker will match your deposit up to $2 500. There are terms and conditions attached to these bonuses, and we recommend that you read those before signing up and making your deposit.
Bookie of the month
Ice Hockey
Bonus
£/€30
Percent
-#ad • +18 Min deposit £10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days and expires after 14 days • Bonus valid on selected Casino games only • Bonus wins capped at £500, excluding Jackpot wins • You must wager Bonus amount x40 – this requirement varies by game Full T&Cs apply | ![begamblingaware]()
| gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
| gamstop.co.uk | Play ResponsiblyIce Hockey
Bonus
£30
Percent
300%New Customers only. Registration required. Bet £10* & Get £30* in Free Bets. Sign up, deposit between £5* and £10* to your account and bet365 will give you three times that value in Free Bets when you place qualifying bets to the same value and they are settled. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits. Min odds/bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. +18 | Terms & Conditions time limits & exclusions apply.
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Ice Hockey
Bonus
₹20,000
Percent
150%18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Ice Hockey
Bonus
£10+£10+20 FS
Percent
-Only available to new verified customers residing in the UK. Place a first ever sports bet (£10 min. stake; single bets only; min. odds 2/5). Get 2x£5 in free sports bets, £10 in bonus money at Casino and 20 free spins (£0.10 per spin) on eligible NetEnt Slots. Payment method restrictions apply. T&Cs apply. | 18+ |begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
Ice Hockey
Bonus
£30
Percent
-New customers using Promo Code R30 only. Min £10 stake, min odds 1/2, free bets paid as 3 x £10 free bets credited after settlement of first qualifying bet, free bets will expire 30 days after the qualifying bet is placed, payment methods/player/country restrictions apply. 18+ T&C apply | begambleaware.org | gamstop.co.uk | Play Responsibly
No single online ice hockey betting site can be labelled as the best; every bettor has different requirements, and sportsbooks vary in response to those needs. The list below is just a small sample of top bookies available online. They are highly recommended by many bettors and an excellent place to start your search for one that fits your needs.
1xBet
Ice hockey is among the main sports 1xBet offers punters. Besides ice hockey betting features, 1xBet provides punters with lots of impressive ice hockey markets.
- Pros
- Offers ice hockey live streaming services.
- Allows punters to place ice hockey in-play bets.
- Offers appealing ice hockey betting tips.
- Provides ice hockey Outrights.
- Cons
- Does not cover domestic ice hockey markets.
Melbet
Melbet is a highly ranked bookie when it comes to providing fast payment and withdrawal services. It is a fantastic bookie for anyone who wishes to access a full range of ice hockey markets.
- Pros
- Guarantees high ice hockey odds.
- Provides punters with extensive ice hockey statistics.
- Offers ice hockey live scores.
- Covers ice hockey betting tips.
- Cons
- Lacks ice hockey promotions.
Betwinner
Betwinner has all the qualities of an impressive ice hockey betting site. The bookie houses multiple ice hockey features, such as a bet builder, which you can use to place accumulator bets.
- Pros
- Guarantees significant pre-match odds.
- Allows ice hockey live betting.
- Provides punters with ice hockey live statistics.
- Allows punters to stream select live betting events.
- Cons
- Ice hockey live markets are few.
William Hill
If you go through William Hill’s ice hockey section, you will realize the bookie has an amazing coverage of ice hockey events. Furthermore, the fixtures are updated regularly so that you never miss a match.
- Pros
- Covers all major ice hockey tournaments.
- Offers live ice hockey results.
- Has a bet builder for ice hockey events.
- Allows in-play betting.
- Cons
- In-play events are few.
Bet365
Bet365 is a simple bookie to operate and one of the main sportsbooks for ice hockey betting. Thanks to the operator, Bet365 has multiple ice hockey events with extensive markets.
- Pros
- Has Bet365 live radar for streaming ice hockey.
- Offers multiple live events.
- Provides punters with live ice hockey statistics.
- Generous pre-match odds.
- Cons
- Lacks suitable ice-hockey bonuses.
Vbet
Ice hockey betting is only exciting if you can access the best ice hockey markets with several features. That explains why Vbet is the most suitable site to consider.
- Pros
- Has a variety of ice hockey markets.
- Live betting is allowed.
- Cash-out is supported.
- Bet builder available for accumulator betting.
- Cons
- Lacks ice hockey promotions.
Parimatch
Parimatch is a dedicated ice hockey site that covers multiple international ice hockey events with several local matches. Furthermore, the ice hockey matches are refreshed frequently to ensure you have access to every new match that comes in.
- Pros
- Straightforward interface for ice-hockey betting.
- Allows accumulator betting.
- Supports live betting.
- Live streaming on select events.
- Cons
- Live markets are few.
888sport
Anyone looking for a registered bookie with multiple ice-hockey fixtures should sign up on 888sports. The bookmaker has amazing coverage with functions that you can use to place ice-hockey bets conveniently.
- Pros
- Offers generous ice-hockey fixed odds.
- Immense ice hockey coverage.
- Cash-out of specific events.
- Has helpful ice-hockey betting tips.
- Cons
- Local ice-hockey events are not well covered.
Most Popular Betting Markets
With betting on ice hockey gaining popularity, the number of betting markets has increased, with the following markets being among the most popular with bettors. The best ice hockey betting sites should have most of the next ice hockey-specific options available, along with the more general betting markets.
- Match Winner (Regular Time, Overtime)
When betting on the match-winner, there are two options available. You can choose who will be in the lead at the end of the regulation time of sixty minutes or the winner at the end of overtime. Draws only occur in exhibition matches, as a shootout determines a winner in competitive games during overtime. - Total Goals
Betting on total goals is widespread, and due to the fast-paced nature of the game, many bookmakers offer the over/under option. This type of bet will require you to predict the total score at the end of the match within a specified limit. Betting in-play renders more value than pre-match, as ice hockey is perfect for live betting. The Grand Salami is a variation of this type of bet; it has two options available. One is for the total scores of all matches played on a particular day; you have the over/under choice available. Another option is whether the Home or Away teams will score the most goals for that day. - Handicap Lines
Handicap betting, handicap lines, or puck-line handicap betting are essentially a variation on spread betting. It is also known as favourite/underdog betting, which gives an underdog a better chance at beating the favourite on the slip. Favourites often have lower odds, so this type of bet allows access to the higher odds of an underdog win and must be researched thoroughly for every game. - Double Chance
There are three options in a match; Team Away could win with a draw, Team Home could win with a tie, or either team could win during regulation time. A double chance wager offers you the chance to play two of those three outcomes. - Correct Score
The correct score is what it says on the label; this is a bet on the correct final score of the match. - Winning Margin
You don’t bet on the final score with a winning margin bet, but the winning team’s margin of victory. - Goalscorers Betting Options
Betting on goalscorers is relatively new to hockey but a staple in many other sports. The first and last goalscorer bets should be familiar to those who bet on soccer games. The bet is on who will score the first or last goal in the match. The odds are usually pretty good, as there are twenty players to take into account. The anytime goalscorer bet is on a player to score a goal at any time within the 60-minute game. The odds on offer tend to be slightly lower than the other goalscorer bets, as chances of winning are better. - Period Betting Markets
Hockey games have three periods, each consisting of twenty minutes of play, totalling sixty minutes for the match. Period betting has two options; one is on which team will be ahead in the period, and the other is the total goals scored within the period by both teams. Betting on the period winner usually features either two-way or three-way odds. - Futures
Futures is a pre-match bet, where you predict the outcome of a game in advance of the event itself. The odds for this change radically, so we recommend that you shop around for the best odds.
Why bet on Ice Hockey?
Ice hockey is a fast game, exciting to bet on, watch and play. It is also one of the major sports where betting on outcomes is not solely reliant on random chance or luck. If you know what factors to consider, then ice hockey betting sites can prove profitable for bettors.
The sportsbooks and bookmakers are competitive, and even with the reduced running costs that come from doing business online, they are still very much in it for the money. You mustn’t lose sight that they will never provide you with information that is detrimental to their bottom line. That does not mean you can’t make a profit – as long as you know what you are doing.
There are two significant influences in betting on ice hockey online: the ice hockey betting site and the game itself.
Ice hockey betting sites are open twenty-four hours a day, every day of the year; they require no travelling or standing in line. They also offer promotions to new and existing customers and the ability to shop around for the best odds.
One of the risks to consider is that online bookmakers could be unlicensed or a scam, and you will need to do some research before you use a site. The top bookies will display their license on their website and have top-notch support staff and customer service. If you notice that the website is poorly designed and the promises are too good to be true, the chances are that this site is either a scam or still developing. Avoiding the site is highly recommended in these circumstances.
Ice hockey betting sites do not gamble directly on matches; there is a handling fee included in the odds for every game. It is essential to verify if the vigorish, or juice, is in line with the standards set by the industry as this small fee can make a difference over the longer term.
Ice hockey is a game where almost anything can happen and probably has at some point; this makes the game exciting and brings in an element of uncertainty. You never know when a miracle could occur on the ice, and while this is thrilling for the audience, it is a risk for the bettor.
Important Factors to Consider
There are several factors to take into account before betting on ice hockey. Follow the numbers and not your heart. Research the game, the players, their form, and the team; after your data leads you to a conclusion, find the best odds available.
Below is an explanation for each element under consideration and the reason for their significance.
1. Learn the Game Rules and Understand Tactics
Every hockey team has its tactics and strategies, with some teams playing a better offensive game and others being better at defence. Some tactics require knowledge of the rules, like a power play. A power play happens when a player is removed for a set time as a penalty for a rule infringement, leaving the team down a man. It’s important to research how your teams will play in such circumstances.
2. See Statistics and Home/Away Form
A well-known fact is that the home team has the advantage, as they have more support, and the away team is battling against some hostility; this is why odds are skewed in favour of the home teams. Not all teams respond the same way, though, and some teams perform better when playing an away game. We recommend that you research the stats for both teams on their form when playing a home game or away.
3. Be Careful With Injured or Missing Players
Find out if a player is playing injured, as this can impact gameplay considerably. Keeping up with who is hurt or not playing is an essential part of your data.
4. Learn About the Quality of the Goaltender
Many coaches highly prize the agility, strength, and lightning-fast reflexes needed to be a goalie; many coaches give goalies a day off to keep them in peak form. Knowing if your team is fielding the reserve in starting position can make a massive difference in a game.
5. Why NHL Betting is the Best Choice
At the end of the NHL season, the Stanley Cup kicks it up a gear, somehow increasing the pace and sheer physicality of the game in one of the most exciting playoffs. The NHL is not the only hockey league you can bet on, but it is the most fun. It receives the most coverage and has a lot of information on the players and teams. Ice Hockey gambling sites also offer a greater variety of bets for the NHL than other leagues. This is not to say the different leagues are not worth betting on as there are some excellent odds on offer, but information on the teams and players is not readily available.
Our Final Thoughts
Ice hockey is one of the most exciting of the four major sports to watch; the level of agility needed to play a game of hockey on a giant slab of ice while skating around on sharp blades is mind-boggling. Then there is the gruelling amount of games to be played; add to that the speed of play and the teamwork required. The players on their own make the sport exciting, but there’s also the real possibility of turning a profit from something you would watch for fun. We can honestly recommend betting on ice hockey, as it is the perfect combination of thrill and skill.
FAQ
How does betting on the NHL work?
Like most major sports, betting on the NHL requires that you find an ice hockey betting site that meets your requirements, and then you place the bet that suits your strategy.
How do I know the sportsbook is legit?
Licensed bookmakers will have a readable license on their website, with the complete terms and conditions laid out indicating compliance with legalities and state laws. They will also have positive reviews from satisfied customers and expert betting sites and forums.
Is it Legal to bet on ice hockey?
If the sport is regulated and your State allows it, it is legal to bet on sports.
Javia Alex is an expert-level Copywriter/Editor with a wealth of experience in the iGaming scene. A self-described player advocate, Javia’s player-first mindset, “tell it like it is”, has earned her an oft-cited voice across gambling circles. She frequently works late nights and long hours, fact-checking reviews and pages for accuracy.