NHL Betting Guide 2021 | How To Bet On The NHL

Ice hockey stands out as one of North America’s most popular games and one of the most engaging sports for sports betting. With about 82 games per season, the National Hockey League (NHL) attracts viewers and bettors looking to enjoy the games and secure wins.

Whether you’re new to ice hockey betting altogether or you’re looking for extra tips to help you place more profitable bets, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, you’ll find all that you need to know about NHL betting, such as the type of bets, where to bet, and tips to do it right.

By the time you’re done here, you’ll be equipped with all you need to know to start betting immediately. And to do that, you don’t have to go too far. Bet on any of our recommended online ice hockey sportsbooks using these tips, and you’re set for a great time!

Table of Contents

• States that offer legal NHL betting
• How Does Ice Hockey Work?
• Why Bet Online on Ice Hockey?
• Types of Ice Hockey Bets
• Sportsbook Bonuses for Ice Hockey
• Basic NHL Betting Tips and Strategies

States that offer legal NHL betting

A lot of states have made it possible to bet legally on the NHL and there are for sure more to come in the future, for example Florida where Floridians are eager to bet online on the impressive Tampa Bay Lightning. So far you can bet legally on any NHL games if you are a resident(or present physically) in any of the following states:

How Does Ice Hockey Work?

Just like many other sports today, ice hockey games feature a fusion of top physicality and skill. The speed here is practically unmatched. Everything happens so fast, there is almost always tension in the air. It's a game of fast and furious happening on the ice and that’s one of the things that makes it so thrilling.

An ice hockey game involves two teams of seven players, each who skate on an indoor or outdoor rink with one aim - to score more goals than the other team. They tactically shoot the puck toward the opposing team’s net while defending theirs from goals.

An NHL game lasts for 60 minutes, split into three 20-minute periods. The team with the highest number of goals at the end of the 60 minutes wins the game. However, if there is a tie, a five-minute sudden-death overtime game is held and the first team to score a goal wins. If after this, the tie remains, then they will hold a shootout until a winner emerges. Two referees and linesmen moderate the game and ensure that all rules are adhered to.

Some of the top ice hockey leagues in the world today are:

1. National Hockey League (NHL) in Canada and the United States
2. Elite Ice Hockey League in the UK
3. The Champions Hockey League in Europe
4. The American Hockey League in Canada and the US
5. The National Women’s Hockey League in Canada and the US

Why Bet Online on Ice Hockey?

Before the internet, ice hockey betting was done in physical sportsbooks and betting shops. Today, you can place a bet on any game you choose from any internet-enabled device, and that’s exactly what we recommend you do. Several benefits come with online hockey betting, but here are some:

Bet From The Comfort of Your Home

Online betting is as easy as picking up your mobile phone and selecting a game without leaving your bed. You don’t have to worry about getting your turn among a crowd of people as you can gain instant access to an online bookie with a few clicks on your phone.

Easier Price Shopping

Price shopping simply compares odds from one bookie to another to see the most valuable ones to bet at. Doing this physically would require a lot of time and energy, and you may end up settling for less. However, with online hockey bets, you can visit as many sportsbooks as you want and select what suits you best on your phone.

Huge Promos and Bonuses

An edge that online bookies have over physical ones is the bonuses and promos that they offer. Free bets, risk-free bets, deposit bonuses, and so on are some juicy promos that you’ll get if you decide to bet on hockey at an online bookie today.

Now that you know what you stand to gain by choosing an online bookie to place hockey bets on, the next thing to consider is how to choose a good one. We’ll just let you know right away that you’ll find the best online hockey sportsbooks right here. We have compiled a unique selection of bookies that offer hockey bets with top-tier features such as:

• A variety of bet types
• Massive bonuses and promos
• Multiple simplified payment methods
• Adequate safety and security for all bettors
• Optimized mobile betting
• Responsive customer service

Types of Ice Hockey Bets

As we already mentioned, hockey is a fast-paced sport that requires a lot of skill. As a result, making profitable predictions can be quite tasking, especially for people who have little or no experience with the game. Team scores are usually very close, so the outcome of each game is rarely certain. There’s also knowing what kind of bets to place, but we’ll address all this here.

Hockey doesn’t have as many betting options as other popular sports like football and basketball. That said, there are still a wide variety of bets here. Some of them are:

• Moneyline bets
• Over/under totals
• Point spreads
• Parlay bets
• Prop bets
• Futures
• Puck line wagers
• Regulation time bets
• Grand Salami

Moneyline Bets

Money line bets are the most common bet type for hockey. In a moneyline wager, you simply predict who the outright winner of the game will be. For instance, in a game between the Carolina Hurricanes and New York Rangers, you can place a moneyline bet on who will win the match, whether or not it extends into overtime and shootouts. 

Over/Under Totals

In total bets, you place a bet on whether the total number of goals by a team will be greater or less than a set number. In hockey games, the set total is usually 5.5. If there is a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins, the winner of the totals bets depends on the goals scored. If six or more goals are scored in that game, the over win, and if it’s five or less; the under win.

Puck Line Wagers

Puck line betting is hockey’s term for spread betting. It levels the playing field for both teams such that there is a -1.5 point spread on the favorite and +1.5 on the underdog. If the Chicago Blackhawks are going to play the Detroit Red Wings and 75 percent of the bets are for the Blackhawks as favorites, then the payouts on them will be reduced while it increases for the Red Wings. Before you place puck line bets, you need to be certain of whom the underdog and favorite are to know where you stand.

Sportsbook Bonuses for Ice Hockey

Ready to bet on hockey today? Different bonuses are waiting for you at our top recommended sportsbooks. Examples include:

Sign-up Bonus

The welcome bonus for hockey online sportsbooks is reserved only for newly registered bettors. Free bets are given to help these bettors get familiar with the online bookie and give them first-hand experience of how online betting works. Most times, you’ll be required to make a deposit and place a qualifying bet to claim this bonus. However, you won’t be penalized for any losses with this bet while any winnings you make will be all yours.

Deposit Bonus

Deposit bonuses are also mostly given to new punters in online sportsbooks. Here, make a deposit and the bookie will match it up to a certain percentage and amount for you. Some bookies cover the first three deposits while they split the bonus between the three. Withdrawals with this kind of bonus can only be done when you have met specific wagering requirements—that usually involves wagering the bonus a specified number of times.

Reload Bonus

If you were getting worried that only newbies would get all the promos at sportsbooks, you don’t have to be! There are many bonuses for older members and one of them is the reload bonus. Reload bonuses are also deposited bonuses by bookies, but the rates are not as high.

Here, by placing a minimum number of bets over a period, you’ll be rewarded with a special bonus to use for more bets. For instance, they may require you to wager at least $50 within a week and when the weekend comes, a $10 reload bonus will wait for you.

Refer A Friend Bonus

If you refer a friend to try out hockey betting at your online bookie using a personalized link or promo code, the bookie will reward you and your friend. This bonus may serve as a free bet or bonus credit that you can use to place more wagers on the site.

Different terms and conditions apply to bonuses and promos online, so ensure that you look through them all before claiming.

Basic NHL Betting Tips and Strategies

It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the online hockey betting scene or if you have years of experience, betting tips and strategies for the NHL are a must-have. Here are some tips to hold on to for a successful NHL betting experience:

• Always Bet Based on Information

Sports betting is not a game of chance like online slots or spinning wheels. There is a world of information that can help you judge who is more likely to win or lose a game, which can influence your bets. Don’t just go for the most popular team or players, as easy as that sounds. Betting the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Boston Bruins simply because they’re more popular may be a bad idea.

• Compare Odds Before You Bet

Your online bookie should provide you with the odds and stats for each game before you begin, but be on the safer side, and check out other odds generators. This is one of the perks of online betting, and take advantage of it every time.

• Monitor the Goaltender

Monitor all members of the team because each one’s performance has a significant impact on the game. However, the goaltender usually plays throughout the season. If a team’s goaltender is doing well, consider their moneylines or totals.

• Bet Within Your Means

Let this apply to your finances and your knowledge. Just bet on what you can afford, whether or not you’re new to this. Also, decide based on what knowledge you have. If you don’t know enough for a game, your best bet is to play it safe.

Now that you know the basics of NHL betting, sign up at our verified hockey bookies here and place winning bets today.