Hockey is Canada's game. Hockey is the sport that our country takes the most pride in, pays the most attention to and has the most emotional investment in year in and year out. This passion spills over into betting on hockey where Canadians make up a large percentage of hockey betting handle during the NHL season.
This page will give you all of the information you will need to start betting on the game of hockey right here in Canada. Below, I've outlined the best 3 sportsbooks for NHL betting in Canada, provided a detailed breakdown of the three most popular bets you can make on a hockey game, and also included a simple step by step guide to get your first hockey bet placed online within minutes.
Open a Sportsbook Account First you will need to open an online betting account at one of the three.
Proposition bets in hockey can include a wide range of topics, from team results in a particular game/season to individual player statistical results in a specific game. For instance, every game will. Hockey will list Favorites and Underdogs for that day's slate of games. The Money Line Odds will list the favorite with a (-) symbol, while the underdogs will be shown with a (+) symbol. The majority of betting sites online, as well as the betting. How to Bet on NHL Hockey Games Moneyline Betting on NHL Hockey. Much like baseball, hockey doesn't offer quite as many betting options as football. In hockey, betting on the moneyline is simply betting on who will win the game, and is the most popular method of betting on the NHL. For example, if the moneyline has Philadelphia at +110 and Pittsburgh.
Pro Tip: Hockey is a very high variance game. You will go through hot and cold streaks, and because of this it's very important that you manage your bankroll wisely.
I personally find the most value in big underdogs when betting on hockey, but this does open me up to long losing streaks at times. That said, a few big underdog hits can wipe away a losing streak quickly so long as I manage my bankroll and don't allow myself to overextend chasing losses, I am able to profit long term by picking dogs in the right spots.
How To Get Hockey Games
Where To Bet On Hockey From Canada
| Sportsbook | Rating | Bonus | Review | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *EXCLUSIVE* 100% up to $200! | ||||
| See Website for Details | ||||
| 100% up to $200 |
These are the three best sportsbooks for Canadians interested in betting online. They each see Canada as a growing market for sports betting and are committed to growing their brand here in Canada by offering a great product and service to Canadian bettors.
Click on any of my reviews above to learn more about each of the sportsbooks. I breakdown the sites in depth, looking at betting options (they all offer a ton of hockey bets), bonuses, promotions, deposits/withdrawals, customer service and more.
If you truly want to make a profit betting on hockey then you should really open an account with all three betting sites. The odds can vary significantly between the sportsbooks, so having an account with each can ensure that you get the best return on each bet you make.
For example, Sports Interaction is notorious for offering the best lines industry wide on big underdogs. If the Canucks have odds of 3.05 at the other sites, there is a good chance that Sports Interaction will have them at odds of around 3.20. This works the other way as well, with Sports Interaction often having the worst odds for favourites, so it works both ways.
Popular Hockey Betting Options
There are three main bet offerings on a hockey game. The first and most popular is the money line bet, which is simply a wager on which team will win the game, and the others are the puck line and over/under. I will look each of these three betting options, as well as another bet I like to place (regulation time) in detail with examples below.
Money Line
The money line bet is simply a wager on which team will win the hockey game. In the NHL, with shootouts used to break ties, there is always a winner, so this is a very popular wager with only two possible outcomes.
Here's an example:
In this example the Red Wings are on the road to play Dallas. The Red Wings are the underdogs with odds of 2.55. This means that if the Red Wings win then your payout would be 2.55 x your wager amount. So a $100 bet on the Wings would pay out $255, which would be $155 in winnings.
On the flip side, a $100 bet on the Stars would payout $154 for $54 in winnings based on the odds of 1.54.
This is a perfect example of Sports Interaction offering higher underdog odds than the industry. Both Bet365 and Bodog have odds of 2.45 for the Red Wings in the same game. On the flip side their odds for Dallas are 1.60.
Puck Line
The puck line adds a spread of 1.5 goals to the game. So the team favoured to win the game must win by 2 or more for a puck line bet on them to win, while the underdog must either win or lose by 1 or fewer goals for their puck line wager to hit.
Continuing with the above example the Red Wings have odds of 1.53 against the +1.5 puck line. A puck line bet on the Red Wings pays out if Detroit either wins the game or loses by fewer than 2 goals.
On the flip side, Dallas must win by 2 or more goals for their puck line bet to pay out at odds of 2.60.
Over/Under
The third of the popular bets that you will usually see displayed on the main page for hockey bets is the over/under wager, also known as the total. With this bet you are wagering on the total number of goals to be scored in the game by both teams. The sportsbook will set a total (usually 5.5 in the NHL) and you can wager on whether the total number of goals scored will be over or under that total.
Continuing with the Detroit vs Dallas example you can see the over/under is set at 5.5, with the odds for the over hitting at 1.80 and the under hitting at 2.05.
For example, if the game finishes 4-3 for Dallas then the over 5.5 will hit and any bets on the over will be paid out at odds of 1.80. If the game finishes, say 2-1 for Dallas then the under bets would be the winners.
Regulation Time
There are several other bets you can make on a typical hockey game other than the main three. Just look at any of the screenshots above. They each show 'More Betting (29)' in the top right corner. This means there are 29 other bets you could make on the Red Wings vs Stars game.
One of these other bets is the regulation time bet and it's a wager that I often make. Regulation time bets in hockey are also known as 3-way bets because there are three possible outcomes: Team A, draw, Team B. If the game goes into overtime the bet is graded as a draw.
Let's look at an example to show you the difference in odds by betting either team to win the game in regulation time:
The odds for the Red Wings moved from 2.55 (money line) to 3.25 (regulation time), while the Stars odds moved from 1.54 (money line) to 1.91 (regulation time). If you think Dallas wins this game in regulation, but don't want to take the puck line which requires them to win by 2 or more goals, then perhaps the regulation line odds of 1.91 would look appealing to you.
Pro Tip: I like to take regulation time bets for teams with awful shootout records. For example, Robin Lehner is absolutely awful in the shootout. He allowed 8 goals in 8 attempts in 16-17. If you like Buffalo in a game when Lehner is in net you might as well take the regulation time line because the chances are slim the Sabres would win in if the game goes to a shootout.
The flip side can also be true with certain goaltenders being highly successful in shootouts, so I would bet the regulation time line against these goalies because a shootout win would be unlikely.
Three Step Guide To Start Betting On Hockey
If you're ready to place your first hockey bet online, follow this quick 3 step guide:
Step 1. Open a Sportsbook Account
First you will need to open an online betting account at one of the three sportsbooks I recommended above. For this guide I will be using Sports Interaction from here on out. They are our top rated betting site for Canadians, and I think they are a must have for hockey bettors due to the great value you can find on big underdogs.
Click here to visit SportsInteraction.com. Then click on the green ‘Bet Now' button and fill out the registration form to create your account.
| Sportsbook | Rating | Bonus | Review | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *EXCLUSIVE* 100% up to $200! |
Step 2. Deposit
Next it's time to fund your account. Sports Interaction accepts Visa, MasterCard, iDebit, Instant Banking and many more deposit methods. You can see all of the deposit methods available on our Sports Interaction review. You will have no problem getting money into or out of your SIA account.
By signing up through our link you are entitled to an exclusive sign up bonus equal to your first deposit, up to $200. The bonus is easy to clear so if you're planning on betting on hockey for the entire season I strongly suggest taking full advantage of the bonus because you will clear it very quickly if you're planning on betting on more than a few hockey games.
Step 3. Bet On Hockey
It's time to place your bets!
Once at the Sports Interaction website you can find all of the hockey betting options by clicking on the ‘Hockey' drop down menu in the left sidebar. You'll see the NHL bet offerings at the top of the list, but you can also wager on International events and all of the major pro leagues worldwide.
If you select ‘NHL' you will see a list of the night's game in the same format of the screenshots I used above for the Detroit vs Dallas game.
Ready to bet? Click here to visit SportsInteraction.com.
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Although the NHL isn't quite as popular as other American sports like the NFL and NBA, it's still right up there when it comes to pure entertainment.
But as well as being entertained, you may as well make a bit of extra $$ while watching a game, yeah?!
Knowing how to bet on hockey is a great skill that can make your enjoyment and appreciation of the sport better, while at the same time lining your pockets a bit. And because I hate the bookies, I'm here to show you exactly how to do it.
In this article, I'll be looking at the BEST ice hockey betting sites, and I'll also be laying down some bulletproof betting strategies that will help you make killer profits.
Ready? Let's make a start.
Best Hockey Betting Sites
MyBookie is one of the standout sportsbooks when it comes to the NHL, as well as American sports in general. They offer reliable payouts, competitive odds, and their in-play action is good.
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Perhaps America's most trusted sportsbook of all time, Bovada is the Godfather when it comes to ice hockey props, bonuses, and promos. They also offer live streaming, and their user interface is one of the best around. Withdrawal times are good, and Bitcoin is accepted.
Sign up today and grab a $250 welcome bonus.
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Sign up today and grab a 100% match deposit welcome bonus up to $500.
Helpful Stats & Facts For Betting On Hockey
When betting on any sports, it always helps to have a few stats and facts to hand. I'm going to list some of my personal favorites in this section, but I recommend that you find some of your own and add them to a spreadsheet.
- The best-of-5 format hasn't been used since 1986
- The highest average goals per game over the course of a whole season for any team since 2000 was the Capitals' 3.82 goals in 2009/10
- No one has scored more than 4.0 goals per game since the Penguins in 1995/96
- Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets scored a goal on his birthday in the last two seasons
- Sidney Crosby of the Penguins has averaged over a point per game for 14 consecutive seasons
- Detroit Red Wings have had a handful of players who've scored three overtime winners in one season. They have never had a player score four OT goals in one year, however
- There are still eleven teams who have never won a Stanley Cup, with the Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues going the longest (50 years) without winning it
The Most Popular Types of Hockey Bets
There are different types of hockey bets you can place. Some bettors prefer to mix things up and try different types of bets, whilst others like to specialise in one or two types. Some are also easier to get right than others, but all require skill, judgment – and a bit of luck.
Here are the most popular types of hockey bets:
Moneyline Bet
The moneyline bet is the most popular of all NHL bets, probably because it's the simplest and not too difficult to get right.
All you're doing is wagering on who you think will win the game outright. You can bet on the underdog, the favorite – or the tie.
And here's the thing: Your bet only counts during the 60 minutes of regular time. It doesn't include overtime. If a game is tied in regular time and goes into overtime, your moneyline bet is won or lost on the tie.
Of course, money lines offer smaller payouts for the favorite, but payouts for the tie and the underdog can often be quite handsome.
Puck Line Handicap
A puck line handicap is a type of bet that can only be placed on ice hockey games.
It's kinda like 'spread betting,' a type of bet that's based on a point spread applied to both teams. But NHL bet lines are a tad different.
With the puck line handicap, a puck line (NHL betting line) is always set at 1.5. The favorite then receives a -1.5 goal puck line handicap. If you choose to wager on them, they need to win by 2+ goals. This means that, if they win by a single goal, you still lose the bet (despite them winning!).
Conversely, the underdog receives a +1.5 puck line handicap. If you wager on them, they cannot lose by 2+ goals. If they do, you lose the bet.
Over/Under Number of Goals Scored
Over/under bets are popular in many sports, including the NHL.
It's a really simple bet. All you need to decide is whether or not you think a game will have X number of goals scored.
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Although the NHL isn't quite as popular as other American sports like the NFL and NBA, it's still right up there when it comes to pure entertainment.
But as well as being entertained, you may as well make a bit of extra $$ while watching a game, yeah?!
Knowing how to bet on hockey is a great skill that can make your enjoyment and appreciation of the sport better, while at the same time lining your pockets a bit. And because I hate the bookies, I'm here to show you exactly how to do it.
In this article, I'll be looking at the BEST ice hockey betting sites, and I'll also be laying down some bulletproof betting strategies that will help you make killer profits.
Ready? Let's make a start.
Best Hockey Betting Sites
MyBookie is one of the standout sportsbooks when it comes to the NHL, as well as American sports in general. They offer reliable payouts, competitive odds, and their in-play action is good.
Sign up today and grab a 100% match deposit welcome bonus.
Perhaps America's most trusted sportsbook of all time, Bovada is the Godfather when it comes to ice hockey props, bonuses, and promos. They also offer live streaming, and their user interface is one of the best around. Withdrawal times are good, and Bitcoin is accepted.
Sign up today and grab a $250 welcome bonus.
BetNow is focused predominantly on U.S. markets. It's ideal for high rollers who want a site that won't restrict their stakes, a site where the software is excellent, as well as where their live customer support is the best in town.
Sign up today and grab a 100% match deposit welcome bonus up to $500.
Helpful Stats & Facts For Betting On Hockey
When betting on any sports, it always helps to have a few stats and facts to hand. I'm going to list some of my personal favorites in this section, but I recommend that you find some of your own and add them to a spreadsheet.
- The best-of-5 format hasn't been used since 1986
- The highest average goals per game over the course of a whole season for any team since 2000 was the Capitals' 3.82 goals in 2009/10
- No one has scored more than 4.0 goals per game since the Penguins in 1995/96
- Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets scored a goal on his birthday in the last two seasons
- Sidney Crosby of the Penguins has averaged over a point per game for 14 consecutive seasons
- Detroit Red Wings have had a handful of players who've scored three overtime winners in one season. They have never had a player score four OT goals in one year, however
- There are still eleven teams who have never won a Stanley Cup, with the Maple Leafs and the St. Louis Blues going the longest (50 years) without winning it
The Most Popular Types of Hockey Bets
There are different types of hockey bets you can place. Some bettors prefer to mix things up and try different types of bets, whilst others like to specialise in one or two types. Some are also easier to get right than others, but all require skill, judgment – and a bit of luck.
Here are the most popular types of hockey bets:
Moneyline Bet
The moneyline bet is the most popular of all NHL bets, probably because it's the simplest and not too difficult to get right.
All you're doing is wagering on who you think will win the game outright. You can bet on the underdog, the favorite – or the tie.
And here's the thing: Your bet only counts during the 60 minutes of regular time. It doesn't include overtime. If a game is tied in regular time and goes into overtime, your moneyline bet is won or lost on the tie.
Of course, money lines offer smaller payouts for the favorite, but payouts for the tie and the underdog can often be quite handsome.
Puck Line Handicap
A puck line handicap is a type of bet that can only be placed on ice hockey games.
It's kinda like 'spread betting,' a type of bet that's based on a point spread applied to both teams. But NHL bet lines are a tad different.
With the puck line handicap, a puck line (NHL betting line) is always set at 1.5. The favorite then receives a -1.5 goal puck line handicap. If you choose to wager on them, they need to win by 2+ goals. This means that, if they win by a single goal, you still lose the bet (despite them winning!).
Conversely, the underdog receives a +1.5 puck line handicap. If you wager on them, they cannot lose by 2+ goals. If they do, you lose the bet.
Over/Under Number of Goals Scored
Over/under bets are popular in many sports, including the NHL.
It's a really simple bet. All you need to decide is whether or not you think a game will have X number of goals scored.
For example, let's say the Bruins are playing the Penguins. Because you think this will be a low scoring game, you bet on 'under 2.5 goals.' For your bet to win, there can't be more than 2 goals. It doesn't matter the exact total number of goals – you just don't want there to be more than 2.
On the other hand, let's say Tampa Bay is playing the Ducks. You think this will be a fairly high scoring game, and so you wager on 'over 1.5 goals.' For your bet to win, there needs to be more than two or more goals scored.
Correct Score
The correct score bet is tricky to get right. But the payouts are often big, and it's a really fun bet to place if you're going to be tracking the action live.
All you need to do is a wager on the exact score you think will materialize. Your bet will only win if the actual score matches your correct score bet.
Hockey Betting Strategy
It can be a tempting bet on instinct. I know – I've been there. You're watching a game unfold, you see a betting opportunity all of a sudden, and quickly stick the wager on.
Then, you watch in horror as you lose the bet.
On another day, you might win the bet. But it's just pure dumb luck.
It's MUCH better to stick to a consistent hockey betting strategy that you know yields profits over the long term.
There are a lot of hockey betting strategies you can employ, but in this section I'm going to share my personal favorite. Please note, though, that past results do not guarantee future wins.
Back The Underdog
In sports betting, it is – of course – seen as more favorable to back the favorite.
But how often have you taken a punt on a favorite … and they've lost?
It happens because, as rare as it might seem, favorites do lose. My buddy had never bet on sports in his life when he decided to back the Lakers in the NBA to win their next game 'for some extra beer money.'
Bear in mind, the Lakers were the reigning champions who were massive favorites. It seemed a dead certainty that they would beat the depleted Bulls. What happened? They lost.
And in the NHL, a league where there are 82 games across a season, the favorites lose more often than you might think.
Think back to the 2015-15 season. The Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup on the back of a 48-34 win-loss record.
That's 34 times they lost during a single season. That's a lot!
Therefore, it can be really profitable over the long-term if you back the underdog because the odds will be in your favor (the payout will be far bigger than backing the favorite with big money, especially when just one defeat can wipe you out).
Now, this doesn't mean that you should back the underdog blindly without discretion. Rather, you still need to look at the form and see if you can spot when an upset is coming (check the tips below to help you). But if you stick at this strategy and never bet more than you can afford to lose, it can pay dividends throughout a season.
Top Tips For Betting On Hockey
Hockey How To Play
Who's The Goalie?
As mentioned just now, there are a LOT of NHL games over a single season. Players need rest – and goalies get more rest than their teammates.
When looking at potential games to bet on, check whether or not the main goalies are playing. If a main goalie is missing, there's a big chance that their team will lose.
In-Play Power Play Action
Power Plays are key ingredients in a game of ice hockey because they can swing a game in a whole new direction.
Whenever a Power Play occurs, make sure you know exactly how both teams normally handle the situation. How good is a team at taking advantage of a Power Play? How bad is a team at managing a Power Play? Do they tend to score or concede more goals?
When you know these kinds of stats, you can take advantage with some Power Play in-play betting.
Be Mindful Of Fatigue
Injuries obviously play a crucial role in the outcome of a game (and therefore your betting strategies). But what about fatigue?
Fatigue might not seem as obvious as an injury, probably because the commentators aren't going to tell you pre-game that a player is 'tired.'
But remember – there are a lot of games in an NHL season and players get tired. This affects their ability to skate quickly and perform at their max.
Before any game, look at how many games a team has played in the last few days and weeks. Have they had a packed schedule? If they have, poor performance might be coming up.
Common Online Hockey Betting Tools
How To Bet Hockey Games
- Swish Analytics – Swish Analytics is a machine learning system that predicts the outcome of NHL games. You shouldn't absolutely swear by its results, but it can help you make a better betting decision
- OddsPortal– When placing a bet, you need to be sure you're getting the best odds possible. OddsPortal compares odds at various sportsbooks to ensure you're maximizing your profits
- Flashscore– Flashscore is one of the best websites around that lets you track the form of any NHL team. It also includes game-by-game stats
Final Word On Hockey Betting
Now that you know how to bet on hockey, the next step is to pick a sportsbook that's right for you. Then, use the tips in this article to help you place better bets. Don't forget to make use of tools, too. But remember – never bet more than you can afford to lose.
With that said, I wish you the best of luck. Don't forget to leave a comment letting us know how you get on!
