How to Bet on NHL Games: Complete Beginner's Guide
Learn the basics of NHL betting with our comprehensive guide. Understand odds, bet types, and strategies to start betting on hockey games.
NHL betting offers exciting opportunities to engage with hockey while potentially earning profits. Whether you're new to sports betting or looking to expand into hockey, this guide covers everything you need to know to start betting on NHL games confidently. We'll walk you through the basics of understanding odds, different bet types, and essential strategies for NHL betting.
Understanding NHL Betting Basics
NHL betting revolves around predicting game outcomes and team performance. The three main bet types are moneyline (picking the winner), puck line (point spread betting), and totals (over/under on goals scored). Each bet type offers different risk-reward profiles and requires understanding how odds work.
Examples:
Toronto Maple Leafs (-150) vs Montreal Canadiens (+130)
The Maple Leafs are favored to win. You need to bet $150 to win $100 on Toronto, or bet $100 to win $130 on Montreal. The minus sign (-) indicates the favorite, while the plus sign (+) indicates the underdog.
Boston Bruins -1.5 (+180) vs New York Rangers +1.5 (-220)
This is a puck line bet. The Bruins must win by 2 or more goals for the -1.5 bet to win. The Rangers can lose by 1 goal or win outright for the +1.5 bet to win. Notice how odds adjust based on the spread.
Winning Strategies
1. Shop for the Best Odds
Different sportsbooks offer different odds on the same game. Using an odds comparison tool like NHLOdds.io can help you find the best line, which can significantly impact your long-term profitability. Even small differences in odds add up over time.
2. Understand Home Ice Advantage
NHL home teams win approximately 55% of games. Factor in home ice advantage when evaluating matchups, especially for teams with strong home records or intimidating arenas.
3. Follow Line Movement
Pay attention to how betting lines move. Significant line movement often indicates sharp money (professional bettors) taking a position, which can provide valuable insights into where the smart money is going.
4. Manage Your Bankroll
Never bet more than 1-5% of your total bankroll on a single game. This protects you from significant losses and allows you to weather inevitable losing streaks while staying in action long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet type for NHL beginners?
Moneyline bets are the simplest and best for beginners. You're simply picking which team will win the game. Once comfortable with moneyline betting, you can explore puck lines and totals for more betting variety.
How do NHL odds work?
NHL odds are typically displayed in American format. Negative numbers (like -150) show how much you need to bet to win $100. Positive numbers (like +130) show how much you'll win on a $100 bet. The favorite has negative odds, the underdog has positive odds.
When is the best time to place NHL bets?
Lines are typically sharpest (most accurate) closer to game time, but the best value is often found when lines first open. Monitor line movement and look for opportunities where you disagree with the market. Also consider live betting once games start for different opportunities.
How important are NHL goaltenders to betting?
Extremely important. Starting goalies are often announced the day before games. An elite goalie can shift odds by 20-30 cents or more. Always check confirmed starters before placing bets, as backup goalies playing can dramatically change a game's expected outcome.
Should I bet on NHL home teams or away teams?
Neither exclusively. While home teams win about 55% of NHL games, value matters more than trends. Some road teams perform exceptionally well away from home. Focus on finding value in the odds rather than blindly following home/away splits.
Ready to Put Your Knowledge to Use?
Compare live NHL odds from every major sportsbook and find the best lines for your bets.
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