Speed, skill, grit, these are all things you need to play the game of hockey. The action is fierce and fast-paced, which is why so many Americans love the sport. As an NHL fan, you want to get in on the betting action involving your favorite teams. There are many ways to place bets on the NHL, including options for the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. Getting to know more about your options helps you to find the right operators for NHL betting.
Easily wager on every game during the regular and postseason rounds and even the Stanley Cup Finals. From Puckline and Totals to Parlays and In-Play Betting, there are many ways you can get in on the action. Check out our top-rated online sports betting sites for NHL betting below to get started in a safe and secure online gaming environment!
Operator Summary
When it comes to premium NHL betting, there are a few operators that stand out above the rest. We have compiled the best of the best in one place, giving you access to coverage of the NHL as well as signup bonuses on offer, banking methods available, etc. Read through the short reviews of each recommended site to find the best spot for your hockey betting needs.
NHL Betting at BetOnline.ag
One of the most trusted providers on our list is BetOnline. The operator has provided quality online sports betting services to the public for many years as well as casino, poker, racebook, Esports, and more. In the sportsbook, easily select your NHL wagers by clicking on the Hockey tab on the home page. From there, you will find full NHL betting as well as a breakdown where you can select specific wager types like futures and props.
New players to the sportsbook can access a 50% Welcome Bonus with the code BOL1000. The site will add up to $1,000 to your account with your first deposit. For existing players, there is also a 25% sports reload bonus. Once you join the site and take advantage of the Welcome, use the bonus code LIFEBONUS every time you add funds to your account to earn 25% up to $250. This is a great way to earn bonus cash.
NHL Betting at SportsBetting.ag
Visitors to the top-rated SportsBetting site will find the brand is set up just like BetOnline. With the same engine, both sites provide a similar sports betting experience. Click on the Hockey tab to find all the latest game info listed with options for Futures, Pucklines, and more. You can break betting down to the full game, first first period and much more.
SportsBetting.ag offers the same great promotions as BetOnline as well. Earn a 50% Welcome Bonus with the code SB1000. Earn up to $1,000 in bonus cash! Every time you reload your account thereafter, be sure to use the code FORLIFE as it will provide you with a 25% bonus worth up to $250.
NHL Betting at Bovada.lv
For a different style of sports betting, we recommend Bovada. This online gambling provider is the US facing brand of Bodog. Bovada has offered online gambling services for many years including casino, poker, and horses. With the brand’s sports betting services, the NHL is fully covered. From the sportsbook homepage, click on the Hockey category which is listed with a puck. From there, the site takes you to the full schedule of events. Bovada offers a nice selection of NHL wagering including futures and totals.
New players to Bovada Sportsbook have two welcome deals to consider. The first is a $750 Bitcoin bonus. Use the code BTCSWB750 and deposit with Bitcoin or Bitcoin Cash. Once the deposit is made, you get a 75% match bonus worth up to $750. The second option is a 50% Welcome Bonus. Just make a deposit as a new player with a standard banking method and you will earn a 50% bonus worth up to $250.
How to Bet on the NHL
As with any sport, there are traditional betting options that are easily found within each league as well as betting options created based on the sport itself. For the NHL, you have both. One of the most popular wagers to make is the Puckline, which is a hockey point spread wager. With this bet type, you will see the underdog given an advantage with a certain number of goals while the favorite is given a disadvantage.
As an example, let’s say the underdog is at +1.5 and the favorite is at -1.5. As the underdog, this team would need to win or not lose by more than one goal. The favorite would need to win by two goals. The tradeoff for betting the favorite would be an increased payout if your bet is successful. Bettors like this option because a team that is trailing by a goal will often pull their goalie at the end of a game, creating a good chance for the favored team to cover the Puckline with a tap in goal. Because hockey is a low-scoring sport, Pucklines are typically always 1.5.
Another option is a Moneyline bet, which is choosing a straight up winner. Let’s say the Boston Bruins and the New Jersey Devils are playing each other. You would pick which team you think the winner will be. If you win the bet, then you earn a payout. This is a straightforward bet and one that many beginners start with to get to know how sports betting works.
There are also additional betting options you will find at Bovada, SportsBetting and BetOnline. Select from Props, Totals, Parlays, In-Play wagers, and Futures. With so many options, you can easily wager more than one with one game or select multiple wagers across several NHL games!
NHL Betting Strategy
In general, there are some sports handicappers that feel hockey is difficult to wager on. However, you can implement a strategy to give yourself a better shot at winning your bets. With NHL betting, it’s important to track player injuries, so you know who is playing or not playing in a given matchup. You must also look into goaltender play and statistics as well as travel schedules.
Most bettors do not consider the travel schedule as a strategy component, but it is. When a team is away for a long period of time, traveling to city after city, it takes a toll. While it can be hard to travel away from home, it can also be a building opportunity for team bonding. It is important to review all traveling information, looking at if star players are taking a break or a backup goalie will be making a start. This info can help you decide if one wager might be better over another.
Speaking of goalies, it is also important to review how well the goalie of a team performed during the last few games. While mistakes will be made, if a goalie is off their game and a big matchup is next on the schedule, the team might be in trouble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Should I Bet on Hockey?
Betting on hockey should only be done at a reputable site. By signing up at Bovada, SportsBetting, or BetOnline, you can rest assured that your wagering is secure, and you have access to the best betting markets.
What Type of Bankroll Should I Have for NHL Betting?
You can play with any size bankroll. For beginners, it is recommended to start with a smaller bankroll and work your way up. $50 to $100 is a good place to start.
Can I Bet on NHL Games from the US?
Yes! Just sign up at our recommended online sports betting sites for NHL betting and you are easily on your way to wagering from the US.