Do you have the ‘Football is over’ blues? Don’t worry; you can still get your sports betting fix with NHL hockey betting! There are a lot of opportunities to take advantage of the ignorance of the betting public and bookies by paying attention and learning how to spot an off line. Not sure how hockey betting works?
No worries, I’ll explain it to you.
Moneyline in Hockey Betting
The ‘Moneyline’ is when you simply place a wager on which team will win the game.
This wager includes the overtime period and shootout, if applicable. There are no point spreads to deal with, just pick the official game-winning team. The payout is adjusted according to how much a team is favored. Click for help on how to read the different types of odd styles; American, fractional, or decimal. This is covered in topic #3.
Puckline or “Canadian Line” Hockey Betting
The Puck Line is sometimes referred to as the “Canadian Line” in NHL hockey wagering. This is a bet with a constant point spread of + or – 1.5 goals.
This works exactly like the ‘Run Line’ in MLB baseball betting. The favored team must win by more than 1.5 goals (obviously 2 or more) and a wager on the underdog requires they either win the game or lose by less than 1.5 goals (1). Overtime doesn’t factor into this wager, as there is no way to win by two goals in an OT game. This bet is quite risky on either side, as an empty netter can destroy your +1.5 underdog wager, and they don’t pay very well either.
There are times when a wager of -1.5 on the favored team will get you a nice payout of +200 or more! These wagers can increase your bankroll in a hurry, but they come with an added risk.
3 Way or Regulation Line Hockey Betting
This option offers the best of both worlds of the Moneyline and Puckline options. Your team doesn’t have to win by 2 or more goals, but you get much better odds than the moneyline bet.
With the 3-way wager, you can bet on either team to win during regulation, and there is the third option of betting that the game will go into overtime. Since there is the possibility of OT, a bet on a team to win during regulation pays more than the moneyline for the same team. The difference it quite significant, for example, a moneyline wager on a favored team that offers odds of -175, would provide a payout of +100 if you were to bet the 3-way option.
Totals in Hockey Betting
As with other sports, you also have the option on betting on the total number of goals scored by both teams during the game. Most games offer the option of betting that the total number of goals will be OVER 5.5, or UNDER 5.5, but some game totals are 5.0 or 6.0. It is rare to see totals other than these three, but it does happen.
I want to bet on hockey, but where can I do this?
You have the option of using a local bookie or betting online with an offshore sportsbook (sports betting site). While the local bookie may be closer to you, and be easier to give money to, your odds will be less, and if you beat him down, you will likely run into problems getting the dough he owes you. Also, many areas it ‘s hard to find one.
Online sportsbooks may present a slight difficulty in getting funds in and out at first (unless you choose Bitcoin), but the payouts are higher, the wagering selections are greater, and this means more money for you!
If you choose the right site, you will be using a secure and financially stable service. Contrary to some opinions, online wagering is very safe and reliable, but the key is to choose a reputable company to trust with your business. You can easily do this by checking out the certified independent sportsbook reviews here.
Now that you know how betting on hockey works, check out my post about the best sites to bet hockey.
I have been betting online for a decade, and never recommend a site that I don’t use myself! If it’s not good enough for me, then I don’t recommend it to anyone else. My reviews are written by me, a fellow sports bettor. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
