Hockey Betting: Features, Types, and Tips

Hockey Betting: Features, Types, and Tips

Hockey Betting: Features, Types, and Tips


Pros and Cons of Hockey Betting

Let’s start with the drawbacks. For year-round bettors, hockey isn’t the most convenient sport. Essentially, there are only two major regular-season leagues you can follow in full: the NHL and the KHL. The off-seasons last several months, and lockouts occasionally occur in the NHL. For those interested in betting hockey, this limited availability can be frustrating, especially compared to sports with year-round coverage.

Most betting sites set low betting limits for hockey. The maximum amount you can wager is typically lower than in football or basketball. On top of that, bookmakers often apply higher margins. Finding a sportsbook that offers hockey bets without heavy restrictions and inflated odds isn't easy.

Advantages:

  • Tight Schedule During the Season: Games happen every 2–3 days, allowing you to track teams' current form and psychological state, and react promptly to player injuries. For serious bettors, this is a big plus.

  • Unpredictable Outcomes: Hockey betting strategies often involve going against the favorites. Upsets are much more common here than in other team sports—especially in the NHL. During the season, there are many opportunities where underdogs have a strong chance of winning, offering great value.

Types of Hockey Bets

The final buzzer in the third period does not always signal the end of the game. If the score is tied, the game proceeds to overtime (and possibly a shootout). Betting on hockey, always pay attention if your bet involves overtime or not, especially with totals and handicaps.

Match Result

In regular time, the game can end in a home win (1), away win (2), or a draw (X). These markets have the highest limits and the lowest margins. Or you can bet on a double chance: 1X, X2 (the team will not lose), or 12 (no draw).

Total Goals (Over/Under)

One of the most popular hockey bets. You're predicting whether the total goals (or penalties) will be higher or lower than a given number. For example, Over 5.5 wins if there are 6 or more goals; Under 5.5 wins if fewer.

Individual totals are calculated for a single player or team. This is not the same as the final score necessarily. You can bet on totals for a single half, overtime, or even a particular time period. Bookmakers also offer "odd/even" totals—such as flipping a coin or betting on red/black at roulette.

Handicap (Spread)

These bets give one of the teams a virtual head start. The handicap may either be positive (the underdog is not permitted to lose more than some number) or negative (the favorite must win by some amount). If the handicap is an integer and the result lands on it, your stake is returned. For example, if the underdog loses by 2 goals and you staked +2, you get your stake returned. And there is the "zero handicap," in which a tie means a refund.

Pre-Match Analysis, Tips, and Strategies

A proper strategy is just as important in hockey betting as in any other sport. Pre-match analysis is key—even for live bettors. Consider these factors:

  • Current Form: A favorite might be worn out from a tough schedule, or an underdog may be gaining momentum. Player injuries should also be factored in.

  • Head-to-Head History: Some teams are just difficult opponents for others, even if they rank lower in the standings.

  • Motivation: Always assess how important the match is. In long seasons, some teams might relax once their goals are secured.

There is no foolproof betting strategy. That applies to hockey too. However, there are a few systems that offer decent profit potential.

  • Strategy #1 – Period Draw in Live Betting: Bet on a draw in a period between evenly matched teams. The average odds are around 3.0. If the first period ends in a draw, cash out. If not, bet on the next one with the same approach.

  • Strategy #2 – Over 1.5 Goals Per Period: Bookmakers often give high odds for Over 1.5 goals per period, while the average is 2+. This works best in games with offensive teams. Follow the same doubling method as in the draw strategy.

FAQ

Where to Bet on Hockey?
Hockey betting is widely available. Many sportsbooks offer attractive bonuses for new customers. There are plenty of trustworthy sites that rank and review bookmakers.

Why are there fewer markets for other European leagues?
These tournaments are mostly covered by local broadcasters, which makes live viewing harder. However, coverage is gradually improving.

What’s Unique About Hockey Betting?
This sport is ideal for pros who are good with statistics and know how to analyze team dynamics effectively.