Hockey Gambling

Betting on Hockey to Win

If you’re used to wagering on baseball, then you’ll probably find gambling on hockey fairly similar. However, the football or basketball enthusiast could find himself a bit confused over how to put money down on an NHL game.

Online hockey gambling odds from most sites tend to offer two different types of wagering opportunities—the money line and puck line. Some sites also provide bettors with the chance to put money on the over/under.

THE MONEY LINE

The money line in hockey is pretty much the same as the money line in other sports. With this type of wager, you’re putting money down on who you think will win the contest outright. There is no point spread involved. However, there is a favorite, which is indicated by a minus (-) sign. The underdog has a plus (+) sign next to their name. Here’s an example:

New York Islanders +110

Detroit Red Wings -130

Detroit is favored in this NHL gambling line. To win $100 on Detroit, you would have to bet $130. To win $110 on the Islanders, you would put down $100. You get a better return on the underdog. With the favorite, you’re told how much you have to bet to win $100 and with the underdog, you’re told how much you win when placing a $100 wager.

THE PUCK LINE

The puck line is the most popular form of hockey bet. The puck line is the same as the point spread in other sports and it incorporates the money line. Here’s an example of a puck line hockey gambling opportunity using the same two teams from above.

New York Islanders +1.5 -130

Detroit Red Wings -1.5 +120

Notice that the puck line has changed the money line. That’s because the underdog has been spotted 1.5 goals (+1.5), giving them a better chance to be the winning bet. In the example above, if you bet New York and they lose 4 -3, you still win. If you put money on the Red Wings, they have to win by at least 2 goals for you to collect. Put $130 on the Islanders to win $100 and $100 on the Wings to win $120.

OVER/UNDER

With the over/under in hockey, you’re gambling on hockey goal totals. Over/unders vary from game to game and usually range from 3 to 7 goals. Commonly, you’ll see 5, 5.5 or 6 as the over/under. Playoff and Stanley Cup games, because of the great goal tending, tend to be lower scoring matches, but there’s always the exception.

Online Hockey Gambling

If you are ready to take the plunge and start trying to turn a profit in the NHL. Here are some of the best websites for gambling on NHL hockey.

For opening hockey odds in the business check out Bookmakers Sportsbook's Hockey Gambling!

5 Dimes offers overnight lines, a 20% signup bonus, and high betting limits on NHL games.