How to Bet on NHL Hockey
Everything you need to know to place your first hockey bet with confidence
8 min read
3 Things You Need to Start Betting
1. A Sportsbook Account
Sign up with a legal sportsbook like FanDuel or DraftKings. Must be 21+ and in a legal state.
2. A Betting Budget
Set aside money you can afford to lose. NHL has 82 games per team - pace yourself!
3. Basic Knowledge
Understand moneyline, puck line, and totals. Plus NHL-specific factors like goaltending.
Understanding NHL Betting Markets
Hockey betting has unique characteristics. Low-scoring games mean moneylines are popular, and the puck line (±1.5 goals) creates interesting dynamics since many games end 3-2 or 4-3.
Moneyline Bets: Pick the Winner
Simply pick which team wins (including overtime and shootouts). NHL moneylines are often close due to the parity in the league.
Example:
Bruins -155 vs. Rangers +135
• Bet $155 on Bruins to win $100
• Bet $100 on Rangers to win $135
Note: NHL has great parity - even underdogs win regularly. Don't ignore plus-money dogs.
Puck Line Bets: Hockey's Spread
The puck line is always set at ±1.5 goals. Since many NHL games are decided by 1 goal, this creates significant odds adjustments.
Example:
Bruins -1.5 (+175) vs. Rangers +1.5 (-200)
• Bruins -1.5: They must win by 2+ goals (big plus-money)
• Rangers +1.5: They can lose by 1 goal and you still win (heavy juice)
Key insight: Empty net goals at the end of games often swing puck line outcomes. A 2-1 lead can become 3-1 in the final minute.
Totals (Over/Under): Combined Goals
Bet on whether both teams will combine for over or under a set number of goals. NHL totals typically range from 5.5 to 6.5 goals.
Example:
Total: 6.5 goals
• Over 6.5: Final combined score of 7+ goals (e.g., 4-3)
• Under 6.5: Final combined score of 6 or fewer goals
Note: Totals typically include overtime/shootout goals unless marked "regulation only."
Key NHL Betting Factors
Hockey betting success depends heavily on understanding these unique factors:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Starting Goalie | Most important factor. Backup vs. starter can move lines 20-30 cents. |
| Back-to-Backs | Teams playing their 2nd game in 2 nights often struggle, especially on the road. |
| Home Ice | Last change advantage and crowd noise. Worth 3-5% win probability. |
| Travel | West coast road trips are brutal for Eastern teams. Check recent travel schedules. |
| Special Teams | Power play and penalty kill percentages predict scoring variance. |
Pro tip: Goalie confirmations usually come out around 11 AM ET on game days. Wait for confirmation before betting.
NHL Betting Tips for Beginners
Do This
- Always check the starting goalie
The most important factor in hockey betting
- Consider underdogs seriously
NHL parity means upsets are common
- Factor in schedule spots
Back-to-backs and long road trips matter
- Watch for empty net situations
They often decide puck line outcomes
Avoid This
- Betting before goalie confirmation
Lines change significantly with backup goalies
- Overvaluing recent results
Small sample sizes mislead in hockey
- Ignoring schedule fatigue
Road-heavy stretches wear teams down
- Always taking favorites -1.5
Most games are decided by 1 goal
Where Can I Bet on NHL Games?
Sports betting is legal in 38+ states as of 2026. Popular legal sportsbooks for NHL betting include:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- Caesars Sportsbook
You must be 21+ and physically located in a state where sports betting is legal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest NHL bet for beginners?
Moneyline bets are the simplest - just pick the winner. NHL games are often close and decided by 1 goal, so moneylines offer decent value even on favorites. The puck line (-1.5) is riskier since most games are decided by 1-2 goals.
What is the puck line in NHL betting?
The puck line is hockey's version of the spread, always set at ±1.5 goals. Betting the favorite at -1.5 means they must win by 2+ goals. Betting the underdog at +1.5 means they can lose by 1 goal and you still win. Empty net goals at the end of games often decide puck line outcomes.
How important is the starting goalie?
Extremely important - goalies are the most influential individual position in team sports. A backup goalie can swing a line by 20-30 cents. Always check goalie confirmations before betting, usually announced the morning of the game.
What happens in overtime for NHL bets?
Moneyline and puck line bets include overtime and shootouts - whoever wins the game wins the bet. However, totals usually include OT/SO as well, which adds potential scoring. Some books offer "regulation only" options for all bet types.
How does home ice advantage work in NHL betting?
Home teams get last change (can match lines favorably) and friendly officiating perception. Home ice is worth roughly 3-5% win probability. It's more significant in playoffs when crowds are louder and travel is more grueling.