As known from:
Sky SportGoalTransfermarkt
VA
  • About us
  • The Wetten.com US Team
  • How We Rate at Wetten.com US
  • Responsible Gambling
  • Contact us
  • Writers wanted
  • Content Disclaimer
  • Affiliate Disclosure
US Online Gambling Sites » Betting Strategies » Best Hockey Sports Betting Strategy 2024
Contains commercial content

Best Hockey Sports Betting Strategy 2024

Publish Date:04/12/2022
Fact checked by: Josh Schwartz

Top Hockey Betting Strategies – March 2024

Ice hockey may not be in the same league as football (pun intended), but it does enjoy a certain level of popularity. This is particularly true in North America and Europe.

In this article, we’ll explain hockey betting for beginners – how it works, what the odds mean, and what types of bets are used. You’ll also learn tips on how to apply the best hockey sports betting strategy.

Key Takeaways

  • The most popular types of bet, as far as hockey is concerned.
  • What you need to look for in a sportsbook or bookmaker when you decide where to make your wagers.
  • What are sporting odds?
  • Should you use sign-up offers?
  • The legalities of sports betting, both on and offline.

Hockey Betting For Beginners

If you want the best hockey sports betting strategy that you can have, there are a few things that you’ll need to know first. In the following sections, we’ll go over the fundamentals of hockey betting for beginners.

The Odds

If you’ve lived for longer than a year or two, then you’ve heard the expression, “what are the odds”. Odds in the purest form, are simply the likelihood of something happening.

In betting, there are many different ways of expressing odds. We’re going to be looking at the American odds, which is what you’re most likely to encounter in hockey betting. For all you beginners out there, here’s a quick rundown:

American odds are expressed in terms of a $100 bet. The odds for the favorites are written with a minus sign. If they read -123, for example, then you would have to stake $123 to win $100. The odds for the underdogs are written with a positive sign and indicate how much you stand to win if you wager $100.

Types of Hockey Bets

When trying to create the best hockey sports betting strategy, you must know the kinds of bets that are available to you.

Ice hockey has many of the standard types of wager. However, the fact that it’s a niche sport, compared to football and basketball, means it has a few caveats. Hockey betting for beginners will be much simpler once you know what kinds of bets are used, so let’s get into it.

The Moneyline

Ice hockey enthusiasts know the hockey version of the moneyline bet as the ‘match result.’ You bet on which team you think will win, and claim your winnings if you’re right.

There’s a catch, though – in ice hockey, there are two different kinds of this bet. Hockey betting for beginners will seem confusing if you don’t understand this difference.

The first kind includes overtime and is straightforward, as we’ve just mentioned. The second kind of moneyline bet in ice hockey is called the ‘end of regulation match result.’

In the case of this bet, the victory only counts if it’s achieved within the 60 minutes regulation time. Even if your team wins in the overtime, you’ll lose your bet if they don’t succeed within the regulation time.

The Point Spread

When it comes to the point spread, hockey betting for beginners can appear more complicated than it is because, as with all things ice hockey, the point spread isn’t called the point spread. Instead, they’ve coined a different term, the ‘puck line,’ but this is essentially the same thing.

In a point spread, the bookmaker handicaps the favorite to place the underdog on equal footing. So, whichever team you bet on, the scores are equal. This means that your chosen team has to either win or lose by a specific number of points, which is equal for both sides.

If you bet on the puck line, you’ll see odds in the format of -1.5/+1.5 : favorite/underdog. 1.5 is the typical puck line value, but other numbers are also possible.

What the above puck line means is, if you bet on the underdog, they must not lose by two or more goals, or you’ll lose your wager. If you bet on the favorite, you lose your wager if they win by any less than two goals.

The Over/Under Bet

This hockey betting for beginners guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the over/under bet. Bookmakers set a number representing the total goals they expect to be scored. For example, if they expect one side to earn 23 goals and the other to make 20, they’ll set the number at 43.

You place your bets on whether the teams will earn a total score of more or less than the number set by the bookkeeper. If you’re correct, you win – it’s simple.

As with the money line, you can either bet, including or excluding overtime. If you bet and include the overtime, then you won’t win as much if your wager is correct. Yet, you’ll win even if your prediction is only realized during overtime.

The Legalities

Hockey betting, for beginners, must also be understood from a legal perspective. In the U.S., the laws on gambling are different for each state.

Before you can use the best hockey sports betting strategy, you’ll need to make sure that it’s legal to bet on sports where you live.

Just because a betting website lets you join, and accepts your wagers, doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s allowed in your state. Some sites might take bets from people who live in states where it’s prohibited, so it’s best to check your local state laws before joining.

Check out these bonuses

Bet365
1.
Favicon
4.7/5
First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 OR Bet $5 and Get $150
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Go to Bet365
Get bonus now
At bet365 we don’t do ordinary, that’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
2.
Favicon
4.7/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $5
Copy
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
FanDuel
3.
Favicon
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
Go to FanDuel
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
Caesars
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
100% up to $1000
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit
Copy
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+
DraftKings
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly + All-Customer SGP Insurance
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $5
Go to DraftKings
Get bonus now
T&Cs apply, 21+

Choosing a Sportsbook or Bookmaker

Now that you’ve learnt how to bet on hockey, you’ll need a reliable sportsbook or bookmaker, but what does that mean, and what are you looking for? Here are some of the main points to get you started.

Regional Availability

It may be obvious, but it’s something that often slips through the cracks. Always check that your preferred sportsbook can legally operate in your area. You’ll usually find this information in their terms and conditions.

It’s your responsibility to ensure the bookmaker you use can operate in your area. Generally, a betting site is attentive to this fact, but sometimes someone will slip through the cracks. You might even be allowed to deposit funds, but when the time comes to withdraw your winnings, it could be impossible to do so. It’s one of the reasons why bookmakers require identity verification.

Betting Options

Ice hockey is less popular than mainstream sports, so you want to choose a sportsbook that has a decent variety of hockey betting options.

While you’re unlikely to find one that centers mainly around this sport, there are still many operators with a focus on ice hockey. Also, look at whether they have your preferred type of bet.

Promotions, Sign Up Offers & Banking Options

Of course, if you’re going to be signing up with a sportsbook, bookmaker, or gambling operator, you’ll want one that gives you the most bang for your buck. Many sportsbooks offer no-deposit and sign-up bonuses.

Although these vary, sign-up bonuses typically double your initial deposit. No-deposit welcome offers, on the other hand, give you real money to play with before you’ve made a deposit. It’s worth your while to look for the best sign up offers, but be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.

The last thing to consider is the withdrawal and deposit options. Naturally, you’d want a bookmaker with your preferred payment method.

Our favorite operators right now

Bet365
1.
Favicon
4.7/5
First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 OR Bet $5 and Get $150
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
At bet365 we don’t do ordinary, that’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
2.
Favicon
4.7/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
PayNearMe
PayPal
Bank Transfer
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
T&Cs apply, 21+
FanDuel
3.
Favicon
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
T&Cs apply, 21+
Caesars
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
100% up to $1000
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
E-Check
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
T&Cs apply, 21+
DraftKings
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly + All-Customer SGP Insurance
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
T&Cs apply, 21+

What Other Betting/Casino Guides & Strategies Are Available?

Besides hockey betting for beginners, the Wetten.com U.S. gambling guides are here to help you with all kinds of gambling on sports and to find the best U.S. sportsbooks.

You can also have gambling explained to you by experts, with our sports betting for beginners guide.

We’ll teach you all the sportsbook rules about sports betting odds, how sportsbooks make money, and sports betting bankroll management.

You’ll even have sports betting point spreads explained to you, and we’ll answer the age-old question: How do sportsbooks set lines?

By the time we’re done with you, the only thing you’ll want to know about a sportsbook, is how to register.

Learn about the best betting strategies for U.S. or international sports, online casino games or even horse racing betting online in the USA with any No.1 bookie.

If you want to know more about playing online slots for real money, you’ll find legit online casinos right here, as well as the latest No.1 casino promotions. Whatever you’re looking for, our U.S. online casino guide is a fantastic resource.

We’re always on the lookout for new No.1 bookie betting sites in the U.S.A. and ones that offer bonuses, rewards or sports betting promo codes so be sure to check in with us regularly.

Conclusion

We hope that our hockey betting for beginners’ guide has set you up to streamline and apply your best hockey sports betting strategy at any of the No.1 bookies. As you can see, once you know the basics, it’s something that everybody can do.

With all sports including hockey betting, for beginners and pros alike, it ultimately boils down to knowing what bets to place and making informed betting decisions.

However, before you can do any of this, you’ll need to check your state laws and find a sportsbook that caters to your needs. With the help of our strategy guides, you’ll be well on your way to joining the exciting world of hockey betting.

Read Also
1.01 Betting Strategy Explained 2024: Odds & Tips
With the rapid growth of sportsbook betting online, the use of various ...
Pick 3 Betting Strategy Explained 2024
If you're not very familiar with horse racing, then you may be ...
Bet365 Promo
Derby Betting Strategy Explained 2024
Learning how to bet on derbys is about as old as the ...
Best Soccer Sports Betting Strategy 2024
The following article on how to bet on soccer provides a U.S.sports ...
Best Football Sports Betting Strategy 2024
With the emergence of gambling websites, two main types of football bettors ...
Sportsbook of the month
Bet365 - Get your Bonus Bet now! Get your Bonus Bet now!
Get the best deals per mail and grab our amazing and free ebook
teaser-ebook-white-paper-us
Winning Bettors aren’t born, they’re trained. Sign up now for our free eBook and Newsletter with the best deals on the web. Submit your email to receive our wetten.com US eBook and regular newsletters with exclusive bonus offers via email. Unsubscribe at any time.
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
Bet365
Bet365
Bet365 Review
4.7/5
BetMGM
BetMGM
BetMGM Review
4.7/5
FanDuel
FanDuel
FanDuel Review
4.6/5
Caesars
Caesars
Caesars Review
4.5/5
DraftKings
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
4.5/5
Bet365
Bet365 Bonus
First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 OR Bet $5 and Get $150
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
At bet365 we don't do ordinary, that's why if you sign up now you'll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
BetMGM Bonus
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
FanDuel
FanDuel Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Caesars
Caesars Bonus
100% up to $1000
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
DraftKings
DraftKings Bonus
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Top Online Casinos
Top Casinos Bonuses
Stake.us
Stake.us
Stake.us Review
4.7/5
McLuck
McLuck
McLuck Review
4.7/5
Sweeptastic
Sweeptastic
Sweeptastic Review
4.6/5
High5Casino
High5Casino
High5Casino Review
4.5/5
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas Review
4.5/5
Stake.us
Stake.us Bonus
$55 Stake Cash + 260K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
McLuck
McLuck Bonus
Up to 57.500 Gold Coins + 27.5 Free Sweepstakes Coins
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
Sweeptastic
Sweeptastic Bonus
40,000 LC + 40 Free SC for $19.99
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
High5Casino
High5Casino Bonus
5 Sweeps Coins + 250 Game Coins + 600 Diamonds
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Wow Vegas
Wow Vegas Bonus
1.5 million WOW Coins + 35 Free Sweepstake Coins for $9.99
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Bonus of the month
Bet365 - Get your Bonus Bet now! Get your Bonus Bet now!
Our Team
Josh SchwartzMark Lewis
Josh Schwartz
Josh Schwartz
Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Get the best deals per mail and grab our amazing and free ebook
Winning Bettors aren’t born, they’re trained. Sign up now for our free eBook and Newsletter with the best deals on the web. Submit your email to receive our wetten.com US eBook and regular newsletters with exclusive bonus offers via email. Unsubscribe at any time.
wetten.com is a proud supporter of:
ALBA Berlin - Company ClubVFB Lübeck - Unterstützer-ClubKickers Offenbach - Kulturkreis Rot-WeissVFL Gummersbach - Unterstützer ClubIserlohn Roosters - Unterstützerclub

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.

Close
Players accepted in the US US Flag
Stake.us Exclusive Bonus
$55 Stake Cash + 260K Gold Coins + 5% Rakeback
Promo Code
Copy
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
Payment Methods
Bitcoin
Litecoin
Ethereum
Dogecoin
Highlights
  • Social casino with Stake Originals!
  • Exclusive bonus code WETSOCIAL
  • Play with Stake Cash and Gold Coins
Stake Originals
Dice
Crash
Plinko
Mines
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now