Types of Hockey Bets: A Basic Guide for Bettors
Hockey betting offers a thrilling way for sports fans to engage with the game beyond simply watching the action unfold. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a newcomer to sports wagering, understanding the various types of hockey bets can enhance your betting experience and potentially increase your chances of success. The first step in successfully winning in hockey betting is to know the types of hockey bets you can make.
Hockey is one of the most popular sports to bet on, contributing quite a lot to the Ontario iGaming market. The National Hockey League, or NHL, started in October. This is also one of the most popular sports leagues in the US.
Types of Hockey Bets
Before you start looking for hockey sportsbooks, get to know the wagers you can place on hockey. From score-related bets to player props, you can learn the basics here.
Moneyline Bets
The most straightforward and popular type of hockey bet is the moneyline bet. In this wager, you simply choose which team you believe will win the game outright. Each team is assigned odds that reflect their perceived chances of winning. For example, a favorite might have odds of -150, meaning you’d need to bet $150 to win $100, while an underdog might have odds of +200, meaning a $100 bet will win you $200 if they win.
Puck Line Bets
Similar to the point spread in other sports, puck line bets add a layer of complexity to hockey betting. Typically, the puck line is set at 1.5 goals, with the favorite needing to win by two or more goals, while the underdog can lose by one goal or win outright to cover the spread. This bet type offers more attractive odds compared to a standard moneyline bet and requires a more nuanced understanding of team performance. Essentially, its higher risk than moneyline bets, but it has higher rewards.
Over/Under (Totals) Bets
Over/Under bets focus on the total number of goals scored by both teams combined during a game. The sportsbook sets a predicted total, and bettors can wager on whether the actual goal count will be over or under that number. For instance, if the total is set at 5.5 goals, betting the over means you need six or more total goals to win, while an under bet requires five or fewer goals.
Prop Bets
Proposition (prop) bets add excitement by allowing wagers on specific events or player performances within a game. These can include:
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- First team to score
- Total shots on goal by a specific player
- Number of power play goals
- Individual player goal scoring
- Goalie save percentages
- Prop bets are particularly popular among hockey fans who have detailed knowledge of team dynamics and player capabilities.
Futures Bets
Futures bets involve wagering on long-term outcomes throughout the season or tournament. Popular futures bets in hockey include:
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- Stanley Cup champion
- Conference winners
- Division winners
- Individual player awards like the Vezina Trophy or Hart Memorial Trophy
- Total season wins for a specific team
These bets are placed well in advance and can provide significant payouts if you correctly predict outcomes.
Parlay Bets
Parlay bets combine multiple individual wagers into a single bet. While they offer higher potential payouts, all selected bets must win for the parlay to be successful. For example, you might combine moneyline bets on three different hockey games. The risk is higher, but so are the potential returns.
Live Betting
With the rise of online sportsbooks, live betting has become increasingly popular. These bets allow you to place wagers during the game, with odds constantly updating based on current game conditions. You can bet on things like the next goal scorer, who will win the period, or adjust your bet based on real-time game dynamics.
First Period Bets
Some bettors prefer to focus on shorter-term outcomes by betting specifically on the first period’s result. These bets can be placed on first period winners, total goals scored in the first period, or other period-specific prop bets.
Hockey betting offers a diverse range of wagering options that you can enjoy earning from. However, you have the opportunity to earn even more as a bookie. You can easily open an online sportsbook site with the help of a sportsbook pay per head service. They can provide you with sportsbook management software that will help you earn well from hockey betting.