NHL Betting Guide 2024 – Compare The Best NHL Betting Sites
Since The United States Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, more and more states have legalized sports betting, making it easier for hockey fans to enjoy NHL betting and place wagers on the regular season and tournaments like the Stanley Cup.
In this guide, we take you up close and personal with NHL betting and introduce you to the top ice hockey betting sites in the US. Additionally, we show you how to sign up with these sportsbooks, walk you through the wagers you can place, and look at several NHL betting tips and strategies. So, read on to learn more about wagering on the NHL.
- All
Up To $1000 Paid Back If First Bet Loses
Up To $1000 Paid Back If First Bet Loses
- Best Promo Code Offers
- Fun and Interactive Features
- Regionalized Promotions and Bonuses
$100 Bonus Bets
$100 Bonus Bets
- Part of the Legendary MGM Betting Brand
- Outstanding User Interface
- Awesome Sports Wagering Guide Feature
Up To $150 in Bonuses When You Deposit Min. $5
Up To $150 in Bonuses When You Deposit Min. $5
- Top 2 Sportsbook for Daily Fantasy Sports
- Awesome and Easy To Use UX
- 24/7 Customer Service
Bet $5, Get $150
Bet $5, Get $150
- Second Biggest Sportsbook in US
- App With Lots Of Great Betting Features
- Best For Daily Fantasy Sports
5 x 2nd Chance Bets Up To $250
5 x 2nd Chance Bets Up To $250
- Many Unique Bets
- In-House Generous Odds
- VIP Program With Personal Manager
Up To $500 Insured First Bet
Up To $500 Insured First Bet
- Great Reputation for Promos
- Plethora of Banking Options
- Brilliant In-Play Betting Feature
List of the Best NHL Betting Sites 2024
Since sports betting is gaining legality across several states, more and more NHL betting sites are popping up. While these sites are all regulated and legal, some offer greater sports wagering than others. So, to help you find the best sites for betting on ice hockey, our experts tried and tested them all. Below, you’ll find a list of their most-recommended online sportsbooks.
- BetMGM – Best NHL Betting Site Overall
- Borgata – Leading NHL Sportsbook for Promos
- FanDuel – Fantastic Sportsbook for Live Betting on the NHL
- DraftKings – Best Mobile Wagering on the NHL
- PointsBet – Top NHL Sportsbook for High Rollers
- Unibet – Sportsbook with the Best Odds for Puck Lines
Reviews of the Best NHL Sportsbooks
To complement our list of the best NHL betting sites, we offer reviews of each in detail below. Here, we look at what makes these legal sportsbooks stand out, their features, and the NHL betting they provide. So, let’s dive in.
1. BetMGM – Best NHL Betting Site Overall
The top NHL betting site on our list is BetMGM, which is unsurprising, considering the sportsbook is operated by the gambling giant MGM. In addition to offering several retail sportsbooks across the state, BetMGM offers online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. As a result, hockey fans can easily place wagers on NHL games in states that provide BetMGM sportsbooks.
When visiting BetMGM, bettors will discover they can wager on over 14 different sports, including the MLB, NBA, NFL, NASCAR, F1, boxing, and lacrosse. However, the sportsbook stands out as one of the best hockey betting sites in the US. Further, bettors can enjoy excellent odds and play several betting lines, including puck lines, moneylines, totals, props, parlays, and futures.
Further, bettors can enjoy live NHL betting and watch NHL games live on the website. Bettors with BetMGM promo codes can unlock several generous bonuses and rewards to boost their bankrolls. Finally, when funding their accounts, bettors can use several payment options, including Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.
Pros:
- Competitive odds
- Faster withdrawals than competitors
- Offers puck lines and props
- Low minimum deposits
- Live-streaming available
Cons:
- Poor customer service
- Limited withdrawal methods
Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ years of age or older to wager. MI, NJ, PA or WV only. Excludes Michigan Disassociated Persons. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI), 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, PA & WV).
2. Borgata – Leading NHL Sportsbook for Promos
When it comes to NHL betting sites with exceptional promos, bettors can’t do better than Borgata. As a result, the sportsbook sits near the top of our list of leading ice hockey betting sites. For instance, bettors can claim a range of exciting bonuses using Borgata promo codes, including free bets, welcome bonuses, and parlay boosts. However, the sportsbook also offers a diverse assortment of payment options, including Apple Pay, Amex, PayNearMe, PayPal, Skrill, Visa, MasterCard, and Play+.
Bettors browsing the sports offered by Borgata will discover over 13 markets, including the NBA, NFL, MLB, soccer, tennis, and golf. However, hockey fans will find the sportsbook covers all the top NHL games, offering live betting and live streaming of NHL matches. Finally, bettors can enjoy several betting lines like spreads, totals, moneylines, player props, and one-game parlays.
Pros:
- Generous and diverse promos
- Large selection of sports markets
- Offers live betting
- user-friendly app
Cons:
- Not many exotic wagers
- Odds are lacking
3. FanDuel – Fantastic Sportsbook for Live Betting on the NHL
While most bettors know FanDuel as a leading Daily Fantasy Sports betting site, it also ranks as one of the best NHL betting sites. When visiting this regulated sportsbook, bettors can place a variety of bets on ice hockey games, from moneylines and spreads to totals, puck lines, parlays, and several exciting prop bets. However, FanDuel stands out for its live betting options that make it simple for bettors to place in-play wagers and get in on all the action. Further, the sportsbook allows bettors to live stream NHL games on the website and app.
When it comes to sports, FanDuel covers over 20 sports markets, including baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, football, collegiate sports, motorsports, and Aussie Rules. However, bettors visiting FanDuel must fund their accounts before they can start betting on NHL games. But the process is simple since FanDuel accepts a variety of payment options, like credit cards, PayPal, FanDuel gift cards, Green Dot MoneyPak, PayNearMe, money orders or checks, and bank wire transfers. Lastly, FanDuel promo codes will help bettors claim unique and fun bonuses and rewards that make it simple to place various NHL wagers.
Pros:
- Most diverse payment options
- Exciting NHL DFS options
- Unique prop bets for NHL players and games
- Live betting suite
Cons:
- High transaction fees on bank wire payments
- Live chat doesn’t function properly
4. DraftKings – Best Mobile Wagering on the NHL
DraftKings is another sportsbook known for its DFS options, but it also provides some of the best mobile NHL betting in the US. While DraftKings offers in-person sportsbooks and online sports betting, the regulated sportsbook also provides a downloadable app compatible with iOS and Android devices, making it easy for bettors to place NHL wagers on the go. Whether bettors access DraftKings online or using mobile, they can unlock several rewards using DraftKings promo codes.
When it comes to depositing funds, DraftKings has a relatively limited selection of banking options, like bank wire transfers, MasterCard and Visa credit cards, DraftKings gift cards, eWallets like PayPal, and cash payments which bettors can make at select locations. However, DraftKings does offer a more diverse selection of sports markets, including over 20 options, like the MLB, NFL, UFC, cricket, snooker, and Esports. Further, it ranks as one of the best NHL betting sites in the US. When placing their wagers, bettors can choose between several betting lines, from props and parlays to moneylines, puck lines, and totals. Lastly, DraftKings offers in-play wagering on NHL games and allows bettors to live-stream events like the Stanley Cup on the website.
Pros:
- Top NHL DFS betting site
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- Exciting odds
- Over 20 sports markets
Cons:
- Utilizes geofencing
- No crypto payment options available
5. PointsBet – Top NHL Sportsbook for High Rollers
NHL betting fans looking for an online regulated sportsbook that caters to high rollers may want to visit PointsBet. Firstly, the sportsbook allows bettors to place maximum bets that exceed tens of thousands of dollars on NHL playoff game days, making it a hit among high-rolling NHL betting fans. Further, bettors visiting PointsBet will discover a selection of unique promotions that boost their bankrolls, allowing them to place high-rolling bets. However, to unlock these rewards, bettors must use PointsBet promo codes.
PointsBet makes it straightforward for bettors to fund their accounts by accepting various payment methods, including PayNearMe, eCheck, online banking with Trustly, and a debit or credit card from Visa or MasterCard. However, PointsBet continues its wide array of options by providing bettors with several sports markets to enjoy, like the MLB, NFL, NBA, NCAA, darts, MMA, cycling, Aussie Rules, and cricket. But, it remains a firm favorite of hockey fans, who can use several betting lines like puck lines, parlays, moneylines, spreads, totals, teasers, fixed odds, player props, game props, and lightning bets, all from the website or mobile app. Finally, PointsBet stands out by offering bettors in-depth sports news and stats that make it simple for bettors to place more informed live bets and pre-game wagers.
Pros:
- Provides in-depth sports stats
- Diverse betting lines
- Covers unique sports
- App compatible with iOS and Android
Cons:
- Payouts may take over five days
- Rather bland web design
6. Unibet – Sportsbook with the Best Odds for Puck Lines
Another of our top NHL betting sites is Unibet. Firstly, the sportsbook offers bettors over 25 sports markets that cover options like the NBA, MLB, football, boxing, cricket, golf, rugby, and Formula1. However, the betting site also covers all the NHL tournaments, playoffs, and conferences. When wagering on the NHL or any other sports offered, bettors can enjoy some of the most competitive odds, especially on puck lines for the NHL. Further, bettors can live-stream NHL games and place in-play wagers like props, moneylines, and parlays.
Players looking to wager on sports at Unibet must first fund their accounts, which the sportsbook makes simple, by accepting various payment methods, including Skrill, Neteller, WebMoney, EcoPayz, Visa, MasterCard, PaySafeCard, Trustly, and bank wire transfer. Further, when funding their accounts, bettors can use Unibet promo codes to boost their bankrolls.
Pros:
- Fantastic live betting options
- Features over 30 sports
- Large selection of eWallet payments
- Most competitive odds
Cons:
- Minimal bonuses compared to competitors
- High withdrawal fees
FAQs about NHL Betting
How does NHL betting work?
How do NHL betting lines work?
How to make money betting on NHL?
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In NHL betting, what is t:6.0?
Comparing the Best NHL Betting Sites
When viewing the features of each NHL betting site side-by-side, it becomes easier to identify which sportsbook is best for your needs. So, to help you do this, we created the comparison table below.
| Sportsbook | Sport Bonus | Parlays | Live NHL Betting | Live NHL Streaming |
| BetMGM | First Bet Offer up to $1,000 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Borgata | Get $100 Free Bets when you wager $20 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| FanDuel | FanDuel No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| DraftKings | 20% up to $1,000 | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| PointsBet | $500 in Free Bets | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Unibet | $100 First Bet Offer | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Is NHL Betting Legal in the US?
Whether or not NHL betting is legal in the states depends on your location. Presently, over 30 US states have legalized sports betting, including Arizona, Iowa, Illinois, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, and Wyoming.
However, not all states permit online sports wagering, with five (Mississippi, Maryland, Delaware, North Carolina, and South Dakota) only allowing in-person sports betting. But, whether you visit a legal, state-regulated sportsbook in person or online, you can legally wager on NHL games and matches.
As a result, bettors will find that the sports betting sites on our list are legal in most states. However, it is always essential to check first before signing up.
Our Criteria for Choosing a Top NHL Betting Site
When looking for the best NHL betting sites, there are several aspects to consider to ensure you enjoy a high-quality wagering experience, fair play, competitive odds, and diverse betting lines. Below, we take a closer look at some criteria to consider when choosing your NHL wagering site.
Range of NHL Bets
One of the most important considerations when looking for a sportsbook is the NHL betting lines offered. Since the more betting lines there are, the more ways there are to win, a sportsbook with diverse betting options is always recommended. For instance, consider whether the NHL betting site offers puck lines, moneylines, spreads, totals, futures, parlays, and prop bets.
Choice of NHL Events
Another aspect to consider is the selection of NHL events covered by the sportsbook. For example, does the betting site cover significant events in the hockey calendar, like the Ice Hockey World Championships, the World Cup of Hockey, the Stanley Cup, or Ice Hockey at the Olympics? We recommend always checking first to see which events are covered before signing up to avoid disappointment.
Bonus & Promotions
Although all online sportsbooks that cover NHL games offer exciting promotions, we suggest reading the T’s and C’s before signing up to ensure they provide fair wagering requirements. Further, look at the different promos offered; in some cases, an NHL betting site will feature NHL-specific promotions that boost your bankroll even further.
Safety & Security
When signing up with a sportsbook that offers NHL betting, you’ll need to input your personal information to create an account. Additionally, you’ll have to supply baking information when funding your account. As a result, we recommend signing up with a betting site that uses SSL encryption that safeguards your data from hackers. Additionally, using a state-licensed, regulated online sportsbook ensures you receive your payouts on time and without hassle.
Payment Methods
The best NHL betting sites provide bettors with a diverse selection of payment methods that offer convenience when depositing and withdrawing funds from your sportsbook account. As a result, it is always best to look for a betting site that offers multiple banking options, like credit cards, debit cards, bank wire transfers, checks, internet banking, and eWallets like PayPal. Further, always check the fees applied to these different methods, so you don’t end up losing funds as a result.
Customer Support
Lastly, consider the customer service an NHL betting site provides. For example, a site that offers a 24-hour phone line or live chat can resolve your queries instantly. In contrast, a sportsbook that only features a ticketing system or email contact may take days to attend to you.
How to Sign Up and Bet on NHL
Generally, NHL betting sites are relatively straightforward to use. However, signing up and depositing funds for the first time can sometimes be tricky. But by following the quick steps below, bettors can easily complete these processes.
Step One – Register with BetMGM
Begin by launching the BetMGM website. Then, select the state you are located in. Next, click the gold “Register” button on the top right of the home page. Lastly, complete the registration form that opens before hitting the “Continue” button.
Step Two – Verify Your Account
Following registration, you’ll need to verify your BetMGM account. So, open your email inbox and the mail sent to you by the sportsbook. Then, click the link inside to verify your new account before signing back into BetMGM with your new username and password.
Step Three – Fund Your Account
The next step is to deposit funds into your BetMGM account. So, click the green “Deposit” button on the top right of the home page (this will only come up when you are signed in). Then select your preferred payment method from the options provided and type in the amount you wish to deposit. Don’t forget to input your bonus promo code before clicking “deposit.” Finally, follow the prompts to complete your payment.
Step Four – Start Wagering
Once your funds reflect in your BetMGM account, it’s time to start the fun part – wagering. So head to the sportsbook tab and find the NHL match you want to wager on. Then, type in your bet amount onto the bet slip on the right of the screen. Lastly, hit “Place Bet.”
How NHL Betting Works
NHL betting refers to wagering on the outcome of an NHL (National Hockey League) match, competition, or season. However, when betting on the NHL, bettors can place various wagers, like game and player props, parlays, moneylines, and puck lines.
Further, bettors can sign up with the best online sportsbooks to place wagers on NHL events using one of these betting lines. Then, if they win their wager, bettors can withdraw their winnings from the online sportsbook.
Popular Types of NHL Betting Markets
When wagering on ice hockey events, bettors will discover several types of NHL betting lines they can use. Below, we look at the most popular options and how they work.
Moneyline Bets
Undoubtedly the simplest and most popular bet, the moneyline sees bettors predicting which NHL team will win a game. Further, it doesn’t matter whether it is the Stanley Cup or a regular season match; a sportsbook will always offer moneyline bets on the game. For example, say a bettor places a $100 wager on the underdogs, the Colorado Avalanche (+163) to win. If this team then wins, the bettor will receive $163 in winnings.
Example table:
| Team/Player | Odds |
| Colorado Avalanche | +163 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | -203 |
Puck Line Betting
The puck line is to NHL betting, what the point spread is to NBA or NHL wagering, and is one of the most popular NHL betting lines. When reading puck line odds, it works much the same as for moneyline wagering, where the underdog is represented with a plus (+) sign and the favorite with a minus (-) sign. Similarly to a point spread, bettors can wager on the favorite to win by more than the puck line. Alternatively, bettors can wager on the underdog to win by any score or to lose by less than the puck line.
For instance, in the table below, a puck line bet on the Bruins win if the team wins by more than two goals. However, if they only score a single goal, then wagers on the Hurricanes win.
Example table:
| Team/Player | Odds |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +1.5 -235 |
| Boston Bruins | -1.5 +190 |
Totals
Totals, or over/unders offer bettors the chance to predict the final combined score of the game rather than betting on which team will win the match. In this case, bettors can place money on whether the total score will be above (over) or below (under) the outcome predicted by the sportsbook.
While also known as over/under wagering, totals offer bettors the chance to predict the final combined score of the game. So, instead of wagering on who will win the match, bettors can place money on whether the game will be high or low scoring. For instance, if you set a wager that the final score would be Over 6.5, and the final score was 7 or more, you’d win your bet.
Example table:
| Team/Player | Odds |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 6.5 (o) -110 |
| Arizona Coyotes | 6.5 (u) -110 |
Prop Bets
Another exciting way to participate in NHL betting is by placing prop bets. In this case, the bettor doesn’t wager on the game’s outcome but on more minor aspects of the match. Further, bettors can place game props that focus on parts of the game, like which quarter will the first goal be scored in. Additionally, they can place player props that focus on the individual players, like which player will score the game’s first goal.
Futures
Another NHL betting line gaining popularity is Futures bets, which have a long-term outcome extending past a single match. For instance, bettors can wager on future results, like which team wins the Stanley Cup or which team comes out tops in the Eastern Division.
Example table:
| Team/Player | Odds |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +700 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | + 900 |
Parlays
A parlay bet is when a bettor makes two or more NHL bets on the same or two different matches. However, all the individual wagers that make up the parlay must win for your bet to win. For instance, should one of the two bets that make up your parlay lose, you lose your parlay, overall.
Live NHL Betting
When visiting sportsbooks that offer NHL betting, hockey fans can place pre-game wagers or get in on the action by making in-play or live wagers. In this case, the sportsbook allows bettors to wager on NHL games already in play. Further, bettors can sue various betting lines and enjoy more volatile and competitive NHL betting odds.
NHL Betting Odds Explained
Besides offering several betting lines, the best sportsbooks provide competitive NHL betting odds. Generally, betting odds refer to the amount a sportsbook will pay you out of your bet wins. Additionally, each sportsbook determines its own odds (but they all stay within similar limits) depending on the predicted outcome of the game.
Although there are various ways for sportsbooks to display their NHL betting odds, many use the American odds format as their default. In this case, the NHL betting site indicates the favorite (expected to win) with a minus, followed by the amount of money a bettor must wager to win $100. In contrast, a plus sign represents the underdog, followed by the amount a bettor could win off a $100 wager.
For instance, say BetMGM offered odds of -120 for the Tampa Bay Lightning and +100 for their opponents, the Colorado Avalanche. In that case, if you were to wager $120 on the favorites, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and they won, you’d receive $100. However, if you bet $100 on the Colorado Avalanche and they won, you’d win an additional $100 on a $100 wager.
NHL Betting Strategies & Systems
To boost your chances when NHL betting, we recommend following a few strategies. Besides helping you place more dynamic wagers, these strategies make it easier to gain a profit. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the favored strategies offered:
Backing Home Teams
Generally, bettors are of the mindset that a home team is always poised to win. However, this isn’t always the case; many home teams lose their matches. In this case, we recommend looking out for specific NHL betting trends by researching the team’s stats and latest results, and possibly going against the NHL public betting if the team doesn’t have the greatest results.
Betting in Favor of the Underdogs
Before placing your wager, review the winning percentage of the underdogs in the game. If their winning percentage is 40% or above for the number of games they have won in the season so far, it may be worthwhile backing them in a moneyline, especially since NHL betting odds are better for the dogs.
Focus on the Streaks
Momentum plays a significant role in NHL betting, making focusing on each team’s streaks essential. So, we recommend looking at whether a team is on a winning or losing streak and its record for the last ten games played. For instance, if a game is on a six-game winning streak and won eight of the last ten matches, this may be the team to back if the opponent’s stats aren’t as favorable.
Our Top 5 NHL Betting Tips
Before making your NHL betting picks, there are a few things to consider. Besides doing your research, wagering a few practice bets, and using your strategies, taking a few tips into account doesn’t hurt and could help you in the long run. So, look below at our top five NHL betting tips.
Do Your Research Before Betting
When NHL betting, the best way to boost your chances of winning is by doing some research before the game. In addition to understanding the teams and how they match up, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each will make it much simpler to place an accurate wager. Further, looking at NHL betting tips before selecting your NHL betting picks is advisable. Additionally, look at the NHL public betting and betting percentages to see whether a sportsbook is under or over-valuing a team. Another example is knowing past NHL betting trends or specific event trends – for instance, what was the most frequent score in past finals of the Stanley Cup?
Go with the Favorite
Although the underdog often has much greater and far more inviting odds and higher payouts, consider that they are the underdog for a reason. While the team may strike it lucky, the odds are against them. As a result, we suggest betting on the favorite if you’re looking to win.
Make the Most of the Promotions and Bonuses
Because most NHL betting sites offer generous promotions, take the time to look around and see what’s available. While these bonuses are great, using the sportsbook’s money to place your bets is even better as it allows you to get the feel of things without using your own money. So keep a lookout for NHL-specific promos and free bets. Additionally, by boosting your bankroll with a bonus, you can place larger bets.
Take it Slow
If you’re a new bettor who is still testing the waters, we suggest starting small and slow by wagering minimal amounts using moneylines. Once you have a greater knowledge of the teams and understand more about the other NHL betting lines available, it becomes easier to make more informed and higher-stake bets that win big.
Participate in Live Betting
While live sports betting may not appeal to you, it is worth trying at least once. Since the markets and opportunities an NHL betting site offers during a match are limited, it helps you make more accurate wagers and provides greater excitement.
Biggest NHL Conferences and Divisions to Bet on
The NHL season is divided into three sections, the preseason from September to early October, a regular season from early October through early to mid-April, and a postseason that sees the Stanley Cup playoffs. Below we look at the various divisions and conferences bettors can wager on.
Divisions and Conferences
The NHL consists of four divisions. First, the Pacific and Central Divisions both consist of seven teams and make up the Western Conference. Then, there is the Eastern Conference, made up of the Metropolitan and Atlantic Divisions, which have eight teams each.
President’s Trophy (Regular Season)
The regular season sees teams play each other on a predetermined schedule. Here, all teams play 82 games in total, which include matches against their own and the other three divisions. At the end of the regular season, the team with the most points in each division earns the title of Division Champion. However, the overall winner of this league is awarded the President’s Cup.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs (Postseason)
The Stanley Cup playoffs run from April to the beginning of June. In this elimination tournament, sixteen teams (the top teams from each division) face off in four rounds of the best of seven. The first team to win four games in the finals is declared the winner of the Stanley Cup.
Bonuses for NHL Betting Online
The rise of sports betting has a lot to do with the coverage it receives on television – for instance, the opening game of the 2022 NHL season between Tampa Bay Lightning and the Pittsburgh Penguins was watched by approximately 744,000 viewers on ESPN.
With so many bettors looking to place a wager when watching a game, there are now numerous betting sites to visit. When visiting such NHL betting sites, bettors will discover these sites offer several promotions and bonuses for new and existing customers. While these promos attract new bettors to sign up and keep existing bettors returning, they also help bettors place more wagers and higher stakes. So, let’s look at the best sportsbook promo codes and bonuses offered by NHL betting sites.
Match Deposit Sign Up Bonuses
Unquestionably, one of the most common promotions offered by NHL betting sites is matched deposit sign-up bonuses. These promos are offered to new bettors and reward them for funding their accounts for the first time by matching their deposits up to a specific amount. For instance, an NHL betting site offering a 100% welcome matched deposit of up to $ 2,000 will give a bettor depositing $1,500 an additional $1,500 to wager.
No Deposit Bonus
In contrast to a matched deposit that first requires a bettor to fund their account, the no deposit bonus rewards bettors for simply signing up with the NHL betting site. In this case, the sportsbook gives a bettor complimentary site credits that allow them to place free wagers. However, many bettors deposit their own funds to continue wagering once the credits run out, securing a new customer for the betting site.
Free Bets
Another exciting reward offered by NHL betting sites are free bets. Generally, the best free bets come as site coupons, vouchers, or credits that allow bettors to place free wagers. In other words, if a bettor places a free bet and loses, they don’t lose any of their own funds. Further, if they win, they can keep their earnings. For example, a sportsbook may offer a $30 free bet on the next Western Conference division game.
Reload or Top-Up Bonuses
While welcome or sign-up promotions target new bettors, reload bonuses reward existing bettors. In most cases, reload bonuses come as matched deposits or lifetime reload rewards that see an NHL betting site match a bettor’s deposits up to a specific amount each time they make a new deposit. However, other reload rewards come as odds boosters or sports-specific promos.
Insurance Bets
Insurance bets are similar to free bets in that when a bettor places the wager, they don’t lose their own funds should the game not go their way.
The Best Payment Methods for NHL Betting
Before bettors can make their NHL betting picks and place their wagers, they must first deposit funds into their betting accounts. However, this process is relatively straightforward as the best NHL betting sites accept several payment methods. Below, we look at the best banking options offered by online sportsbooks.
eWallet Betting Options
Bettors looking for a safe, secure way to fund their accounts may opt for eWallet payments. Since an eWallet service acts as an intermediary between the bettor’s bank and their NHL betting account, it protects against hacking and fraud. As a result, most online sportsbooks offer eWallet deposits and withdrawals and partner with providers like EcoPayz, PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill.
Traditional Payment Methods
While eWallets are on the rise, many bettors prefer funding their wagering accounts using traditional payment options. As a result, the best NHL betting sites accept methods like debit cards, credit cards, online banking, bank wire transfers, and checks. As a result, you’ll find that all the sportsbooks highlighted on our list accept Visa and Mastercard deposits.
NHL Apps & Mobile Betting
While bettors can place wagers on their favorite NHL teams by visiting the betting sites offered by the sportsbooks on our list, they can also place wagers using mobile. Since the betting sites on our list offer downloadable betting apps and mobile-optimized websites, bettors can access them on iOS and Android devices.
Although placing wagers from home is fun, using mobile betting options has its advantages. For instance, if a big game is on while you’re out, you can live-stream the game using your betting app or optimized website. Additionally, bettors can participate in NHL betting from anywhere, making it easy to wager on the go.
2022 NHL Schedule
The NHL betting season runs from September through to June the following year, so there are plenty of exciting tournaments to wager on. Below, we offer a schedule of the NHL tournaments that occur throughout the year.
| Date | Tournament | Venue | Location |
| Nov 25, 2022 | NHL Thanksgiving Showdown | Fargo Center | USA |
| Jan. 2, 2023 & Feb. 18, 2023 | NHL Outdoor Games | Fenway Park and Carter-Finley Stadium | USA |
| Feb. 3-4, 2023 | All-Star Weekend | FLA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida | USA |
| Oct 7, 2022 – April 11, 2023 | End of Regular Season | Various | USA/Canada |
| TBC | Stanley Cup Playoffs | Various | USA |
NHL Betting Terms
If you’re new to NHL betting, you may have come across a few unique references. Below, we offer a glossary of the most common NHL betting terms used:
- Moneyline – NHL betting odds that indicate the payout should either team win the game.
- Puck line – The NHL version of the spread bet. Here the favorite must win by one goal, alternatively, the underdog must not lose by more than one goal.
- Live Betting – This is where the NHL betting site allows bettors to place wagers on a game already in play.
- Puck – A disc made of hard rubber used in ice hockey games. Players use hockey sticks to move the puck and shoot it into the goals to score a point.
- Grand Salami – This refers to an over/under or totals bet that predicts the number of goals scored on a particular night in the NHL.
- Dime Line – When the difference in the commission a sportsbook charges on a wager (juice) between odds is ten cents (a dime). For example +110 and -120.
- Reduced Juice – When the commission charged by an NHL betting site is lower that the industry standard.
- Chalk – Another term for the “Favorite” (The team chalked to win)
- Favorite – The team predicted to win by the sportsbook or the public.
- Underdog – The team playing against the favorite with less favorable odds of winning.
- Bankroll – The funds a bettor has to wager with.
Betting on NHL Near Me
While more than 30 states in the US offer sports betting, some only provide online wagering, while others restrict their options to in-person betting. However, other states allow both.
As a result, bettors looking to place in-person wagers will need to visit a state that provides legal retail sportsbooks. For instance, bettors can visit IA to try the best Iowa sports betting sites in-person or online or head to Illinois to try the best IL sports betting sites to place their NHL wagers.
The Best NHL Betting Site in the US
Since the US Supreme Court repealed PASPA, more and more states have begun to legalize sports betting. As a result, more legal, regulated sportsbooks that offer NHL betting are now available.
While we offer a list of several top online sportsbooks that provide legal wagering on ice hockey games, you may still need to decide which site is best for you. However, our top pick for the best NHL betting site goes to BetMGM. In addition to offering competitive odds and generous bonuses, the sportsbook covers all the NHL games and tournaments and allows bettors to live-stream these games. So, don’t miss out on the Stanley Cup playoffs. Instead, sign up with BetMGM and claim your welcome bonus.
