Ice Hockey Betting
Betting Guide
As the weather gets colder, hockey makes a return to our televisions and betting on it can make it just that much more exciting as a fan. From understanding odds to deciphering key betting terminologies such as the Moneyline or the Puck Line, hockey offers countless opportunities to place a bet and have some fun. Here, you can learn some key basics of betting hockey from the Ice Hockey Betting Guide created by the Parlay Pimps.
Understanding the Odds
Grasping how odds function is the initial step toward proficiency in ice hockey betting. American odds are commonly used, where, for instance, +100 signifies a 1:1 bet, meaning a $1 wager could return $1 plus your original bet if successful. Odds above +100 mean a win exceeding $100 on a $100 bet, whereas negative odds (-) indicate needing to bet over $100 to win $100. Ice hockey betting encompasses various types, including basic bets like the Moneyline, Goal Spread, and over/under totals, among others.
Selecting Your Bets
Moneyline
The most straightforward and favored betting approach in ice hockey is the Moneyline: betting on the game’s victor. Teams are assigned a Moneyline reflecting their winning likelihood, with favorites marked by a negative (-) and underdogs by a positive (+). For instance, if the Moneyline lists Montreal at +130 against Boston at -160, Boston is the favorite, requiring a $160 bet for a $100 return, whereas a $100 bet on Montreal could yield a $130 return if they win.
Goal Spread
The Goal Spread in ice hockey is akin to the point spread in other sports, establishing a goal differential to level the playing field between two teams. Typically set at 1.5 goals, the favorite needs to win by two or more goals to cover the Goal Spread. Betting on the underdog means they need to win outright or lose by one goal to cover. For example, with Montreal at +1.5 goals and -130 odds against Boston, a $130 bet returns $100 if Montreal wins or loses by one goal.
60 Minute Line
This bet is like the Moneyline but excludes overtime, offering three outcomes: home win, visitor win, or a tie. It’s ideal for those betting on ties, with more attractive odds but the added risk of overtime.
Over/Under
Totals betting involves predicting the combined score, deciding whether it will be over or under the sportsbook’s set number. NHL game totals usually range between 5.0 and 6.5 goals, influenced by factors like goaltender performance and team matchups.
Props
Proposition bets, or props, offer a variety of game and player scenarios unrelated to the final score, allowing bets on specific game elements or player achievements.
Parlays
Parlays let bettors combine multiple bets into one for a potentially larger payout, requiring all selected bets to win for a payout. They are increasingly popular in ice hockey for their higher risk and reward.
Grand Salami
The Grand Salami allows bets on the total goals across all games on a given day, offering a collective over/under total for bettors seeking action on the entire slate.
Futures
Future bets focus on long-term predictions, such as championship winners or award recipients, offering the chance to bet on outcomes well in advance.
Live/In-Game Betting
Betting during live games adds excitement, with odds updating in real-time based on the unfolding action.
Always Wager Responsibly
It’s crucial to bet within your means and set realistic limits. Parlay Pimps promotes responsible betting, offering tools for budgeting, limits, and self-exclusion, and encourages seeking help if needed.
Research
Staying informed on team news, player injuries, and trends can enhance betting strategies, especially in a packed NHL season.
Conclusion
With a solid understanding of odds and betting types, you’re prepared to dive into NHL betting. Always bet responsibly, keeping enjoyment as the primary goal. Refer back the Ice Hockey Betting Guide if you need some reminders.