The National Hockey League not only provides an exhilarating experience every nhl regular season game, with the fast-paced gameplay and the aggression on the ice, but there’s also never a dull moment. As if that’s not exciting enough, betting on the NHL provides even more excitement. As one of the leading North American professional sports, there are always plenty of NHL betting odds available for every game – and even more odds selection during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
With divisional and conference championships and the Stanley Cup Finals, we have plenty of opportunities when betting on NHL markets, even more so in the post-season. We’ve swept the odds from all the top-tier providers to ensure you make the NHL best bets possible today.
Let’s consider betting on NHL odds and how we can profit during the 2023/24 nhl regular season. The Stanley Cup winners odds were last updated on November 13, 2023:
| NHL Stanley Cup 2024 |  |
|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | +800 |
| Vegas Golden Knights | +900 |
| Boston Bruins | +900 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | +1100 |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | +1200 |
| New Jersey Devils | +1400 |
| Dallas Stars | +1100 |
| New York Rangers | +900 |
| Edmonton Oilers | +1600 |
| Los Angeles Kings | +1200 |
| Florida Panthers | +1800 |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | +2000 |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +3300 |
| Vancouver Canucks | +3000 |
| Minnesota Wild | +6000 |
| Winnipeg Jets | +2500 |
| Seattle Kraken | +10000 |
Latest NHL Betting News
The NHL is made up of 32 teams, with 25 in the United States, and seven in Canada. The NHL started in 1917, with only four original teams – all based in Canada. The United States expansion began in 1924 with the Boston Bruins. The league expanded gradually as the decades passed, and by the millennium there were 30 teams, not seeing another til 2017, followed by the 32nd team added at the start of the 2021/22 NHL regular season.
The 32 teams are divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each conference is divided into two divisions, the East hosts the Atlantic and Metropolitan divisions, and the West hosts the Pacific and Central divisions.
Best NHL Bets, November 2023
- Boston Bruins are contenders with +1200 odds to win the Stanley Cup at XBet.
- Colorado Avalanche have +800 odds to take home the championship at BetUS.
- New York Rangers are longshots with +1200 odds to win it all at BetOnline.
- Florida Panthers have +2200 odds to lift the Cup at Bovada.
- New Jersey Devils are favored with +550 odds to win the Eastern Conference at XBet.
- Carolina Hurricanes have +450 odds to win the East at BetUS.
- Tampa Bay Lightning are +1000 underdogs to win the Eastern Conference at BetOnline.
- Florida Panthers have +1000 odds to win the East at Bovada.
- Edmonton Oilers are +450 to win the Western Conference at XBet.
- Vegas Golden Knights have +550 odds to win the West at BetUS.
- Edmonton Oilers are +450 to win the Western Conference at XBet.
- Vegas Golden Knights have +550 odds to win the West at BetUS.
Best online NHL betting sites for NHL betting
Users can make NHL picks online at these sportsbooks; below, you’ll find a list of some of the best online bookies in the United States. These sites offer great odds and bonuses, so check our reviews before placing your wagers.
GTBets
GTBets is one of the oldest bookmakers, meaning they’ve got plenty of experience under their belts. They also have an easy-to-use website that allows you to place bets quickly and easily. They offer various NHL betting lines, including moneylines, parlays, futures, and play props, among many others. You can bet on any event, match, or game. Its customer service department, which is extremely helpful and friendly, sets them apart from others. When you make your first deposit, you receive 100% bonus cashback.
Sign Me Up To GTBetsBovada
Bovada is one of the leading online bookmakers worldwide, providing an extensive range of sports betting products, including live betting, fixed odds betting, parlays, & much more for ice hockey fans. With the help of our experts, we can provide accurate previews and reviews of upcoming games in the NHL. The Bovada team of professionals also includes industry experts who can help to advise you, if anything were to go awry on your account in a timely fashion. Bet with confidence and peace of mind at Bovada.
Sign Me Up To BovadaBetUS
BetUS has been around since 1994, offering quality sports betting lines and odds for nearly 20 years. While they do not offer the very best online NHL betting, our research shows that their customer support is excellent, so if you have any questions about your account or bets, feel free to contact them directly. They also offer a wide variety of deposit methods, including Bitcoin, Paypal, and Visa/Mastercard. Our experience was positive overall, and we’d strongly recommend them for bettors looking for a comprehensive betting platform.
Sign Me Up To BetUSMyBookie
As the leading NHL sportsbooks for ice hockey fans throughout North America, MyBookie offers a wide range of betting products and services. Whether placing a single wager or planning your entire NHL season, MyBookie has everything you need to make informed decisions about how to bet. From live odds to live scores, their team of experts works hard to provide accurate information so you can enjoy the game and win big. Bet smarter in the MyBookie NHL sports book!
Sign Me Up To MyBookieBetOnline
Betonline is one of the more popular bookmakers in North America. They offer an array of odds, lines, bets, and betting features for NHL matches. They also cover hockey nicely and provide many options for placing an NHL bet online. Their focus is primarily on the United States, so when it comes to NHL, only a few bookmakers are offering a complete betting experience. If you are willing to work to get familiar with the site, you will find plenty of good value.
Sign Me Up To BetOnlineBecause we get so many questions regarding bookies such as FanDuel and DraftKings, we wanted to be clear about why they did not make it into our recommendations. In fact, we would recommend staying away from them, along with others in the same category like BetMGM, Unibet, Fox Bet, Pointsbet, Caesars, and BetRivers. They are overpriced and clunky alternatives to the sleek NHL betting sites we recommend. Signing up with these lower quality sportsbooks will make it really hard to make a profit during the Stanley Cup or any other hockey betting event.
How to bet on NHL games
The first step in learning how to bet on NHL games is to understand NHL betting odds.
NHL Betting Odds
NHL odds are those numbers you see next to a team name, whether positive or negative. This denotes how likely a team is to win the game. With the positive numbers indicating that the team is less likely to win than their opponent, and the negative number represents the favored team and would be more likely to win.
If you have the Toronto Maple Leafs at +300 and the Boston Bruins at -200, that means the Bruins are favored to win that game, and the Maple Leafs are the underdog. A bet on the Bruins wouldn’t pay out as much because the oddsmakers are predicting that they would be the ones to win, but a bet on the Maple Leafs would pay out much more if they did pull off the win.
NHL odds represent how much you would need to bet to win a certain amount of money. In the case above, you would need to bet $200 on the Bruins to win $100. You can bet any denomination, but that doesn’t sound like a bet that’s really worth your time unless you were 100% sure the Bruins would win the game. If you bet on the Maple Leafs, you would need to bet $100 to win $300 plus your initial stake.
Popular NHL Betting Options
Now that we’ve covered what NHL odds look like, let’s look at popular hockey betting types that you will be able to choose from when placing a bet on NHL games.
Betting on the NHL Moneyline
The easiest betting type you can lay down on any given NHL game is the moneyline. It’s simple and easy to understand and great for new bettors. Your job is to determine which team will win the game. We’ve outlined basic moneyline bets above, let’s dig in a little further.
If the Bruins and Maple Leafs are playing and you believe the Bruins will win, you select the Bruins and you’re good to go. Ensure you review the odds and the pregame matchups to ensure you do plenty of research before making your bets.
Let’s look at an example:
- Boston Bruins -120
- Toronto Maple Leafs +450
We changed the numbers around to give you a different perspective. The Bruins are still the favored team, with -120 odds. A $120 wager, with the Bruins winning, would pay out $100 plus your initial wager. The Maple Leafs are still the underdog, and if they upset the Bruins and win, a $100 wager would yield $450 plus your initial $100.
Moneylines are also nice because they have been the subject of so much research. For example, Samuel Buttrey published a model that uses a Markov-type computation to predict the victor in each match. His model proved succesful as his results were “both positive and statistically significant.” If you do enough research, you can really start to see some great ways to improve your odds and your bottom line.
Betting on NHL Point Spreads
Point spreads in the NHL are commonly referred to as the ‘puck line’. It is the exact same as any other point spread, it just goes by a different name. Spreads are popular throughout all professional sports, but NHL puck lines can have really great odds and almost foolproof spreads.
Point spreads essentially give the underdog team an imaginary head start, meant to level the playing field in games that are one-sided. Your online hockey betting sites have expert oddsmakers that will decide who the favored team is, and determine the spread based on how those two teams match up for the game.
The NHL puck line is essentially how many points a team must win or lose by, depending on which side you’re nhl betting online on. If you choose the favored team, their spread will be a negative number, and they must win the game by that amount of goals. If you choose the underdog, they must lose by less than that number of goals or win the game.
For example, if you have the St. Louis Blues at -3.5 and the Dallas Stars at +3.5 on a nhl sportsbooks, the Blues are favored to win the game. The Blues are expected to win by quite a few goals, and for your nhl betting sites to win, they must beat the Stars by more than 4 goals. The Stars, on the other hand, need to win the game or lose by less than 3 goals.
The puck line changes as the game time get closer, and you could get better value the closer you are to game time, as sportsbooks balance the lines based on the bets that come in early. They try to have equal value on either side of the bet so the Stars could be even bigger underdogs on game day.
Betting on NHL Totals
When looking at the odds board, and you can’t decide which team to bet on, betting on the over/under or the totals can be a great opportunity to still get value out of a game. Totals betting is quite simple, and you don’t have to choose one team over another – you simply have to decide if the total amount of points scored by both teams collectively will be over or under the oddsmaker’s line.
If you have the Chicago Blackhawks versus the Nashville Predators, and the total is set at 7.5, you will need to decide if you think both teams will score more or less than five. If both teams easily get over four goals per game, that should be an easy bet to place, and you’d take the over.
Betting on NHL Props
Prop bets or proposition bets as they’re commonly referred to as are the more fun bets associated with any given game. Props are unusual circumstances or happenings that don’t have anything to do with the outcome of the game. You could bet on a certain player to score a goal or pin two players against each other to bet on who would have the most points.
Prop bets are just for fun, and shouldn’t be taken too seriously. The best online sportsbooks offer a huge selection of props per game, providing a much greater variety than your neighbourhood retail sportsbook.
Betting on NHL Futures
NHL Futures are extremely popular early in the season because they offer huge value with higher risk. Betting on NHL Futures means you are placing a bet on online hockey betting sites on which team will win an event outcome months in advance. As soon as the Stanley Cup is hoisted each year, NHL sportsbooks put out the following year’s futures.
The main NHL Futures that NHL betting sites tend to focus on are the Winners of the Stanley Cup and the conference winners. Predicting if a team will win the Stanley Cup months before it happens can get you some great value in the long run.
Let’s use the 2018-2019 nhl regular season for our example (because it’s an epic futures story). In June 2018, when the Stanley Cup Finals concluded, sportsbooks were quick to highlight the Tampa Bay Lightning as the favorites to win the 2019 Stanley Cup. The St. Louis Blues, on the other hand, had been sitting at 60-1 odds all nhl regular season – even in January, they were the worst-ranked team in the NHL.
A lucky bettor placed a $600 bet on the Blues at 60-1 in January 2019 on an NHL betting site, and won $36,000 in a huge upset – but a life-changing payday for certain Blues backers.
In some instances, you can find value in the average or middle of the pack teams sneaking up the standings and inching into the finals or even their conference finals while NHL betting online.
Top Online NHL Sportsbooks for Betting on the NHL
Now that you have a good idea of how to bet on the NHL, we can look at where to bet on your favorite NHL teams.
Though your state may have legalized sports betting already, many haven’t passed laws or updated legislation yet, so offshore sportsbooks are still the best option for betting on the NHL.
Finding an online sportsbook that offers the best NHL betting odds, NHL bonuses, and a variety of deposit options should be your main priority. All sportsbooks are different, so shopping around for the best NHL betting odds and the best features is of the utmost importance!
Top Online Sportsbooks for Betting on the NHL
NHL Betting Tips
For those that are interested in learning more about the NHL and earning some real cash betting on it. We have some valuable NHL betting advice for you. Rather than drone on about the million different things you can do, we’ve selected five of our best NHL betting tips to make it easier. Let’s go:
- Take advantage of live betting: Live betting is a great way to get involved in what’s happening in a game or match as it happens. As such, you can track individual aspects of the game and bet on them. If you feel you have a grasp on a particular aspect of a sport, you will be able to make accurate predictions and profit from them.
- Think before you bet: Don’t bet because something seems like the right thing to do. Stop, step back for a moment and assess how things are going. Is this a smart bet, and do I stand to make a profit?
- Hunt down the promotions: Every bookmaker competes in a highly saturated market as each one tussles to capture bettors' attention. Bookmakers often offer great promotions and bonuses, especially for major competitions and leagues like the NHL.
- Shop around: Look through the various sportsbooks available and locate the best possible value in the odds. By having accounts with various online bookmakers, you aren’t subject to the line posted by just one; you can choose which one suits your betting desires.
- Don’t be a hothead: What do we mean by this? Well, don’t just bet with emotions. Think about why you’re placing the wager and look for value in the market rather than betting because you feel the team or player has ‘something.’
Betting on NHL Games 2023 FAQs
-
Should I bet on my favorite hockey team?
Whether or not you should bet on your favorite hockey team is up to you. However, it’s important to remember that betting carries a high level of risk and requires a lot of research and strategic thinking. Before making any bets, make sure you understand the risks and strategies involved in sports betting so that you can make an informed decision. Additionally, analyzing statistics and trends can help you gain insight into which teams may be more likely to win in certain games. Ultimately, while betting on your favorite team can be exciting and fun, it’s important to ensure that you’re making wise decisions when it comes to gambling.
-
So, what's the best NHL bet tonight?
The best NHL bet tonight depends on a variety of factors, such as the teams involved, the betting line, and the recent performance of each team. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to take your time researching and considering all relevant information before placing a bet. Additionally, some sportsbooks offer free picks or actionable advice that can be helpful in finding the best NHL bet for any given night.
-
What's some NHL betting advice for beginners?
If you’re just starting out with NHL betting, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Understand the different types of bets. The most common types of NHL bets are moneyline bets, point spread bets, and over/under bets. Make sure you understand the differences between these types of bets and how to place them.
- Research the teams and players. The more you know about the teams and players, the better you’ll be able to make informed bets. Look at past performance, injuries, and other relevant factors when making your picks.
- Manage your bankroll carefully. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of NHL betting, but it’s important to make sure you’re not risking more than you can afford to lose. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it.
- Shop around for the best odds. Different sportsbooks may offer different odds for the same game. Take the time to shop around and find the best odds before placing your bets.
- Start small and be patient. NHL betting can be a profitable hobby, but it takes time and practice to get good at it. Start small and don’t expect to win big right away. With patience and persistence, you can improve your skills and increase your winnings over time.
-
Why do NHL lines change?
NHL lines change for a variety of reasons. One reason is due to injuries or player absences, which may require a team to rearrange their lines to compensate for missing players. Another reason is strategic adjustments to try and gain an advantage over the opposing team. Coaches may switch up lines to better match up against a certain opponent’s strengths or weaknesses. Additionally, changes may be made based on player performance or chemistry during a game or practice. Ultimately, the goal of changing lines is to improve a team’s chances of winning by finding the best combinations of players to work together effectively on the ice.
-
Is there live hockey betting?
Yes, there is live hockey betting available at many online sportsbooks. Live betting, also known as in-play betting, allows you to place wagers on a game as it is happening in real-time. This type of betting is popular with hockey fans who want to make more informed decisions based on the current game situation. With live hockey betting, you can place a variety of different bets, including which team will score the next goal or which player will score the next goal. However, it’s important to note that the odds and lines for live betting can change rapidly, so it’s important to stay up-to-date and make quick decisions when placing your wagers.
-
Who sets NHL betting lines?
NHL betting lines are typically set by experienced oddsmakers who work for sportsbooks or online gambling platforms. These oddsmakers use a variety of factors, including team performance, player statistics, and historical trends, to determine the most accurate point spread for each NHL game. They also take into account factors like injuries, home/away advantage, and media hype to ensure that their betting lines are as accurate as possible. Ultimately, the goal of the oddsmakers is to balance the bets on both sides of the betting line, so that the sportsbook can make a profit regardless of which team wins.
-
What is the best NHL betting strategy?
The best NHL betting strategy will depend on your goals and appetite for risk. Some of the most common bet types include money line, point spread, and over/under wagers. With each of these types of bets, it’s important to understand the trends and probabilities so that you can make informed decisions. Additionally, keeping an eye on injury reports and off-season trades is important in order to make sure you are making educated bets. Finally, setting realistic goals and betting limits can help to ensure that you stay on track with your long-term betting strategy.
-
Can someone make a living betting on NHL games?
It is possible to make a living betting on NHL games, but it is not an easy task. To be successful, you need to have a deep knowledge and understanding of the sport and the teams involved. You also need to have a solid strategy and be disciplined in your betting habits. It’s important to remember that betting on NHL games is still gambling, and you should never risk more than you can afford to lose. It’s also a good idea to keep records of your bets and analyze your results to see where you can make improvements in your strategy. Overall, making a living betting on NHL games requires a lot of dedication, hard work, and perseverance.
-
Is NHL betting easy?
NHL betting can be easy for some people, but it really depends on your knowledge of the sport and the betting market. For those who are familiar with the NHL and its teams, keeping up with injury reports, and understanding the betting odds, it may come naturally. However, for others who are just starting out, it may take some learning and practice to become comfortable with NHL betting. It’s important to remember that betting always carries some element of risk, so it’s important to always bet responsibly and never gamble more than you can afford.
-
Is betting on NHL ice hockey legal?
Betting on NHL ice hockey is legal in certain locations, but it depends on your location and the laws in your country or state. For example, in Canada, where ice hockey is extremely popular, online sports betting on NHL games is legal and widely available through various online sportsbooks. However, in some US states, sports betting is only legal in certain locations, such as casinos or racetracks. It’s important to research and understand the laws in your specific location before placing bets on NHL hockey games.
Meet the author
Online Sports Betting © 2023