Hockey Betting Sites

Best Hockey Betting Sites in 2024

How We Select Top Hockey Betting Sites

Finding the best bookies involves more than just the obvious. We evaluate all the key features that make a sportsbook stand out. From competitive hockey odds to advanced betting features, we aim to provide you with the best value for money when choosing hockey betting sites. You can learn about our rating criteria in the segment below:

Bonuses and Promotions

The best ice hockey betting sites offer a balanced mix of bonuses that attract new bettors and reward loyal ones. A generous welcome bonus is impressive as long as the terms are fair and the bonus is easy to claim. Regarding promotions for returning users, we like to see a variety that includes free bets, second-chance bets, reload bonuses, and referrals.

Betting Features

We select sportsbooks with key hockey betting features to maximize your potential payouts. Given the fast pace that hockey betting brings, punters need features that can keep up. Live streaming keeps them engaged for in-play wagers, while early cash-out lets you lock on winnings in real time. For experienced bettors who wish to make a real impact on their bankroll, bet builders and parlay are necessary, and we make sure all of these tools are available for you.

Payment Methods

Bettors need quick and reliable transactions, and that’s why we highlight sites that are comprehensive in this area. We look for a variety of user-friendly payment methods for US bettors so that everyone can find something convenient. Options like bank transfers, credit and debit cards, Venmo, PayPal, e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller, and ACH transfers all have their consumer base, so we look to ensure that all options are covered.

Security

There’s no cutting corners when it comes to security. We only recommend platforms that hold valid US licenses and implement advanced SSL encryption to protect your data. With mobile betting being the go-to for hockey bettors, these sites guarantee that your personal and financial information is secure.

Competitive Odds

Betting odds are what set the top online hockey betting sites from the competitions. To provide you with the best odds possible, we regularly compare individual offers to make sure all the platforms on our list have solid odds, which translates into higher payouts for you.

What to Look for in a Hockey Betting Site

When bettors search for a hockey betting site, they want one that offers excitement and reliable betting opportunities over the long haul. If you’re in the market for a site that meets these expectations, here are the areas to focus on first:

Coverage

Hockey fans should look beyond the NHL and find a platform that features other competitive leagues like the SHL and KHL for comprehensive hockey coverage. There are also international tournaments like IIHF World Championships and the World Cup of Hockey that offer peak hockey betting action during the off-season.

Live Betting

Sports betting was completely changed with the introduction of live betting in the early 2000s. Bettors can follow the action as it unfolds and place wagers, profiting from the change in the game’s momentum. A team could be a goal behind, but you could predict that they are on their way to making a comeback. Live hockey betting is about an interactive experience, and sportsbooks need to provide this feature if they are to be competitive.

Mobile Hockey Betting Apps

With mobile betting, hockey fans can place bets on NHL games and other international leagues. Given the fast-paced action synonymous with the sport, a hockey betting app needs to be top-notch to provide bettors with the right opportunities.

Top brands like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM have developed apps for iOS and Android. You can download them directly from their websites, or you can go to the Play and App Store and check the customer reviews first.

You should also look for state-specific apps, as they might have additional promotions only available in your state. Check out our list to find the best hockey betting app for your state.

Simple Guide to Placing Hockey Bets

If you’re just starting with hockey betting or looking to refine your approach, the process is simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have no problem placing your next bet with confidence:

Choose a hockey betting site	Select one of the best sportsbooks for hockey betting that made our list.
Create an account	The next step is creating an account. This usually means providing some basic information, such as your name, email, phone number, and security number.
Evaluate the available bonus offers	Find out if the bonus offer is worth it. Check out the bonus terms before you opt-in, and make sure that you’ll be able to reap the benefits from your investment.
Make a deposit	Pick one of the deposit methods available at the cashier. Our featured hockey betting sites provide information on the minimum and maximum deposit for each available option so you can choose the one that best matches your playing style.
Decide the leagues and games to bet on	There are plenty of leagues to choose from, and you should pick the one you’re most knowledgeable about. Betting on teams you have first-hand experience with is a recipe for success.
Choose your type of bet	Depending on whether you’re a new bettor or an experienced one, you might feel drawn to different types of bets. Moneyline, puck line, over/under, and future bets all hockey betting lines have their value, and it’s important to know how the specific type of bet works before you place your wagers.
Place your bet	Once you’ve selected the game and the type of bet, think about the amount you wish to wager and place and confirm your selection.
Collect your winnings	If you’ve been successful, there is just one thing left to do–cash out your winnings. Or perhaps you wish to continue your winning streak and quickly place another one?

Most Popular Types of Hockey Bets

Like any other major sport, hockey offers plenty of ways to engage with the action and place your bets. We cover all the popular types of hockey bets, from common options like moneyline and totals to more hockey-specific bets like the Grand Salami and 60-minute line, which are essentials for US hockey fans looking for variety on their betting site. Here is a detailed overview:

Moneyline

If you have your clear favorite in the match, moneyline is the simplest bet you can make.  For example, let’s say the New York are playing the Los Angeles Kings, and you believe the Rangers will win. You place a moneyline on the Rangers. Whether your team wins during the regular play, overtime, or after a shootout, you’ve got a winning bet. This makes a moneyline bet a favorite among hockey fans. 

Puck Line

In hockey betting, the puck line is much like a point spread in other major sports. What’s specific for hockey are the low-scoring matches, which is why hockey spread betting requires a different betting strategy than basketball or football. The puck lines offered most often are with a 1.5 goal difference: -1.5 for the favorites and +1.5 goals for the underdog. That means that if the favorite is to win, they need to outscore the opposition with two or more goals and can’t lose with more than a goal in difference.

Overs/Unders

The totals bet, or over/unders, as it’s also called, requires the bettor to predict the number of goals scored by both teams combined. For example, if the sportsbook sets the total at 5.5, to win an over, the teams need to reach a combined score of 6 goals or more. The underbet wins if the total number of goals is five or fewer.

Parlays

A parlay bet combines two or more selections into a single bet where all picks need to win for the bet to pay out. The way your winnings are calculated can be complicated, but the sportsbook does all that for you. The American odds are changed into decimal odds which are then multiplied to determine the payout. Your thinking cap is reserved for picking the right bets–leave the math to the sportsbook!

Bet Builders

This type of bet is also called the same-game parlay because it lets you combine multiple bets from a single game and build a bet. You can place a moneyline bet that the Rangers are going to win, an over/under bet, and a prop bet that a specific player is going to score in the match. Like with the parlay bet, all bets must win for the bet builder to be successful.

60-Minute Line

This bet is very similar to the moneyline; only you will be betting on the outcome after regular play, not including overtime and shootouts. After full-time, there can be three outcomes: Team A wins, Team B wins, or the match ends in a draw. The 60-minute line bet differs from the moneyline, where your team can either win or lose. This also means that the odds are going to be different.

Grand Salami

A bet that’s specific for hockey and just a few other sports like baseball, Grand Salami is, in essence, a totals bet, which you make on the total number of goals scored during games scheduled for a particular game day. For example, if there are five games scheduled for the day and the sportsbook offers a Grand Salami line at 34.5 goals:

• Betting over 34.5 means that your bet wins if the total number of goals on those five games combined is 35 or more
• Betting under 34.5 means that your bet wins if the total number of goals is 34 or less.

The benefit of the Grand Salami line is that the best hockey betting sites will give you a better deal than playing the five matches separately.

Props

In hockey, prop bets cover a range of possibilities, from player props to team props and betting on specific events during the game. If you’re betting on a hockey game, prop bets are a way to get involved without wagering on who will win the game.

Here are some of the more popular prop bets that you’ll find at these top ice hockey betting sites:

Players props: Popular player prop bets are which player will score the first goal of the game, how many assists they will make, or an over/under bet for a number of saves a goalie is going to make during the match.

Team props: Prop bets such as what will be the total team goals, or will the team will score during the power play.

Game props: These are more specific bets, such as whether the game will go to overtime, the combined total of penalty minutes during the game, or the exact match score.

Derivatives

For bettors who feel more comfortable predicting outcomes of shorter periods of gameplay, derivate bets allow them just that. You can bet on who will score more goals in the first period of the game or the number of goals in a specific period.

These also include which team is the first to score and some time-specific events, for example, will there be a goal scored during power play.

Futures

Instead of betting on a single match, you can bet on events and outcomes that will be decided throughout the NHL season or a tournament. The most common futures for hockey betting are predicting championship-winning teams or award winners.

One of the most popular NHL futures is betting on the team you think will win the Stanley Cup. There are also numerous player awards available for the futures: the Hart Trophy for the MVP of the league, the Vezina Trophy for the best goalie, or the Calder Trophy that goes to the rookie of the year.

Major Hockey Betting Events to Bet On

The hockey season offers betting opportunities all year long. Beyond the NHL, several international leagues like the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) and SHL (Swedish Hockey League) also feature major players. Bettors can see all these talents gathered in one tournament during several international competitions. If you’re ready to broaden your scope, here are some of the best hockey events to bet on:

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Stanley Cup is the ultimate prize in hockey, bringing more fan attention and NHL betting action than any other major event. The competition of 16 teams provides some unique NHL betting markets, including their unique betting markets, like the futures of the Conn Smythe Trophy MVP and the Stanley Cup winner. With teams like the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, and Toronto Maple Leafs dominating the playoffs, a highly competitive atmosphere makes the player’s prop bets even more enticing.

IIHF World Championships

The IIHF World Championships offer great international hockey action, but they often coincide with the NHL playoffs, meaning many bettors continue to focus on NHL betting. Since top NHL players are often unavailable for the IIHF due to playoff commitments, the teams competing in this tournament may not be as strong as those in the Winter Olympics. However, IIHF remains a solid option for those looking to bet on international hockey.

Winter Olympic Games

The Winter Olympics bring together the best hockey teams in the world every four years. Unlike the IIHF, the Olympics showcase the top talent from every country. With all attention focused on the games, bettors can enjoy high-quality Olympic hockey betting without the distractions of concurrent competitions.

World Cup of Hockey

Held every four years, the World Cup of Hockey is a tournament that appeals mostly to players who bet on the NHL because it showcases NHL talent, with players from other major leagues, like the KHL, rarely present in the roster.

The competition regularly features the Big Six: Canada, the United States, Russia, Sweden, Finland, and the Czech Republic. After the cancelation of the 2020 tournament, the following is being scheduled for the year 2028. Bettors can look forward to a wide range of opportunities, including team futures, player props, and moneyline bets to bring extra off-season action for hockey fans. 

Advanced Hockey Betting Tips

To get the most out of the betting opportunities, you need to cover more than just the basics. Here’s a list of tips we compiled for serious bettors to consider.

• Special teams’ performance

Power play is the most intense part of the game, and when the pressure is on, like during the playoffs, power play performance can make a difference. A team could have a strong power play unit to maximize its scoring or a determined penalty killing unit that can withstand attacks when the team is a player short.

• Injuries and suspensions

Keep an eye on the injury reports to know which team is hitting the ice. If valuable team players are injured or suspended, this could tip the balance in the opposition’s favor. Watch out if forwards, centers, or top goalies are missing the next match, as their absence considerably weakens the team.

• Schedule fatigue

Be aware of the grueling season schedule, especially if you like to bet on NHL games, where teams on long road trips and playing back-to-back games can have a short-term decline in form.

• Home-ice advantage

Hockey has some of the most dedicated fans in sports. With manic cheering in the stands, the home team has an advantage over the opposition. Another advantage the home coach has is the “matching lines” rule, where the visitors need to make their substitutes first, giving the home team a tactical advantage. Watch out for teams that might thrive on the home rink and struggle on the road.

• Goaltending stats and trends over time

Goalie stats are a thing of its own. Stats like save percentage and goals against average (GAA) will likely give you a fair idea of the goalie’s current form.

Bonuses and Promotions on Hockey Betting Sites

When it comes to hockey betting bonuses, there is a wide variety of promotions for both new and returning bettors. Take a look at the most common options:

• Welcome bonuses: The most enticing bonus typically kicks off the offer. For new punters searching through online hockey betting sites, these bonuses present a major attraction, providing excellent value for money. 
• Free bets: These promotional offers allow new and regular bettors to try big odds without risking their own money. They can either be part of the welcome offer or a separate promotion. The users get a certain amount that they can bet, and in case they win, they get to keep the profits. 
• Second-chance bets: If your initial bet loses, the sportsbook will refund your stake, which is why they’re also called risk-free bets. Some of the best hockey betting sites offer second-chance bets as their biggest promotion. 
• No deposit bonus: Similar to free bets, these bonuses offer you funds to wager with. However, unlike other promotions, no-deposit bonuses are less common and allow you to place multiple bets with the provided funds.
• Boosted odds: For selected games and events, the sportsbook might offer better odds for a limited time. Take advantage of these opportunities by setting alerts on your betting app.

Check out our table with the best hockey betting bonuses on the market at the moment:

Hockey Betting Site	Bonus	Promo Code
BetMGM Sportsbook	$1,500 in bonus bets	SBRBONUS
FanDuel Sportsbook	$300 in bonus bets	Not required
BetRivers Sportsbook	$500 second-chance bet	SBRBONUS
Caesars Sportsbook	$1,000 in bonus bets	LSR1000
Bet365 Sportsbook	$200 in bonus bets or $1,000 safety net	LSROH

Hockey Betting Regulation in the US

Sports betting in the US has been on a steady rise since 2018 when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was overturned, and the states were granted the right to determine whether to legalize online gambling and in what capacity.

Here is the timeline for sports betting legalization:

• 1992: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was enacted, banning sports betting in most states, with few exceptions, such as Nevada. 
• May 2018: The Supreme Court overturned PASPA, making sports betting legal and giving individual states the power to regulate it. 
• Since 2018: Over 30 states have passed legislation making sports betting legal, including hockey betting, and creating a competitive environment in both online platforms and in physical sportsbooks.

As new hockey betting sites emerge in the US market, the growing competition benefits punters by offering better bonuses and more competitive odds and features. Several states are in the process of legalizing sports betting, which will soon provide punters from the US with more options.

Puck in Play for Your Next Bet

The rapid growth of hockey betting in the US has given punters acces to a number of legal and regulated platforms to choose from. There’s no shortage of competitions and betting markets, from the NHL to international leagues like the KHL and major events such as the Winter Olympics.

Mobile betting apps make it even easier to bet on hockey, providing punters with the on-the-go betting experience and a range of features, like live streaming and early cash-out, that allow you to make the best of those betting opportunities.

With the expansion of the market, the future looks bright for hockey betting, providing bettors with even more options, competitions, and generous welcome offers. Now is the perfect time to check out the action!

Hockey Betting FAQs

What are the most common types of hockey bets?

The most popular types of hockey bets include moneyline and puck line, where you bet on the winner and a point spread, respectively, and over/under, where you bet on the total number of goals scored in a game. Other betting options include prop bets, futures, and same-game parlays.

Can I bet on hockey games from my phone?

Yes! Many sportsbooks offer dedicated hockey betting apps for Android and iOS devices, allowing you to bet on NHL and international games from anywhere. Top apps include BetMGM, FanDuel, and BetRivers, offering features like live betting, early cash-out, and exclusive promotions.

Is hockey betting legal in the US?

Yes, hockey betting is legal in over 30 states, thanks to the repeal of PASPA in 2018. Each state has its own regulations, so it’s important to check if online sports betting is legal in your state.

What is a Grand Salami bet in hockey?

A Grand Salami bet is a unique wager in hockey where you place a bet on the total number of goals scored across all games on a given day. For example, if five games are scheduled, you might bet on whether the combined goal total will be over or under a set number, like 35.5 goals.

How does home-ice advantage affect hockey betting?

Home-ice advantage can significantly impact the outcome of games. Teams tend to perform better at home due to fan support, familiar conditions, and the “last change” rule, which allows the home coach to match lines strategically. It’s worth considering when placing your bets.

How do bonuses work on hockey betting sites?

Hockey betting bonuses often include welcome offers like free bets, deposit bonuses, and cashback deals. To claim these, you usually need to create an account, make a qualifying deposit, and place your bets. Always check the terms and conditions, such as wagering requirements and expiration dates.

What is the difference between the moneyline and the 60-minute line in hockey?

A moneyline bet includes overtime and shootouts, meaning your team just needs to win. A 60-minute line bet, however, only covers regulation time (the standard 60 minutes). This means you’re betting on whether a team will win, lose, or if the game will end in a draw at the end of regulation.

What is a puck line bet in hockey?

A puck line bet is hockey’s version of a point spread. It typically offers a -1.5 goal spread for the favorite and a +1.5 goal spread for the underdog. For example, if you bet on a team at -1.5, they must win by two or more goals for the bet to succeed.

What is live hockey betting?

Live hockey betting allows you to place wagers on a game as it happens in real-time. This is popular because hockey is fast-paced, and in-game shifts can create new betting opportunities. It’s perfect for bettors who want to take advantage of a changing game dynamic.