All About Ice Hockey Odds

Ice hockey may not be a popular sport like football or basketball worldwide but is extremely popular in the northern parts of the world, especially in Canada, USA and Northern Europe. That is why betting on the North American hockey league HNL, which is considered the best one in the world, is also very popular.

The NHL is the strongest and most famous league in the world. It consists of 30 teams from America and Canada which play 82 regular season games each. At the end of the season, the top eight from each Conference compete in the playoffs for the most prestigious award - the Stanley Cup.

Ice hockey is not only one of the most thrilling sports to watch, but it also offers several betting opportunities that can be both fun and profitable. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a newbie looking to dive into the world of ice hockey betting, here's a step-by-step guide to get you started.

All About Ice Hockey Odds
Jean-Paul Uwizeye
Written byJean-Paul UwizeyeWriter
Researched byMatteo BianchiResearcher
Key Factors Influencing Ice Hockey Odds

Key Factors Influencing Ice Hockey Odds

When it comes to ice hockey betting, it's not all about luck. There are key factors that influence the odds. Understanding these elements can help you make smarter bets, potentially leading to better returns. So, let's dig into these important factors.

  • Team Performance History: A team's past performance can tell you a lot about its future prospects. If a team has been on a winning streak, the odds may lean in their favor. But remember, past performance is not a guarantee for future wins. Always stay updated with the current season's stats.
  • Player Injuries and Roster Changes: Player injuries can significantly impact a team's chance of winning. For example, if a star player is injured, the odds may tilt against that team. Always check the roster changes before placing your bet. Any last-minute changes can heavily influence the game.
  • Home/Away Game Dynamics: Home advantage is a real thing in ice hockey. Teams generally perform better when they play on their home ice due to familiar surroundings and crowd support. So, keep an eye out for where the game is being played.
  • Recent Head-to-Head Matchups: Recent matchups between teams can also give you valuable insights. If Team A has won the last three games against Team B, they might be the safer bet. However, upsets are common, so use this information wisely.
Key Factors Influencing Ice Hockey Odds
Different Types of Ice Hockey Betting Odds

Different Types of Ice Hockey Betting Odds

Now that we understand what can influence the odds, let's explore the different types of bets you can place in ice hockey.

  • Moneyline Odds: Moneyline is the simplest type of bet where you pick the team that you think will win. For example, if the odds for Team A are +150 and Team B is -150, you'll win more money if you bet on the underdog, Team A, and they win.
  • Puck Line Betting: Puck line betting is unique to ice hockey and similar to point spreads in other sports. Here, a team must win by a certain number of goals, or lose by fewer than a certain number of goals. This makes the bet more interesting, especially when one team is heavily favored.
  • Over/Under or Totals Betting: In Over/Under betting, you're wagering on the total number of goals scored by both teams. If the Over/Under is set at 5.5, you're betting that the total goals will either be over or under that number. Consider factors like the defensive and offensive stats of the teams before making this bet.
  • Futures and Prop Bets: Futures are bets on events that will happen in the future, like who will win the championship. Prop bets are more specific, like which player will score the first goal. These bets are fun but are generally harder to predict.

By understanding these key factors and different types of bets, you'll be more equipped to dive into the exciting world of ice hockey betting. Remember, always gamble responsibly and consider visiting a top-listed casino on BettingRanker for the best betting experience.

Different Types of Ice Hockey Betting Odds
How to Bet on Ice Hockey

How to Bet on Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is not only one of the most thrilling sports to watch, but it also offers several betting opportunities that can be both fun and profitable. Here are steps to get you started:

  1. Research the Teams: Before placing any bets, always research the teams' recent performances, player stats, and any other relevant data.
  2. Check the Odds: Different bookmakers will offer varying odds for the same match. Find the best odds for the game you’re interested in.
  3. Place Your Bet: Decide on the amount you wish to wager and place your bet on the team you think will win.
  4. Watch and Wait: Enjoy the game, and if your team wins, so do you!
How to Bet on Ice Hockey
How to Read Ice Hockey Betting Odds

How to Read Ice Hockey Betting Odds

Understanding how to read betting odds is crucial for anyone looking to bet on ice hockey. It not only indicates the payout for a winning bet but also shows the implied probability of a particular outcome. Betting odds represent the bookmaker's assessment of the probability of a specific event occurring. They also determine the amount of money you could win based on your stake.

There are three primary odds formats:

  • Decimal Odds: Most common in Europe, Australia, and Canada. It represents the total payout (stake + profit). For example, odds of 2.50 mean you'll receive $2.50 for every $1 you bet, including your original stake.
  • Fractional Odds: Common in the UK and Ireland. Represented as fractions, like 6/4. This means for every $4 you bet, you'll profit $6.
  • Moneyline (or American) Odds: Widely used in the USA. They're displayed as positive or negative numbers. A positive number (e.g., +150) shows how much profit you'd make on a $100 bet. A negative number (e.g., -200) indicates how much you'd need to bet to make a $100 profit.

Calculating Potential Payout:

  • Decimal Odds: Stake x Odds = Payout. For example, a $10 bet at 2.50 odds would return $25 ($15 profit + $10 stake).
  • Fractional Odds: (Stake x Numerator) / Denominator = Profit. With 6/4 odds, a $4 bet would return a $6 profit.
  • Moneyline Odds: For positive odds: (Stake x Odds) / 100 = Profit. For negative odds: (100 x Stake) / |Odds| = Profit.

Implied Probability:

You can also understand the odds as the bookmaker's estimation of an event occurring:

  • Decimal Odds: (1/Odds) x 100 = Implied Probability. So, 2.50 odds have an implied probability of 40%.
  • Fractional Odds: Denominator / (Numerator + Denominator) x 100. For 6/4 odds, the implied probability is 40%.
  • Moneyline Odds: For positive odds: 100 / (Odds + 100) = Implied Probability. For negative odds: |Odds| / (|Odds| + 100).

Overround

It's essential to understand that bookmakers add a margin (known as the overround or vig) to the odds to ensure they turn a profit. This is why the total implied probability across all possible outcomes in an event will exceed 100%.

How to Read Ice Hockey Betting Odds
How to Find the Best Ice Hockey Betting Odds

How to Find the Best Ice Hockey Betting Odds

  1. Use Odds Comparison Sites: These platforms aggregate odds from various bookmakers, allowing you to quickly spot the most favorable odds for a particular match or event.
  2. Specialize in Specific Leagues: Odds can differ considerably between leagues. By specializing in specific leagues, you'll develop a better understanding of teams, players, and other influencing factors, making it easier to spot value odds.
  3. Follow Ice Hockey News: Stay updated with the latest ice hockey news. Injuries, team form, and other dynamics can affect odds. Being ahead of the curve can help you seize better odds before they shorten.
  4. Use Betting Exchanges: Platforms like Betfair allow punters to propose their odds and bet against each other. This peer-to-peer system can sometimes offer better odds than traditional bookmakers.
  5. Look for Bookmaker Promotions: Some bookmakers offer enhanced odds on particular games or events. These promotions can offer better value, but always read the terms and conditions.
How to Find the Best Ice Hockey Betting Odds
The Best Online Betting Sites for Ice Hockey Odds

The Best Online Betting Sites for Ice Hockey Odds

Selecting the best betting site is crucial for a good betting experience. Here's what to consider:

  • Reputation: Always choose reputable and well-reviewed betting sites. Check out BettingRanker's top list of recommended bookmakers today and dive into the thrilling world of ice hockey betting!
  • Odds Offered: The better the odds, the higher your potential returns.
  • Live Betting Options: In-play or live betting can enhance the excitement.
  • User Experience: A good site is easy to navigate and has reliable customer service.
  • Bonuses and Promotions: Many sites offer initial deposit bonuses or free bets to new users.
The Best Online Betting Sites for Ice Hockey Odds
Tips and tricks for ice hockey betting odds

Tips and tricks for ice hockey betting odds

Whether you are a beginner or have betting experience, hockey is an overlooked sport in many areas. But the specifics of this sport and betting on it should not be missed. All you need is a little inquisitiveness, reading and familiarity with the terms.

Many researches have shown that the favorites are more important in hockey than in other sports. Only 41.2% of underdogs won as opposed to baseball for example where they won 42.5%. It sounds like a minor difference, but that 1.3% difference makes a big difference in winning tickets.

It's also interesting how hockey doesn't place as much importance on whether teams play on "home ice" as it does in other sports. It has to do with the stadiums, because hockey players are quite isolated from the crowd unlike other sports and have fewer distractions. For the NHL, the home-win ratio is 54.9% and the away-win ratio is 45.1%.

The importance of the goalkeeper

Goalkeepers in ice hockey often get a day off, especially if their team has had a string of successful games. While it probably doesn't matter as much as the starting pitcher in baseball or the starting quarterback in American football, the difference between a team's starting goaltender and the backup can be significant.

So, it is important to pay attention to which goalkeeper will start the match before you put money in your bet.

Tips and tricks for ice hockey betting odds
About the author
Jean-Paul Uwizeye
Jean-Paul Uwizeye
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Born and raised in Rwanda, Jean-Paul Uwizeye seamlessly connects the world of online casinos to Rwandan enthusiasts. With a unique blend of Western gaming insights and deep Rwandan cultural roots, he's a go-to localizer for engaging and relatable content.

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FAQ

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What are the most popular types of bets in ice hockey?

The most popular bets in ice hockey include moneyline bets, puck line bets, over/under bets, and prop bets.

How does the moneyline bet work in ice hockey?

Moneyline betting involves picking the winner of a game. Positive and negative odds indicate the underdog and favorite, respectively. For instance, if the odds are -150, you'd need to bet $150 to win $100 on the favorite.

What is the puck line bet, and how does it differ from the point spread in other sports?

The puck line in ice hockey is similar to a point spread. It gives a team a handicap of -1.5 goals or +1.5 goals. Betting on the favorite at -1.5 means they must win by at least 2 goals, while betting on the underdog at +1.5 means they can lose by 1 goal and still cover the bet.

How do over/under bets work in ice hockey?

Over/under bets, also known as totals, involve predicting whether the total combined score of both teams will be over or under a specific value set by oddsmakers.

What are prop bets in ice hockey betting?

Prop bets are proposition bets that focus on specific events within a game, such as which player will score the first goal, how many saves a goalie will make, or whether a certain player will get penalized.

Are there any strategies for successful ice hockey betting?

Research team performance, recent form, injuries, and head-to-head matchups. Consider home/away records and pay attention to trends like goal scoring patterns and power play effectiveness.

How important is home-ice advantage in ice hockey betting?

Home-ice advantage can influence betting outcomes. Teams often perform better at home due to familiarity with the rink, crowd support, and last line change, which can affect matchup dynamics.

Can weather conditions impact ice hockey bets?

Weather conditions rarely affect indoor ice hockey games. However, outdoor games might be affected by weather, which could impact gameplay and potentially influence bets.

What is "live betting" in ice hockey, and how does it work?

Live betting, or in-play betting, allows you to place bets during the game. Odds adjust in real-time based on the game's progress, offering opportunities to capitalize on changing situations.

How should beginners manage their bankroll when betting on ice hockey?

Beginners should set a budget for betting and avoid risking more than they can afford to lose. Consider using a unit system, where a unit represents a certain percentage of your bankroll, to manage bets consistently. Start with smaller bets while you learn the ropes.