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Hockey Betting In Canada

Hockey is more than just a sport in Canada – it is a national passion, whether it is watching, playing, or betting. In fact, a recent survey showed that 22% of Canadians say hockey is their favourite sport to watch, more than any other sport. Even though the rules for betting on single games and multiple games are changing, hockey betting will probably stay popular.

If you are a big NHL fan or just starting to bet on hockey, you might find it both fun and tricky to bet on NHL games. This guide will help you understand hockey betting better so you can make smarter bets and enjoy the game even more.

Hockey Betting Terms
Hockey Betting Odds
Hockey Betting Strategies
How To Predict NHL Games

Understanding the Basics of Hockey Betting

To fully understand the world of hockey betting beginners need first to know fundamental aspects which form the basis for this thrilling game. People who engage in hockey betting must predict NHL game results before wagering winnings based on their predictions. Moneyline betting involves picking the final winner while Puck Line allows you to bet on team winning margins during matches. Moreover the Over/Under bet lets you wager on the total scores achieved in a game. If you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of NHL betting, analyzing the gold standard of NHL wagering options can provide valuable insights into where to place your wagers effectively. This site highlights the best online sportsbooks for NHL betting, guides on how to bet on NHL games, and reviews the top NHL betting apps in Canada. Below is a quick reference table to help you get started:

Betting Type
Description
Moneyline
Bet on which team will win the game.
Puck Line
Wager on a team to win by a specific goal margin (usually 1.5 goals).
Over/Under
Predict whether the total goals scored will be over or under a set number.
Live Betting
Place bets in real-time as the game progresses.

When it comes to sports betting Canada, roaming through the best sports betting landscapes for this year can elevate your experience by offering a wide range of options tailored to your preferences. This source breaks down Canadian laws regarding sports betting while providing assessments of the best Canadian betting platforms and demonstrating betting registration procedures and initial wagering steps. The availability of dependable and numerous betting opportunities becomes essential when pursuing either hockey or other sports betting interests. When choosing where to bet certain features need evaluation.

  • User Experience. Easy navigation and intuitive design make betting seamless.
  • Odds Quality. Competitive odds ensure better potential returns.
  • Bet Variety. A wide range of betting options keeps things exciting.
  • Attractive bonuses and offers add extra value.
  • Live Betting. Real-time wagering keeps you engaged throughout the game.

Now that you have the fundamentals down, let’s move into the hockey betting specific terms you need to get started! Knowing these terms is key to making informed choices and boosting your enjoyment of NHL betting.

Hockey Betting Terms

Here is a list of some commonly used hockey betting terms:

Chalk player:

A bettor who favours heavy favourites. While this strategy may lead to more frequent wins, the payouts are typically lower.

Handicapper:

An expert who analyzes statistics, team form, and other factors to predict game outcomes. Professional handicappers often sell their picks to other bettors.

Bankroll:

Your total betting budget. Proper bankroll management is crucial for long-term success in NHL betting. A common strategy is to risk no more than 1-5% of your bankroll on a single bet.

Round Robin:

A series of parlay bets created from a set of teams. For example, a 3-team round robin would create three 2-team parlays. This strategy can be less risky than a single parlay but offers smaller potential payouts.

Permutation betting:

Similar to round robin, but includes all possible combination bets. This can quickly become expensive with larger selections.

Hedging:

A risk management strategy where you bet on the opposite outcome of your original wager. Often used in futures bets or when a parlay has partially hit.

Hockey Betting Odds

Unless you are a pro, here are some hockey betting odds you need to know:

Moneyline:

This is one of the simplest and most popular ways to bet on NHL hockey. When you place a Moneyline wager, you are betting on a team or player. If your chosen side wins, you receive your payout. Moneyline bets are simple and a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest odds.

Puck Line:

The Puck Line is the NHL’s version of point spread betting. In this type of wager, you bet on a team to win by a specific margin – typically 1.5 goals. This bet gives underdogs a slight edge and requires favourites to win by at least two goals. Given the low-scoring nature of hockey, this is a common and strategic bet for seasoned bettors.

Over/Under (Total):

This type of bet involves wagering on the total number of goals scored in a game. You predict whether the final combined score will be over or under a set number established by the bookmaker. For example, if you expect a high-scoring game, you might bet on the ‘over.

Live Betting (In-Play Betting):

Also known as in-play betting. Odds fluctuate rapidly based on game events, offering opportunities for quick-thinking bettors. Popular for over/under total goals bets as the game progresses.

Period Betting:

Focuses on outcomes within a specific period, not the entire game. Often used by bettors who have identified teams that start strong or finish weak.

hockey game

Alternate Lines:

Offer different point spreads or totals than the standard lines, with corresponding changes in odds. Can be valuable when you strongly believe a favourite will win by a large margin.

Exotic Wager:

Includes prop bets like “first team to score” or “total saves by a goalie.” These can offer value if you have specific insights about a player or team’s tendencies.

Parlay:

Combines multiple bets for a higher potential payout. While attractive, the risk increases significantly as more selections are added. A common strategy is to stick to 2-3 team parlays for a balance of risk and reward.

How to Bet on Hockey Online in Canada

In 2021, Canada legalized single-game sports betting with Bill C-218. Before, you could only bet on multiple games at once. This new rule makes it easier for people to bet on hockey. Here is what you should know about betting on hockey now:

Key Rules to Remember

Game Changes
Bets are usually canceled if a game is postponed or the venue changes.
Pushes
If a bet ties (called a “push”), you typically get your money back.
Period Betting
These bets only count regular game time, not overtime.
Official Game
Most sportsbooks consider a game official after 55 minutes of play.
Bet Timing
Place your bets before the game starts, unless you are doing live betting.

Steps to Get Started with Online Betting

  1. Pick a trustworthy betting site: Look for sites that are licensed to operate in Canada. Read reviews from other users to find a reliable option.
  2. Sign up for an account: You will need to provide some basic information like your name, email, and birthdate.
  3. Prove who you are: The site will ask for a photo ID and proof of where you live. This is to keep betting fair and safe.
  4. Add money to your account: Most sites let you use bank transfers, credit cards, or even digital money like Bitcoin.
  5. Find the hockey betting options: Look for a section labeled “NHL” or “Hockey” on the site.
  6. Choose your bet: Decide which team you think will win or what else you want to bet on.
  7. Set your bet amount: Type in how much you want to risk, then click to confirm.

 

Where to Bet on Hockey: Best Betting Apps for 2024

Features
Top Betting Apps
Easy Navigation
DraftKings, BET99
Best Odds
Sports Interaction, BetMGM
Variety of Betting Options
NorthStar Bets, BetMGM
Attractive Promotions
888Sport, Sports Interaction
In-Play Betting Experience
bet365, BET99

Ice Hockey Betting Strategies

To make sure your hockey betting remains fun, you have to continue making intelligent NHL hockey bets. Read through our proven ice hockey betting strategies to bet smart. Girl in a hockey mask

Statistics

Analyzing key statistics is crucial in NHL betting. Focus on relevant, up-to-date stats from reliable sources like ESPN or the NHL’s official site. Pay attention to player performance, team dynamics, and past matchups to gain valuable insights.

Time Off

Rest days between games can significantly impact a team’s performance. Teams that have had 4-5 days off might have a physical advantage, so this is an important factor to consider when placing your bets.

Home Advantage

Home advantage is usually significant in many sports, but in the NHL, it is less so due to the plexiglass separating teams and fans. Still, it is worth noting how teams perform at home compared to away games.

Popular Hockey Betting Systems

hockey ice

All-In

The All-In approach involves betting your entire bankroll on a single bet. While it can double your money quickly, it is very risky and could lead to losing everything with one bad result. This system is not recommended for most bettors due to the high risk.

Kelly Criterion

The Kelly Criterion is a more calculated approach. It involves betting a portion of your bankroll based on how confident you are in a bet. This system helps manage risk by ensuring you only bet a proportion of your money on bets where you feel you have a strong chance of winning. It is popular among experienced bettors for its balance of risk and reward.

How To Predict NHL Games

While we do not offer specific predictions, understanding how to analyze NHL games can improve your betting decisions. Here is what you should consider:

Key Factors in NHL Game Analysis

  • Recent games: How have the teams played in their last 5-10 matches?
  • History: How have these teams performed against each other before?
  • Player health: Are any key players injured or coming back from injury?
  • Home or away: Does the team play better at home or on the road?
  • Goalies: How well are the goalies playing lately?
  • Special situations: How good are the teams at power plays and penalty kills?
  • Travel and rest: Has either team been travelling a lot or had time to rest?
  • Hot and cold streaks: Are any players or teams on a roll or in a slump?
When looking at a game, think about:
  • How well both teams are playing right now
  • Which players might have a big impact
  • How the goalies match up against each other
  • If either team is especially good at power plays or penalty kills
  • Any big changes to the team, like a star player returning from injury
Remember, no prediction method is foolproof. NHL games can be unpredictable, with underdogs winning about 30% of the time. Always bet responsibly and within your means. Tip: Many reputable sports websites offer free NHL stats and analysis. Use these resources to inform your decisions rather than relying solely on paid prediction services.

Common Mistakes in Hockey Betting & How to Avoid Them

Common Mistakes in Hockey Betting & How to Avoid Them

Ignoring Goalie Performance

Goalies have a massive impact on game outcomes. Always check who’s starting in the net and their recent form.

Overvaluing Home Ice Advantage

While home teams have an edge, it’s not as significant as many think. Focus on other factors like team form and recent performance.

Neglecting Special Teams

Power play and penalty kill percentages can greatly influence games. Do not overlook these stats when analyzing matchups.

Betting Based on Team Reputation

Past success does not guarantee future performance. Focus on current form and relevant statistics.

Not Considering Rest and Travel

Teams playing back-to-back games or after long road trips may underperform. Factor in schedules to make more informed bets.

Chasing Losses

Trying to recover losses with bigger bets often leads to more losses. Stick to your betting plan and manage your bankroll carefully.

Overlooking Injuries to Key Players

Injuries to both star and key role players can significantly impact team performance. Always consider injury reports before placing bets.

Ignoring Line Combinations

Chemistry between players matters. Pay attention to line changes and how they might affect team dynamics.

Not Shopping for the Best Odds

Different sportsbooks offer different odds. Taking the time to find the best value can increase your potential returns over time.
people with a flag on Canadian hockey

Legal and Responsible Hockey Betting in Canada

In 2021, Bill C-218 legalized single-event sports betting across Canada, transforming the hockey betting sector. Each province now regulates betting differently. For example, Ontario launched a competitive market with over 50 licensed online operators, while Quebec still operates with a single provider. Always check your local laws and use licensed platforms for safe, legal betting.

Responsible gambling is crucial when betting on hockey. Set a strict budget and use tools like deposit limits offered by sportsbooks. Be aware that young adults (18-24) are at higher risk for problematic gambling behaviours. If you are concerned about your habits, reach out to provincial problem gambling services or the Responsible Gambling Council for support. Remember, hockey betting should enhance your enjoyment of the game, not become a financial burden.

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