How to Bet on Hockey: Betting on NHL Games explained

 How to Bet on Hockey: The betting on NHL Games explained

Understanding Hockey Odds

Odds are used by betting sites to show how likely it is that a certain outcome will occur or not. These odds are typically listed as numbers and have either a plus- or minus sign.

The bookies consider it more likely that the outcome will be achieved if the number is higher than the negative sign (-).

The sports betting site considers it less likely that the result will occur if there is a higher number near the positive (+).

The odds of winning a bet should have a plus sign next to them. This will indicate how much money is required to win $100.

To make $100 profit if you bet the Tampa Bay Lightning at -140 against the Florida Panthers, your $140 stake will be worth $240. Your winnings plus your $140 stake will total $240.

If there is a positive sign near the odds, that means you know how much profit you are likely to make for every $100 wagered.

You can bet $100 on the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Colorado Avalanche. This will result in a $120 profit. Your total return is $220 ($100 stake plus winnings).

In both cases, your original stake as well as your winnings will be taken into account.

The basics of betting on the NHL

Given the number of markets available for each NHL game, it's easy to see why people might be confused. Below, we have explained some of these markets and their meanings.

Hockey Moneyline Markets

This is the easiest hockey bet as you are betting on the winner of the game. There are no hidden clauses. Victory is all that matters. An example of this is:

Here, the underdog team is that with the "+" next its moneyline numbers, while the favorite team has the number "-".

These figures represent your potential payout and also the chances for each team to win the game, according to the sportsbook.

If two teams have the "+" sign next them, then the favorite team is that team which is further away from zero. For example, -175 would be preferred to -120.

A positive moneyline represents the money you will win from placing $100 of your bet. A negative moneyline signifies the minimum amount that you need to wager before you can earn $100.

If you wish to bet against a negative moneyline such as the Carolina Hurricanes (-200), you will need $200 to win $100.

Instead, you can wager $100 on the Minnesota Wold. If they win, you will earn $265 ($100 for your stake) and $165 profit.

Hockey Spread Markets

Spread markets are one the most common markets for sports betting. The purpose of spread markets is to give the favorite for a match an handicap in points as well as give the underdog a lead.

Betting purposes, the odds-maker predicts how many points a favorite team will win. This is called the spread.

If the spread number is marked with a "+" sign, it means that the underdog team is indicated, and a "minus" sign indicates the favorite team.

If the favorite wins, and the point spread is higher than their margin of victory, you win.

The underdog wins or tie.

The favorite team wins, but doesn't exceed the point spread

If you place a bet on the underdog, and they lose less than their spread, or win the game, your bet will be a winner.

When it comes to betting on spreads, the market will look something like the following: About Hockey Betting