Betting on NHL Hockey Games: Tips for Beginners
Sportsbook / Sports Betting
Sportsbooks usually offer many other types of bets that can make the game even more interesting. You can place bets on Player Prop, where you bet on the over or under of a specific player for goals, points, assists, shots on goal, or a number of other statistics. © W Padington / iStock Getty Images

Hockey has long been a staple sport across the Americas, enjoying a fervent following and enthusiastic participation. In recent years, its allure has spread globally, captivating audiences and players far beyond its traditional strongholds. This burgeoning international interest has been mirrored in sports betting, with the National Hockey League (NHL) emerging as a popular focal point for enthusiasts looking to place their wagers.

For newcomers to the betting scene, navigating the nuances of NHL betting can seem daunting. The intricacies of the sport, combined with the strategies specific to betting on it, necessitate a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding. This article aims to demystify the process, offering insights and guidance to empower you to engage in NHL betting confidently.

Getting started with NHL betting is an exciting venture for any sports fan, opening up a new dimension of engagement with hockey. Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of the game, the loyalty to a team, or the analytical aspects of the betting process itself, there’s something in it for everyone. However, diving into betting without a roadmap can be overwhelming. From understanding the odds and different types of bets to getting acquainted with the teams and their performance trends, there’s a lot to take in.

This guide is designed to lay the groundwork, providing you with the essential information and strategies needed to navigate the world of NHL betting with confidence and, hopefully, success.

How to Get Started

If you are completely new to this, then you should know a few tricks to get started. To start betting on NHL games, you should follow the steps listed below:

Find a Reliable Operator

New players need to know how to recognize and choose a reliable operator. There are thousands of options available online, and they might be tempting to sign up, but you have to do some research first. Why is this important? Well, because you will be leaving your personal and financial information with the bookie, and you want those to be safe and secure. One of the easiest ways to check the security of an online operator is to find their licensing information. A licensed platform by a reputable authoritative body can provide the assurance you need to safely access online betting, knowing that your data will be properly treated.

Register an Account

After choosing a secure platform, you need to register an account. These are usually very simple processes and there will be a few steps that you need to follow. Also, you will have to enter personal information (name, surname, address, email, etc.), and you will have to add a payment method. Some sites might even ask to confirm that’s really you, and you will have to send them a copy (or an image) of your identity card.

Make Your First Deposit

Trusted online betting sites, such as those you can find on reliable review websites, accept all major payment options such as e-wallets, credit cards, and bank transfers. Whoever you decide on, you will need to load your account with cash to start betting. If you still need to get ready to start playing for real money, you can always take advantage of the no-deposit bonus offered by the platforms, and thus familiarize yourself with the platform without betting your funds.

Wagering on hockey leagues includes a variety of bets, so let’s check out the most popular ones:

Basic Bets

To start, choose the one you think will win, and then the numbers that indicate the favorite and the underdog come next. In a money bet or a bet where you simply pick the winner, the number representing the game’s favorite tells you how much you have to bet to win $100, while the number representing the loser tells you how much you would win if you bet $100.

This is just one way to bet on the NHL. There are types of games called Puck Line or Spread, where you can bet if you think that the total number of goals scored by the favorite will surely be two more than the total number of goals scored by the underdog.

Advanced Bets

Sportsbooks usually offer many other types of bets that can make the game even more interesting. You can place bets on Player Prop, where you bet on the over or under of a specific player for goals, points, assists, shots on goal, or a number of other statistics.

The Grand Salami 

Grand Salami is the ultimate way to bet on NHL games, it is a bet on more or less total goals for the entire game day. Hockey fans generally like this way of betting because it gives them something to root for in every game.

Betting on hockey can enhance the excitement of this amazing sport. Thanks to all the available tips that you have just learned about, you will be able to make the most out of your betting experience.