NHL Betting Sites - Top Sportsbooks for 2024
Hockey is a sport filled with emotion and excitement. Games come down to the last few minutes, keeping our interest until the very end.
As a result, hockey is a popular sport for bettors. Here, we guide you through the various hockey bets, the best NHL sportsbooks to use, and the most attractive bonuses and promotions.
Criteria for Evaluating NHL Betting Sites
Since sports betting became widely legal in the United States, many companies from different sectors have made huge efforts to capture a slice of the constantly-growing pie.
When choosing our top NHL sportsbook, there are several factors to consider. We evaluate NHL betting platforms in a holistic manner, ensuring that they are compatible with a variety of features we consider essential for a streamlined, user-friendly hockey betting experience.
At Lines, we strongly encourage you to shop around for the best NHL betting sportsbook. In the long run, this will have a positive impact on your profitability as a hockey bettor.
Licensing and Security
Verifying the NHL sportsbook’s licensing and regulatory status is paramount to safeguarding your integrity as a hockey bettor.
If a platform is not authorized to operate in your jurisdiction, you will have no legal recourse if anything goes awry. If the sportsbook refuses to honor your payout, it will be difficult for you to do anything about it.
Check out this guide to see if sports betting is legal in your state. If so, take a closer look at which bookmakers have been granted permission to operate there.
Since sportsbooks handle sensitive information–including your Social Security Number as a part of their Know Your Customer program–and financial details such as your credit card number, you must be certain that the NHL sportsbook you choose has solid measures in place to protect your data. An important feature to consider is SSL encryption, which conceals data transmission to safeguard it from unauthorized access by third parties.
Interface and Mobile Compatibility
NHL betting should be fun and easy. For a sportsbook to reach the top of our ranking, it needs to consistently offer a user-friendly, seamless betting experience.
If you plan on placing NHL bets from your phone, make sure your NHL sportsbook has an app that’s compatible with your device.
From there you can evaluate the interface. This can make a big difference in your experience, especially if you are a new hockey bettor or betting in general. We value hockey betting sportsbooks that have a clutter-free display–both on web and mobile–and show clear and transparent information. The betslip should be clear and accessible, and you should be able to easily navigate between hockey markets and bet types.
League Coverage
Even though the NHL is the most popular hockey league in the United States, ice hockey is a global sport that boasts several renowned leagues and events.
Before choosing a default sportsbook for your ice hockey bets, take a look at its global reach. You might be interested in placing bets both internationally and in mid-tier leagues in the U.S., such as the AHL and the ECHL. Countries like Sweden and Finland have highly-competitive leagues that are worth looking into, so check whether those hockey betting markets are offered.
Betting Odds
The best odds and available markets directly impact the profitability of your wagers. We highly recommend you shop around before placing a bet. It is almost impossible that a single sportsbook will have the best NHL betting odds all the time. And even though it may seem like a slight difference, over time, those few extra points can add up to a substantial boost to your bankroll.
Betting Markets
Select a sportsbook that can offer the level of detail fitting your betting desires. If you are the type of bettor who likes to dive deep into niche markets, make sure the bookmaker has them available. If you are placing the most-common wagers–like moneyline, point spread, or total bets–most likely any sportsbook will be able to offer what you need.
Prop bets can bring some exciting opportunities. Who will score the first goal? Will a specific player record a certain number of assists? You can also bet on individual player matchups, power plays and overtime. If these are the type of hockey bets that you are interested in, shop around to see which sportsbook has them available.
Another important feature when it comes to available markets is live betting. Since hockey is such a dynamic sport, having the opportunity to wager while the game is going can enhance your betting experience. Also, it offers you a chance to hedge your bets in case the outcome on the rink is not in line with what you initially expected.
Live hockey betting is not restricted to selecting the team that will win the game. Many sportsbooks offer unique and appealing live betting opportunities. For example, you might be able to wager on which team will receive the next power play, or which player will score the next goal. Especially if you are watching the game, live betting brings a solid value proposition.
Hockey Betting Promotions and Bonuses
Promotions and bonuses have become a top vehicle for sportsbooks to retain customers and attract new ones.
One of the most popular sportsbook offers is a welcome bonus. The two most common options are risk-free bets and bonus bets. Bookmakers either refund your first bet if it doesn’t win or award you wagers free of charge.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Sportsbooks have emphasized speed and agility concerning deposits and payouts. They also understand bettors need a variety of payment methods.
Common payment and withdrawal methods include credit and debit cards, bank transfers, digital wallets–such as PayPal and Venmo–and prepaid cards.
Take a look at the estimated processing times for both deposits and withdrawals. Sportsbooks make this publicly available and we highly encourage you to check them before signing up. If a sportsbook has an overly-restrictive withdrawal policy or a long processing time, you’re better off staying away.
Customer Support
Sportsbooks with the best customer support are the ones that offer a 24/7 live chat feature, as this permits them to assist users promptly with any queries they may have.
It’s important that sportsbooks are readily available to assist customers through alternative communication channels. A customer support number allows users to call if there is a problem with their account and receive a swift response from a human representative.
When assessing other customer support channels, we consider the sportsbook’s response time. We understand that waiting for extended periods of time to get an answer can be very frustrating, so if a sportsbook becomes known for its poor responsiveness, we will definitely not recommend it.
Commitment to Responsible Gaming
Responsible gaming is an essential responsibility for sportsbooks, as it shows their commitment to the safety of their customers. Through options like self-exclusion, deposit limits, and wager limits, sportsbooks can protect their customers and promote responsible behavior.
Every sportsbook we work with has a demonstrated commitment to responsible gaming.
Top NHL Betting Sites
DraftKings Sportsbook
Originally a DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) provider, DraftKings has quickly become one of the most popular sportsbooks in the United States.
For new customers, DraftKings offers an attractive promotion. As long as you make an initial deposit of $5 and place a wager for that amount, you will receive $150 in bonus bets (broken up into six $25 bets). You can use these bonus bets to wager on your favorite NHL teams and players, as DraftKings has a wide array of betting markets available.
Also, DraftKings matches 20% of your initial deposit, up to $1,000. So if you make a $5,000 initial deposit, DraftKings will give you an additional $1,000 to bet.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook has acquired notoriety for its attractive promotions. The first one is a generous welcome offer. Once you create an account with Caesars, you earn 1,000 Tier Credits and 1,000 Reward Credits for the Caesars Rewards program. As you accumulate points, you can redeem them for accommodations and travel experiences at Caesars properties.
Caesars also refunds your first stake up to $1,250 if you lose the bet.
Once the NHL season begins, we highly recommend staying tuned to Caesars’ promotions, as they offer daily odds boosts opportunities, same-game parlay bonuses, and other enticing incentives for you to join the NHL action.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is the No. 1 sportsbook in the United States in terms of market share. It has earned this spot by offering top-notch promotions, extensive betting market coverage and engaging products like FanDuel TV, which provides in-depth hockey betting analysis.
Bonuses are another attractive factor for FanDuel, and these include the No Sweat First Bet promo. If your first wager loses, FanDuel reimburses it for up to $1,000 in bonus bets.
FanDuel has ongoing NHL-specific offerings, as well as Daily Fantasy Hockey contests. FanDuel is an official betting partner of the NHL, and it also boasts strategic alliances with well-known teams such as the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM is an official sports betting and resort partner of the NHL, and it is also partnered with the league’s reigning Stanley Cup Champions, the Vegas Golden Knights. For new customers, BetMGM has a First Bet Offer. If you create an account with BetMGM, make a minimum deposit of $10, place a bet, and it loses, they will refund your stake in bonus bets up to $1,000.
For hockey bettors, BetMGM has exclusive promotions such as same game parlay insurance, odds boosts, and an extensive variety of live betting markets.
BetRivers Sportsbook
If you create an account with BetRivers, place a bet, and it is not successful, your stake will be refunded up to $250. Known for its exciting live betting options, same game parlay opportunities, its iRush Rewards programs, and other features such as early cashouts, BetRivers is a sportsbook worth looking into.
ESPN BET (formerly Barstool Sportsbook)
For NHL bettors, ESPN BET (the former Barstool Sportsbook) offers a high-quality, user-friendly mobile app and an extensive variety of betting markets. The sportsbook also offers a new player bonus of $1,000, given in the form of bonus bets if your first wager is unsuccessful.
Bet365 Sportsbook
If you are located in New Jersey, Colorado, Ohio, Iowa, or Virginia, you are eligible to join bet365, one of the world’s leading brands in sports betting. The U.K.-based sportsbook is gradually growing in North America. For hockey bettors, bet365 enables access not only to an extensive list of potential NHL bets, but also to alternative competitions such as the Swedish and Czech betting markets.
Bet365 has an exclusive promotion for new customers, crediting them with $200 in bonus bets after an initial bet of just $1. And you can take advantage of this promo whether you win or lose that first wager.
Bet365 also has its Ice Hockey Early Payout Offer. If you place a pregame moneyline bet and your team takes a three-goal lead at any point during the game, bet365 will declare your bet as a winner and pay it out in full, even if your team ends up losing.
Unibet Sportsbook
New customers can get a risk-free bet up to $100 on Unibet. The offer increases to $500 for users in Pennsylvania.
Founded in London, Unibet is one of the various European sportsbooks working to position itself as a leading option in the U.S. market by leveraging its extensive experience in other countries. Expect more exciting promotions and a wide array of betting markets.
PointsBet Sportsbook
The exclusive betting partner of NBC Sports, PointsBet is making a splash by offering interesting promos. If you are a first-time customer, create an account with PointsBet to qualify for up to $500 in Bonus Bets. Under the PointsBet Second Chance promo, you are insured for your first five wagers up to $100 each. So for the first five bets you place with PointsBet, the sportsbook refunds your stake–up to $100–if the bet is a loser.
WynnBET Sportsbook
Backed by the renowned Wynn Resorts brand, WynnBET brings the Las Vegas experience to sports betting. For new customers, WynnBET is offering a $100 bet credit after you create an account, make a deposit, and wager $100.
For ice hockey bettors, another top feature that WynnBET brings to the table is its sizable variety of betting markets.
Promotions and Bonuses
The gaming industry has historically had a high churn rate, and bonuses are a way for bookmakers to maintain existing customers while also attracting new ones.
Caesars Sportsbook currently offers the best welcome bonus in the market with a risk-free bet of up to $1,250. If you lose your first wager with Caesars, your first stake will be reimbursed up to that amount in the form of bonus bets. You also get Tier Credits and Rewards Credits through the Caesars Rewards program. These points can then be redeemed for accommodations and travel experiences.
BetMGM and FanDuel also have exciting options available, reimbursing your first stake up to $1,000 if your bet loses.
Other sportsbooks like DraftKings, bet365, and WynnBET offer bonuses regardless of whether you win or lose. If you create an account with bet365, as long as you bet $1, you will get $200 in Bonus Bets. DraftKings has an similarly-low threshold, with a $5 wager needed to unlock $150 in bonus bets. WynnBet gives you $100 as long as you bet $100.
There are also ice hockey-specific promotions. For example, bet365 has its Hockey Early Payout Offer. Through this promo, if you place a pregame moneyline bet and your team is leading by three goals at any point, the wager will be paid out as a winner regardless of the result of the game.
We constantly update you on the best promotions, both regular and hockey-based, to help you enhance your betting experience and maximize your winnings.
NHL Betting Odds
The excitement of the bonuses and promotions listed above might entice you to join the action of NHL betting. And if you feel that you have what it takes to beat the bookmakers and make money while watching your favorite hockey teams, you might be right.
To get started, let’s look at how the odds work. Before you place a hockey bet, it is important that you understand how odds are determined, how to calculate your payout, the various wagers you can make, and how to bet responsibly.
There are three basic formats in which NHL betting odds are displayed: American odds, fractional odds, and decimal odds.
If you are in the United States, most likely you are looking at a dashboard with American odds.
Something to keep in mind is that American odds list outcomes that are most likely to happen (favorites) with negative odds. Conversely, the more unlikely an outcome is considered, the more positive your odds will be.
To estimate your winnings using American odds, you can use the following formulas. As a note, when calculating your payout with negative American odds, leave the minus sign aside, as otherwise, the formula will not work.
- Payout with negative American odds = (100/Odds)*Wager
- Payout with positive American odds = (Odds/100)*Wager
To illustrate further, let’s look at the following example.
In an All-Canadian NHL hockey classic, the Winnipeg Jets are playing the Edmonton Oilers. You are longing for Edmonton to return to the success of the Wayne Gretzky era, and have placed a $50 bet on the Oilers.
The moneyline odds are:
- Winnipeg Jets, +125
- Edmonton Oilers, -150
Profits for a $50 bet on the Edmonton Oilers = (100/150)*50 = $33.33
As per the formula above, your profit for a $50 bet on the Edmonton Oilers would be $33.33. In addition to that, you would recover the $50 you initially wagered. Hence, your total payout for a $50 bet on the Edmonton Oilers, if successful, would be $83.33.
To learn more about American odds, decimal odds, and fractional odds, and explore the topic in more detail, check out this guide.
2024 NHL Stanley Cup Betting Odds
There is no doubt that the Stanley Cup is one of the most popular sporting events of the year.
As the Vegas Golden Knights seek to retain their title, there will be myriad teams bolstering their squads to challenge them. Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Edmonton Oilers, and the Boston Bruins are hoping to return to their trophy-winning days, while squads like the Colorado Avalanche, the New Jersey Devils, and the Carolina Hurricanes are always dangerous.
Plus, one of the great things about ice hockey is that there is always the possibility of an underdog being crowned. And by accurately predicting a surprise event, you can earn a solid payout.
NHL Bet Types
For new hockey enthusiasts and seasoned hockey bettors alike, there are several interesting betting markets for the NHL. Here are some of the most popular ones…
Moneyline
In hockey, a moneyline bet is a wager on a team to win the game outright.
If you bet on the moneyline, the score is irrelevant. All that the sportsbook considers is whether the team you picked won or lost the game. For example, if the San Jose Sharks are playing the Minnesota Wild, and you wagered on the Wild, then your bet will be successful as long as they win.
Puck Line (Spread)
If the moneyline seems too risky for you, or you are backing the favorite team and the payout seems insufficient, you can always bet on the spread, which in hockey is also referred to as the puck line.
The puck line is a goal margin or handicap given to the underdog to level the playing field.
Using the same match as an example, the bet would look like this:
- San Jose Sharks, +1.5 goals
- Minnesota Wild, -1.5 goals
With this puck line, if the Sharks lose the game by one goal or win outright, your bet is successful. On the other hand, if you bet on the Wild, Minnesota would need to win by at least two goals for your wager to be a winner.
Futures
Through a futures bet, you can predict the outcome of an event in the distant future.
For example, when betting on the NHL, you can predict:
- Which team will win the Stanley Cup?
- Who will be the season’s MVP?
- Who will win the Calder Trophy, given to the best rookie?
Something that makes futures bets particularly exciting is that you can place them before the season even starts. If you do this, you can likely secure favorable odds.
Over/Under
An over/under bet is one where you need to predict if the combined number of goals scored in the game will be greater or less than a certain amount. This is referred to as the “total.”
Let’s say the Ottawa Senators are playing the Nashville Predators, and the total line is set at 5.5 goals.
For a bet on the over to succeed, the Senators and the Predators need to score at least six goals combined. If the tally does not amount to that, then a bet on the under would prevail.
Parlays
A parlay is a type of wager where you can combine multiple individual bets into a single wager.
For a parlay bet to be a winner, all legs must succeed. In case any of them do not, the entire parlay would be lost as a result. The main advantage of a parlay is that, when successful, it has elevated payouts.
When wagering on a parlay, you can practically combine any bet, except for those that have contradictory outcomes. For example, in a match between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers, you cannot bet on the Knights and the Panthers at the same time.
Initially, parlays were used to combine outcomes from different matches. However, sportsbooks have also developed the same-game parlay modality, allowing you to bet on multiple outcomes from a single game.
In the same Knights-Panthers duel, you could create a same-game parlay of Knights to win on the moneyline and All-Star Jonathan Marchessault to score a goal.
Prop bets
Top Picks For The Week
Proposition bets, also known as prop bets, are wagers that focus on a specific outcome within a game, separate from the final result.
Prop bets can apply to teams and individual players. Here are some proposition bets related to teams:
- Team to score first
- Double Chance (One team to win or the match ends in a draw after regular time)
- Number of goals scored by one team (Over/Under)
Examples of player props include:
- Player to score the first goal of the game
- Over/Under a certain numbers of assists for a player
As you can see, proposition bets can be very detailed, and the more that you understand the characteristics of the game, the dynamics on the rink, and keep a close eye on the players’ performances, the better you are likely to fare on proposition bets.
Betting Apps
All of these platforms have apps that you can download, both from the Apple Store and from Google Play store.
Recognizing the growing significance of mobile internet usage, sportsbooks have heavily invested in developing complete and user-friendly mobile applications. For the end user, this makes betting more convenient and accessible, eliminating the need to visit a physical location.
The best apps are easy to use and intuitive to navigate, permitting users to quickly view odds and manage their accounts. Some apps will also have a live streaming feature, so that bettors can watch games and place wagers at the same time.
NHL Betting Picks
Our team of experts thrives on analyzing and studying every angle related to NHL matchups on a daily basis.
Our squad of seasoned bettors and hockey veterans is ready to bring you top picks for your favorite bets: moneyline, puck line, totals, and more.
Make sure to visit our NHL Picks hub before placing your wager!
Top Picks For The Week
Overview
As we discussed throughout the article, numerous factors need to be considered when choosing your favorite NHL sportsbook.
First and foremost, it is key to make sure that the bookmaker you are planning to wager with has been granted legal authorization to operate in your state.
Then, we suggest analyzing the variety of betting markets that the sportsbook offers, determining whether it meets your needs. This is particularly important if you are the type of bettor who enjoys placing detailed bets, such as player props and team props, or if you are looking for a platform that allows you to watch the games and place live bets.
Other features to consider include the interface’s user-friendliness and ease of navigation, plus a customer service department that is promptly responsive. The same speed and agility are expected when processing deposits and withdrawals.
Finally, welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions–such as odds boosts, parlay insurances, and profit boost tokens–can enhance your payouts and increase your profitability as a bettor. Shop around and look for the best promos.
FAQs
Is betting on the NHL legal?
Yes, in many states it is legal. To know if a sportsbook is legal in your state and whether sports betting is permitted, go here.
What is the best ice hockey betting app?
It depends on what you are looking for. We are partnered with the top legal sportsbooks in America. Some of the most popular for betting on ice hockey include FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, bet365, and BetMGM.
How do I sign up for a sportsbook to bet on the NHL?
Once you’ve chosen a sportsbook to place your NHL bets, create an account. You will then be guided through the process of setting up your betting profile and can start wagering on your favorite teams and players.
What should I look for in an NHL betting site?
Some of the factors we consider when evaluating NHL betting sites include the competitiveness of their odds, whether they offer live betting and streaming, customer support, bonuses and promotions, and the speediness of deposits and withdrawals.
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