Although American football is the biggest sport in the USA, ice hockey isn’t far behind. Together with the NFL and the NBA, the NHL forms the Holy Trio of sports in the United States. It’s popular among sports fans and bettors, too. The Stanley Cup is one of the top sports events yearly, with all the best ice hockey betting sites offering odds on the eventual champ.
Tim is our betting guru. Every gaming site needs one, and Tim’s our guy. He has plenty of experience in betting online and is quite successful at it. Tim’s favorite sports are hockey, baseball, and Esports. Tim believes the latter to be the future of betting.
If you’re looking for the top college hockey and NHL betting sites, you’re at the right spot. This article will guide you to the crème de la crème ice hockey bookmakers with the top bonuses and the best odds.
List of the Best Ice Hockey Sportsbooks
Since it’s one of the most popular sports in the USA, there are several great ice hockey bookies that you should be aware of.
My review will tell you everything you need to know about the best betting sites. Our team has reviewed them all for your convenience. Check out my recommended bookmakers below!
Ice hockey betting back in the day was only possible by visiting a shop. Today, you can easily hop online to place your bets or do it on the go. The best ice hockey online betting sites will offer dedicated apps you can download and install on your phone. It’s fast, free, and fun to do. Check out my list of the best mobile apps!
Finding the best bookmakers in the US is easy if you know what to look for, but it takes some time for newbies to learn all about the laws and restrictions. To be precise, only 38 states have legalized betting in any form, while you can now legally wager online in around 30 states.
States Where Sports Betting Is Legal
State
Online Betting
Retail Betting
Arizona
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Arkansas
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Colorado
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Connecticut
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Delaware
No ❌
Yes ✅
Illinois
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Indiana
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Iowa
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Kansas
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Kentucky
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Louisiana
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Maine
Yes ✅
No ❌
Maryland
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Massachusetts
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Michigan
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Mississippi
No ❌
Yes ✅
Montana
No ❌
Yes ✅
Nevada
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
New Hampshire
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
New Jersey
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
New Mexico
No ❌
Yes ✅
New York
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Ohio
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Oregon
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Pennsylvania
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Rhode Island
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
South Dakota
No ❌
Yes ✅
Tennessee
Yes ✅
No ❌
Vermont
Yes ✅
No ❌
Virginia
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
West Virginia
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Wisconsin
No ❌
Yes ✅
Wyoming
Yes ✅
No ❌
Take a peek at my shortlist of the best ice hockey betting companies below, and you’ll surely find a site or two to consider joining.
The Best Best Online Ice Hockey Betting Sites in Canada 🇨🇦
Betting in Canadian provinces works similarly to US state regulations — every province has a distinctive set of laws and regulations. However, since the Ontario iGaming Launch, online bookies have been gaining traction in the Great White North.
Province/Territory Where Sports Betting Is Legal
Province/Territory
Online Betting
Retail Betting
Alberta
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
British Columbia
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Manitoba
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
New Brunswick
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Newfoundland and Labrador
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Northwest Territories
No ❌
No ❌
Nova Scotia
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Nunavut
No ❌
No ❌
Ontario
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Prince Edward Island
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Quebec
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Saskatchewan
Yes ✅
Yes ✅
Yukon
No ❌
No ❌
I’ve considered all of the available legal sportsbooks in Canada, with the exception of Yukon and Northwest Territories, as jurisdictions that don’t allow legal betting. Of course, I narrowed it all down by checking sites with the best bonuses and offers, so take a look at my top picks below.
List of the Best Online Hockey Betting Sites with Live Streaming 🔴
Many of our recommended sportsbooks have their streaming services. Thanks to this, you can watch the matches you bet on as they unfold. Streams are beneficial if you have a parlay with more matches. You can check the action and see if you should cash out earlier.
Now that you are a bit more familiar with how the US and Canadian online betting system works, you can finally get down to business. Finding the right site to join should be a bit easier now, and you can use my lists for inspiration. However, there’s something else to consider here, and that’s ranking these sites by categories.
As you probably know, every bettor has a distinctive taste, so we tried to be as inclusive as possible. To do that, we made sure to give you detailed recommendations by categories and choose the best site for each of these. You don’t have to take our word for it — take a look below and see for yourself.
If you are looking for the best ice hockey betting site in the USA and Canada overall, Betway checks all the right boxes. It recently acquired the North American licenses and offers a superb $30 free bet deal for newcomers to put their NHL predictions to the test.
As stated on the US version of the site, you get more than 50,000 markets to wager on, and ice hockey is one of the most popular sports, so that guarantees some high-level action.
PROS
CONS
PROS
Dedicated betting app for Android and iOS
Distinctive betting markets for upcoming and live ice hockey events
Instant NHL betting button among the most popular sports
Betting bonuses for new and existing punters
CONS
The 100% deposit match offer can only be used on casino games
William Hill recently got launched as a legal bookie in Nevada, Florida, and the Bahamas, and it already set itself apart with amazing betting offers. Newbies can count on up to $30 worth of free bets on low, $10 initial deposits, as well as a dedicated “Boosts” section with enhanced odds.
Of course, those are available for ice hockey betting, and we especially liked the futures and prop bets on major ice hockey events, including NHL matches.
For those looking for the best mobile betting experience, Bovada shines with its exceptional Android and iOS betting app. It is optimized for both mobile platforms and offers a responsive layout, which makes it easier to place winning bets on in-play NHL matches.
The odds are also updated instantly, and the Parlay Booster allows you to get increased odds for placing multiple NHL events on one bet slip.
PROS
CONS
PROS
Complete mobile optimization with a responsive odds setup
Perfect for betting on in-play NHL events
Parlay Booster for increased odds on multiple selections
As one of the biggest names in the betting industry worldwide, bet365 is now legal for US punters coming from 12 different states. As they state themselves, the app has some of the industry-leading features, including lots of live betting markets, profit boosts, same-game parlays, and live NHL match streaming.
It’s the absolute best pick for those looking to place in-play ice hockey bets, and it’s also available in most Canadian provinces.
PROS
CONS
PROS
Specialized US customer service is available 24/7
In-play betting features like same-game parlays and odds boosts
Live streaming of all NHL matches
Competitive betting odds
CONS
Not available in all US states with legalized sports betting
Solisbet provides one of the best betting frames for ice hockey in Canada where it legally operates in most provinces. It offers a $100 welcome bonus for sports betting, while payout limits are suitable for high-roller bettors, going up to $100,000 every month.
Plus, you get to use a dedicated betting app with 24/7 support for any of your burning questions regarding payouts and their limits.
For crypto bettors, CoinsGame offers the absolute best place for wagering on ice hockey. It comes with more than 20 cryptocurrencies you can deposit, as well as claim valuable boosts, including cashback and rakeback.
It also offers all of the needed comparison stats, including team rankings, injury reports, and lineups, to give you proper insight into NHL matches for your bets.
PROS
CONS
PROS
Diverse crypto betting markets and offers
Daily and monthly gifts and rewards
Live betting section with in-play game streams
Dozens of ice hockey betting markets
CONS
Doesn’t have as many markets as other sportsbooks on this list
Last but not least, DraftKings is unprecedented among US betting sites and ice hockey odds that suit everyone’s preference. They are official partners of US national leagues, so it’s no wonder you can browse lots of betting markets and get convenient and competitive odds.
It also offers daily fantasy sports, so you can also earn rewards by placing your DFS picks on NHL.
PROS
CONS
PROS
Impressive diversity of ice hockey betting markets
Well, now you know everything you may possibly need to select the best online ice hockey betting site in Canada or in the US. Even so, our team wanted to give you that extra push by comparing all of the listed bookies in a single place.
We focused on key factors like odds competitiveness, mobile optimization, betting bonuses, and diversity of ice hockey betting markets to rank them. Check the table below and see for yourself.
One of the best parts about ice hockey betting websites is that most offer free bets and other promos. Free wagers are outstanding for newcomers – you’re getting a reward for registration that will ease you into the process without breaking the bank. However, don’t let the name fool you. No ice hockey free bet is truly free.
Every type of ‘freebie’ you can get at a betting site is rarely free. They all come with a set of terms and conditions you’ll need to fulfill before collecting your winnings. You can use them any way you want to, but you should be aware that you won’t be able to get your money out if you don’t complete the wagering.
Free bets are straightforward to claim. If they’re part of a welcome offer, you can easily get your hands on them by registering and making your first bet. The different terms and conditions for each offer should be thoroughly reviewed. You will lose your bonus funds if you don’t read them on time.
Kick off your new GTbets.ag account with our top-rated CASH sign up bonus. Make your first deposit to receive a 100% cash bonus up to $500, and then 50% up to $250 on your second deposit. Full T&Cs apply.
Rakeback is a withdrawable bonus that is accrued for each bet and depends on your current Rank. Please bet responsibly, begambleaware.org. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.
Earn a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 on your first-ever deposit at Jazz Sports. Use Promo Code JAZZ50 and your extra 50% will be added to your sports betting balance. Full T&Cs apply
All our recommended bookmakers are licensed and safe.
Ice Hockey Odds
Ice hockey odds are usually displayed in the American format. They’re traditionally moneyline odds. The odds for the favorite will be displayed with a – (minus) sign, while the underdog will be displayed with a + (plus). Remember that you’ll need to look at several bookies to find the best odds.
How Does Ice Hockey Betting Work?
Ice hockey betting isn’t different from betting online on any other team sport. The NHL and all other competitions feature games between 2 teams where you bet on the favorite or underdog. Of course, there are plenty of other markets for online betting on hockey, but if we can break it down to the basic level, that’s the gist.
If you’ve ever bet on sports online, you’ll have no trouble betting on any hockey matches.
How to Bet on Ice Hockey
Betting on ice hockey is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to find a good betting site first and register. If you can’t find one, I recommend reading any ice hockey sportsbook review on our site to make your pick. However, for bet enthusiasts to succeed, you’ll have to follow a few tips.
Manage your bankroll: if you want to be a successful ice hockey bettor, you’ll need to manage your bankroll. By setting limits for yourself, you can keep your habit in check and prevent big losses.
Never chase your losses: this plays an important role in sports betting online. If you don’t control yourself and pursue your losses, you will always be losing.
Do your research: by doing your research, we mean examining the teams’ and players’ form leading to today’s matches. Thanks to this, you will make much better predictions. If you’re planning to use an ice hockey betting system, tips and predictions are a must.
Most Popular Competitions
The most popular ice hockey competitions are the NHL and the World Championships. As mentioned, the NHL is among the most popular sports in the USA, along with the NBA and the NFL. It’s the home of the sport’s many superstars, and the playoffs and Stanley Cup final have produced some magical moments so far.
The Winter Olympics are another popular competition to wager on. They feature the best teams in the world and are a perfect market for bettors from any country.
If you’re a US bettor, you probably have a favorite NHL team. If you do, you don’t need to go to Las Vegas to bet. Thanks to our betting sites, you can put your money on today’s top ice hockey odds and hopefully win.
Types of Betting Markets
Ice hockey bets don’t differ greatly from other types of wagers. There are, however, a few different bets you should keep in mind. If you’re looking for ice hockey spreads explained, keep reading below.
Moneyline
The moneyline is a simple type of bet that lets you predict the winner of a match. You can pick the favorite (- sign) or the underdog (+sign).
Totals (Over/Under)
Betting on totals is simple. It means placing a single wager on whether an ice hockey game’s combined goal or point total will be over or under a line set by the bookmaker before the event.
Puck Line
Betting on the puck line means betting on point spreads. For example, you can place your bet on a -1.5 favorite to win by 2 goals or +1.5 underdog to lose by 1 goal or win.
Prop Bets
Prop bets can be based on the performance of a team or a player. For example, you can place a wager on a player to score over or under 2 goals in the game.
Regarding teams, a prop bet would be wagering on a team to score over or under a set number of goals.
Futures
Futures are a simple bet. They are usually defined as an “odds to win” wager. They’re no different than outrights – you’re placing money on a team to go to an event later in the season.
Grand Salami
It is an exceptional bet. By placing a bet on Grand Salami, you’re wagering on the total cumulative scores of all games on any given day or night.
Bottom Line
While it may not be that popular in the UK, ice hockey is one of the elite sports in the US and Canada. Here are a few facts about the sport you might not have known.
The most popular competition in ice hockey are the NHL, Olympics, and Stanley Cup;
Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Nikita Kucherov, Auston Matthews, David Pastrnak, Leon Draisaitl, Artemi Panarin, Mikko Rantanen, Brady Tkachuk, Sidney Crosby are the top players of the sport;
The closest sports to ice hockey are indoor field hockey and ball hockey;
If you’re looking for the top ice hockey online bet sites, DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, and Bovada are great choices;
I hope that my guide has helped steer you in the right direction. You can find the best ice hockey gambling sites using the comparison tool and find what you like. Ice hockey rules are pretty easy to understand, so you shouldn’t have trouble betting on the sport.
Read this guide and use your expertise on the top NHL matches. If you get good, you can expect excellent profits.
Tim is our betting guru. Every gaming site needs one, and Tim’s our guy. He has plenty of experience in betting online and is quite successful at it. Tim’s favorite sports are hockey, baseball, and Esports. Tim believes the latter to be the future of betting.
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