The NCAA ice hockey championship is one of the two men’s tournaments (Division I and Division II) contested by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) since 1971. Even though it is a collegiate tournament, it is one of the most-watched sporting events in the United States and a massive hit among sports bettors.
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.
It is easy to see why this sport is as popular as it is, and it’s also reasonably effortless to start betting on it and make a profit. In this article, I will teach you everything you need to know about choosing the best NCAA hockey betting sites.
List of the Best NCAA Hockey Betting Sites
The NCAA ice hockey championship is extremely popular among viewers, fans, and sports bettors in the United States. That is made possible thanks to the ice hockey bookies, which offer their customers betting lines and odds.
Even if you reside in Europe or any other part of the world, the betting lines on this competition will be readily available to almost all bookmakers, but you should know that some bookies are better than others. The easiest way to spot good ice hockey bookies is by finding those that can provide you with competitive odds, market depth, and some bonuses and promotions.
MyBookie and Bovada are two of the most popular NCAA hockey bookies because they meet those marks. But they’re not the only two best NCAA hockey sportsbooks available.
The Best NCAA Hockey Bookmakers in the US 🇺🇸
2023 was a booming year for the US betting markets, with a staggering 119 billion wagered on different bookmakers in the country.
The integration of technologies such as mobile apps, alongside the expansion into emerging markets, has significantly boosted American participation in the online betting sector. Sports betting is legal on a state-by-state basis in the United States of America. Since 2018, the District of Columbia has legalized sports betting in more states in the US. Before choosing a bookmaker, locals should ensure that betting is legalized in their region and that the bookie is also licensed to operate in the region.
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 ❌
I have prepared the list of the best college hockey online betting sites in the US below.
In NCAA betting, most bookies usually excel in some perks over other sportsbooks. The table below is an illustration of bookies and the services they best provide for punters in the United States.
Bet365 is at the top of our list for several reasons. The first reason is based on the trustworthiness and transparency of the bookie compared to its competitors in the United States. Many bettors join the bookie to get unmatched odds in NCAA events and other hockey betting competitions.
In NCAA hockey betting, Bet365 is the best sportsbook for punters. They are a trusted and legitimate brand with a modern and easy-to-navigate mobile and web interface. The bookmaker provides several cheap deposit methods for its customers and makes the withdrawal of funds easy. They also provide several promotions in the form of free bets and welcome bonuses.
Bettors looking to take advantage of bonuses at an online sportsbook should wager with Jackbit. Compared to Bet365, Jackbit offers more diverse promos. Besides the daily offer, Jackbit also hosts several promotions throughout the season, and in recent years they also offer new rewards programs. Like every regular bookie, these reward points are earned by placing bets on the sportsbook.
Punters use these reward points to earn cashback on losses, especially as they move up into higher tiers. These offers include free bets, random drops, loyalty Programs, and VIP player benefits. The promotions are usually structured and require punters to complete some requirements before obtaining them.
For new punters who want to bet on NCAA hockey, creating an account is among the vital aspects that this sportsbook excels at. Their interface is simple and modern making it easy for beginners to set up their account and form their betslip. The mobile betting interface is pretty sleek, like their online interface. The menu at the top right section makes it easy to access the cashier and the live chat options. Bettors who want to get straight to business can click on the left side of the page to select their preferred sports.
When it comes to betting apps, DraftKings is the best. The app provides a more smooth betting experience compared to its web interface. With the app, bettors can open an account, verify their identity, deposit funds, place bets and withdraw their earnings. The most interesting part is that it has a dedicated app for each product. There is an app for the sportsbook and the casino, daily fantasy sports, and a live streaming platform.
Sportsbet.one has the best customer care services for bettors. From the reviews I get from their customers online, I found the services of their agents to be friendly and resourceful. Although they have no phone support numbers, users can access them via the live chat platform or support email at support@sportbet.one.
Unlike the other bookmakers on our lists, the BetAnySports platform is quite renowned for its offerings in four major sports, which include football, baseball, basketball, and hockey games. The online sportsbook is divided into six separate sections that comprise the following:
American lines
Offshore lines
Premier lines
Super lines
Ultimate lines
Props
BetAnySports is also an established brand in the United States. BetAnySports’ website has a conventional design with an easy-to-use search and filter function. As a result, bettors can readily access their chosen betting options. Many people have complained about the occasional slowness during peak betting hours, which is typically regarded as a deal breaker. They have the highest payout rate and the other features below.
BetWhale is one of the biggest sportsbooks in the United States, and it is no wonder they provide the best odds for bettors . BetWhale has numerous distinctive features, like its sports and market selection, devotion to Esports betting, and the ability to deposit and withdraw using cryptocurrencies. On top of that, we appreciated the website’s look on both desktop and mobile, as well as the ability to customize the odds type and display.
Besides NCAA events, the betting sites cover over 16 other sports, including football, tennis, and basketball. Punters can also wager on niche sports like handball, table tennis, and darts. BetWhale stands out when it comes to live betting and covers several events in this section.
For users who want a betting site that offers a fully legit gambling platform, BetWhale might be the best option for them. They currently work as an offshore betting site licensed by the autonomous island of Anjouan in the Comoros. In the security aspect, BetWhale offers high-end security tools, such as the 256 SSL encryption, that fully protect the sensitive data of users on the site.
PROS
CONS
PROS
Diverse selection of sports betting markets
Esports betting
Several payment methods, including cryptocurrencies
TrustDice Sports is one of the most impressive new sports betting websites in the UK. It is a top platform for gambling aficionados seeking the ideal experience. TrustDice is an excellent choice for bettors who value long-term stability, security, and quick payouts and withdrawals.
To understand bookmakers’ comparisons better, I’ve covered everything you need to know in the table below. It has all the information you need if you’re looking to start up an online sportsbook.
All ice hockey bookies will have offers and promotions ready for the NCAA ice hockey championship, especially when the tournament reaches the playoffs. The bonuses will vary from bookmaker to bookmaker. Still, most common promotions include a reload bonus, accumulator promotions, and better odds to win the tournament through odds boosts.
The odds and bonuses you can find are the best and easiest way to get some extra value from your betting, so you should always keep an eye out for the bookies’ offers and take advantage of every promotion you can. Just read the terms and conditions to avoid missing out on the request.
All our recommended bookmakers are licensed and safe.
NCAA Hockey Odds
Reading and understanding odds is straightforward because the markets are simple and don’t differ from the betting marketers you will find betting on any other ice hockey tournament.
But you should know that not all college hockey bookmakers will have the same odds. For example, DraftKings could have Massachusetts Minutemen priced at even odds to defeat St. Cloud State Huskies, while 1xBet can have the Minutemen priced at 11/10.
That doesn’t mean that 1xBet is the best NCAA hockey betting site, but it does mean that you can expect the best payouts by betting on 1xBet instead of DraftKings. This example shows why it’s advantageous to have accounts with multiple bookies so that you can bet with the best odds.
The sooner you realize bookmakers use different systems to get their odds and, hence, offer different prices on the same games, the better your chances are of making a profit.
NCAA Hockey Specials
Betting can be exciting, but you can increase your experience by betting with the special markets or specials. These allow you to wager in a way that is not traditional since it enables you to bet on the team’s achievements, finals, and the tournament MVP.
Finals
The final is not only the most important game of the competition but also the one that receives the most bets. You can wager on finals in many ways.
You can place a futures bet to win the championship or predict which two teams will reach the finals. The latter option offers much better odds than the price when looking through the odds of winning the championship.
The third way of betting on finals is on the pre-match markets before the final happens, which is technically the same approach you would take when betting on any other game. But know that the finals usually offer way more betting markets.
Teams
When I talk about betting on teams, I don’t mean gambling on which team will win the next match. Instead, you’re mostly betting on their long-term success if you’re wagering on teams.
The most obvious bet would be a wager on which team will win the championship, but there are alternative bets you can take. Those include betting on which team will reach the playoff, which teams will get the final game, which teams will make the Frozen Four, and anything in between.
Best Player (MVP)
Like betting on the team’s success, you can also wager on which player will perform the best. There are many ways to do it, including betting on who will be the top scorer, goalkeeper, or best defender, but the most common and most popular player-related bet is a wager on the MVP.
The odds of winning a MVP are extremely slim for any hockey player, making this bet one of the toughest to predict. But that gets more than compensated with the generous odds and the high potential payout this bet can earn you. And that also explains why betting on an MVP winner is one of the most popular outright bets.
Popular Bets
Specials can be a fun way to spice up your betting experience but know that most of the best you will place on hockey will come in popular bets. Of course, many are available, but the most popular wagers include moneyline, spread, totals, props, and teasers, which I will touch on below.
Moneyline
Moneyline is the simplest bet you can make when betting on any sport. With it, you’re simply predicting which team will win the next match; it doesn’t matter how much they do it.
It’s the most straightforward bet type and is readily available on all online NCAA hockey betting sites. Although it offers little flexibility, moneyline is the most popular betting type in ice hockey and other sports.
Totals (Over/Under)
Totals (or over/under) is another prevalent bet type, which doesn’t care about which team will win but instead focuses on a specific metric in any given match. With totals, you predict whether a certain statistic will reach a predetermined number.
The total bet is commonly used to predict the number of goals in a game. For example, if the college hockey sportsbooks set the total line at 3.5, you can predict whether the game will see at least four goals. Alternatively, totals can also wager the number of fouls, shots, or other metrics.
Props
Props (or proposition bets) are special wagers, essentially a stake on something other than the game’s final score. With props, you predict the occurrence or non-occurrence of a specific event that rarely relates to which team will win the game or the final score.
For example, a prop bet you can find on all college hockey betting sites is whether there will be a fight or if a player will get injured. Know that props can get as exotic or unusual as the bookmakers make them and can be a fun way to get more action in any match.
Against the Spread
Betting against the spread means wagering on the underdog team and the points in a match. You predict that the underdog will win the game outright or lose by no more than the point spread you’re given.
The against the spread is essentially a form of spread betting, and it can also go the other way around; you can bet “with the spread.” In the latter case, you’re betting on the favorite to cover the point spread or win by more goals than the spread.
Spread betting is prevalent among ice hockey bettors since it is similar to the money line but offers more flexibility and a higher potential payout.
Teasers
A teaser wager might be the right fit if you want even more variety. A teaser is a parlay bet in which you can alter the lines (point spread) to your linking (for or against you), albeit with a tradeoff.
You must know that while using a teaser rather than a normal parlay bet, the odds of winning matches you’re betting on will shift with those lines. But that can work in your favor and improve the odds if you change the spread against you.
Teasers are mostly reserved for bettors who seek higher payouts. They can be an excellent way to try your luck with a parlay you can adjust to your liking.
How to Bet on NCAA Hockey
Anyone can bet, but only a few will make long-term profits. And the latter group of people all have one thing in common – they approached betting the right way and took the correct steps from the get-go.
I will discuss these steps and how to set yourself up for a successful NCAA betting journey!
Find a reliable sportsbook that offers competitive odds, market depth, and occasional bonuses and promotions.
Consider registering with multiple bookmakers to shop for the best odds.
Familiarize yourself with the player and team stats before you start placing bets, or find a wagering preview and game prediction to better understand who to bet on.
Live betting is possibly the most exciting way to wager, and any ice hockey punter should experience it at least once. But you should know that in-play betting is very challenging.
Anyone can place a live bet, but you have to be very knowledgeable about the games to expect to profit from it. Still, live betting can be very profitable.
You must choose a college hockey bookie with in-play markets and streaming options. Even if you don’t plan to live bet at the start, it’s nice to have the chance to do it later.
NCAA Hockey Betting Tips & Predictions
Betting and making a profit from it long-term is not easy and even the best bettors sometimes struggle to find the right picks. To be good at ice hockey betting, you must dedicate a lot of your time and look through all available stats, trends, statistics, and everything else to help you make an educated decision.
That is not the best approach for casual bettors who don’t have the time or the tools to get all the needed data for themselves. But you don’t have to. Instead, you can access all that information through betting previews, which provide betting tips and college hockey predictions for the next games.
Admittedly, you don’t have to follow expert picks, but betting previews can be an excellent source of valuable information to help you make the right bets.
Bottom Line
Before I send you off to start placing your bets, here are some interesting facts about the NCAA hockey championships you might not know.
Wally Gacek, Chris Ray, and Bob McCusker each have six points in a championship game, the record for the most in a Single game.
Phil Sykes has scored the most points in multiple championships, with 9 points from 2 games (4 goals, 5 assists).
The NCAA ice hockey is just one of many collegiate sporting championships and is one of the most popular collegiate events besides NCAA basketball, NCAA baseball, and NCAA football.
Finals have been held at Broadmoor Ice Palace in Colorado Springs, for the first 10th season. Still, they have since moved to multiple locations across the United States with no permanent home.
Some of the most notable venues where finals have happened include Pepsi Center, Wells Fargo Center, TD Garden, Olympic Arena, Bradley Center, and Verizon Center.
The NCAA also confirmed the venues for all the finals from 2023 to 2026, which will include Amalie Arena (2023), Xcel Energy Center (2024), Enterprise Center (2025), and T-Mobile Arena (2026).
I and my betting guide provide all the information, tips, and tricks you need to know before you start wagering. So follow BetZillion’s updates, visit the best NCAA hockey bookmakers, and start placing your bets!
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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