Betting on ice hockey

Forget sports that take a long time, ice hockey is exciting, fast-paced and always unpredictable. It's a continuous battle where games can turn on a save, a ricochet or a power-play goal. To bet on hockey, you need to think like a goalkeeper, anticipating shots and reading play, staying focused through sudden game changes. This fast, unpredictable sport, with its combination of brutal physicality and sublime skill, is for people who like high-intensity action.

A guide to betting on ice hockey

From NHL and KHL to top European leagues like SHL and Liiga, you'll find it all here. Click on any match-up to see all the different types of bets. Pick your odds, choose how much you want to bet, and confirm. The sport moves quickly, so it's great for live betting. Place bets as the game happens.

Check out the great deals and promotions on ice hockey at VivatBet!

Check out our Promotions page for ice hockey season offers. Look out for better odds on the Stanley Cup or World Championship Finals games, options to cover bets if you lose, and a bonus to boost your bankroll from the start. These offers add extra value in a sport where a single goal can decide everything. Always read the terms and conditions.

Key Terms to Know:

  • Puck Line: The ice hockey point spread is normally set at -1.5 for the favourite team.

  • Moneyline: You can bet on which team will win the game.

  • Total Goals (Over/Under): You can bet on the total score of both teams.

  • Power Play: When one team has more players because the other team has been penalised, it's a great chance to score.

  • Penalty Kill: The ability to keep playing well when you don't have all your players is a sign of how strong a team is.

Pros & Cons of Ice hockey betting

Pros:

High pace and constant action create exciting live betting markets. Line changes every 45 seconds mean more action, and the value of the underdog is clear. Underdogs often win more when goalkeepers are on fire.

Cons:

  • High Variance & "Puck Luck": Deflections, posts and bad bounces can influence low-scoring games.

  • In-Season Volatility: NHL teams can play 3-4 games per week, leading to inconsistent lineups, fatigue, and trap games.

  • Overtime & Shootout Complexity: Many leagues award points for overtime losses, and bets are often settled on regulation time only.

Betting Markets for Ice Hockey

  1. Moneyline (Regulation Time):  You can bet on which team will win the game within the next 60 minutes.

  2. Puck Line (Handicap): The goal spread is normally set at -1.5 or +1.5. The main market for creating value on favourites.

  3. Total Goals (Over/Under): Will the combined score be over or under a line like 5.5 or 6.5?

  4. Three-Way Moneyline (1X2): Includes regulation, overtime, and shootout outcomes.

  5. Period Betting: Who will win the first, second or third period

  6. Player Props: Shots on goal, points (goals + assists), or goalie saves over/under.

  7. To Qualify / Series Winner: In playoff formats, betting on which team advances to the next round.

Top Competitions in Ice Hockey

  • NHL (National Hockey League): best ice hockey league in the world, where the Stanley Cup is won.

  • IIHF World Championship: best international competition for national teams, which is held every year.

  • KHL (Kontinental Hockey League): top league in Russia and Eurasia, known for its high level of skill and physical play.

  • European Top Leagues: top leagues for hockey in Sweden, Finland, Switzerland and Germany are the SHL, Liiga, NL and DEL.

  • Olympic Ice Hockey Tournament: The most important international hockey event, which is held every four years.

  • Champions Hockey League: This is Europe's top club competition, with teams from different domestic leagues taking part.

How do ice hockey odds work?

Ice hockey odds depend heavily on the starting goaltender. A team's moneyline odds increase a lot if their number-one goalie is removed. The low-scoring nature of the sport makes the puck line (handicap) important. A 3-1 win becomes a bet on whether the favourite can cover -1.5 goals. Total goals lines often hover around 5.5 or 6.5. Odds change quickly if a strong defensive player or an elite goalie is confirmed in net. Live odds react strongly to goals because there are few scores.

Betting tips for ice hockey

  • The starting goaltender is the most important thing to consider. Never place a bet before the starting goalies have been announced. Having a backup goalie playing changes the matchup a lot.

  • Teams that play the second game in two nights, especially if they have to travel, are at a big disadvantage. Tiredness is a big part of the problem.

  • Special Teams Decide Games: Look at how well each team is doing when they have more players on the ice and when they have fewer players on the ice. A strong team should be able to beat a weak team when they are short-handed.

  • Home Ice Matters, But Not Everywhere: The home-ice advantage is different for each team and league. Some teams are built for playing on the road. Check the home and away splits.

  • Follow the "Money Puck": Use advanced analytics like Corsi For % (shot attempt share) and PDO (shooting + save percentage luck) to see which teams are doing better or worse than their usual performance, as a sign of how they might play in future.

Betting types

  • Pre-Game Betting: Analysing matchups, goaltender confirmations, and team form before the puck drops.

  • Live Betting (In-Play): The ideal way to engage. Bet on the next goal, period winner, or shifting totals as momentum swings with every shot.

  • Outright/Futures Betting: Placing a bet on a team to win the Stanley Cup, their division, or a tournament before it begins.

  • Propositions (Props): Betting on individual player or team performance metrics within a game.

Gambling with confidence

Ice hockey is fast and unpredictable, so bet in a controlled way. Set a budget and stick to it. Make the most of the tools available to you in the VivatBet account. Betting should enhance enjoyment, not cause stress. If you feel it is becoming stressful or you are struggling, use our tools to get help. Bet responsibly.

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FAQ

What is ice hockey betting?

When you bet on ice hockey, you're basically gambling on the result of a hockey match or specific events that might happen during the game. Most Irish players bet on the NHL, but they also bet on European leagues.

Which ice hockey leagues can I bet on?

The NHL is the most popular choice. You can also find markets on leagues in Russia, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and international tournaments like the World Championship or the Olympics.

What is the puck line?

The puck line is a goal handicap. A favourite is often set at -1.5 goals. This means they must win by two goals or more. The underdog at +1.5 can lose by one goal or win the game.

What are the goals usually like in ice hockey – are they usually high or low?

It depends on the teams and goalkeepers. NHL games often have more goals than European leagues. When the goalies are strong and the defences are tight, the scores are usually lower.