So did the spread of legalized single-game sports betting around the U.S., giving fans access to hockey wagering (and allowing teams to inundate them with advertising about hockey wagering).īeyond the casual bettors, there are also those hockey wiseguys who bet the NHL frequently - and successfully. But it's difficult to really pin down specifics on hockey betting totals, as only Colorado reports bets on 'ice hockey.' It is lumped into categories with other sports in most states.Īnother answer is 'more people than used to bet on hockey.' The arrival of the Vegas Golden Knights to The Strip in 2017 created heavier volume on hockey at the sportsbooks, especially from fans visiting the city to see their teams play. At the SuperBook, the average MLB game draws five times as much betting handle as the average NHL game. The general answer is 'not as many people who bet on other sports.' Hockey is the fourth-most popular sport by betting handle. A veteran Las Vegas bookmaker, Salmons is on the SuperBook's oddsmaking team that oversees hockey for the sportsbook. For some expertise, we spoke with Ed Salmons, vice president of risk management for the SuperBook at Westgate Las Vegas. There are a number of ways to bet the sport in interesting and profitable ways.

But what the NHL lacks on the scoreboard, it makes up for in strategy. NHL teams averaged 2.94 goals per game last season, which ended a five-year upswing in scoring. Which is to say that hockey is not basketball nor football in frequency of scoring events. Your patience for something - really, anything - to happen is rewarded when you see that sudden streak across the sky.

How to bet on hockey: The ins and outs of wagering on the NHLīetting on hockey is a bit like stargazing. You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser

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