The best NHL betting sites offer large bonuses, secure payouts, reduced juice lines, and value-added features such as live streaming.
Our experts have identified the best NHL sportsbooks for hockey fans. We will break down the key pros and cons of each site, and we’ll help you find your ideal place to bet.
The Best NHL Sportsbooks
The top NHL betting sites make it quick and easy for you to bet on every pro hockey game throughout the season. We have identified the best three hockey sportsbooks in key areas like bonuses, props, and Stanley Cup markets, plus the top overall site to bet on the NHL. Let’s get into it.
Best NHL Betting Site Overall
🥇 Winner: BetOnline
- Pros: Reduced juice NHL lines, excellent same game parlay builder, smooth user interface, quick payouts, high limits, and substantial bonuses with 1x rollover requirements.
- Cons: Charges withdrawal fees, doesn’t offer phone support, fewer props than Bovada.
Why we chose BetOnline: BetOnline offers vastly superior odds to rival sites for betting on the NHL. The site typically takes a house edge (juice) of less than 2.5% on its NHL moneylines, whereas competitors take around 5%. BetOnline also offers attractive bonuses, rapid payouts, higher limits than rivals, live NHL streaming options, and an impressive user interface.
🥈 Runner-Up: Bovada
- Pros: Offers more NHL betting options than competitors, customers can request odds on any NHL bet, provides 24/7 support, and offers pre-game and in-play NHL stats.
- Cons: Odds aren’t as sharp as those at BetOnline, and there are fewer promos for hockey fans than BetUS and BetOnline.
🥉 Podium Finish: BetUS
- Pros: Beginner-friendly user interface, world-class customer support, offers pre-game NHL stats, huge bonuses, secure payouts, and a decent range of game props.
- Cons: Doesn’t offer player props, no same game parlay builder, and some bonuses have high rollover requirements.
Best NHL Betting Apps
🥇 Winner: BetUS
- Pros: Offers a clean, elegant user interface for mobile users. Navigation is quick and easy, the software is reliable, and customer support is easy to access, whether you use iOS or Android.
- Cons: Fewer NHL betting markets than some rivals, and doesn’t offer as many payment options as BetOnline.
Why we chose BetUS: An ideal site for bettors who want to place wagers on mobile devices. BetUS doesn’t offer a native betting app, but its mobile-optimized site is excellent and you can set up a shortcut to it on your phone’s home screen. This effectively turns it into an accessible web-based NHL betting app. It’s fast, reliable, and intuitively designed, resulting in a smooth browsing experience ideal for live betting.
🥈 Runner-Up: BetOnline
- Pros: High-quality software results in an excellent user experience for mobile bettors, offers reduced juice NHL odds, and has generous deposit and withdrawal limits.
- Cons: Doesn’t offer a downloadable ice hockey betting app, and the free-to-play contests rarely focus on hockey.
🥉 Podium Finish: MyBookie
- Pros: Clean and uncluttered mobile user interface, works well on iOS and Android devices, and competitive Stanley Cup betting odds.
- Cons: Can be slow to release NHL online betting lines, and the design is a little basic.
Sites with the Most NHL Betting Markets
🥇 Winner: Bovada
- Pros: Offers more props than rival hockey betting sites, will provide odds on any prop, and a strong range of pre-built same-game parlays.
- Cons: Doesn’t offer a same-game parlay builder on NHL games, some rivals offer higher NHL betting limits.
Why we chose Bovada: Bovada is easily the best NHL betting site for anyone seeking a wide range of markets. The site offers a vast range of betting options on each NHL game: totals, puck lines, moneylines, game props, player props, period props, team props, squares, and loads of pre-built same-game parlays. If you can’t find a market you’d like to bet on, message the team on X (Twitter), and they will price it for you.
🥈 Runner-Up: MyBookie
- Pros: Often publishes a long list of props and other NHL betting tips, provides pre-game player stats to help you make astute picks when you bet on hockey.
- Cons: Can be slow to release NHL lines, and the layout is not particularly sophisticated.
🥉 Podium Finish: BetOnline
- Pros: Offers a standard moneyline, puck line, and total goals line, plus a comprehensive same-game parlay builder and many futures betting markets.
- Cons: Fewer props than Bovada, doesn’t offer a “request a bet” feature.
Best Stanley Cup Betting Sites
🥇 Winner: Bovada
- Pros: Quick to release Stanley Cup odds, multiple futures markets, lots of props on Stanley Cup Finals games, same-day payouts, and 24/7 support.
- Cons: Some rivals offer sharper Stanley Cup betting odds, and doesn’t offer many odds boosts or tailored NHL promos.
Why we chose Bovada: Bovada offers the best betting options of any Stanley Cup sportsbook. The site quickly publishes its Stanley Cup futures odds each year and continuously updates them throughout the season. There are loads of props on each Stanley Cup Finals game, and it offers a strong range of live betting markets.
🥈 Runner-Up: BetNow
- Pros: Competitive odds on NHL futures and Stanley Cup Finals games, simple user experience, reliable payouts, and competitive bonuses.
- Cons: Doesn’t offer many props, and some rivals tend to release their lines before BetNow.
🥉 Podium Finish: BetUS
- Pros: Offers market-leading Stanley Cup betting odds on several teams, and provides the biggest bonuses for Stanley Cup bettors.
- Cons: Fewer Stanley Cup props than key competitors, the BetUS TV section doesn’t cover hockey.
Best NHL Sportsbooks for Bonuses
🥇 Winner: BetUS
- Pros: Offers a massive sign-up bonus, large reload bonuses, special crypto bonuses, and a strong loyalty program.
- Cons: Doesn’t offer many odds boosts or NHL-specific promos, and the contests rarely focus on hockey.
Why we chose BetUS: BetUS offers larger bonuses than rival NHL betting sites. For example, new customers can claim a 100% first deposit bonus worth up to $2,000. If you’d like a promo with lower rollover requirements, you can opt for a 20% cash bonus instead. There are also special crypto bonuses and huge reload bonuses, while the loyalty program unlocks a wide range of perks.
🥈 Runner-Up: BetNow
- Pros: Offers new users a choice of three sign-up bonuses with different rollover requirements, reload bonuses of up to 30%, and runs a rebate program.
- Cons: Promos have high wagering requirements, and BetUS offers larger bonuses.
🥉 Podium Finish: BetOnline
- Pros: Offers a compelling sign-up bonus with a 1x rollover requirement, plus ongoing risk-free bets, odds boosts, insurance deals, and loyalty rewards.
- Cons: Smaller bonuses than BetUS, and contests rarely focus on hockey.
Summary Table
| Category | Our Criteria | Best NHL Betting Sites |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | The best NHL betting sites must offer competitive odds, attractive bonuses, secure payouts, reliable support, and a smooth user experience. | BetOnline, Bovada, BetUS |
| Best Apps | An elite NHL betting app makes it quick and easy for you to place wagers in the palm of your hand. | BetUS, BetOnline, MyBookie |
| Most NHL Betting Markets | The NHL sportsbooks that offer the broadest range of props, alternative lines, live betting markets, futures bets, and parlay options. | Bovada, MyBookie, BetOnline |
| Best Stanley Cup Sportsbooks | The top Stanley Cup betting sites offer competitive futures odds and loads of exciting markets on each Stanley Cup Finals game. | Bovada, BetNow, BetUS |
| Best NHL Betting Sites for Bonuses | Hockey betting sites that offer large sign-up bonuses, with realistic rollover requirements, and lots of ongoing promos, boosts, and loyalty rewards. | BetUS, BetNow, BetOnline |
NHL Betting Online Bonuses
Some offshore betting sites offer large sign-up bonuses to attract new customers, while other hockey betting apps specialize in ongoing promos designed to reward existing customers. Below, we have rounded up the best NHL bonuses and explained where to find them.
Welcome Bonuses
❓ What are They? Most NHL sportsbooks offer to match a percentage of your initial deposit with bonus credits. For example, you might get a 50% first deposit bonus worth up to $500 or a 75% deposit match bonus of up to $750.
🏒 Why They’re Useful for NHL Betting: Welcome bonuses allow you to place NHL bets with house money. If you complete the rollover requirements, you can cash out your winnings.
💰 Best Deal: BetUS offers a 100% first deposit bonus worth up to $1,000 or a 150% crypto bonus of up to $1,500. Alternatively, you can claim a 20% cash bonus of up to $500, with a lower 6x rollover requirement.
Odds Boosts
❓ What are They? Odds boosts increase your cash winnings on successful picks. For example, a hockey betting site might raise the odds on the Bruins to win from +120 to +140.
🏒 Why They’re Useful for NHL Betting: You will receive a larger cash profit if you claim an odds boost and the pick is successful. However, avoiding odds boosts on markets you wouldn’t usually be interested in is essential, such as long-shot parlays.
💰 Best Deal: BetOnline offers odds boosts on big NHL games. Select the “Odds Boosters” tab on the main menu to check out your options.
Reload Bonuses
❓ What are They? These deposit match bonuses reward you for topping up your account balance. For example, you might be offered a 10% reload bonus of up to $50 or a 20% reload bonus worth up to $200.
🏒 Why They’re Useful for NHL Betting: Reload bonuses allow you to increase your bankroll each time you deposit. Just make sure the rollover requirements aren’t too high.
💰 Best Deal: MyBookie offers crypto users a 55% sports reload bonus. This offer is available to existing customers only, and you can claim it whenever you make a deposit.
No-Deposit Bonuses
❓ What are They? Some of the best hockey betting sites will give you bonus credits upon registration. There’s no need to make a qualifying deposit to unlock the funds.
🏒 Why They’re Useful for NHL Betting: No-deposit bonuses allow you to try a new site. If you meet the rollover requirements, you can profit without risking your own money.
💰 Best Deal: The top NHL betting sites aren’t offering no-deposit bonuses for new customers right now, but the BetNow sportsbook rebate is an attractive no-deposit offer.
Parlay Booster
❓ What are They? These bonuses increase your cash profits on successful parlays. The boost typically increases according to the number of legs you added, such as 5% for a three-leg parlay, 10% for a four-leg parlay, and so on.
🏒 Why They’re Useful for NHL Betting: They effectively reduce the edge that online sportsbooks take on their parlays and can improve your long-term chances of earning a profit.
💰 Best Deal: Bovada offers a parlay booster bonus. You’ll unlock better odds on select parlays and have the chance to rack up extra reward points via prize draws.
How to Find the Best NHL Betting Site
Your ideal NHL sportsbook will depend on your unique preferences. We have highlighted some key attributes to consider when selecting a hockey betting site. Consider which features are most important to you, as that will help you arrive at the best site for you.
Best NHL Odds & Lines
Some bettors primarily focus on finding the best NHL odds. They know that claiming the best odds will maximize their winnings on each successful pick and increase their chances of ending the NHL season in profit.
We compared the odds at every NHL betting site, and BetOnline emerged as the winner. However, it’s helpful to register with other sites, as they will sometimes have better odds on certain picks.
Live Betting
Some NHL fans enjoy betting with live betting sites during games. They watch the opening stages of a game to get a feel for how each team shapes up and then place in-play bets from a position of strength.
It’s important to find a site that offers competitive odds on a wide range of in-play NHL bets. Yet it’s equally important to find a fast, reliable, user-friendly site that allows you to place your wagers quickly, before the lines change.
Welcome Bonus
You might find that a sizeable welcome bonus is the most essential aspect when choosing an NHL sportsbook. After all, a generous sign-up bonus can significantly bolster your bankroll as you gear up for the pro hockey season.
If so, it’s crucial to consider the size of the bonus, but you also need to factor in the ease of the rollover requirements. You’ll then arrive at the true value of the welcome bonus.
Best Banking Options
Some bettors focus on finding an NHL betting site that offers a long list of secure, convenient payment methods. They can include fiat-based methods and cryptocurrencies.
Before registering with a hockey betting site, visit the cashier page and check the list of payment methods. Make sure your preferred options are available. Also, consider the deposit and withdrawal limits, and check for any transaction fees.
Deposits & Withdrawals at Top NHL Betting Sites
The six payment and withdrawal methods outlined below have advantages and disadvantages. Just like above, when we considered the best betting markets and features available, the best method of deposit and withdrawal will differ from player to player.
Concerned about anonymity and security? It’s best to bet in crypto or at a no-verification site. If speed is key, an eWallet might be for you. All the details are in the table.
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Cards / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex) | Instant deposits. Withdrawals can take 0-5 days | Available at most sites, instant deposits, easy to use | Rarely available for withdrawals, you may be charged credit card fees |
| eWallets (Skrill, Neteller) | Instant | Offer instant deposits and quick withdrawals, pretty broad limits, some eWallets offer rewards. | Many NHL sportsbooks no longer support eWallets, as they’ve shifted their focus to crypto instead. |
| Crypto (BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, LTC, BCH, SOL, DOGE) | 0-60 minutes | Quick deposits and withdrawals, high limits, and some bitcoin betting sites offer very generous bonuses. | Not accepted at all NHL sportsbooks, some tokens tend to fluctuate wildly in value against the US dollar. |
| Bank transfer | Instant deposits, withdrawals can take 2-5 days | Secure, regulated, convenient, and reliable, with high limits. | Slow withdrawals, banks can add their own conversion and handling fees. |
| Wire transfer | Up to five days | High upper limits make this the best option for large transfers. | High minimum deposit and withdrawal limits. Fees can be substantial, and transfers can be slow. |
| Digital voucher | Instant | Easy, convenient deposit method for anyone who likes holding cash. | Unavailable for withdrawals, low limits, and unavailable at many NHL betting sites. |
NHL Bet Types
The best NHL sportsbooks offer more than 100 betting options on each game. These are the most common bet types to familiarize yourself with.
Moneyline
A simple wager on which team will win an NHL game. The odds tell you the profit you’ll earn if your pick is correct.
The two-way moneyline is graded at the end of the game, including the potential for overtime. A three-way moneyline is graded at the end of the third period, and there are three possible outcomes: home win, tie, or away win.
Puck Line
This is a handicap bet, similar to the point spread on a football game. A classic puck line arises when one team is given a 1.5-goal handicap.
For example, you might find NHL odds of -110 on the Philadelphia Flyers -1.5 and -110 on the Buffalo Sabres +1.5. If you think the Flyers will win by a margin of at least two goals, back them to cover the puck line.
Totals (Over/Under)
A simple prediction of the total number of goals both teams will score in a game. Odds compilers will set a total goals line, and you can bet over/under.
For instance, you might find -110 on over 6.5 goals and -110 on under 6.5. If you expect both teams to combine for at least nine goals, bet on the “over.”
Grand Salami
An exotic bet that allows you to wager on the total number of goals scored in all of the NHL games taking place on a particular night or day.
For example, if there’s a 10-game slate, you might find NHL odds of -110 on over 53.5 goals and -110 on under 53.5 goals across all games.
Parlays & Same-Game Parlays
A parlay allows you to combine two or more picks on separate games to create a single wager. Meanwhile, a same-game parlay combines at least two picks on the same game.
Each pick must be correct for the bet to succeed. If one pick lets you down, the bet fails. However, you can earn large profits from successful parlays.
NHL Prop Bets
These special wagers focus on player stats, team stats, or in-game events. They don’t usually focus on the result of the game.
For example, you can bet on a player to score a goal, predict whether the game will go into overtime, or bet on the first team to score two goals.
Futures
Futures are long-term bets that can run for as long as an entire season. For example, you can bet on a team to win the Stanley Cup, the conference, or the division.
Hockey sportsbooks also offer futures on players, such as the winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy or the Conn Smythe Trophy.
Live Betting
NHL betting sites begin offering live betting markets as soon as a game starts. The odds are updated throughout the game, reflecting the score and the momentum.
You can watch the game and place in-play bets on the moneyline, totals, the puck line, or props via your NHL betting app.
Tips for Betting on the NHL
These NHL betting tips can help you gamble responsibly and increase your chances of success when making your hockey picks. We’ve included some easy-to-follow dos and don’ts.
✅ Utilize Live Betting
Watch the opening stages of a hockey game, assess how each team is shaping up, and then place live wagers based on the evidence on your screen. You can also use live bets to hedge previous bets that you have placed, so it’s a handy tool.
✅ Monitor NHL Odds Movements
Find an NHL sportsbook that releases early lines and place your bets before public sentiment causes the odds to shift. It can also be profitable to bet on unpopular teams just before the game begins, as you will often find inflated odds on those teams.
✅ Look Beyond the NHL
You can often find great value by looking past the NHL and betting on European ice hockey leagues instead. The oddsmakers don’t have as much data on those leagues, so you can sometimes exploit weak lines if you conduct thorough research.
✅ Keep Track of Back-to-Backs
According to ESPN data, the road favorite wins 62.8% of the time. However, that jumps to 72.2% when the home underdog is completing a back-to-back set, so consider fading home underdogs when they’re on the second leg of a back-to-back.
❌ Bet Without Doing Research
Bet with your head, not your heart. Avoid the temptation to blindly back your favorite teams without conducting in-depth research. Analyze home and away records, against-the-spread records, and advanced stats like Corsi, Fenwick, and High Danger Scoring Chances, which will help you make shrewd picks.
❌ Lose Track of Your Bets
Keep a record of your wins and losses throughout an NHL season. You may spot patterns, allowing you to focus more on the successful bet types.
❌ Chase Losses
Keep a cool head when you lose. Avoid the temptation to place larger wagers to try and recoup your losses. It’s best to walk away, compose yourself, and return to betting when thinking rationally.
❌ Bet Beyond Your Means
Set a budget and stick to it. Your bankroll should not include money that you need for rent, bills, groceries, and other essentials. There is no way to guarantee success when you bet on hockey, so responsible gamblers never play with money they cannot afford to lose.
FAQs
Yes, NHL betting is legal in most states. You can use reputable betting sites to place wagers on every game. The legal age for sports betting is typically 21, but it can vary from state to state. For example, anyone aged 18 or older can enjoy NHL online betting in Kentucky and Wyoming.
Only particular NHL betting sites are safe. It is important to sign up with a trusted, reputable hockey sportsbook, such as BetOnline or Bovada. Those sites have been providing secure, reliable payouts for many years and deploy powerful encryption tools and firewalls to keep their customers safe.
The lowest risk NHL bet is probably the two-way moneyline, which is graded as a push if the game finishes in a tie at the end of the third period. That bet doesn’t include the potential for overtime. A total goals bet is also a relatively low-risk option, especially if you choose an alternative line.
NHL players are credited with a point for scoring a goal or registering an assist. You can place over/under bets on the total points a player will score during a game. This differs from a total goals wager, which does not include assists.
A classic NHL puck line occurs after one team is given a 1.5-goal handicap. For example, you might find odds of -105 on the Tampa Bay Lightning -1.5 against the Dallas Stars, and odds of -115 on the Stars +1.5. If you think the Lightning will win by a margin of at least two goals, back them to cover the puck line. Alternatively, bet on Dallas if you expect them to win or lose by only a single goal.
References
- https://www.nhl.com/stats/ (NHL Stats)