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How to Bet on Hockey: Types and Best Strategies

How to Bet on Hockey: Types and Best Strategies

Hockey betting is a less demanded prediction compared to football, tennis, and basketball matches, but the game is nevertheless popular among numerous fans. Serious players follow mainly the NHL and KHL — the two strongest leagues in the world. For most players, the demand for ice battles appears only at the time of world championships, the Olympics, and other major international competitions. The majority of them also track hockey betting odds to identify more value before they make their decisions on bets.

Types of Hockey Bets

For the lovers of traditional bets, hockey offers a full range of possibilities. In the lines of the leading bookmakers, it is possible to find all the standard types of bets:

  • match result;
  • total;
  • handicap.

Match Result

Here you can attempt to predict which team will win (1 — home team, 2 — away team). You can bet on a draw (X) or on any positive result for one of the competitors (1X or X2). The coefficient for a double chance is less than for a regular outcome. Usually, hockey bets are calculated based on the result of regular time, even if the match continues after it. Such a clarification should always be looked for.

Handicap

This is a popular bet for regular punters on bookies' websites. There are several handicap types:

  • Positive. A bet on H1 (+1.5) is a winner if the home team loses by a single goal, draws, or wins.
  • Negative. Such hockey bets require the favorite to win by a certain margin. For example, H1 (-2.5) means the team must win by 3 or more goals.
  • Zero. This handicap increases the reliability of betting on a favourite. In case of a draw, the stake will be refunded.
  • Asian. The handicap may be a whole number (with a possible refund) or end in 0.5. In Asian handicaps, the number can end in 0.25 or 0.75. The bet is divided in half into two various handicaps of equal wagers. For instance, a $100 wager on H1 (+1.75) is divided as $50 on H1 (+2) and $50 on H1 (+1.5).

Totals

There is his or her own approach to hockey betting for each, and totals' active application can be a part of it. Some statistical number, for instance, goals, penalties, or penalty minutes, is pointed out by the bookie. The punter must predict whether the teams will exceed this point (over) or not (under). If a whole number is pointed out, there is a chance of a refund. Totals can be general and individual. In the second case, only the result of a specific player or team is considered. 

Popular Strategies

Hockey regulars are aware that betting on it is all about strategy. Both standard systems and specialized schemes developed from them can be applied. Some of the popular strategies include:

  • chasing a draw in a period;
  • Over 6.5 goals;
  • accumulator with "safe" bets;
  • betting on a goal in the final minutes.

Draw chasing is an easy hockey betting system founded on the reality that periods tend to finish even. When the first-period bet does not pan out, you place a bet on the following one with a stake large enough to reimburse for earlier losses and achieve a profit. You then discontinue once your objective is reached.

Over 6.5 goals is a system for matches with lots of goals. When offensive teams face each other, the possibilities for 7 or more total goals are excellent. Over the long term, this system can provide good profits.

Accumulators with safe bets suit cautious players. They entail markets with low odds, such as Over 1 goal or Both Teams to Score. It's best not to combine more than four events in an accumulator.

A late goal bet is best placed when a team is trailing by a small margin a few minutes from the end of the game. At this point, the goalkeeper is usually withdrawn, making the likelihood of a goal more probable. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hockey Betting

Why is hockey betting less popular today than football or tennis betting? Firstly, this sport is less interesting to the average Ugandan supporter. The level of the national championship is closer to amateur competitions, and the national team has not struggled for a place in the elite world division for decades.

Bookmakers also don't support a great deal of betting interest. Lines typically only extend to major international tournaments and NHL/KHL games. The margin is also higher than for football or basketball, and stakes are generally lower. Of course, there are a few exceptions, but it does require some effort to locate the right bookmaker.

Despite these constraints, hockey betting remains attractive to many enthusiasts. The reasons include:

  • Unforeseen outcomes. Within the NHL, any underdog is capable of defeating a favorite. It complicates bookmakers' work and offers more opportunities for bettors. 
  • Dynamics. Even when one team is clearly leading, everything may change upside down. When it comes to live betting, the number of profitable options is especially great.
  • Busy schedule. In the NHL and KHL, games are played nearly continuously. Once the season there ends, it is possible to concentrate on European championships.