Hockey Betting at LeoVegas

It’s fast. It’s powerful. It’s entertaining, and it’s exciting. Hockey is an amazing spectator sport, and it’s also an amazing sport to bet on at LeoVegas!

Whether it is your own national league, the big boys at NHL or KHL hockey leagues, or an international event, we offer one of the greatest hockey odds selections available online.

Bet on team wins, player props, players to score, season winners, or on in-game events… it is all there at your fingertips.

Get into the action on your desktop - or better yet, take advantage of our top-notch mobile betting platform and carry the excitement with you wherever you go!

Our dynamic sportsbook offers you a great variety of options with ever changing odds, so pay close attention to grab the best ones!

How To Place Your Bet On Hockey

The user experience with LeoVegas is smoother than an ice hockey rink. Simply navigate to the basketball page, find the market you’d like to bet on, click it, and add it to the betslip.

For example, if you want to back a team to win a basketball match, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the basketball page by typing it into the dynamic search bar or finding it on the homepage.
2. Look for the Moneyline market and click the price that corresponds to the team you want to back.
3. Check the betslip and make sure the market and the team is correct.
4. Enter your stake and press “place bet”.

How Hockey Games Work -Understanding Hockey Rules

Hockey is a fast-paced game where two teams of six players each try to score goals by hitting a puck into the opponent's net using sticks.

Players must stay onside, meaning they can't cross the blue line into the offensive zone before the puck does. The game is played in three periods, and penalties are given for actions like slashing or tripping, sending players to the penalty box. The team with the most goals wins, and if it's tied, they go into overtime for a sudden-death shootout.

LeoVegas Sports provides betting odds for the most popular ice hockey betting markets, such as:

• Match Winner: Simply pick the outcome of a game. The team with the most points at the end of the match or overtime will come out on top.
• Total Goals: Predict the amount of goals there will be in a game. Usually there is a line in which you bet over or under.
• Goals Scored: This market requires bettors to predict the exact number of goals scored.
• Correct Score: Place a stake on the final result of the game.
• Goal Scorer: Pick a player to score in the game.
• The First Team To Score: Back the side that slide in the first puck.
• Player Points: Back the player to score the most points.
• Player Shot: Pick a player to score a point.
• Futures: Look to the future and have your say on which team will win a championship or a title.
• 60-Minute Line (3-Way Moneyline): Similar to the Match Winner market, back the result of the

Major Tournaments and Hockey Events

For hockey fans, the NHL is the place to play, and the season-long hockey contests attract large audiences.

The gold medal in hockey in the Olympic Winter Games can be considered the most crucial prize in the world sport. Hockey World Championship and the Hockey World Cup are the biggest hockey events outside the Olympic games.

National Hockey League (NHL)

NHL hockey is the elite hockey league. Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals, Calgary Flames, and other popular NHL teams compete to win the Stanley Cup.

Eighty-two NHL games are played in the regular NHL season, and the best team from both Eastern and Western Conferences progress into the NHL Playoffs (also known as Stanley Cup playoffs).

Learn about how to bet on the NHL in our NHL Betting Guide or check our list of top Canadian NHL teams.

American Hockey League (AHL)

AHL is a professional hockey league with 32 teams, 26 of which are located in the US and 6 in Canada. The AHL's main goal is to be the highest-level development league and help create players who will play in the prestigious National Hockey League, despite being a season-long competition.

With clubs vying for the coveted Stanley Cup, the NHL draws the top athletes in the world. All AHL teams are currently associated with an NHL team, thus viewers may observe players switching between teams as necessary.

Learn more about AHL in our AHL Betting Guide.

Swedish Hockey League (SHL)

Swedish Hockey League is the highest division of Swedish hockey competitions. The league was founded in 1975, and consists of 14 teams. The SHL season is split into two parts: the regular season (late September through early March), during which teams compete against one another according to a set schedule; and the playoffs (March through April), an elimination tournament in which two teams compete against one another to win a best-of-seven series in order to move on to the next round. The main trophy of Swedish Hockey League is Le Mat Trophy.

Finnish Elite League (Liiga)

Liiga, or Finnish Elite Hockey League is the top proffessional hockey league in Finland. The Liiga was also founded in 1975, and consists of 15 teams. Finnish Liiga is considered one of the strongest leagues in Europe along with the SHL and KHL.

Champions Hockey League

Similar to famous football Champions League, this League is the biggest international hockey competition in Europe. 32 teams from 13 different countries compete for European Trophy.

Hockey World Championships

Hockey stars compete in two groups in the annual world championship. Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland are amongst them. LeoVegas offers excellent betting odds during the Hockey Championships before each game.

International Leagues:

Below are some of the most popular leagues in ice hockey from the international arena. LeoVegas provides markets on all of the biggest events.

• Liga: The top professional ice hockey league in Slovakia, featuring the country's best teams.

• Extraliga: The premier ice hockey league in the Czech Republic, home to top Czech teams and some foreign players.

• Champions Hockey League: An annual European club competition where top teams from various domestic leagues compete for the title of Europe's best.

• Alps Hockey League: A cross-border league featuring teams from Austria and Italy, fostering competition between clubs from these countries.

• ICE Hockey League: A professional league mainly in Austria, featuring teams from several Central European countries, including Italy and Slovenia.

• Ligue Magnus: The top ice hockey league in France, featuring the best French teams and a few international players.

• Mestis: The second-tier professional league in Finland, providing a platform for teams to compete for promotion to the Liiga.

• Metal Ligaen: Denmark's highest ice hockey league, showcasing the country's top talent and clubs.

• EHL (European Hockey League): A prominent European league where clubs from different countries, primarily in Europe, battle it out in a competitive environment.

• NLA (National League A): The top ice hockey league in Switzerland, known for its strong competition and highly skilled players.

• Elite Ice Hockey League: The premier ice hockey league in the United Kingdom, featuring teams from across England, Scotland, and Wales.

• HockeyEttan: The third-highest level of professional ice hockey in Sweden, serving as a development league for aspiring players.

• SDHL (Swedish Women's Hockey League): The top women’s ice hockey league in Sweden, featuring elite female hockey talent.

Hockey Betting Markets

Money line

Betting on the ‘money line’ is the most common type of ice hockey bet. This is where you are betting on a team to simply win the game. The team deemed by the bookmaker to be the favorite will have a minus sign beside their odds, e.g., -4.5, with their opponent, the underdog, having a plus sign beside their odds, e.g., +5.5.

Puck line

Puck line focuses on how many goals a team is expected to win or lose a game by. The standard form for this bet is on +1.5 goals, or -1.5 goals. The team judged to be the favorite will be advertised as having a -1.5-goal advantage, with their opponent given a +1.5-goal advantage. Therefore, the favorite must win by at least two clear goals for the bet to win.

Prop Bets

Prop betting is short for ‘proposition’ betting and focuses on a possible outcome, not related to the overall final result of the game. For example, popular prop bets in ice hockey include the number of goals a player might score. If you predict a player to score 2 goals and they do, even if they end up on the losing side, your bet will still win.

Spread betting

Spread betting in ice hockey relates to betting on a ‘spread’ or an outcome of something that might happen in a game. For example, the spread on Total Goals could be 4.7-5.2. If you think the game will have more than 5.2 goals, you should buy the bet. If you think the same game will have less than 4.7 goals, you should sell the bet. The profit or loss will depend on the difference between the buy or sell level, and the final outcome, multiplied by your wager.

Total (Over/Under)

A ‘Total’ bet focuses on how many goals will be scored in a game and placed as either ‘Over’ or ‘Under’ a specific the number of goals scored. For example, you can place a wager for a game to have Over 4.5 goals, in which case at least 5 would need to be scored for a winning bet. Or you can wager on there being Under 4.5 goals, so you want there to be 4 or less goals scored.

Parlay

This type of bet needs to have several outcomes predicted correctly for it to be a winning bet. Each selection within a parlay, also known as a leg, must be predicted accurately to win, but if one leg loses, the entire wager is lost. The more legs in your parlay the bigger the odds will be, but it is a higher risk bet due to needing all the predictions to be successful.

Futures

Future bets are when you wager on something to happen in the future, such as a team winning their championship, or a player being named MVP for that season.

Dime Line

This is when a line is only 10 points, or ‘cents’ difference. For example, a line that is -140 and +130 is considered a ‘dime line’.

Edge

The ‘edge’ is the advantage you think you have on a specific bet. For example, a bet that you think has a 75% chance of winning, but the odds are set at 50/50, means you have a 25% edge.

Double Chance

Double chance bets focus on the three outcomes of a match where you can pick two of the ones you think most likely to happen. For example:

Bet 1: Home team wins/tied after 60 mins

Bet 2: Away team wins/tied after 60 mins

Grand Salami

This is an exciting bet that focuses on the ‘Total’ (over/under) number of goals that are scored in all the games that are played on the same night.

Developing a Winning Strategy

From the latest injury records to the best-performing players, doing comprehensive research on your next bet is crucial to your success over the longer term when betting on ice hockey. Painting as clear a picture as possible can help you forge a clear path forward in finding winning strategies.

Look for trends - has a team got a positive or negative record against another? Is there an arena that holds the sign over a team? Has a player scored more goals at a certain arena more than others?

There are patterns of data that bettors can follow to improve returns and results.

Goaltenders are arguably the most critical position in hockey, and their performance can dramatically influence the outcome of a game.

Save Percentage: A goaltender’s ability to stop shots is often measured by their save percentage. A higher save percentage usually correlates with better overall team performance.

Recent Form: A goaltender's current form should always be considered. A goalie who is hot, meaning they’ve been performing well recently, can swing the odds in a team’s favor, while a struggling goalie might cause an underdog team to outperform expectations.

Workload and Fatigue: Goaltenders are often more affected by fatigue than other players. If a goalie has played a high number of games in a short span, they may show signs of fatigue, leading to poorer performances.

Home Ice Advantage: Fact or Myth? The concept of home ice advantage is often debated in hockey, but the facts show that it does tend to have some influence, though it’s not always a guarantee. The familiarity with a rink can give teams a slight edge, while crowd support and the addition of travel fatigue for visiting teams all come into the equation that suggests home advantage is crucial in ice hockey.

Team Schedules and Fatigue Analysis Fatigue is a real factor in hockey, especially over the course of a long season. Understanding a team’s schedule and how it might affect their performance can give you an edge in hockey betting.

Back-to-Back Games: Playing two games in as many days can cause significant fatigue, especially for players logging a lot of ice time. A team coming off a back-to-back might be less energetic, and if they are on the road, that’s even more of a disadvantage.

Long Road Trips: Teams that are away from home for extended periods, particularly if traveling across time zones, might suffer from fatigue, both physically and mentally.

Rest vs. Playing Streaks: Teams coming off a long rest (say, 3-4 days) are usually more rested and have fresher legs. On the other hand, teams that have been on a long playing streak or have been on the road for several games may not be at their best.

Live Betting in Hockey

Betting live on any sport involves the ability to deal with dynamic momentum shifts in-game. Being clear-headed is crucial. If you know your sport and can see a team beginning to dominate another, it could be time to put your money where your mind is.

Successful live bets often depend on quick analysis and recognising key scenarios during the game. For example, betting on a team when they’re on a power play or have just scored a momentum-shifting goal can be a good opportunity, as they’re likely to carry that energy forward. If a team’s goaltender is having a rough start, betting on goals to be scored or the opposing team to win might offer value.

Likewise, if a team is trailing by a goal but still dominating possession or shots on goal, betting on them to equalize or even win can be a smart move. Additionally, if a key player is injured or ejected during the game, reassessing the odds quickly to reflect the team’s altered strength can lead to profitable bets. Always be aware of shifts in momentum and act quickly—live betting thrives on seizing opportunities as they arise.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Common mistakes include overbetting on favourites without considering value, ignoring key statistical trends like home/away performance or goalie stats, and chasing losses by making emotional bets. To avoid them, stay disciplined, focus on data, and never bet beyond your means to recover losses.

Play Safely, Play Responsibly on Hockey

The priority at LeoVegas has always been to offer our players a safe and entertaining betting experience. We provide different gaming limits that you can customize in your account settings, and our friendly support-lions are always available if you have any questions or require assistance. You can visit LeoSafePlay.com, our independent platform for responsible gaming, for more information or if you have a gambling problem.

Explore More Online Sports Betting

Check other sports at LeoVegas Sports, such as basketball, tennis, baseball and American football and other major sports.

Hockey Betting FAQ

How do betting lines work in hockey?

Betting lines work when a bookmaker will set the odds and determine who the favourite is and who the underdog is in a match. This creates a margin, also known as the line, between the two teams.

How do you bet on a hockey game?

To bet on a hockey game, the simplest way is to place a money line bet on hockey, where you are picking who you think will win a game between two teams. Odds set by the bookmaker, will determine who is the favorite and who is the underdog. From those odds, you will be able to see how much stake you need to wager to win, for example, $10.

What is the 60-minute line in hockey betting?

This is like a money line bet, as you are still making a prediction on who will win the game. However, a 60-minute line bet focuses only on the score at the end of the three regulation periods. So, if a team wins in overtime or via a shootout, this won’t count in your 60-minute line bet.

What is a spread in hockey betting?

Spread betting relates to betting on a ‘spread’ or an outcome of something that might happen in a game. For example, the spread on Total Goals could be 4.9-5.3. If you think the game will have more than 5.3 goals, you should buy the bet. If you think the game will have less than 4.9 goals, you should sell the bet. The profit or loss is dependent on the difference between the buy or sell value, and the final outcome, which is then multiplied by your stake.

What does SU mean in hockey betting?

SU means ‘straight-up’ and relates to whether a team has won the game regardless to the point spread offered.

Does overtime count in ice hockey betting?

Generally, yes, if you have placed a money line bet, unless otherwise stated. Shootouts also count for certain bets, but it is best to check the T&C’s. However, if you have placed a 60-minute line bet, only the score at the end of regulation time will count towards whether your bet has been successful or not.

How do you read hockey betting odds?

In hockey, the team who the bookmaker thinks is the favourite will always be indicated by a minus sign beside their odds, e.g. -3.5, whilst the least favoured team, the underdog, will have a plus sign beside their odds, e.g. +4.5.

What does +1.5 mean in hockey betting?

In hockey betting, +1.5 means that the underdog team must either win the game outright or lose the game by one goal or less to cover the puck line bet.

What is the easiest hockey bet?

The money line is the easiest bet you can place on a hockey game.

What is a 3-way moneyline in hockey?

A 3-way moneyline bet in hockey includes three possible outcomes: a team to win in regulation, the game to go to overtime, or the opposing team to win in regulation. It excludes overtime or shootout results when deciding the winner.

What does +200 mean in hockey betting?

In hockey betting, a +200 line means that for every $100 you bet, you can win $200 if the bet is successful. It reflects an underdog or less likely outcome to happen.

Can there be a tie in hockey?

No, ties are not allowed in modern NHL games. If the score is tied after regulation, the game proceeds to overtime (5 minutes), and if still tied, a shootout determines the winner.

How often do favorites win in NHL?

Favorites win in the NHL around 60% of the time, but this can vary based on the teams involved and other factors such as home-ice advantage and goaltender performance.

How often do underdogs win in NHL?

Underdogs in the NHL win approximately 40% of the time, though this can fluctuate based on the teams and circumstances of the game, such as injuries or streaks.

What does lettuce mean in hockey?

In hockey slang, "lettuce" refers to a player's hair, usually long or flowing locks, often worn by players under their helmets.

Why can't you wear 0 in hockey?

In the NHL, the number "0" is not allowed because the league rules stipulate that players must wear a number between 1 and 99. The "0" number is reserved for goaltenders only, who are assigned the number 1 through 99, but not "0."

What does minus 1 mean in hockey?

In hockey betting, a "minus 1" often refers to a puck line bet where the team must win by at least 1 goal for the bet to be successful. If the team wins by exactly 1 goal, it’s a push (no win, no loss).

What is the hardest position in hockey?

Many consider goaltender to be the hardest position in hockey, due to the high-pressure nature, the need for quick reflexes, and the responsibility of stopping pucks on every shot from opposing players.

What is the most profitable thing to bet on?

The most profitable betting strategy often varies depending on a bettor’s knowledge, but in general, betting on value—such as looking for underdog teams with strong statistical trends or favorable matchups—tends to be more profitable long-term than blindly betting favorites.

What is the least popular number in the NHL?

The least popular number in the NHL is usually #1 (with rare exceptions), as it is traditionally reserved for goaltenders. Beyond that, other numbers like #3 or #4 aren’t as common, but they are still used by some players.

What is the 9-game rule in the NHL?

The "9-game rule" refers to a rule in the NHL where players on entry-level contracts can play up to 9 NHL games without burning a year of their contract. If they play more than 9 games, a full year is counted against their contract.

Is ice hockey easy to bet on?

Ice hockey is not necessarily easy to bet on due to the sport's fast pace, unpredictable nature, and the influence of goaltending.