How to Bet on Hockey in Canada
Complete guide to NHL betting for Canadian players. Learn the basics, understand different bet types, and discover expert tips to improve your hockey betting strategy.
Important Legal Information
You must be 19+ in most provinces (18+ in AB/MB/QC) to bet on hockey. Only use licensed, regulated operators. Always bet responsibly and within your means.
Basic NHL Bet Types
Bet on which team wins the game outright. Favorites have negative odds (-150), underdogs have positive odds (+130).
Hockey's point spread, typically ±1.5 goals. Favorites must win by 2+, underdogs can lose by 1 and still cover.
Bet on whether the total goals scored by both teams will be over or under the set number (e.g., 6.5 goals).
Popular NHL Betting Markets
Bet on individual player statistics independent of the game outcome:
- • Goals: Will a player score 1+ goals?
- • Assists: Player to record 1+ assists
- • Shots on Goal: Over/under player shots
- • Points: Goals + assists combined
- • Goalie Saves: Over/under saves for goalies
Long-term bets with higher potential payouts:
- • Stanley Cup Winner: Which team wins the championship
- • Division Winners: Team to win their division
- • Conference Champions: Eastern/Western Conference winners
- • Individual Awards: Hart Trophy, Vezina Trophy, etc.
- • Regular Season Points: Team over/under point totals
Combine multiple bets for higher payouts, but all selections must win:
- • Traditional Parlays: Multiple games combined
- • Same-Game Parlays: Multiple bets from one game
- • Round Robin: Multiple smaller parlays from your selections
Expert NHL Betting Tips
- • Check starting goalies before betting
- • Consider team rest and travel schedules
- • Analyze head-to-head matchups
- • Monitor injury reports and line changes
- • Study special teams performance
- • Shop for the best odds across sportsbooks
- • Manage your bankroll with unit sizing
- • Avoid betting on your favorite team emotionally
- • Focus on value, not just picking winners
- • Keep detailed records of your bets
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a licensed sportsbook in your province
Create account and verify your identity
Make your first deposit (often with bonus)
Start with simple moneyline bets
- Juice/Vig
- The sportsbook's commission on bets
- Push
- When a bet ties (e.g., exactly 6 goals on 6 total)
- Regulation Time
- Bets settled after 60 minutes (excludes OT/SO)
- 3-Way Moneyline
- Win/Lose/Tie after regulation only
- • Set a budget and stick to it
- • Never bet money you can't afford to lose
- • Don't chase losses with bigger bets
- • Take breaks and set time limits
- • Seek help if gambling becomes a problem