Ice hockey betting guide

How To Bet on Ice Hockey

The South African betting market has grown rapidly, and ice hockey is gaining traction among savvy punters. I’ve personally tested multiple platforms and found that most let you bet on leagues like the NHL, SHL, KHL, Stanley Cup, and even the Winter Olympics. If you're new to betting or just switching to ice hockey, here's a step-by-step walkthrough based on my experience:

Step 1: Register an Account
Choose a sportsbook that offers ice hockey. You'll need to provide your full name, address, email, password, and date of birth. Make sure these details are correct—you’ll need to verify them with ID later.

Step 2: Make a Deposit
After signing up and verifying your account, make your first deposit. South African-friendly platforms usually support cards, EFT, and e-wallets. Take time to read the terms of the welcome bonus. If there's a deposit minimum to claim it, make sure you meet it.

Step 3: Navigate to Ice Hockey
Bookmakers list various sports, so find the ice hockey section in the menu. Once there, you’ll see upcoming games, live matches, and tournaments. I recommend starting with regular-season NHL games to get familiar with the pace.

Step 4: Choose a Market
Every match includes multiple betting markets. If you're new, stick to simpler options like Match Winner or Total Goals. These are easier to understand and less risky.

Step 5: Set Your Bet
Once you've picked a bet, select your wager amount. Most sportsbooks use plus and minus signs to adjust it. Double-check your picks before placing the bet.

Ice Hockey Betting Markets

Over the years, I've come to appreciate the variety of betting markets available in ice hockey. Here's a breakdown of the most useful ones for South African punters:

Moneyline Betting

This is the simplest market: pick who wins. There are only two outcomes because games can’t end in a draw, which makes this market easier to analyse than, say, football.

60-Minute Bets

Unlike Moneyline, this bet excludes overtime. You can bet on a win, loss, or tie at the end of regular time. I only use this when I’m confident in the pace of the game—it’s riskier but offers higher odds.

Puck Line Bets

This is ice hockey’s version of handicap betting. You back a team to win by more than a set number of goals. It’s ideal when one team is heavily favoured. It also pays better than standard win bets.

Tournament Winner

You’re betting on who wins the whole event, not just one match. You can also make each-way bets to hedge if your team reaches the finals but doesn’t win.

Grand Salami Bet

This unique market lets you bet on the total number of goals scored across all games in a league on a single day. I use it on busy NHL nights when I’ve done my homework on all teams.

Handicap Bets

Handicaps give weaker teams a head start or stronger teams a penalty. It's a fun way to find value in lopsided matchups.

In-Play Betting

Live betting lets you place bets while a match is underway. The odds constantly shift based on the action. If you’re watching live and understand the momentum, you can find great value.

Goals Markets

These bets focus on how many goals are scored. "Total Goals", "Both Teams to Score", or even "Correct Score" offer variety. The latter is risky but has the biggest payout.

Ice Hockey Betting Tips

From my experience, winning consistently in ice hockey betting comes down to prep. Here are key tips that I personally follow:

Use Multiple Betting Sites

Odds differ across bookmakers. I always compare before placing a bet. Some sites offer slightly better odds on underdogs, and that difference adds up over time.

Track Advanced Stats

Basic stats only tell part of the story. Use advanced metrics like Corsi (shot attempts) and Fenwick (unblocked shots) to assess team performance. These numbers show puck control and possession better than goals alone.

Consider the Schedule

In the NHL, teams often play back-to-back games or travel long distances. Fatigue impacts performance. Always check the schedule before placing a bet.

Goalie Research is Key

Goalies can decide games. Always check if the starting goalie is confirmed, and review their save percentage and recent form. A backup in goal is often a red flag.

Check Injury Reports

One missing defender can change a team’s dynamic. Injuries to star players, especially on the power play or penalty kill, often shift the odds significantly.

Research Before You Bet

Never go in blind. I study team form, head-to-head stats, and even referee trends if possible. Data gives you an edge over the casual punter.

Practice Bankroll Management

Set a budget and stick to it. I personally use a flat betting strategy—betting the same amount per match—to reduce risk and avoid chasing losses.

Understand Betting Terminology

If you're new to betting, terms like "juice", "vig", and "parlay" can be confusing. Here's a quick glossary below to help you get up to speed:

Conclusion

Ice hockey betting offers depth and excitement—if you know what you're doing. With access to stats, smart bankroll management, and an understanding of key factors like goalie performance and scheduling, you can build an edge.

Whether you’re just starting out or refining your strategy, the tips and betting markets above give you a solid foundation. I’ve applied them myself, and over time, I’ve seen steady improvement in my results.

Just remember: no strategy is foolproof. Stick to your budget, keep learning, and always gamble responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ice Hockey Betting