NHL Bet Types: Every Hockey Wager Explained

Six main NHL bet types cover almost every way to wager on hockey: moneyline, puck line, over/under totals, three-way moneyline, player props, and futures. Each works differently, rewards different skills, and fits different situations. Here's how they break down.

What are the main types of hockey bets?

Hockey moneyline betting is the simplest starting point. Pick the team that wins — regulation, overtime, or shootout all count. Odds are expressed in American format: a favorite at –175 costs $175 to profit $100, while an underdog at +155 returns $155 profit on a $100 wager.

The puck line adds a ±1.5 goal spread. A heavy favorite priced at –250 on the moneyline might sit at +110 or +130 on the –1.5 puck line, paying better but demanding a two-goal win. Underdogs on the +1.5 cover by winning outright or losing by one goal.

Hockey over/under betting ignores the winner entirely. Wager on whether both teams combine for more or fewer goals than the set total — typically 5.5 in the NHL. Overtime and shootout goals count toward the final number.

What's the three-way moneyline — and when does it matter?

The three-way moneyline prices three separate outcomes: Team A wins in regulation, Team B wins in regulation, or the game is tied after 60 minutes. Because it isolates regulation only, the odds on each side are longer than a standard moneyline. A team that wins in overtime is a loss on a three-way ticket you backed to win in regulation.

What about props and futures in NHL betting?

NHL player props focus on individual performance — goals, assists, shots on goal in a given game. They're available at all major licensed sportsbooks including FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.

NHL futures are long-range bets: Stanley Cup champion, conference winner, award winners. Example odds from the research: Edmonton Oilers +800, Boston Bruins +850, Colorado Avalanche +850 for the Cup. Your money sits tied up until the season ends, and lines move constantly as the season unfolds.

Which NHL bet type suits which bettor?

• Moneyline — best for beginners; straightforward win/loss, no spread math.
• Puck line — better payout on favorites, larger cushion on underdogs; suits bettors comfortable with the two-goal requirement.
• Over/under — useful when you have a read on pace and goaltending matchups but no strong opinion on the winner.
• Three-way moneyline — higher odds, higher variance; suits experienced bettors tracking regulation-only trends.
• Player props — game-by-game stat analysis; suits DFS-style thinkers who follow line combinations and ice time.
• Futures — season-long conviction plays; capital is locked up for weeks or months.

Before betting any of these, check that your sportsbook is licensed in your state. Online NHL wagering is legal in 30-plus states, but laws vary — see legal hockey betting states for the current map. Minimum age is 21+ in most states, 18+ in a handful; age requirements by state has the breakdown.

Understanding how odds translate to implied probability and juice is the foundation for all six bet types. Reading NHL odds in American format is the right place to build that foundation. Once you have it, NHL betting strategy covers what actually shifts lines and where value tends to appear.

Must be 21+ (18+ in some states). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.