How to Bet on Hockey
Hockey Moneyline Betting Explained — With Real NHL Odds
A hockey moneyline bet is the simplest wager in NHL betting: pick the team that wins the game, full stop. No spreads, no goal margins — just win or lose. Odds are expressed in American format, and understanding those numbers is the only thing standing between you and your first bet.
How do NHL moneyline odds work?
American odds use a negative (–) number for the favorite and a positive (+) number for the underdog. The math is straightforward. A favorite listed at –175 requires a $175 wager to profit $100. An underdog at +155 returns $155 profit on a $100 bet. The bigger the gap between those two numbers, the more lopsided the matchup.
That gap is where the sportsbook's profit lives. The implied probability and vig explained — the juice baked into both sides — is roughly 4.5% on a standard two-sided market. You're not just picking the winner; you're picking at a slight mathematical disadvantage every time.
Does overtime count on a hockey moneyline?
Yes. A standard moneyline includes overtime and shootout. Your team just needs to win the game. It doesn't matter whether they seal it in the third period or a shootout — the bet grades as a winner. That's a key distinction from the three-way moneyline in hockey, which settles only on regulation results and prices accordingly.
Moneyline vs. puck line — which should you bet?
On a heavy favorite priced at –250 or steeper, the moneyline is expensive. Many bettors shift to the puck line's ±1.5 goal spread to get better return — but that requires the favorite to win by two or more goals, which is a harder ask in a low-scoring sport like hockey. Beginners often stick with the moneyline until they understand how frequently NHL games are decided by a single goal.
| Bet Type | What It Requires | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline (favorite) | Team wins by any margin, any time | Bettors who want simplicity, even at –175 or higher |
| Moneyline (underdog) | Underdog wins outright | Bettors chasing value when public is inflating the favorite |
| Puck line (–1.5) | Favorite wins by 2+ goals | Bettors who want better odds on a dominant team |
Where can you bet NHL moneylines legally?
Major licensed sportsbooks — FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Bet365, Hard Rock Bet, and Caesars — all offer NHL moneylines. Check legal hockey betting states to confirm online wagering is live where you are; the list covers 30+ states as of 2024. Each state sets its own minimum age — most require 21+, some allow 18+. Must be 21+ in most states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
For a broader look at how moneylines fit alongside puck lines, totals, props, and futures, see the full NHL bet types guide. Once you're comfortable reading the odds, you'll find the moneyline is the fastest way to get into an NHL game — and the clearest way to start understanding how line movement and betting strategy actually work.