How to Bet on Hockey
Three-Way Moneyline in Hockey: Regulation-Only Betting Explained
The three-way moneyline — sometimes called the 60-minute line — splits a single NHL game into three distinct outcomes: Team A wins in regulation, Team B wins in regulation, or the game is tied after 60 minutes. Because the market eliminates the catch-all "my team wins eventually" safety net of a standard moneyline, each outcome carries longer odds and a sharper implied probability than a traditional two-way bet.
What Is the Three-Way Moneyline in Hockey?
On a standard moneyline, overtime and shootout results count. Your team wins in OT? You win the bet. Simple. The three-way moneyline cuts the game off at the final buzzer of the third period. If the game goes to overtime tied, the "draw" leg wins — and both the Team A and Team B legs lose, full stop.
That's the key rule to tattoo in your memory before wagering this market. A regulation tie is not a push. It's a loss for both sides unless you specifically backed the draw.
How Do the Odds Work on a 60-Minute Line?
Because there are three possible outcomes instead of two, the vig is spread across more legs. Sportsbooks can price each outcome at longer odds than a standard moneyline while still embedding a similar house edge. A team that would be –175 on the standard moneyline might sit around –145 on the 60-minute line, but the draw might be priced near +275 or higher depending on the matchup.
Roughly 20–25% of NHL regular-season games end in a regulation tie — meaning the draw hits more often than casual bettors expect. That's not a trivial outcome to ignore.
Three-Way vs. Standard Moneyline: Key Differences
| Feature | Standard Moneyline | Three-Way (60-Minute) Line |
|---|---|---|
| Overtime/Shootout counts? | Yes | No — regulation only |
| Number of outcomes | 2 (Win or Lose) | 3 (Win, Lose, or Draw) |
| Draw option available? | No | Yes |
| Typical favorite odds | –175 example | Shorter juice, e.g. –145 |
| Best suited for | Backing a team to win outright | Backing a tight game or a draw |
Who Should Use the Three-Way Moneyline?
This market suits bettors who believe a game will be closely contested in regulation — playoff rematches, divisional grudge matches, or back-to-back games where teams often play cautiously early. It does not suit anyone just looking for a simple "my team wins" bet. For that, stick to hockey moneyline betting explained with real NHL odds.
If you're handicapping a lopsided matchup and want the favorite at reduced juice, the three-way line can offer value — but only if you accept that a one-goal regulation win that forces OT still loses your wager.
Three-Way Line vs. Puck Line: Which Is More Complicated?
Both markets add a layer of complexity beyond the standard moneyline. The puck line — hockey's ±1.5 goal spread — requires the favorite to win by two goals; the three-way line requires no margin, only a regulation result. Different risk profiles, different use cases. Neither is a beginner's starting point.
New bettors should build a foundation first. Read the full breakdown at NHL bet types: every hockey wager explained before committing real money to either market.
Common Mistakes on Three-Way Moneyline Bets
- Forgetting the draw exists and then watching your "win" bet lose when a 2–2 game goes to OT.
- Assuming the three-way line always offers better value than the standard moneyline — it depends entirely on how the book has priced the draw.
- Ignoring teams' regulation win rates; some clubs are strong in OT but mediocre in regulation, which inflates their standard moneyline price.
Where to Bet the Three-Way Moneyline
Not every sportsbook lists this market prominently. Major licensed operators — FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Bet365, Hard Rock Bet, and Caesars — tend to carry three-way lines on most NHL games, though availability can vary by matchup and state. Check the best NHL betting sites ranked for hockey for a side-by-side look at market depth.
Always verify the sportsbook is licensed in your state before depositing. For a full map of where online wagering is live, see legal hockey betting states. Must be 21+ (18+ in some states). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.