As with football(soccer) betting, there are pre-match betting markets based on the performance of the teams and individuals, the number of goals, and the results in ice hockey betting.
On the other hand, unlike football, bettors can bet on extra-added markets based on each game's overtime and shoot-out results. In football, extra-time and penalty shoot-out betting are available only for cup competition matches. However, ice hockey rules insist on a winner, so if the game finishes draw on regular time, it goes into overtime and shoot-out to decide the winner, even in each domestic league match.
Here is a list of the most common types of bets available at online bookmakers for an ice hockey game in the NHL and other leagues.
Pre-Match Betting Markets
First, let’s look at the most basic bets you can make before an ice hockey game.
Game Lines (2way - Including Overtime)
1. Money Line
A simple bet on which team will win the game, including overtime and shootouts. No point spread involved — just pick the winner.
2. Spread (Puck Line)
The puck line is hockey’s version of a point spread. The favored team must win by more than the spread (typically -1.5), while the underdog must lose by fewer points or win.
3. Total Over/Under
Bet on whether the total combined score of both teams will be over or under a set number, including overtime.
3-Way (With tie - Regulation Time Only)
4. 1x2 (60 Minutes Betting)
Predict the outcome at the end of regulation time: Home Win (1), Draw (X), or Away Win (2). Overtime and shootouts are not counted.
5. Spread (3-Way)
Bet on the winning team or a draw, factoring in a point spread, based only on the 60-minute regulation.
6. Total (3-Way)
Choose if the total goals during regulation will be Over, Under, or Exactly a specific number. Overtime doesn’t count.
Other Popular Markets
7. Tie No Bet
If the game ends in a tie at the end of regulation, your stake is refunded. You only lose if your selected team loses in regulation.
8. Correct Score
Predict the exact final score at the end of the game, including overtime if applicable. Higher odds due to difficulty.
9. Double Chance
Cover two of the three possible outcomes (Home Win/Draw, Away Win/Draw, Home Win/Away Win) for a better chance to win, but at lower odds.
10. Winning Margin
Bet on the number of goals by which a team will win (e.g., win by exactly 1 goal, 2 goals, etc.). Bigger margins usually offer higher payouts.
11. Each Team’s Total Over/Under
Bet individually on whether each team will score over or under a set number of goals during the game.
12. Each Team’s Total 3-Way
Predict if a team's score will be Over, Under, or Exactly at a certain number, considering regulation time only.
13. Highest Scoring Period
Bet on which period (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) will have the most goals scored by both teams combined.
14. Team To Win Most Periods
Pick the team that will win more periods than the opponent. Winning two out of three periods usually secures this bet.
15. Tied After Regulation Yes/No
Bet on whether the game will be tied at the end of 60 minutes, regardless of what happens in overtime or shootouts.
16. When Will Match End - Regulation or Overtime
Predict if the game will be decided within regulation time or will extend into overtime.
17. Exact Total Goals
Wager on the exact total number of goals scored by both teams combined, including overtime if needed.
18. Each Team’s Exact Total Goals
Predict the precise number of goals scored by each individual team in the game.
19. Game Total Odd/Even
Bet whether the combined final score will be an odd number or an even number.
20. Each Team’s Total Odd/Even
Place a bet on whether each team's final score will individually end up as odd or even.
21. Team Scoring 1st Wins Game Yes/No
Predict whether the team that scores the first goal will end up winning the game.
22. Team to Score 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th - 3Way (Team A, B, or Neither)
Bet on which team will score each specific goal (first, second, third, fourth), or choose "Neither" if no goal is scored.
23. Both Teams To Score Yes/No
Bet on whether both teams will score at least one goal during the game.
24. Race To X Score
Predict which team will reach a designated number of goals first (such as 3 goals, 5 goals, etc.).
25. Time of 1st Score
Bet on which time range the first goal of the game will be scored (e.g., 0–10 min, 11–20 min).
26. Each Team’s Time of 1st Score
Predict within which time frame each team will score their first goal, if at all.
Player Props Betting Markets
In ice hockey betting, you can also bet on various stats such as goals and assists per player.
27. Goal Scorer
Predict which player will score:
27.1 - First Goal Scorer: Who will score the first goal of the game.
27.2 - Last Goal Scorer: Who will score the last goal of the game.
27.3 - Anytime Goal Scorer: A player to score at any time during the game.
28. Each Player’s Stats
Bet on specific player statistics:
28.1 - Number of Shots on Goal: Predict the number of shots a player will register.
28.2 - Number of Points: Total points (goals + assists) achieved by a player.
28.3 - Number of Assists: Total assists by a player.
28.4 - Number of Power Play Points: Points scored during a power play situation.
28.5 - Number of Blocked Shots: How many opponent shots a player blocks.
28.6 - Number of Saves: Number of saves made by a goaltender.
Over/Under markets: Predict if each of these individual stats will be over or under a specific number.
Other Player Prop Markets
29. To Record Shutout
Bet on whether a goaltender will finish the game without allowing any goals (a shutout).
30. To Score in 1st Period
Predict whether a specific player will score during the first period.
31. Each Team’s Goalscorers
Betting on which players from each team will score during the match. You can select multiple players, and depending on the bookmaker, you may bet on anytime goalscorers or specific periods.
1st Period Betting Markets
Ice hockey matches are divided into three periods. Before the match, you can bet on a variety of aspects that will determine the outcome of the first period only.
32. 1st Period Money Line (2-Way)
A simple bet on which team will win the first period, including overtime. If the first period ends in a tie, your bet may be void or settled according to site rules.
33. 1st Period Spread (Puck Line)
Betting on the first-period puck line spread. A favorite may be assigned a handicap (e.g., -0.5 goals) and must cover it within the first period only.
34. 1st Period Total (Over/Under)
Wagering on whether the total number of goals scored by both teams in the first period will go over or under a set line.
35. 1st Period 1x2 (3-Way)
Betting on whether the home team wins, away team wins, or the period ends in a tie after the first period — regular time only, ties allowed.
36. 1st Period Spread (3-Way)
Wagering on the spread for the first period but offering three outcomes: Team A covers, Team B covers, or tie — adding an extra strategic layer.
37. 1st Period Total (3-Way)
Similar to regular totals but with three outcomes: Over, Under, or Exact — based on the total number of goals scored during the first period.
38. 1st Period Correct Score
Predicting the exact scoreline at the end of the first period. A high-risk, high-reward bet perfect for those with strong insights into match dynamics.
39. 1st Period Double Chance
Covers two out of three outcomes for the first period (Home Win or Draw, Away Win or Draw, or Home or Away Win), giving better chances but lower odds.
40. 1st Period Team Total (2-Way)
Betting on whether a single team will score over or under a certain number of goals in the first period. Each team's result is judged independently.
1st 10 Minute Betting Markets
In ice hockey, there is also a betting method that judges the result on the first 10 minutes. Since the result is decided in just 10 minutes, the payout is quick and the odds are high, making it a very thrilling betting experience.
42. 1st 10 Minutes Money Line (2-Way)
Wagering on which team will lead after the first 10 minutes of the match. If tied after 10 minutes, your bet might be void or considered a push.
43. 1st 10 Minutes Spread
Betting on the spread outcome specifically for the first 10 minutes. A favorite is given a goal handicap within this limited time window.
44. 1st 10 Minutes Total
Wagering on whether the combined number of goals scored by both teams in the first 10 minutes will be over or under a set line.
45. 1st 10 Minutes 1x2 (3-Way)
Betting on whether the home team leads, away team leads, or if the score is tied after the first 10 minutes — with ties allowed.
46. 1st 10 Minutes Spread (3-Way)
Similar to other spread markets but offering three outcomes for the first 10 minutes: Team A covers, Team B covers, or a tie.
47. 1st 10 Minutes Total (3-Way)
Predicting whether the number of goals in the first 10 minutes will be Over, Under, or Exactly at a specific total line.
48. 1st 10 Minutes Correct Score
Predicting the exact scoreline after the first 10 minutes of play. Requires deep insight into each team's opening strategies.
49. 1st 10 Minutes Double Chance
A safer option where you select two of three outcomes (Home Win or Draw, Away Win or Draw, or Home or Away Win) for the first 10 minutes.
50. 1st 10 Minutes Team to Score - Yes/No
Betting on whether either team will score at least once during the first 10 minutes. A quick-action, fast-resolved market.
51. 1st 10 Minutes Both Teams to Score at Least 1 Goal - Yes/No
Betting on whether both teams will manage to score at least one goal each in the first 10 minutes — a highly aggressive market!
Conclusion
Ice hockey betting offers an incredible range of options, from traditional markets like Money Line and Point Spread to more detailed and thrilling choices such as Player Props, Winning Margins, and Period-Specific Bets. By mastering the 60 betting types we covered, you can find exciting opportunities in every game, every period, and even every minute.
Additionally, during live (In-Play) betting, bookmakers offer even more variations beyond what we discussed here — including bets focused solely on the second or third periods, and mini-markets like results over the next 10 minutes. Understanding all these options can help you react dynamically and seize value opportunities as the momentum shifts during a match. With practice and careful research, you can maximize your chances and fully enjoy the excitement of betting on ice hockey!
Ice hockey betting is most popular when it comes to the NHL, North America's premier and most competitive league. Major online bookmakers offer the full range of betting options we have listed here, especially for NHL games. Additionally, other top leagues like the KHL in Russia and various Scandinavian leagues also attract plenty of betting interest, providing bettors with multiple exciting angles to wager on. Although the availability of certain betting markets may vary by league or competition, understanding the types of bets explained here will equip you well for almost any hockey betting experience.
If you are looking to bet on the NHL in particular, you can use this page as your go-to guide for mastering your hockey wagers!
