Best NHL Betting Sites 2025

Ranking the Best NHL Sportsbooks

Numerous betting brands boast of their platform providing the ultimate NHL betting experience, which prompted us to meticulously scrutinise each platform for our rankings. Discover the best NHL betting sites with our user-tested guide.

Best NHL Online Sportsbooks by Category

We realize NHL betting fans like to run different systems. Whether you’re conservative like a neutral zone trap or aggressive like a hard forecheck, there are NHL betting sites to fit every need. We break them down by category to help you find what you’re looking for.

Just like the NHL power rankings big-name sports news sites provide, there are several rating criteria we use for finding the top online NHL sportsbooks. We explain in detail the factors we use and how you can use them to find your perfect betting site.

NHL proposition betting is a fun alternative to gambling on the standard odds and lines. Do you think Sidney Crosby will score a goal tonight, or know how many shots the Penguins will take as a whole? There are props for that. Check out the top NHL prop betting site and get closer to the action than ever before.

While you likely won’t ever have a shot at lifting Lord Stanely’s Cup, you can still cash in on your plays like a true beautician. We show you the platforms with the fastest payouts, so you can get your money quicker than Connor McDavid finishes the fastest skater competition.

If you’re new to NHL betting, you probably feel like a fourth-line duster. We coach you on everything you need to know in our guide to NHL gambling so you can wheel, snipe, and celly your way around an NHL sportsbook like an all-star.

Rules for sports betting are similar to the rules of the game in that they need referees to enforce them. In the US, gambling laws are the codes establishing fair play, and gambling authorities are the refs. These laws contain everything you need to know about legal NHL betting sites.

Of course, the NHL is just one of the many hockey leagues you can bet on from around the world. Check out the best hockey betting sites to see which sportsbooks provide market coverage for leagues from all over North America, Europe, and beyond.

Our Rating Criteria

Just like “The National” has its criteria for picking the Hart Trophy winner, we have benchmarks for rating NHL betting sites. We consider several factors before crowning any operators as the best online NHL sportsbooks in the US. First and foremost, we judge the safety, security, licensing, and overall compliance of each site before we continue our reviews.

Once we complete the required equipment checks, we move on to grading the overall quality of a site. We look into everything from ease of use to the reliability of each operator’s betting apps and payouts. Keep your head on a swivel, and focus on these main rating criteria:

NHL betting sites are like prospects, and you’re the general manager. You have specific needs and can draft the perfect fit based on your gambling style. The good news is, most online sportsbooks offer a wide variety of perks for their customers.

Security & Licensing

Gambling authorities are like the Department of Player Safety. They are responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing regulations meant to protect players. Each state has a gambling authority and makes its own rules, so be sure to avoid a suspension by only playing with licensed and legal operators.

Just like a shutdown defenseman protects the crease, online NHL betting providers protect your data. You can evaluate data protection standards at online NHL betting sites by clicking on the padlock on the left-hand side of your web browser’s address bar and clicking the “View Certificates” button.

All legal operators feature web security certificates from household-name cybersecurity companies like Amazon, GoDaddy, and DigiCert. If you see an NHL sportsbook holding one of these certifications, you know your privacy, data, and transactions are safe and secure.

Live Betting on NHL

Live betting on the NHL is like being behind the bench. You read and react to what’s happening on the ice and adjust your bets accordingly. Gambling on live NHL games is quickly becoming the preferred way for most people to wager on the sport.

To make live bets, visit the live betting console at your chosen sportsbook. The in-play section has all the games currently in progress, with up-to-the-second odds updates, graphical representations of the on-ice action, and exclusive markets. Here are the most popular types of live bets on the NHL:

Caesars sportsbook is the most popular US-facing bookmaker offering live betting on the NHL. You can click the “Bet Now!” button to make your live NHL bets with on the platform, or read this Caesars sportsbook review to see why we rate it as the NHL live betting MVP.

Live betting on the NHL is popular because it provides you with unique markets and opportunities unavailable before games start. You can place markets on specific outcomes like which team scores the next goal or which player takes the next penalty.

Plus, you can hedge your prematch wagers, exploit arbitrage opportunities, or increase your stake at any given time. However, this takes deep knowledge of game flow and advanced gambling concepts, so we suggest beginners start out betting on NHL markets available before puck drop.

NHL Betting Props

Proposition bets allow you to bet on several individual player and team statistics unrelated to the final result. NHL prop bets include player and team performance markets, plus other occurrences that happen before, during, or after the game.

Typically expressed as over or under and yes or no markets, NHL prop bets have odds for outcomes related to points, power-play points, shots, saves, shutouts, and goals against, among many other things. On top of player vs. team props, you can also break these markets down into skill-based or luck-based.

NHL skill-based player performance props are wagers on player statistics reliant on individual skill. Examples include bets on whether Auston Matthews scores a goal or the total number of shots taken by Alexander Ovechkin.

Skill-based NHL team performance props are also bets on outcomes involving the collective skill of a team. Examples include wagers on the total number of shots by the Tampa Bay Lightning or whether the Toronto Maple Leafs score a goal on the power play.

Luck-based player props cannot be predicted with reliable accuracy. Examples include who scores the first goal in a game or which skater scores the game-winning goal. There is too much variance involved to reasonably make an educated guess as to the outcome.

Luck-based NHL team props are along the same vein. It’s hard to tell whether a team scores an empty-net goal, or how many faceoffs the team wins with a degree of accuracy. There are too many random variables to account for.

BetRivers is the best NHL prop betting site according to the rating criteria we use. Click the secure link, create an account, make a deposit, and claim your bonus to make your first NHL proposition bets now.

We explain what makes the sportsbook so great in this review of BetRivers sportsbook. It has loads of prop markets available for all 1,312 regular-season NHL games and the playoffs.

NHL Futures

NHL futures bets are wagers on outcomes scheduled to occur at a later date. The most common example is betting on a team to win the Stanley Cup Finals. Every sportsbook will offer a range of options for betting on the Stanley Cup.

Other common examples include betting on the winners of the Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions. Futures bettors who rightfully predicted the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals matchup between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Colorado Avalanche as Western Conference champions took home nice chunks of money before the series even began.

The benefit of futures betting is that you can make multiple wagers and still come out ahead long-term. Throughout the season, futures act like stock markets, allowing you to buy and sell (using the early cashout function) bet slips at the odds bookmakers offer.

The Best Online NHL Sportsbook Bonus Offers

NHL betting bonuses are like power plays. You can snipe wagers or deposit match offers every time you sign up with a new online sportsbook.

They’re only available for rookies, so existing users don’t qualify. These one-timers are more money than Ovi teeing one up from his office during a 5-on-3. Have a look, and claim the best NHL betting bonus offers in the USA today:

These bonus offers are the fairest in the country. You can score the lowest playthrough requirements, best deposit matches, and biggest bonus bets when you sign-up and fund your account for the first time. Plus, each of these operators has loads of ongoing NHL betting promotions throughout the season once your initial bonus expires.

The Top NHL Betting Apps for US Players

The best NHL betting apps are more versatile than a two-way forward. You can use them in any situation, whether at home, on the road, or simply away from your computer. We consider several factors when we compile our list, including loading times, reliability, and useability.

Mobile apps are the best way to get in on the action no matter where you are. At the bar, with friends, or even at the game, these apps let you gamble while you follow the play.

Available Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals

If you want to bet on NHL games for real money, you need a way to fund your account. Payment methods like debit cards, credit cards, and eWallets let you quickly and efficiently deposit cash into your online sportsbook account. Here are some of the top-recommended sports betting deposit methods:

While most NHL betting payment methods can be used for withdrawals, some plastic options like credit cards and prepaid cards are only available for deposits because of how banks process those payments. Be sure to check that the alternative withdrawal options are acceptable to you before you make your final choice.

The Top NHL Gambling Sites with Fast Payout Times

The NHL betting sites with the fastest payouts are quicker than Connor McDavid in the fastest skater competition. Fast payout times mean you won’t be waiting on the bench like a fourth liner for your money. Of course, times vary by payment method, but here are the NHL gambling sites with the fastest payouts:

Bonus offers affect payout times as well. Depending on the payment method you choose, you can have the money in your account within one to five days. Bank transfers and eChecks take the longest and can take up to two weeks to process.

Legality of Betting on NHL Online

Online NHL betting is as legal in the US as a video-reviewed goal. The United States Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which barred gambling on sports outside of Las Vegas, in 2018.

This left the states to decide on their regulations, much like the NHL Rules Committee decides on changes to the laws of the game. In the years since PASPA’s repeal, most states commenced the process of legalizing sports betting.

It’s worth pointing out, that it’s hard to kill penalties for playing with illegal betting sites. With so many legal choices, it’s not worth risking a five-minute major. Play at even strength and be sure to check that your chosen operators have licenses to operate in your state.

Alongside NHL betting, there are several other legal forms of hockey gambling in the United States. Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are a huge industry, and more operators enter the fray all the time. DFS hockey players draft rosters according to the night’s slate while staying under a specific salary amount.

On top of DFS, other forms of legal gambling in the US are also available. Though it varies by state, you can usually find lotteries, land-based casinos, online casinos, and racetracks. The most open states in terms of online gambling are Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Be sure to check out the best legal NHL sportsbooks in the US to see what they have to offer. While sports betting and DFS are the most widespread forms of gambling in the country, there are some unique opportunities elsewhere, too.

All US States with Legal Online NHL Gambling

NHL Betting Guide

Online betting on the NHL is like the stock market. In a nutshell, you look for NHL lines and odds the bookmakers undervalue and bet them. The prices change over time as more people buy and sell outcomes, making it act somewhat like Wall Street.

There are more ways to bet online on the NHL than Wayne Gretzky has points. You can find upwards of 100 markets per game most nights, depending on the sportsbook you use. Toss in live betting and DFS formats, and there are thousands of angles a night to choose from.

With so many options, it’s hard to know where to start, so we break down the basic strategy for you like a head coach using a whiteboard. Practice tracking your wagers using a pretend bankroll first, then start using real money to make your NHL bets once you’re familiar with the process.

How to Bet on NHL for Real Money Online

1. Choose an NHL Betting Site Pick one of the best NHL betting sites.
2. Open an Account Create your online sportsbook account.
3. Make a Deposit Select a payment method and fund your account.
4. Consider the Bonus Offer Claim one of the available bonus offers.
5. Decide What Game You Want to Bet On Choose a game to bet on.
6. Choose the Type of Bet Pick one of the betting markets based on the odds.
7. Place your bet Make your wager.
8. Wait for the Results Watch the game using the live betting console or on TV.
9. Collect Your Winnings Profits land directly in your account.

The Most Popular NHL Bets for US Players

The most popular NHL bets are moneyline wagers. This is the primary betting market at ice hockey betting sites, as the low-scoring nature of the game in comparison to something like basketball betting means betting the spread is less common.

Deciding the right bet to make comes down to finding value in the odds. You should look at all the markets and find the bet types where your assessment of the probability of an outcome occurring exceeds the implied probability the odds express. Here is a breakdown of the most common bet types for NHL gamblers:

• Moneyline

  Moneyline wagers are bets on the team you think will win the game straight up. It’s the most common wager in NHL betting.

  Caesars Sportsbook IN

• Puckline

  The puckline is the point spread. It’s almost exclusively set to -1.5 for the favorite. Most experts reserve the puckline for betting on heavy favorites with poor moneyline odds.

  Try at BetMGM NJ

• Totals

  Totals bets are wagers on the total number of goals scored in the game, period, or playoff series. Also, a common way to make proposition bets.

  Try at DraftKings VA

• Props

  NHL prop betting is gambling on outcomes not related to the final score, like total player points or total team shots.

  Try at BetMGM NJ

• Live Betting

  Live betting is a style of betting rather than a bet type. You can wager on games already in progress and have access to unique markets unavailable before puck drop.

  Try at bet365 NJ

• Parlays

  Parlays combine several wagers that multiply your payout. Most NHL betting sites offer same game parlays, where you combine multiple bets on the same match.

  Try at Hard Rock Bet NJ

• Futures

  Futures bets are wagers on any outcome that occurs at a later date. Examples are betting on players to win trophies or teams to win the Stanley Cup.

  Try at Borgata NJ

The betting options shown above are available at all online NHL sportsbooks in the US. Moneyline, futures, and total bets are more suitable for beginners. Other types of bets like props and puckline wagers are best left to advanced gamblers who understand probable game flows.

You can place bets on these markets by finding the game you want to bet on at your chosen sportsbook, clicking on the “All Wagers” or “All Markets” button, usually found at the bottom of a listing, and then picking the bet you want to make. It’s the same process for all other sports at US online sportsbooks as well.

The Most Popular NHL Teams to Bet on

There are now 32 NHL teams with the addition of the Seattle Kraken before the 2021-22 National Hockey League season. That means there are up to 16 games on any given slate. Knowing which teams are good to back and which are good to fade can make or break your long-term NHL betting results.

Teams play 82 games a year during the regular season, which decides the seeding for the Stanley Playoffs. Often referred to as the “Holy Grail” of North American sports trophies, it’s widely acknowledged as the most difficult piece of hardware to win in the world, requiring 16 wins across four best-of-seven series.

Here are some of the most popular NHL teams to bet on:

The Tampa Bay Lightning are the most successful NHL team in recent memory. A dominant force over the first few years of the 2020s, the Bolts have their core roster of Andriy Vasilevskiy, Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Victor Hedman locked up for several more years to come.

Historically, the “Original Six” franchises of the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are the most popular in the league. But, new teams like the Vegas Golden Knights are growing the fanbase outside of traditional hockey strongholds.

The Most Famous NHL Events to Bet On

You can bet online on all of the biggest competitions at most NHL betting sites. Some possibilities include the All-Star Game, the All-Star Skills Competition, the Winter Classic, the NHL Draft, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the Stanley Cup Finals. Be sure to visit the official National Hockey League website to explore betting opportunities throughout the season.

Some of these affairs are one-off specials, while the NHL Playoffs and Stanley Cup Finals last for several weeks. Here are the most popular NHL events and their yearly timeframes:

• NHL Draft – July
• Winter Classic – January
• All-Star Game & Skills Competition – February
• Stanley Cup Playoffs – April
• Stanley Cup Finals – June

NHL sportsbooks feature these events prominently and often create special offers for them. Many NHL betting sites offer some sort of Winter Classic promo code or a bonus bet. It’s not uncommon for operators to do so for the All-Star game and Stanely Cup Playoffs, too.

Before you make a bet on these events, consider the importance of each occasion in the scope of the season. The All-Star events are simply exhibitions players take part in just to relax and enjoy themselves, while the Stanely Cup Finals is the pinnacle of hockey. Keep this in mind before you make any wagers.

NHL Games – Seasons, Bets, Odds

1,312 games comprise an NHL season. When you count playoffs, there can easily be 1,400 chances to get your money down on a game of puck. This is why so many people love NHL betting – the season is long which gives you a chance to hone your strategy throughout the year.

Most brands also let you live bet after the action starts on all the games throughout the year. You have over 2,000 chances to compare odds, find the best lines, and hopefully, get your money in good – even after the game starts.

Online vs. Land-Based NHL Sportsbooks

Online and land-based NHL betting are two completely different styles of play. Online NHL gambling can be done from anywhere remote betting is legal, while retail NHL sportsbooks require you to travel to a location.

We do recognize that there are some drawbacks to NHL betting online. While some payment methods do facilitate instant withdrawals, they won’t be in cash. Plus, land-based NHL bookmakers usually have several televisions broadcasting the night’s games.

If you want to read more about land-based NHL betting, check out this guide to the land-based sportsbooks in the USA. Here are the main pros and cons for both online and retail sportsbooks:

Problem Gambling Help

Problem gambling is a serious issue. It’s important to know the warning signs and symptoms so you can take steps to prevent it from happening to you or a loved one. Here’s how you can tell if you or someone you know may need gambling problem help:

• Lying about losing money.
• Chasing losses outside of your financial means.
• Gambling is impacting your family, friends, relationships, or a job.
• You become restless or irritable when you aren’t gambling.
• Continuing to wager even though you are regularly losing large amounts of money.

If you recognize some of these symptoms in yourself or someone you know, there is help available. Every state with legal operators offers a voluntary self-exclusion program, and many operators have features to help you stay within your means like cooling-off periods and adjustable deposit limits.

There is no shame in admitting you have a problem. If you need advice, you can call a gambling helpline or look through some of the resources available at the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) website. However, the best way to prevent a problem is to gamble responsibly and bet with your head, not over it. Remember, gambling is only legal if you’re 21 years of age or older in most jurisdictions.

FAQ

Conclusion – Play at the Best NHL Betting Sites

The best NHL betting sites are as cool as ice. You can watch your favorite stars zip around the rink and cash in on every goal, assist, and save. Plus, each one has a license from a relevant gambling authority, so you know you won’t get sent to the sin bin.

Born in New Orleans, Lisa Spencer is a professional gambler and editor for Betting.us with a Master's in Applied Mathematics. Known for her strategic gambling approaches, she is an expert in game theory and statistical modelling. Lisa also enjoys surfing, running, and writing reviews on betting sites in her spare time.

Lisa Spencer, Senior Editor

We vet and check each site we come across before we list it on this page, so you know you’re safe and secure. Lace-up your skates, grab your stick, and get in the game by starting your NHL betting journey today.