Understanding Hockey Betting Lines
Betting odds tell you how much you can win on a bet, compared to how much you have to risk. They also indicate what the oddsmakers are saying each team’s chances of winning are. The minus sign (e.g.-130) always indicates the favorite and the amount you must bet to win 100. A minus sign in front of the odds means its a favourite, and the plus sign means its an underdog.
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets are the most straightforward type of hockey bet; You are simply betting on which team you think will win the game. The odds for a moneyline bet will reflect each team’s likelihood of winning the game.
The minus sign (e.g., -130) always indicates the favorite, and the number shows the amount you must bet to win 100 dollars. So, if a team is listed at -130, you would need to bet $130 to win $100. The plus sign (e.g., +110) indicates the underdog, and the number shows how much you would win if you bet $100. So, if a team is listed at +110, you would win $110 if you bet $100.
For example, let’s say the Toronto Maple Leafs are playing the Montreal Canadiens. The Maple Leafs are the favorite to win the game, and they are listed at -150 on the moneyline. The Canadiens are the underdog, and they are listed at +130 on the moneyline.
If you bet $150 on the Maple Leafs to win, and they win the game, you would win $100 in profit, plus your initial $150 stake back. However, if the Canadiens win the game, you would lose your $150 bet.
If you bet $100 on the Canadiens to win, and they win the game, you would win $130 in profit, plus your initial $100 stake back. However, if the Maple Leafs win the game, you would lose your $100 bet.
Puck Lines
Puck lines, also known as spread betting, are a way to even out the playing field between two teams with different perceived chances of winning. Instead of just picking a winner, you’re betting on the margin of victory. In hockey, the puck line is typically set at 1.5 goals٫ though you might find variations depending on the matchup.
A minus (-) sign next to the puck line indicates the favorite. For example, a -1.5 puck line means the favored team must win by at least two goals for your bet to cash. If they win by only one goal٫ you lose the bet٫ even if they win the game outright.
Conversely, a plus (+) sign next to the puck line signifies the underdog. For example, a +1.5 puck line means the underdog can either win the game outright or lose by a single goal, and you still win the bet. If they lose by two or more goals, you lose.
Puck lines can offer more attractive odds than moneyline bets, especially when there’s a clear favorite. This is because you’re taking on more risk by betting on the margin of victory rather than simply the winner of the game. However, they require a more in-depth understanding of the teams involved and their potential to control the game.
Totals (Over/Under)
Totals betting in hockey, often referred to as Over/Under betting, revolves around predicting the combined number of goals scored by both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a predetermined number of goals, and bettors wager on whether the actual total will be over or under that mark.
For example, if the total goals line is set at 5.5, you can bet on the Over (meaning you believe there will be six or more goals scored in the game) or the Under (meaning you predict five or fewer goals). The odds associated with each side of the bet will vary depending on factors like team offensive and defensive capabilities, goaltending strength, and historical scoring patterns.
Like other forms of hockey betting, the odds for totals bets are presented with a plus or minus sign. A minus sign indicates the amount you need to wager to win $100, while a plus sign shows the potential profit on a $100 bet. For instance, if the Over 6.5 goals is listed at -135, you would need to bet $135 to win $100. Conversely, if the Under 6.5 goals is +110, a successful $100 bet would net you a $110 profit.
Understanding historical scoring trends, team styles, and factors like injuries or lineup changes can give you an edge when making Over/Under bets in hockey.
Plus and Minus Odds
In the world of hockey betting, understanding plus and minus odds is crucial for deciphering the potential payouts and implied probabilities associated with different wagers; These odds, represented by a plus (+) or minus (-) sign followed by a number, provide insights into the favorite and underdog in a particular matchup and how much you stand to win or need to risk.
A minus sign (-) preceding the odds signifies the favorite – the team considered more likely to win. The number indicates the amount you need to wager to win $100. For instance, odds of -150 mean you would have to bet $150 to potentially win $100. Conversely, a plus sign (+) denotes the underdog, and the accompanying number represents the potential profit on a $100 bet. For example, odds of +120 suggest that a $100 wager could yield a $120 profit if successful;
To illustrate, consider a game where the Toronto Maple Leafs are listed at -175, making them the favorites, while the Ottawa Senators are at +145, marking them as the underdogs. Betting $175 on the Maple Leafs could win you $100 if they emerge victorious. On the other hand, wagering $100 on the Senators, considered less likely to win, could earn you a profit of $145 if they pull off an upset.