Live betting is a practice that took off quickly after it was first implemented. Once sportsbooks saw that it was popular among punters, bookmaker after bookmaker rushed to start offering in-play. Nowadays, it is pretty much unheard of to find a bookie that does not include live bets along with regular pre-match betting. The sheer accessibility of online sportsbooks also guarantees that live betting is available to the vast majority of modern punters.
NHL Live Betting TypesIndeed, in-play is absolutely everywhere now, and the leagues it supports have increased exponentially over the years. Thankfully, the NHL is one such league, and NHL betting aficionados can use their expertise on the teams and hockey itself to partake in an exciting and, at times, quite lucrative practice.
It is important to note that wagering on live NHL events successfully is not an effortless task. In fact, it can be a bit overwhelming for inexperienced punters, seeing as the odds move at such a quick pace that it is often difficult to follow what is happening during the match. With time and proper planning, however, keeping track of the players and the odds does get easier.
NHL Live Betting Types
Although the NHL has yet to match the popularity of the NFL and the NBA, this does not mean that sportsbooks neglect this league. On the contrary, there is a lot to like about the NHL coverage one can find at sportsbooks. Apart from excellent software, we are pleased to point out that the bet variations you can choose from if you wish to wager on NHL events are numerous.
The first such bet is the NHL moneyline. Few hockey wager variations could hope to rival this bet in terms of both simplicity and popularity. It is a straightforward and effective classic that is appealing to seasoned punters and new bettors alike when it comes to regular NHL wagering. Since it is quick and easy to place, it is only natural that this bet type has also become a staple of the live betting NHL markets you can come across when you wager on live games.
Next on the list of popular bets is the puck line. If this term sounds unfamiliar, the puck line is what we call the NHL’s point spread. It is generally limited to -1.5 and +1.5 points, but wagering +/- 0.5 on a single period is also an option. Props can also be placed on individual periods, and you can even make over/under bets regarding the number of goals specific players will score, whether someone will score within a certain period of time, and more.
Lastly, fans of NHL parlays will be happy to hear that such bets can also be placed with live selections, seeing as this feature is available within the in-play interface too. They can be tricky, however, simply due to how fast the lines change, and you must be able to pick your legs swiftly.
NHL Live Betting on Mobile
During online sports betting’s infancy, placing bets as an event was taking place was not yet an established practice. Instead, pre-game betting reigned supreme at brick-and-mortar sports betting venues and online bookmakers alike.
Thankfully, things have improved substantially since then, and wagering on sports remotely could not be any easier. This includes NHL hockey, of course. Not only are NHL punters now able to place live bets on their computers, but smartphones have also become more than capable of handling live wagering software.
NHL bettors on the go can now forgo worrying about missing a game they have been anticipating, seeing as they can simply access live bets and live streams pertaining to a match regardless of whether they are at home or stuck in traffic, for instance.
In general, punters will always have access to a mobile website that supports live betting. Many modern sportsbooks, however, opt for creating a dedicated application that can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, which makes them even more convenient. As for the types of in-play bets NHL bettors on the go can place, they are just as numerous as what punters at home can pick from. All in all, wagering on the moneyline and the puck line, and placing bets such as totals and specials, is just as accessible on smartphones as it is on personal computers.
Live Odds Movement
Line movement is a major aspect of sports wagering as a whole, and the NHL is no exception, especially when it concerns live bets. The difference between traditional line movement and what occurs during in-play is the sheer speed at which the odds and the lines change. Therefore, you should be especially observant and fast to act if you plan on trying live NHL wagering.
This is also why betting at multiple sportsbooks is a good option if you wish to successfully wager on NHL matches. If you believe it might make in-play even more overwhelming, you could stick to one bookie instead, but if not, it never hurts to have a choice and take advantage of the sportsbook offering the best odds.
Additionally, we must once again emphasize that the movement of the lines is fairly chaotic compared to what you would see pre-game, and the window for action before the odds of the bet you fancy are changed is often very short. This is thanks to just how quickly the lines move and how easy it is to lose track of what is happening, and this speed is owed to the way every single event during the game affects the odds. Goals, penalties, injuries and the like will all be reflected in the odds almost immediately.
Ultimately, NHL in-play is not for everyone, and some punters will find pre-game betting easier and more relaxing. On the other hand, the excitement all of this can result in is one of live betting’s strongest appeals, so NHL punters who are up for a challenge or simply want a thrilling wagering experience will definitely enjoy betting on live NHL games quite a lot.
NHL Live Betting Tips
Although live betting can be quite chaotic, there is a lot you can do to mitigate this problem. Research is one of the things that can help, and it is something you can do prior to the game’s beginning. Make sure to look up any information relevant to the match, including data on the players and especially the goaltenders, as well as both teams’ recent performances. Any clues that give you an idea of the skaters’ health and potential injuries are also welcome. Speaking of pre-match preparation, having an idea of the bets you are aiming to place will be very beneficial in giving you a plan to work with. This is also an excellent way to avoid succumbing to emotional betting.
In addition, it bears repeating that it will do you good to have accounts at multiple sportsbooks and, when possible, check their offers during a match in order to ensure that you will be getting the best odds possible. Remember that the line movement can be very fast as the game is in full swing, so there will be plenty of opportunities where certain options are superior or inferior to others.
There are also many things you should be wary of. First, remember to never chase your losses. If the betting session ended and you were at a loss, attempting to make up for it will only harm you further in the long run. This is one of the main ways punters lose money without even realizing just how much they have spent. On this topic, you must manage your bankroll carefully in general. Keep track of your wagers, and take care to avoid placing too many live bets. Sticking to your bankroll limit takes priority over everything else.
Last but certainly not least, be vigilant and observe both the game and the lines to the best of your abilities. Paying attention to the way the public reacts to certain moments can also be very beneficial. The vast majority of punters are recreational bettors who have a tendency to rely on their emotions, so they can sometimes shift the odds in your favor.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it is easy to see why fans of wagering on live NHL matches find the experience enjoyable. These types of bets offer the highest entertainment value for fun-focused punters, while skilled bettors can use live odds to their advantage and place live bets that have excellent value.
NHL in-play is easier to find than ever, thanks to the advancements in sports betting technology on portable smartphone devices, but it is also important to remember not to overdo it. Keeping one’s bankroll intact and knowing when to take a break are things every bettor should be mindful of, no matter their skill level.
All in all, a responsible mindset, proper preparation prior to the game, and making sure to be observant of what is happening on the rink can go a long way to making live NHL betting a fun and potentially lucrative pastime.