HOCKEY BETby: Jason Hale

Making hockey bets online may seem a bit confusing at first due to different terms used for betting on the sport. Some of the terms frequently used are "Canadian Lines", "Puck Lines", "Money Lines" and the like. However, as bettors become well-versed with the sport, it becomes much easier.

Here is the definition of some Hockey betting terms:

Moneyline Betting is simply betting on the contest based on a given price rather than a pointspread. The team bet on simply has to win the game.

For example, the posted moneyline on an NHL game reads:

New Jersey Devils -155 at
Dallas Stars +135

If the bettor laid $155 on the Devils and they win, then he wins $100.

If the bettor laid $100 on the Stars and they win, then he wins $135.00


Puck Line Betting is simply betting on the contest based on a pointspread and a moneyline combined. The team bet on must win by the pointspread.

For example, the posted line on a hockey game reads:

New Jersey Devils -1 1/2 +130 at
Dallas Stars +1 1/2 -150

A bettor could choose one of two Puck Line Bets on this matchup:

Devils -1 1/2 +130

If the Devils win by 2 goals or more, then the bettor who bet $100.00 wins $130.00

Stars +1 1/2 -150

If the Stars win the game, or lose by only one goal, then the bettor who laid $150.00 will win $100.00

Total (Over/Under) Bets

On an over/under bet, the total goals of the game by both teams, extra innings included, must fall over or under the side selected.

For example, the posted line on for an NHL Totals bet is:

4 1/2
Under -125
Over +105

A bettor could choose one of two Total (over/under) bets on this matchup:

Over 4 1/2 +105

If the total goals of both teams combined are more than 4 1/2, then the bettor who bets $100.00 will win $105.00

Under 4 1/2 -125

If the total goals of both teams combined are less than 4 1/2, then the bettor who laid $125.00 wins $100.00

At the NHL, 55 minutes of play is usually needed for betting purposes.


Learn to bet on popular European events


SportsBet ®
your source for betting information