Navigating the world of NHL betting can be a breeze once you’re familiar with the lingo. Here’s a handy glossary to help you understand the most commonly used betting terms:
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Moneyline: This is one of the most straightforward bets you can place. When you bet the moneyline, you’re simply picking which team you think will win the game outright. The favorite will have negative odds (e.g., -150), meaning you’d need to bet $150 to win $100. Conversely, the underdog will have positive odds (e.g., +130), indicating you’d win $130 on a $100 bet if that team wins.
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Puck Line: Similar to a point spread in other sports, the puck line gives a handicap to the favorite and an advantage to the underdog. Typically set at 1.5 goals, if you bet on the favorite, they’d need to win by 2 goals or more. If you bet on the underdog, they’d need to either win outright or lose by only 1 goal.
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Over/Under (Total): This bet doesn’t concern itself with who wins or loses. Instead, you’re betting on the total number of goals scored by both teams combined. If the Over/Under is set at 5.5, and you bet the over, you’re hoping for 6 or more total goals. If you bet the under, you’re hoping for 5 or fewer total goals.
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Parlay: A single bet that links two or more individual wagers for a high payout. All the teams wagered on in a parlay must win. If even one loses, the entire bet is lost.
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Prop Bet (Proposition Bet): A bet on a specific event or individual player performance within a game, rather than the outcome of the game itself. Examples include betting on which player will score the first goal or how many saves a goalie will make.
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Futures: A bet on events that will happen in the future, like which team will win the Stanley Cup or who will be the league MVP.
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Live Betting: Allows you to place bets in real-time as the game unfolds. The odds can change rapidly based on the game’s progression.
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Push: When a game ends with no winner or loser for betting purposes. This can happen with point spread or over/under bets if the score lands exactly on the spread or total.
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Juice (or Vigorish): The commission that sportsbooks earn on bets. It’s typically factored into the odds, ensuring the bookmaker earns regardless of the game’s outcome.
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Bankroll: The total amount of money a bettor has set aside specifically for betting.
Understanding these terms is crucial for anyone looking to delve into NHL betting. As you explore our site further, you’ll find in-depth strategies, tips, and insights related to each of these betting options. Happy wagering!