With seven teams in the NHL, Canadian representation is high in the top tier of ice hockey. Betting sites spend huge sums of money to market the sport to its users and we’re going to show you which ones think are doing the best job in our NHL betting guide.

Included are in-depth reviews of the best NHL betting sites along with information on bonuses and promotions, where to bet on the NHL, banking options, customer support, and how to create accounts. Here’s our definitive NHL betting guide.

List of the Best NHL Betting Sites 2023

Below is a list of the best NHL betting sites. All the sportsbooks below are accessible in Canada and come with lucrative welcome bonuses for new accounts.

1. Bodog – Best sportsbook for NHL betting in Canada
2. Stake.com – Great design for NHL betting
3. BetOnline – 25+ years experience in NHL betting
4. XBet – Strongest NHL betting lines
5. MyBookie – Best for NHL prop bets
6. Everygame – Great design and easy to use
7. BetNow – Best for live betting on NHL
8. BUSR – Best for NHL betting promotions
9. Sportsbetting.ag – Best for existing player offers
10. PowBet – Easy to use for NHL Betting

Reviews of the Best NHL Sportsbooks

1)   Bodog – Best NHL Sportsbook Overall

Bodog takes the top spot as our number one pick for NHL betting. It scored highly in terms of odds across the board and was consistently top three with moneyline, spread, and totals. Prop bet coverage is good, with access to bets like top points scorer, game MVP, and alternative lines for spreads and totals.

They impressively include NHL promotions throughout the season which are largely made up of enhanced odds for feature games. Bitcoin users are able to enjoy inflated promotions, such as the welcome offer, and their customer support is accessible around the clock.

2)   Stake.com – Great Design for NHL Betting

Stake.com is the best-looking NHL betting site. Its modern design makes using it over extended periods very easy and the ability to use the search function to find games is a great feature. The exceptional design is carried over into the mobile site where you can create home page bookmakers, so it functions more like a dedicated app.

Market coverage for NHL games is good, with over 50 markets to bet on with most games. Alternative lines on the spread and totals provide depth and banking options are littered with crypto payments. No fees are charged for any deposits and payments are processed within a timely manner.

3)   BetOnline – Over 25 Years as One of the Best NHL Betting Site

BetOnline is the best all-around NHL betting site and are arguably the most recognized brand on our list. As is the case with most sports that BetOnline cover, NHL betting lines are some of the best in the business. We found that they were one of few that could rival (and sometimes surpass) Bodog, making them an easy pick.

The design is a little dated, but it’s easy to use, both online and on mobile. Customer service offers live chat and a dedicated phone number (rare). You also get access to tons of promotions, although they are more generic, rather than dedicated specifically to NHL.

4)   XBet – Strongest NHL Betting Lines in the Industry

XBet are another sportsbook that has made rank based on its competitive odds structure. Betting lines across the board are strong, but it’s in the prop bet section where they excel, tying in nicely with a huge range of props to bet on.

The mobile betting site is our method of choice when it comes to usability. The online site is cluttered and a little dated, so we would recommend you switch to your phone for a better experience. Promotions are accessible, although not as strong as those above them in our list, especially when it comes to the welcome offer.

5)   MyBookie – Best for NHL Betting Prop Bets

MyBookie has a VIP section, which is a great addition to the sportsbook. You can earn points as you bet and what’s most impressive is that this runs alongside both welcome and reload bonuses that the site has created huge value in terms of promotions.

The sportsbook has a wide range of markets to bet on and we enjoyed the inclusion of alternative markets for spread and totals lines. Depositing options are good, with crypto getting access to increased bonuses, but Visa and Mastercard both come with fees attached, which will deter some punters.

6)   Everygame – Great Design and Easy-to-Use NHL Betting Site

Everygame coverage of the NHL is excellent. All regular and post-season games are on the site, with futures betting being the standout market. They not only include the likes of Stanley Cup winners, but also individual futures, such as MVP, most points, and fewest goals conceded for the goalkeepers.

The online site is lightning fast and includes breadcrumbs to increase navigation between markets. The design is OK, but it’s another that we would recommend using the mobile site for as it functions a lot better than the online platform. Fast payments, low/no fees, good customer support and live betting make up a strong backbone for this sportsbook.

7)   BetNow – Best for Live Betting on NHL

BetNow’s best feature is the live betting section. On days with multiple games, it really comes alive and you’re able to pick and choose the games you want to track. They also include game data within the match center, which is vital to make more informed decisions for potential bets.

Promotions are another area that BetNow does better than most, with dedicated NHL, offers running throughout the season. These ramp up in post-season, so keep an eye out for those. The site looks great and is easy to use, with a decent enough mobile offering.

8)   BUSR – Best for NHL Betting Promotions

BUSR is one of the best NHL betting sites for massive promotions and more specifically, welcome offers. If it’s solely large bonuses that you’re after, then BUSR should be your pick. All offers are accessible to Canadian residents and most come with relatively favorable clearing rates.

Aside from that, the sportsbook is very solid. They include a ton of NHL futures bets and can price markets competitively. The mobile site is easy to use, and customer support is available via live chat around the clock.

9)   SportsBetting.ag – Best for Existing Player Promotions

Sportsbetting.ag includes a good range of promotions but works best with existing player offers. You’re getting access to a wide range of prop bets, however, they are released quite late when compared to other sportsbooks.

The design of the site is dated, and it can take a while to familiarize yourself with how it all works. It feels a little like an Excel spreadsheet, but it’s lightning fast and very responsive.

10) PowBet – Easy to Use and Great Design for NHL Betting

One of the latest additions to our NHL betting site lineup is PowBet. These guys have nailed the design and it’s easily one of the best that we’ve tested. It looks great on mobile as well and we liked that you’re prompted to add to home screen when you open the page in your mobile browser (iOS only).

Betting coverage of the NHL is very good. Markets for most games surpassed 30 and there was lots of choices when it came to alternative lines for spreads and totals bets. The inclusion of weekly challenges, a VIP scheme, great customer support, and free tournaments to enter, has created a great package.

FAQs About NHL Betting

Below we’ve included frequently asked questions about NHL betting.

Where can I place a bet on the NHL in Canada?

You’ve access to dozens of sports betting sites that have NHL betting coverage. You can access a mix of sites that are located offshore and those within Canada.

How do I bet on NHL games?

You need a betting account to bet on NHL games. If you’re a Canadian resident, then you’re able to choose from a wide range of options. Once your account is set up, you simply choose the game you want to bet on, make your pick, select your stake, and then place your bet.

How do NHL bets work?

NHL bets come in all shapes and sizes. The most common are the moneyline, spread, and totals. These markets are all linked to the outcome of the game. Successful bets will credit your winnings back to your betting account.

Is the NHL easy to bet on?

Yes, the NHL is one of the biggest sports in Canada and is very easy to bet on. All you need is a betting account from any of our recommended sportsbooks.

Does overtime count in NHL betting?

Overtime will count for most NHL betting markets unless otherwise stated. Moneyline bets, spread bets and totals will include these markets, but other markets such as quarter and half betting will not include overtime.

What is the puck line in NHL betting?

The puck line is a term used in NHL betting to represent the points spread. This is a handicap that is applied to both teams to make the game as close to equal as possible. The favorite will have points deducted for the line and the underdog points added.

What does +1.5 mean in NHL betting?

This represents the number of points added to the final score for the puck line/ points spread. A +1.5 spread means that 1.5 points will be added to the teams total at the end of the game. Half points are used to eliminate any chance of a tie.

Comparing the Best NHL Betting Sites

The table should be used to compare the best NHL betting sites. We’ve included an overview of the welcome bonus, along with parlay accessibility, live betting options, and live streaming options.

Is NHL Betting Legal in Canada?

NHL betting is legal in Canada. Regulations were lifted in 2021 (Safe and Regulated Sports Betting Act – Bill C-218) that allowed single bets to be placed following previously only being allowed to place parlays of 3 or more selections.

You can access NHL betting sites in all provinces, with most having a locally regulated sportsbook attached. These include PlayNow in British Columbia, PlayAlberta in Alberta, and Mise-o-jeu+ in Quebec, as examples.

Are Offshore NHL Betting Sites Legal in Canada?

Offshore sites are fully accessible in Canada. There’s a lot of misinformation about how offshore betting sites work, with many people assuming they are illegal because those that are based in Canada have been coined with the phrase “legal”.

However, that’s not the case. The difference is that offshore betting sites are not regulated within Canada. Most of these sites are located overseas and therefore licensed within these countries. If they accept players from Canada, then it’s perfectly legal for Canadian residents to access these sites.

We’ve taken the time to make sure that all the NHL betting sites on this page are legitimate and licensed. We will add that they aren’t all like this, so take the time to properly vet any betting sites that aren’t listed on this page.

Advantages of Offshore NHL Betting Sites

For us, offshore betting is a better option than using betting sites located in Canada. We’ve outlined a few of these reasons below.

• More choice – There’s a much bigger pool of offshore NHL betting sites than sites located in Canada. The ability to choose betting sites that suit the markets and sports you want to bet on is a huge plus.
• Better bonuses – Regulations around what sites can offer as bonuses aren’t as restricting with offshore sites. This often leads to bigger and more player-friendly offers.
• Better odds – We found that offshore betting sites, overall, offer better odds. Margins are fine but if you’re a player who bets high volume or high stakes, small margins can mean the difference between profit and loss.
• Easier to access – There are fewer hoops to jump through with offshore sites, especially when it comes to verifying accounts. You still need to do this with most sites (this is a good thing) but the process is fast, and you only need to prove your ID and home address.
• More accessible – “Legal” NHL betting sites are not accessible in all provinces yet. Offshore betting sites can be accessed throughout the country, with no restrictions on where you’re located. You can even access these if you travel outside of Canada, unlike traditional sportsbooks.

Our Criteria for Choosing a Top NHL Betting Site

We invest huge amounts of time into picking the best NHL betting sites. We wanted to give you a look at what we look out for in our decision process to allow you to then see what sort of you need from your sportsbook.

Range of NHL Bets

The range of bets is generally where we start and with this, we’re looking at the types of bets you can place on NHL games. Moneyline, totals, and the spread are the absolute minimum, but the best NHL betting sites go above and beyond, especially when it comes to prop bets and futures.

Choice of NHL Events

The NHL has a wide range of events to choose from. The regular season is made up of a whopping 1,312 games. It’s possible for a team that goes on to win the Stanley cup to play 128 games. The postseason and finals are two key betting events in the NHL.

Bonus & Promotions

The welcome bonus is a key area that we test. It’s easy to simply look and see which is the biggest bonus, but the best bonuses are those that have the lowest wagering requirements. This means that you don’t need to work as hard for your bonus money to become your cash balance.

Safety & Security

Sites must be secure, and we look to see what measures they take to ensure this. SSL certificates are minimum requirements and payments need to be encrypted. You can often find out more about how they work by checking out the license attached.

Payment Methods

Banking needs to provide a strong range of options for players. It’s not a case of more is better, but it needs to be spread to allow players to access at least one method within each category. We look for sites that have no fees and process payments within a timely manner (anywhere from 3-5 business days is good).

Customer Support

A support network needs to be on hand 24/7. Ideally, there would be a live chat function where you could speak to an employee, but at the very minimum a contact form of some kind. The best gets back to you within a matter of hours, but anywhere within 24 hours is considered reasonable. Access to an information FAQ/help center is a huge bonus.

How to Sign Up and Bet on NHL

Creating an account with a sportsbook is a simple process that we’ve outlined below. We’ve used our pick as the best NHL betting site, Bodog, to show you the process, as well as how to place your first bet.

1)   Open Account

You need to head to the Bodog home page, which you can do by clicking this link. Here you’re able to click the “Join” button at the top which will start the account opening process.

2)   Enter Account Information

A pop-up will appear that requires you to enter your personal information. Things like name, mobile number, email, and address will be needed. Make sure there are no errors here as you will be asked to verify this later.

3)   Login and Deposit

Your account will now be active (check your inbox as they may send an activation link that you need to click) so you can log in using the username and password you’ve created.

4)   Use the Menu to find NHL

The betting section at Bodog will include a wide range of sports to bet on. You can find NHL markets from the hockey betting section using the menu on the left. Click hockey and then select the NHL to be taken to the main page for NHL betting.

5)   Place a Bet

To place a bet, you need to click on the odds for the market that you want to bet on. This will add the bet to your bet slip. You can then choose your stake (it will highlight the return should that bet win) before confirming your bet. Live bets can be accessed within your account.

How NHL Betting Works

As one of the more popular sports to bet on, the NHL comes packaged with a range of games and markets to bet on. Most Canadian bookmakers will offer odds in a decimal form, but you can switch between American and fractional odds if you would rather.

The odds will highlight the return per single unit placed. For example, if you’ve got a bet that is priced at 3.00 and you wager $10, then the total returns would be $30 ($10 x 3.0). Decimal odds will include the stake in the returns. So, your actual profit from this bet would be $20 ($30 total returns – $10 initial stake = $20 profit).

Below we’ve included a real-world example of how an NHL bet would work from a game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Single-Game NHL Betting Explained

The passing of Bill C-218 in 2021 signified a huge shift in how sports betting works in Canada. Many think that it was from this point that betting was legalized, but that wasn’t the case.

Previously sports betting was possible at a range of betting companies (both online and brick-and-mortar), however, players were limited as to what they could bet on. These limitations meant that only parlays of 3 or more picks were possible.

Bill C-218 changed this to allow single-game bets to be taken, with NHL betting benefiting massively from this. Now you’re able to bet on a single game, such as Vancouver Canucks to bear the Toronto Maple Leafs, whereas previously, you would have had to include this bet with at least two others within a parlay.

It’s worth pointing out that Bill C-218 is only applicable to betting sites located in Canada. Offshore betting sites have been able to offer single-game NHL bets throughout and given that the bill doesn’t cover every province in the country, this makes offshore betting more appealing.

Popular Types of NHL Betting Markets

There are dozens of NHL bets that you can place these days, especially as betting sites look to expand with new markets. However, NHL betting has what we would describe as a “core 5” and we’re going to run down what they are and how they work below.

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets are where you bet on the outright winner of the game. The odds are reflective of the team’s chances of winning. Most NHL betting sites will include overtime results for moneyline bets, however, some do not, so it’s worth checking the T’s & C’s before you bet. Target betting sites that do include as it gives you more chances of winning.

Spread Betting

Spread betting is where both teams are handicapped in terms of goals. The favorite will have goals deducted from their final score and the underdog will have goals added. Most markets will have this as a decimal so that there is always a result.

The goal of the handicapper is to get a spread where the odds are both the same or at least very similar. Two even money bets is what the spread aims to achieve.

Note, some NHL betting sites call this the puck line.

Totals

Totals are the total number of goals scored for the game. This combines goals from both teams, and you need to choose the over or under for the line set by the NHL betting site.

Prop Bets

Prop bets are a mix of everything else that you can bet on in the NHL. They are usually split between game, player, and team prop bets. The best NHL betting sites have a wide range to choose from here, and these markets add a little something different to the previous four markets that all sportsbooks will include.

The table below is a prop bet based on the total number of goals scored by Connor McDavid and Auston Mathews for the season.

Futures

NHL futures bets are those that are placed a considerable amount of time before the market will be settled. The most common is betting on the Stanley cup winner where you can bet up to 12 months before the final takes place.

Parlays

Parlays are bets that include 2 or more picks. You need all selections from these bets to win to have a successful parlay. The odds are simply multiplied by each other to create your overall parlay price.

NHL Betting Strategies & Systems

Professional bettors all have strategies or systems that they use to not only maximize winnings, but also limit losses. We’ve included some of these below that you can use to create your own NHL betting system.

Schedule

Games come thick and fast in the NHL, so you need to be aware of who’s playing and when. Teams will often endure long trips on the road, and this is usually the toughest period. Target opposing teams on the back of long travel stretches or who’ve played a lot of games in a short period of time. Fatigue is one of the main reasons why teams lose on the road.

Use the Data to Your Advantage

There is tons of data online about all NHL teams and this will allow you to spot trends. It might be in the form of goals scored, periods of the game when they are weakest, or could include how certain players play against different teams.

Data is the easiest way to make the most informed picks possible. If you follow this route then you’ve much more chance of finding value, rather than just going with your heart when betting on teams or markets.

Follow the Money

This is a common practice that lots of pro bettors do and it’s all about seeing where most bets are being placed. If the odds have been reduced, then you can assume it’s because more money is being placed on that market.

However, it’s possible to oppose money to find value. Popular teams get a lot of bets simply because of who they are and the fact that casual bettors will be drawn to bet on them. Tie in the following money with the data and you’ve got a killer combination for making money with NHL betting.

Our Top 5 Tips for Betting on NHL

To maximize winnings, we’ve included some tips for betting on the NHL. Tie this in with the strategies outlined above.

Check the Form

Form is the easiest place to start. Look to see recent results from both teams and then see who is performing the best. Don’t just look at the overall form, but instead break it down into home and away results. You will often find teams are much stronger at home, but again, this is not set in stone.

Follow Picks

There are lots of sites that provide free NHL betting picks that you can use as part of your strategy. The easiest process for this is to go with strength in numbers. Try and find five NHL betting tips sites and then compare to see who is backing what. If there are three or more each tipping the same pick, then it’s likely going to be a good place to start.

Use Welcome Bonuses and Free Bets

You need to use a welcome bonus if you have access to one. This will allow you to use free money for your bets and help you clear the bonus to shift it to cash. Free bets are an excellent source of value as well, even though you won’t get your stake back should your bet win.

Bankroll Management

Only bet what you can afford to use. This is the first rule of online betting.

Bankroll management is going to differ for each player. A casual bettor that places a couple of bets per week can usually top up bankroll frequently and not worry too much about losses (assuming bet sizing is small or in relation to disposable income).

Professional bettors will have a lump sum set aside to use on a more regular basis (multiple bets per day). The 1% is a good place to start, meaning that you should never risk more than 1% of your total bankroll for each bet. This will allow a cushion for inevitable losses, which are unavoidable in sports betting.

Biggest NHL Conferences and Divisions to Bet on

The NHL season is split up into multiple sections. These include. Regular season, playoffs, and then the Stanley Cup. There is also an All-Star game that runs every year in February and while this is less of an opportunity to bet on, it’s still relevant.

Regular Season NHL Games

Each team plays 82 regular season games over a grueling 1,312 total games. This gives a huge opportunity to bet throughout the season, with multiple games played every day. It’s one of the main reasons why NHL betting is so popular as it’s so accessible.

Stanley Cup Playoffs

Eight teams from the conference (the top three teams from each division plus 2 next highest-placed teams) will qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Each game is now a best-of-7 format and usually have some of the most exciting games of the season.

Stanley Cup

The NHL season is wrapped up at the Stanley Cup final. These are the two teams that have made it through each of the playoff knockouts and the winner (again from best of 7 format) will be Stanley Cup champions for that season.

Canadian NHL Teams to Bet On

Canada has 7 teams currently playing in the NHL. The sport is massive in the country and the teams are some of the best-supported in the league. Below we’ve included a little more information on each of them.

Calgary Flames

Calgary Flames were founded in 1972 as the Atlanta Flames, before relocating to Calgary in 1980. They play their games at the Scotiabank Saddledome and have won the Stanley Cup once, back in 1989.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers were founded in 191 but didn’t make their NHL debut until the 1979-80 season. Their home games take place at Rogers Place and have won the Stanley Cup five times, with the most recent being in 1990.

Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadians are one of the oldest NHL teams and were founded in 1909 before making their NHL debut in 1917. They’ve won the Stanley Cup an incredible 23 times and have 55 NHL hall of famers.

Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators were founded in 1992 and have been competing in the NHL ever since. They are yet to win a Stanley Cup but do have 16 appearances in the playoffs. They play their home games at the Canadian Tire Centre.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs were formed in 1917 and play at the Scotiabank Arena. They have 13 Stanley Cup wins to their name and have appeared in the playoffs 68 times. Mats Sundin is the franchise scoring-leader with 987 goals.

Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets are the youngest Canadian NHL team, formed in 1999. They play at the Bell MTS Place and have yet to win the Stanley Cup, with just 4 appearances in the playoffs in that time.

Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks were formed in 1970 and are widely regarded as the best team to never have won the Stanley Cup. They hold the record for most playoff appearances (27) and no Stanley Cup wins. Their Franchise leading scorer is Henrik Sedin, with 1,070 goals.

Bonuses for NHL Betting Online

As we’ve already highlighted, one of the best things about using an offshore betting site is the vast range of bonuses and promotions that you can claim. In this section, we’re going to walk you through a range of bonus types and explain how they work.

Match Deposit Sign Up Bonuses

A match deposit bonus is where the sportsbook will match your opening deposit up to a certain amount. The match will be a percentage (commonly 100% but can be 50% up to 300%). You need to clear the bonus as per the wagering requirements to withdraw it.

No Deposit Bonus

A bonus deposit bonus is where the sportsbook will give you a bonus without the need to deposit. All you would do here is register an account and the bonus will be applied to your account when your sign in.

Free Bets

Free bets allow the user to place a wager on sports betting market for free. The value will range, but any winnings from these offers will not include the stake. It’s worth noting that most of these offers will pay out profits as cash and not bonus money, making them an excellent value.

Bitcoin & Crypto Bonuses

Crypto bonuses are triggered by making a deposit with a cryptocurrency. This is now one of the most popular payment methods for online betting sites, with bonuses that often excel regular deposit bonuses.

Reload or Top-Up Bonuses

A reload bonus is triggered when you make your second deposit at the sportsbook. It works the same as match deposit offers and is an additional bonus.

Risk-Free Bets

Risk-free bets are where the sportsbook allows you to place a bet if that bet loses, then they will refund your stake. If it wins, then you keep the winnings as per a regular bet.

The Best Payment Methods for NHL Betting

NHL betting allows you to access a wide range of payment options. Offshore sportsbooks tend to have more options than those licensed within Canada, and we’ve outlined some of the more popular ones below.

Crypto Betting Options

Crypto payments are the fastest growing in this sector. Almost all the NHL betting sites that we recommend have crypto options, which can include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dogecoin. You’re likely going to get much bigger welcome offers if you use crypto, which adds a ton of value as a result. Read more about crypto betting in our guide.

eWallet Betting Options

Banking with eWallets is not as accessible as it once was, but you can still use the likes of PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill with a lot of the NHL betting sites. It’s worth noting that a lot of the sites prohibit you from claiming deposit bonuses with eWallets, so make sure you check this before using this payment method.

Traditional Payment Methods

Traditional payment methods include the likes of Visa, Mastercard, Check, and bank wire. These are going to be the most popular for most bettors but be warned that they can come with increased fees and longer processing times, especially when compared to crypto and eWallet options.

NHL Apps and Mobile Betting

Mobile betting now equates to over 50% of all bets placed online. All sportsbooks offer some form of mobile access, be it in the form of a mobile betting site that you access within your mobile browser or a downloadable betting app that you can get from the App Store or Google Play Store.

There are advantages to both, but mobile betting sites are more accessible due to the increased limitations that you get with app stores and betting apps. Mobile betting in general allows you to bet on the NHL while on the go and claim exclusive mobile betting offers or promotions.

2022/23 NHL Schedule

The table below highlights the current schedule for the 2022/23 NHL season.

Betting on NHL Near Me

Betting online is one of the easiest ways you can bet on the NHL. Rules and regulations have recently been relaxed, but there’s still not that many brick-and-mortar locations where you can bet on any sport, let alone NHL.

All provinces will accept most bet types and not just the 3+ game parlays that used to be in place. Finding somewhere to bet is difficult and most locations are simply local convince stores. However, Casinos in Canada look set to provide a sports betting service, with the likes of BetMGM talking about creating huge sports betting lounges and sportsbooks.

The Best NHL Betting Site in Canada

The best NHL betting site is Bodog. There’re multiple reasons why they’ve taken the top spot, but the two that stand out is the coverage of the NHL throughout the season and the competitive betting ooids, giving you incredible value compared to most of the competition.

Bodog also has an excellent range of promotions, superb customer support, and one of the best betting sites when it comes to usability. If you’re looking to bet on the NHL, then you must try Bodog.