Online Casino UK

Online gambling fans are able to take advantage of betting opportunities for basically every televised sporting event - and even some that aren't. Thanks to top online sportsbooks, punters can now enjoy betting on ice hockey matches from the other side of the world. And it's no longer just about the top North American leagues either; European and Asian ice hockey competitions are available for wagering throughout the season at a number of online bookmakers, all you have to do is find the right one for you.

For newcomers to ice hockey betting, there are a few different types of wagers that you will need to understand before jumping into the big bets. Punters may also be interested to know that you can not only make a bet on the regular and post season matches, but also on futures and Olympic ice hockey fixtures. And while the National Hockey League may be the most popular attraction for ice hockey bettors, if you are a fan of the UK league you will be happy to know that most European bookies provide odds on the EIHL.

There are generally two different general wagering types you will come across at a standard online bookmaker. Ice hockey is similar to other sports in that it offers the money line as well as another bet type - in this case, the puck line. Read on to find out more about these various wagers.

Money Line

The money line is one of the most popular bets around, no matter what sport you are having a punt on. Anyone who has signed up to an online bookmaker should already know how the money line works, but here's a quick recap for the newcomers.

Let's say that the Detroit Red Wings were taking on the Colorado Avalanche in a regular season game; the money line would look something like this:

As you can see, the odds above are displayed in all three formats. The bookies have the Red Wings favourites to win at home, and a wager of $115 will earn you a $100 profit if Detroit manages to win. However, if you back the underdog, you stand to win $285 from a $100 punt on the avalanche.

Puck Line

While the money line is extremely popular across the board, the puck line is loved by ice hockey fans thanks to its potential for huge payouts. Colloquially known as the "spread", the puck line incorporates the money line as well as the anticipated goal difference at the end of the match. A standard puck line will be set out as follows:

The puck line plays out exactly the same as a standard spread, so if you have ever made a bet on NFL or baseball matches you will already understand how it works. In the above scenario the odds have changed because the Avalanche have been spotted 1.5 goals. This means that even if Colorado lose by a goal, you will still win your wager because that one goal is within the spread. However, for you to earn a payout on a Detroit puck line bet the Red Wings must win by two goals or more.

Finally, it's important to note that form plays a pivotal role in determining the odds of an ice hockey match - as does whether you are backing a home or away team. Researching the form of a team is especially important when making a punt on post season fixtures, as you will have a better understanding of what sort of run your team is on. If any trades or injuries are affecting squad selection, then taking them into account will help you when deciding what wager to place as well.

For more information on the NHL, Stanley Cup, and Olympic ice hockey, click on the relevant links.