Hockey is one of the fastest-growing betting markets at BetBoom, with action year-round across the NHL, KHL, SHL, Liiga and international tournaments like the IIHF World Championship and Olympic hockey. This guide breaks down the key bet types, league differences and strategies to help you find value on the ice.
NHL betting on BetBoom
The National Hockey League is the premier hockey competition in the world, featuring 32 teams across North America. BetBoom offers pre-match and live odds on all 1,312 regular-season games plus the Stanley Cup playoffs. The NHL market is the most liquid hockey market on the platform, meaning tighter margins and more in-play options. Popular NHL bets include regulation time moneyline (3-way), puck line (typically -1.5/+1.5) and totals (usually 5.5 or 6.5 goals).
KHL betting on BetBoom
The Kontinental Hockey League is the top professional league in Eurasia, with 22 teams from Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and China. KHL betting on BetBoom is especially popular among Russian-speaking bettors. The league features a 3-way moneyline (including overtime), puck line and totals. KHL games tend to have lower scoring than NHL matches, making under bets and puck line favourites popular strategies. BetBoom covers every KHL regular-season game and Gagarin Cup playoffs with live odds updating throughout.
Moneyline betting explained
The moneyline is the simplest hockey bet: pick the team you think will win. In hockey, BetBoom offers a 3-way moneyline — home win, away win or draw (after regulation time). This differs from 2-way moneylines where overtime and shootouts are included. The 3-way format provides better odds since the draw option absorbs some of the probability. For example, in an NHL match between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs, you might see odds of 2.10 for Boston, 3.80 for a draw, and 2.50 for Toronto.
Puck line betting
The puck line is hockey's version of the point spread, typically set at -1.5 for the favourite and +1.5 for the underdog. To cover the puck line, the favourite must win by 2 or more goals. The underdog covers by winning outright or losing by exactly 1 goal. Puck line odds are usually priced around 1.70–2.20 on both sides, offering better value than a straight moneyline on heavy favourites. In KHL games where scoring is lower, the puck line is particularly useful for finding value on underdogs.
Totals (over/under)
Totals betting focuses on the combined number of goals scored by both teams. The standard NHL total is 5.5 or 6.5 goals, while KHL totals are typically lower at 4.5 or 5.5. You can bet over or under the line. Team totals are also available, letting you bet on how many goals a single team will score. Totals are a great option when you have a strong opinion on game pace or goaltending but are unsure about the winner.
Live hockey betting
BetBoom's in-play hockey betting is where the action truly comes alive. Live odds update after every shift, shot and goal. You can bet on the next team to score, period winners, total goals in a period and even whether the next power play results in a goal. Live betting rewards bettors who watch the game and can spot momentum shifts before the odds adjust. The cash-out feature lets you lock in profits or cut losses before the final horn.
Hockey betting tips
- Check goaltender starting lineups — a backup goalie can dramatically shift odds and outcomes.
- Consider schedule fatigue — teams playing back-to-back nights or on long road trips often underperform.
- Track special teams efficiency — power play and penalty kill percentages are strong predictors in close games.
- Watch live line movements — sharp money often hits early; following line moves can reveal where professional bettors are leaning.
Ready to hit the ice? Register on BetBoom and start betting on NHL, KHL and more. For crash game action between periods, check our crash games guide. See payment methods for deposit options including Mir card and crypto.