Best NHL Betting Sites in Canada

The NHL is a massive league that is covered by just about every bookmaker. Picking the right one can be tough, so we’ve compiled several of the top NHL betting sites to help find the one that’s best for you.

Best NHL Betting Sites

Hockey isn’t just a sport in Canada - it’s part of who we are. With 32 teams grinding through an 82-game season before the chaos of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, there’s always action to bet on.

The issue is that not all NHL sportsbooks deliver the same experience. Odds, promos, and betting features can vary a lot, and I’ve seen firsthand how some sites offer deep markets and great value - while others feel barebones. That’s why this guide exists: to break down the best NHL betting sites in Canada and help you find the one that actually works for you.

There are a ton of betting sites but we’ve cut out the fat to help you make a better decision when wagering on the NHL.

Listed are some of the best sites to bet on NHL action. These sites have great markets, betting options, promotions, and even welcome bonuses for new users! As well, they are legal in Canada, which means you don’t need to worry about safety when playing on these NHL betting sites.

I’ve bet on hockey for years, so I know what makes a sportsbook great - and what’s just hype. I test each site myself, looking at the odds, features, promos, and overall experience to see if it’s worth your time (and money). My goal is simple: help you find the best NHL betting site for your style. Here’s what we focus on:

• Security and Trust - You need to know your money is safe. I only recommend licensed NHL betting sites (like those approved by the AGCO) that use strong encryption and data protection. If a site feels sketchy, I won’t waste my time - or yours.
• Odds and Betting Markets - Getting the best odds can make a big difference over the course of a season. I compare lines across different NHL sportsbooks and check for deep NHL markets, from moneylines and puck lines to player props, live betting, and futures. More options mean more ways to find value.
• User Experience & Mobile Betting - If a site is frustrating to use, I’m pretty quick to move on. I test how easy it is to find games, place bets, and manage my account. I also check the mobile app because let’s be honest - most of us are betting on our phones.
• Bonuses & Promotions - A good bonus can give you extra cash to play with, but the fine print matters. I look for real value - not just flashy offers with ridiculous rollover requirements. Free bets, odds boosts, and NHL-specific promos get extra points.
• Payment Options & Payout Speed - Depositing should be easy, and getting your winnings should be fast. I check which payment methods are available (bank cards, e-wallets, crypto) and how long withdrawals actually take. A great sportsbook won’t keep you waiting.
• Customer Support - If something goes wrong, you need quick and helpful support. I test live chat, email, and phone support to see how fast they respond - and whether they actually solve problems instead of just copy-pasting generic replies.

Betting on hockey can be a rush, but getting started the right way makes all the difference. If you're new to NHL betting - or just looking for a better approach -here’s how to do it step by step.

1. Pick a Trusted Sportsbook - Not all NHL sportsbooks are created equal. I’ve had the best experiences with Bet365, PowerPlay, and Sports Interaction - all easy to use with solid NHL odds. If a site isn’t regulated, don’t waste your time.
2. Sign Up & Verify Your Account - Signing up is simple. You’ll need to enter basic details (name, email, date of birth) and may have to verify your identity. It’s a quick step that keeps things safe and legal.
3. Make Your First Deposit - Once your account is set up, add funds. Most NHL betting sites accept credit/debit cards, Interac e-Transfers, and e-wallets like PayPal. I usually go with Interac - it’s fast and requires very little to set up.
4. Explore NHL Betting Markets - Head to the NHL section and check out the options. You’ll see Moneyline (picking a winner), Puck line (like a point spread), Over/Under (total goals in the game) and Props (player and team-specific bets).
5. Place Your Bet - Once you find a bet you like, click the odds, enter your stake, and confirm your bet. Done.
6. Track Your Bet & Enjoy the Game - Many sportsbooks offer live updates or even live streaming for NHL games. I always keep an eye on my NHL wagers - especially if I’m considering live betting to hedge or double down.

As an NHL bettor, you’ll need to understand how to read odds. Honestly, it’s quite simple. Let's break down the essentials to get you started.

Moneyline Bets: The most common NHL wager is the moneyline bet, where you're simply picking which team will win the game. Odds are presented with a plus (+) or minus (−) sign. The odds would look like this:

• Favourite - Indicated by a minus sign (e.g., -150). This means you need to bet $150 to win $100.
• Underdog - Shown with a plus sign (e.g., +130). Here, a $100 bet would net you $130 if the underdog wins.

Toronto Maple Leafs (-150)

Montreal Canadiens (+130)

If the Toronto Maple Leafs are -150 against the Montreal Canadiens at +130, betting $150 on the Leafs would win you $100, while a $100 bet on the Canadiens would win you $130.

Puck Line Bets: Puck line NHL bets are essentially hockey's version of the point spread, typically set at 1.5 goals. The odds would look like this:

• Favourite - Must win by more than 1.5 goals (e.g., -1.5).
• Underdog - Can lose by 1 goal or win outright (e.g., +1.5).

Boston Bruins (-1.5)

Detroit Red Wings (+1.5)

If the Boston Bruins (-1.5) were playing against the Detroit Red Wings (+1.5) and you bet on the Bruins at -1.5, they need to win by 2 or more goals for your bet to pay off. Conversely, a bet on the underdog Red Wings at +1.5 wins if they lose by just one goal or win the game.

Over/Under (Total) Bets: This wager involves betting on the total number of goals scored by both teams combined. If the over/under is set at 5.5 goals, betting the "over" means you're predicting 6 or more goals will be scored; betting the "under" means you're expecting 5 or fewer goals. For this bet, you might see odds like:  

• Over 5.5 goals: +110
• Under 5.5 goals: -120 

These odds indicate that a $100 bet on “over 5.5 goals” would win $110 if successful, whereas a $120 bet on “under 5.5 goals” would win $100 if successful.

There is a bit of NHL betting jargon to become familiar with before wagering! While these bets are usually universal, some NHL markets use different terms to describe their betting markets. We broke down typical betting markets for hockey and how to understand them.

• Moneyline: Seen as the most common bet, the Moneyline wager is a bet in which you choose the winner straight up. Choose the correct team to win and you win your bet!
• Puck Line: The Puck Line is hockey’s version of the spread. The line (which is usually 1.5) are goals taken away from the favourite and given to the underdog. The underdog must win straight up or lose by less than the promoted line, while the favourite needs to win by more than the betting line.
• Totals: Totals betting (over/under) looks at the number of goals scored in the game. If the line is listed at 5.5, you are wagering if there will be more (over) or fewer (under) total goals scored in the game. Of course, the line is adjusted based on the two teams playing!
• Futures: Futures wagers are bets that happen down the line. Typically, these bets are placed before the season begins. Some notable futures bets include who will win the Stanley Cup and over/under total points for individual teams
• Props: Prop bets are wagers not directly tied to the outcome of the game. Most NHL prop bets include a stat, such as total goals by a specific player or number of shots in a game. Depending on the bookmaker, you can find some interesting prop bets, like national anthem length and number of shifts taken by Auston Matthews in the third period!

Betting on the NHL isn’t easy. We made a list of what you can do to be prepared when wagering on NHL action!

• Know who is in net: Goaltending is an important factor when betting on the NHL. Researching the starting goalie for each team and their trends in the crease can help you make an educated wager. Some teams opt to use their backup against weaker teams, which could open the door for an underdog victory. There are different factors to consider when betting and goaltending should be a high concern.
• Be aware of the teams’ schedule: With an 82-game season, there are going to be tired hockey players! Be wary of the schedule when you are betting. Teams can play on back-to-back nights and that could impact performance. Travel, away games and other variables could also impact how a team performs on the ice. Ensure you are researching schedules when placing NHL bets!
• Look at recent performances: This could factor into betting trends but looking at recent performances for both players and teams is another great strategy. Sometimes, you need to ride the hot hand and you’ll only know of them by researching recent performances. Streaks are prominent in hockey and we want to focus on recent performances before placing bets.
• Research Trends When Betting the PuckLine: Unless otherwise stated, the usual Puck Line is 1.5. With the most common NHL score being 3-2, hammering the Puck Line could be challenging if you are taking the favourite. When placing bets on the Puck Line, look at other factors such as goaltending and betting trends as this is typically a hard bet to cash.

Grabbing the right bonuses and promos can make a huge difference in your NHL bets. I’ve learned that taking advantage of the various offers you have at your disposal not only stretches your bankroll but makes each game even more exciting. Here are some of the best sportsbooks bonuses you’ll come across at NHL betting sites:

• Welcome Bonuses - Most sportsbooks match your first deposit with bonus funds. If you’re signing up for the first time, this is an easy way to double your starting bankroll. Just watch out for wagering requirements before jumping in.
• No Sweat Bets - These are risk-free bets on your first wager. If you lose, you’ll get your stake back as a bonus bet. It’s a great safety net when you’re just getting started.
• Bet & Get Offers - Some sportsbooks reward you for placing a bet. For example, bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets, win or lose. These offers give you extra bets to play with without extra risk.
• Profit Boosts - One of my favourites. These increase your payout by a certain percentage on winning bets. If you already like an NHL bet, adding a profit boost is an easy way to make more money without changing your wager.
• Parlay Insurance - Parlays are fun, but they can be brutal when you miss by one leg. Some sportsbooks refund your stake if that happens. This has saved me more times than I’d like to admit.
• Loyalty Programs - If you bet regularly, some NHL betting sites offer points-based rewards for free bets, merch, or even VIP perks. If you're going to bet anyway, you might as well get rewarded for it.

Best NHL Promotions in Canada

Before wagering on NHL action, there are important rules to understand. Every operator is different, and the fine print should be read. But this is a general rule of thumb that can be applied to many bookmakers.

• If the game is canceled or delayed, money is returned to the bettor
• If the game doesn’t go 55 minutes/is canceled before running 55 minutes, the Moneyline and Puck Line will not count either way, and money will be returned without winnings
• If a period isn’t fully played out, then bets placed on that period don’t count
• Overtime and Shootouts are both counted towards Moneyline wager, totals, player props, and game props. A shootout win counts as one goal for a team, and shootout goals aren’t counted as goals for player props
• The overtime period is counted on third-period prop bets if a game goes into extra time
• Player props only count if the player plays. If a player does play, then gets injured, the bet still counts. If a player is scratched, or the goalie bet on doesn’t start, the bet doesn’t count
• Teams must play at least 80 games for Futures bets to count
• All awards Futures bets are based on NHL.com’s official awards

The trick isn’t finding any old NHL betting app. The trick is finding a betting app worth your time. In my opinion, a good mobile betting app isn’t just a smaller version of a sportsbook; it should be fast, user-friendly, and packed with features. Here are the top NHL betting apps that make betting smooth, efficient, and - most importantly - fun!

Hockey offers numerous thrilling events that captivate fans and bettors alike. From my experience, here are some standout events that consistently draw significant betting interest:​

• NHL Winter Classic - Held annually on or around New Year's Day, the NHL Winter Classic features a regular-season game played outdoors, harking back to hockey's roots. The unique setting and festive atmosphere make it a fan favourite. Bettors are drawn to the Winter Classic due to its unique setting and festive atmosphere, and its high-profile nature presents a ton of betting options.
• NHL All-Star Game - This mid-season exhibition showcases the league's top talent in a fun and high-scoring format. The All-Star Game, along with its Skills Competition, provides bettors with opportunities to wager on outcomes like game MVP, fastest skater, and more. The relaxed environment often leads to unpredictable results.
• Stanley Cup Playoffs - The culmination of the NHL season, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, is a gruelling tournament where teams battle through multiple rounds to claim the coveted Stanley Cup. The intensity and stakes are at their peak, making it a prime period for betting at NHL sportsbooks, from series outcomes to individual game and player performances.
• 4 Nations Face-Off - Introduced in 2025, the 4 Nations Face-Off is an international tournament featuring teams from the U.S., Canada, Sweden, and Finland. Its inaugural championship game between Canada and the U.S. set records, becoming the most-wagered-on hockey event in legal betting history.
• IIHF World Championship - Organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation, this annual tournament features national teams from around the globe competing for the world title. Held in May, it attracts a mix of NHL players and international stars. I personally love the opportunity to wager on international games, which are known to provide upsets.

Betting on the NHL is similar to betting on different sports. However, there are some uncommon hurdles you may face when placing NHL bets. These are frequently asked questions about betting on the NHL that don’t usually apply to other sports.