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It's not a sport restricted to cold countries or the winter Olympics, that's for sure. Ice hockey has never been quite as popular as today, with thousands of games played yearly, many of which are shown live on television.

The best online betting sites and apps have noticed that spike in popularity. Major bookmakers across the United States and the United Kingdom offer exciting markets, generous odds, and an enjoyable gambling experience.

Hockey fans in the US are beginning to realize their sport is well-suited to gambling due to its fast-paced, high-energy style of play. Seasons and games are unpredictable, with steady shock results and upsets.

NHL sets the standard

The National Hockey League sets the bar as the best competition in the ice hockey world. It has the most famous teams, highest profile players, biggest crowds, most impressive arenas, and unrivaled live TV coverage. It's also the tournament that attracts the most wagers, with followers predicting the outcome of games and placing bets.

Have you ever enjoyed the thrill of gambling in the NHL? A bet can make even the dullest fixture more exciting. There are many ways to bet on hockey, so how do you know the best? Which market gives the best chance, and how do you find the best odds? We explain our top three ways to bet on the NHL.

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Outright

The most popular outright betting market is predicting the winner of the Stanley Cup. When one Stanley Cup series ends, traders begin working on the following year's NHL showpiece event. In many cases, the earlier you make predictions and place bets, the better odds you'll recieve. It's an exciting but simple way to bet on NHL and could give you a long-term interest, following a team from their first game to the last.

The outright betting market has all NHL teams listed with odds attached. Select the team you think will win the Stanley Cup and click their odds to add them to your bet slip. The traders will select their favorites, the teams they believe are most likely to find success, and those clubs will have the shortest odds. As you browse the list, the odds grow as we get into the teams that bookies don't expect to challenge.

As stated, the earlier you bet on the Stanley Cup outright market, the better the available odds will be. But you can wager at any point of the season, with traders updating their odds following each game. Follow the scores and form of the best sides and back the one you think will blaze a trail of glory to the final.

Pre-game

If you'd prefer a short-term interest, you can wager on an upcoming fixture from the NHL season. The top bookies offer several pre-game markets, including match winner, total points, and handicaps. You can then select your favorite and place a bet.

When you have decided on the bet you wish to make, you must get the best odds possible. Visit any respected betting odds comparison app and find your selection. You'll see the odds offered by every bookie on your pick, with the most generous in bold, making it easier to find.

In-play

Gamble on the result of a game already underway, thanks to in-play betting. When a match begins, the markets will move from pre-game betting to in-play betting. A live trader will then closely monitor the play and update their odds accordingly.

A bet is as exciting in the game's closing minutes as before the start. Follow the action from the rink, on TV, or your live streaming app, and look for any clues, hints, or trends. When you see something worth backing, act swiftly. Bet at the touch of a screen using your smartphone. It's a fastest-finger-first scenario involving you and the trader. Make sure you win the race.