Most of us know free nfl expert picks straight up are big throughout the world.

When it comes to the NHL, we are in the early stages. Since each state in the USA controls the gambling, there are different rules for different stats.

Some NHL teams are actually putting sports books in the arena which is surely to attract fan interest.

Other states have barely launched sports gambling, the legal laws are being written, businesses are under review and still others have no interest at all.

No matter, the business on betting on hockey games, specifically the NHL games, is about to take off.

Once this season is completed and fans begin returning to games in October of 2020, you may see how much teams and the NHL has done to improve this experience.

You just might be able to bet at the game, your local lottery store and even online.

In my mind, the ability to bet on games on the internet will be huge. We know the NFL fans love to place all kinds of bets and imagine the possibilities for the NHL.

Over/under, who scores first, total penalty minutes, shots on goal and many more options will soon be available.

It will soon create a whole new environment for the hockey fan. Not only will you be rooting for your team, or maybe not, betting in the NHL will change the way you watch the game.

Rooting for this to happen, rooting for that to happen will certainly draw more fans of the casual type. They may not know the game very well but they certainly will know the gambling game.

The person sitting next to you at the arena may be more into the game than you. Perhaps not for the same purpose, but he has money riding on a certain aspect of the game.

Same with the person at the bar, while you are watching the game, hoping for a win for your team, others although in the same city as you may be rooting for a win from the opposing team.

Our hockey world as we know it will certainly change, prepare for it and roll with it.

Traditionalists may be against it but like other things in this connected world, change is happening and time for us to adjust while still liking our game.

Heck, you may even try placing a bet yourself and if you win, you may just do it again and again.

It's a new world folks, the NHL is behind this, maybe for different reasons, and we should be too.

As a nun in high school told me, "sometimes you just have to drop your pants and slide on the ice". What a better place to do it.