If you’re anything like me, you don’t just watch hockey — you live it. I’ve been betting on NHL games for years, from opening night all the way through to the final seconds of the Stanley Cup Final. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned the hard way, it’s that not all NHL sportsbooks are created equal. Some sites have killer odds and smooth apps that make live betting a blast. Others… not so much.
That’s why I put together this guide to the best NHL betting sites for 2025. Whether you’re backing McDavid for MVP, hammering puck line bets, or sweating out a late-night Over in Vancouver, you deserve a sportsbook that actually works for hockey fans. These are the sites I trust with my own bets — and if you’re serious about NHL betting this season, you’ll want them in your corner too. If you want to learn more about the best bookmakers available in the United States, be sure to visit our page about best betting sites in the United States.
Finding the right sportsbook isn’t just about grabbing the biggest welcome bonus — it’s about getting a site that treats hockey bettors right all season long. From odds boosts on the night’s biggest matchups to fast withdrawals when your puck line bet hits, every sportsbook has its own strengths (and a few weak spots).
Here’s my honest breakdown of where each NHL betting site shines — and where they could still sharpen their skates.
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Typical Withdrawal Time | Mobile App Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets if first bet loses | 2–4 business days via online banking | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| bet365 | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets | 1–4 hours to debit cards | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| FanDuel | Bet $5+, Get $250 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins | Up to 24 hours for debit cards; 3–5 business days for online banking | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly + $50 Bonus Bet on First Deposit | Up to 5 business days for bank transfers; <24 hours for PayPal | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| Caesars | Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 10 Wagers | Processed within 72 hours; up to 24 hours for online banking | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| BetRivers | 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 (varies by state) | 1–3 business days for most methods | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| Hard Rock Bet | No Regret First Bet up to $100 in Bonus Bets | 1–3 business days for most methods | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets (varies by state) | 1–3 business days for most methods | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| ESPN BET | Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets (varies by state) | 1–3 business days for most methods | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| Bally Bet | 100% Deposit Match up to $250 | 1–3 business days for most methods | Yes (iOS & Android) |
Best for:
Hockey odds boosts and trusted app experience
Welcome Bonus:
Up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets if your first bet loses
BetMGM is one of my go-to sportsbooks when I’m betting NHL games, especially during the regular season when they pump out nightly odds boosts on marquee matchups. Their hockey markets run deep — you’ll find everything from traditional moneylines and puck lines to player props like first goal scorer, shots on goal, and even exact score bets.
The welcome bonus is strong without being complicated. If your first real-money bet loses, BetMGM refunds you with bonus bets up to $1,500, which you can break into smaller bets if you want more chances to win it back. It’s a flexible setup that actually feels useful compared to some one-shot free bet offers elsewhere. You can also learn more about their bonus offers in our BetMGM bonus code page.
The BetMGM mobile app is smooth and reliable, even on packed slates when multiple NHL games are going off at once. Withdrawals are quick, especially to PayPal and debit cards — usually hitting my account in about 2–3 days. Regular bettors also get access to BetMGM’s M life Rewards program, where you can stack up points for hotel stays, upgrades, and VIP sportsbook promos at MGM Resorts properties. It’s a nice bonus if you’re betting consistently through the year.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
Live NHL betting and fast payouts
Welcome Bonus:
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
bet365 is one of my favorite sportsbooks when I’m betting NHL games live. They update in-game odds incredibly fast — faster than pretty much anyone else. If you’re watching a close third period and want to jump on a live puck line or moneyline shift, bet365 almost always gives you a clean shot before the odds lock. Their early lines for regular season and playoff games are also sharp, often posting before other books even have prices up.
The welcome bonus is simple and rewarding. You bet $5, and whether you win or lose, you get $150 in bonus bets. It’s straightforward and a lot less complicated than bonuses with huge rollover requirements.
Withdrawals are one of bet365’s biggest strengths. Debit card withdrawals can hit within hours, and even bank transfers usually clear inside one day. The app isn’t flashy but it’s super functional — you get fast bet placement, a clean live betting interface, and solid stat tracking.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
NHL player props and same-game parlays
Welcome Bonus:
Bet $5+, Get $250 in Bonus Bets if your first bet wins
If you love betting NHL player props like I do, FanDuel is hard to beat. Their hockey markets are massive — you can bet on shots, goals, assists, points, goalie saves, and even power play points. They also have one of the best same-game parlay builders for hockey. Whether you’re stacking shots on goal props with a team moneyline or building a crazy four-leg underdog parlay, FanDuel’s builder is smooth and full of options.
The welcome bonus is solid too: Bet at least $5, and if your bet wins, you get $250 in bonus bets. It’s a nice way to get a big boost right out of the gate. You can learn more about their welcome bonuses on our Fanduel promo code page.
The FanDuel app is top-tier. It’s fast, well-organized, and rarely glitches even on busy Saturday NHL slates. Withdrawals to debit cards or Venmo usually clear within 24 hours, which is faster than most competitors. The VIP program isn’t openly advertised, but if you bet consistently, you might get invited for odds boosts and free bets.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
NHL futures betting and deep game markets
Welcome Bonus:
Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly + $50 Bonus Bet on First Deposit
DraftKings is my go-to when I’m diving into NHL futures or want a ton of market variety on a single game. They offer futures on division winners, conference champions, Stanley Cup odds, player awards like MVP and Vezina, and even team-specific props like total season points. Plus, their regular game markets are loaded — you can find alternate puck lines, period-specific bets, and tons of player props.
Their welcome bonus is very player-friendly: Bet $5 and immediately get $200 in bonus bets, plus a $50 bonus bet when you make your first deposit. It’s an easy way to stack your account early without stressing over the result of your first wager.
DraftKings’ mobile app is smooth, intuitive, and packed with features like live stats and early cash-out. Withdrawals are solid: PayPal withdrawals usually land within 24 hours, while bank transfers can take up to five business days. DraftKings’ VIP program, Dynasty Rewards, is legit — you can earn bonuses, invites to events, and cashback offers the more you bet.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
Big NHL odds boosts and loyalty rewards
Welcome Bonus:
Bet $1, Get bonus bets equal to your wager, up to $1,000
Caesars Sportsbook isn’t just a casino brand trying to break into sports betting — they’ve built a legit option for NHL fans, especially if you’re into odds boosts and loyalty programs. During the regular season and playoffs, they roll out daily NHL boosts that actually offer real value (not just gimmicky longshots). Their NHL market depth is good too, covering moneylines, puck lines, totals, and a healthy mix of player props.
The welcome bonus is a risk-free bet offer: bet $1 and you’ll get bonus bets matching your stake, up to $1,000. It’s not as splashy as instant bonus cash, but it gives you a solid safety net if you’re betting early.
The Caesars app is decent — not the fastest on the market, but it’s reliable and easy to navigate. Withdrawals through PayPal or online banking usually process within 1–3 business days. Where Caesars really stands out is the Caesars Rewards program. If you’re a regular bettor, you can turn your action into hotel comps, dining discounts, and even VIP invites to sporting events.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
Consistent NHL promos and early cash-out options
Welcome Bonus:
Second-chance bet up to $500 (varies by state)
BetRivers isn’t as flashy as FanDuel or DraftKings, but they’re quietly one of the best sportsbooks for NHL bettors who want consistency. They offer regular NHL promos like profit boosts and insurance bets on puck lines or multi-leg parlays. They’re also great for early cash-out options — if your team’s up 3-0 in the second period, you can often lock in your win early.
The welcome bonus is a second-chance bet up to $500, depending on your state. If your first bet loses, you get the amount back in bonus bets. Simple and practical, especially if you want to ease into a new book.
The BetRivers app has improved a lot over the last year — it’s faster, more stable, and has a pretty clean live betting hub. Withdrawals are solid too: most methods process within 24 to 72 hours. The iRush Rewards program isn’t fancy, but it’s straightforward and actually rewards mid-level bettors pretty well with bonus cash and other perks.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
Casual NHL bettors and parlay flexibility
Welcome Bonus:
No Regret First Bet up to $100 in bonus bets
Hard Rock Bet has made big strides over the past year, especially in states like Florida. They offer a simple, smooth experience for NHL betting — solid moneylines, basic puck lines, player props, and a few fun same-game parlay options. One cool feature is their “Flex Parlay” system, where you can win partial payouts even if not every leg of your parlay hits.
Their welcome bonus is straightforward: place your first bet, and if it loses, you get up to $100 back in bonus bets. It’s not the biggest offer on the board, but it’s easy to understand with no complicated rollover.
The Hard Rock Bet app is clean and fast, great for casual hockey bettors who just want to place a few wagers without digging through endless markets. Withdrawal speeds are decent — usually within 1–3 business days depending on the method. They’ve also rolled Hard Rock Unity Rewards into the sportsbook, so you can rack up loyalty points for hotel stays, dining, and special events.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
NHL betting tied to merchandise rewards
Welcome Bonus:
Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets (varies by state)
Fanatics Sportsbook is one of the newest players in the game, and while they’re still building out their full NHL offering, they’re already doing a lot right. Their NHL betting options cover all the essentials — moneylines, puck lines, totals, player props — and the live betting experience is sharp and responsive. What really makes Fanatics different is FanCash: every bet you place earns you store credit toward official NHL gear on Fanatics.com.
Their welcome bonus is competitive: bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets. It’s a quick way to build your bankroll without much risk.
The app is clean, fast, and clearly designed with mobile users in mind. Withdrawals usually process within 1–3 business days. Fanatics is still adding some of the more niche NHL markets (like detailed player props), but for a newer sportsbook, it’s already a great option — especially if you like the idea of turning your betting action into jerseys, hats, or even signed memorabilia.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
Casual NHL betting with a familiar media brand
Welcome Bonus:
Bet $10, Get $200 in bonus bets
ESPN BET is built for the everyday sports fan who wants an easy, no-hassle betting experience — and that’s exactly how it feels when you’re betting NHL games here. The sportsbook covers the basics well: moneylines, puck lines, totals, and some player props, with a few fun bet boosts tied into ESPN hockey coverage.
The welcome bonus is simple: bet $10 and get $200 in bonus bets, regardless of whether your bet wins or loses. It’s one of the easiest signup promos out there if you just want to get started without a huge deposit.
The app is clean and fast, and the layout feels familiar if you’re used to ESPN’s other apps. Withdrawal speeds are solid — usually 1–3 business days depending on your method. ESPN BET isn’t the place for serious NHL futures or heavy live betting action, but for casual wagers while you’re watching on ESPN+, it fits perfectly.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for:
Basic NHL betting and casual parlays
Welcome Bonus:
100% deposit match up to $250
Bally Bet is still rebuilding and expanding after a quiet couple of years, but they’re quietly putting together a solid option for NHL fans who want something straightforward. You’ll find all the basics here — moneylines, puck lines, totals, and some simple player props — without being overwhelmed by 500 bet types on one game.
The welcome bonus is a classic 100% deposit match up to $250. Not huge compared to some competitors, but a nice way to double your starting bankroll without much fine print.
The app has improved a lot — it’s cleaner, faster, and more responsive than it was a year ago. Withdrawal times are reasonable, usually landing within 1–3 business days. Bally Bet doesn’t have the depth of the bigger brands, but if you’re betting a few NHL games a week and want a simple, smooth experience, it gets the job done.
Pros:
Cons:
I’ve been betting on hockey long enough to know that not every sportsbook deserves your money. Some look great on the surface but fall apart when you’re trying to live bet the third period of a tight game. Others might offer flashy welcome bonuses but make you jump through hoops to cash out. When I built this list, I didn’t just look at the ads — I tested these sportsbooks the same way I actually bet the NHL season.
Here’s what mattered most to me:
If a sportsbook didn’t deliver where it counted for NHL fans, it didn’t make this list. Simple as that.
If you’re new to NHL betting — or even if you’re not — it’s worth knowing which markets are worth your time. Here are the ones I actually bet on during the season:
If a sportsbook doesn’t offer strong lines and props in these markets, it’s not worth your time.
Betting the NHL is all about spotting value and reacting quickly. These tips aren’t foolproof, but they’ll keep you ahead of the average bettor.
One thing I’ve learned from years of betting hockey? Underdogs aren’t as risky as most people think — and the books know it.
Because NHL games are often low-scoring and high-variance (a bad bounce, a weird deflection, a hot goalie), underdogs pull off wins way more often than in other sports like football or basketball. If you blindly bet NHL favorites every night, you’ll end up losing over the long run.
I’ve found some of the best NHL betting value by:
Not every underdog is a good bet. But if you pick your spots carefully, underdogs can quietly build your bankroll over the season — especially during the grind of January and February when motivation gaps start to show.
If you’re serious about betting the NHL in 2025, it’s not just about picking a good sportsbook — it’s about staying plugged into the right information. Here are a few X (formerly Twitter) accounts I personally follow for sharp NHL betting tips, injury updates, goalie confirmations, and smart market insights.
@AndyMacSports
One of the sharper NHL handicappers online. Posts daily picks, looks for value on dogs and overs, and explains his thinking without trying to sell you anything.
@NHLGoalieNews
A must-follow if you’re betting hockey. Posts confirmed goalie starters faster than most major sites. Vital for live betting and same-game parlays.
@MoneyPuckdotcom
Advanced hockey analytics for serious bettors. If you like betting based on Expected Goals (xG), shot metrics, and team strength, this account is pure gold.
@ChrisOttoPicks
Focuses heavily on NHL first period betting trends (like “First Period Over” bets). Tracks hot streaks you can actually profit from.
@BettingProsNHL
Solid aggregator of NHL odds movement, trends, and consensus picks. Good quick read if you’re trying to get a snapshot of the day’s action.
The NHL season runs from October to June, but not every month is created equal for betting. If you want to maximize your profits — and your fun — here’s when the biggest opportunities hit the board.
| Month/Event | What Happens | Best Bets to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| October–Early November | Season starts, teams adjust | Underdog moneylines, live bets |
| December–January | Midseason grind | Overs, road underdogs |
| Late December–Early January | World Junior Championships | Overs, team totals, junior props |
| February | All-Star break | Futures (Stanley Cup, MVP) |
| February (Stadium Series) | Outdoor games | First Period Unders |
| March–Early April | Playoff push begins | Underdogs, desperation spots |
| Mid-April–June | Stanley Cup Playoffs | Series props, goalie props, totals |
| July | NHL Draft | Futures bets on draft picks |
Betting the NHL in 2025 isn’t just about picking winners — it’s about finding the best odds, the best promos, and the best experience every time you place a wager. That’s why I always recommend signing up for more than one sportsbook. It’s perfectly legal to shop around for better lines, grab bigger bonuses, and take advantage of nightly odds boosts across different apps.
One book might give you a better moneyline on an underdog, while another might have better prop markets or a same-game parlay boost you can’t pass up. Serious bettors know it’s not about loyalty — it’s about stacking every little edge you can find.
All the sportsbooks I listed are legal, licensed, and safe for NHL betting. I’ve personally tested them through regular season slates, playoff marathons, and everything in between. Pick the ones that fit your style, load up your bankroll, and get ready for another wild season of hockey.
Good luck — and bet smart.
BetMGM, bet365, FanDuel, and DraftKings are my top NHL sportsbooks for 2025. They offer the best odds, promos, and live betting options for hockey.
Yes. It’s legal to bet on NHL games online in states where sports betting is regulated. Every sportsbook I’ve recommended is fully licensed and safe.
Definitely. It’s legal — and smart — to sign up at multiple sportsbooks. That way you can shop for better NHL odds, bonuses, and betting promos.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are huge for betting, but there’s great value early in the season (October–November) and during the playoff push (March–April).
bet365 is my top pick for live NHL betting. Their live odds update fast, and they offer more in-play hockey options than most other sportsbooks.
