How to Bet on the NHL in PA

Beginning in the 2022-2023 season, residents of Pennsylvania will have the opportunity to wager on NHL games using odds, lines, and player props on multiple online sports betting platforms.

In Pennsylvania, individuals who are 21 years old are able to place bets on Stanley Cup futures and other NHL futures for teams including the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, as well as all other teams. Licensed online sportsbooks and Pennsylvania sports betting apps allow you to wager on all NHL action within the state.

This extensive manual on hockey betting in Pennsylvania offers all the necessary information for placing bets on NHL games, whether online or in-person. It includes answers to common questions about NHL betting, preseason odds and futures for the Penguins and Flyers, and effective strategies for successful NHL betting.

Best NHL Betting Sites in Pennsylvania

Live NHL Odds at Pennsylvania Online Sportsbooks

Discover up-to-the-minute NHL puck lines, moneylines, and totals from approved online sportsbooks in Pennsylvania. Access the sportsbook instantly by clicking on the odds, claim your bonus, and place your bet. Explore the second tab for the latest NHL futures odds for the Stanley Cup at Pennsylvania’s online sportsbooks.

Bet NHL Online in Pennsylvania

The PGCB has given the green light for single-game NHL betting and NHL futures market betting. This means that bettors can now place bets on NHL games and future outcomes for teams and players at any PGCB-licensed sportsbook, whether it’s online or in-person.

During the summer of 2019, Pennsylvania introduced online sportsbooks and sportsbook apps, providing more than twelve choices for hockey betting on iOS and Android devices.

Pennsylvania online sportsbooks offer identical NHL betting lines to physical sportsbooks in the state. The main advantage is the ability to place bets from any location within Pennsylvania, as long as you have an online account.

Pennsylvania online sportsbooks have streamlined the verification process for age and location, requiring only minimal information. Once verified, simply deposit funds into your account to start placing bets.

Hockey Betting Lines Explained

Pennsylvania’s licensed sportsbooks provide a range of traditional hockey betting choices.

• In NHL moneyline betting, you wager on a particular team to win a game at the odds established by the sportsbook. These odds reflect the likelihood of each team winning, and the bet is placed at these set odds.
• Puck line betting involves wagering on an NHL team to win a game by a specific margin of victory that is factored into the final score.
• Totals in NHL betting involve wagering on whether the final score of a game will exceed or fall below a specified line established by the sportsbook.
• Parlays involve combining several individual bets into one, requiring each separate bet to be successful in order for the overall wager to win.
• Bet on NHL games live with constantly updating real-time odds. Choose from a range of betting options as the game unfolds.
• When wagering on NHL futures, you are essentially forecasting if a team will win their division, conference, or the Stanley Cup, as well as predicting their regular-season win total. These betting lines are typically set before the season starts and may change as the season progresses.

NHL Moneylines

Placing a bet on the NHL moneyline is the simplest method of betting on hockey games. The payout for these bets is based on the likelihood of a team winning a game. Odds are set when the bet is made, and all you need to do is choose the winning team to receive your payout.

Moneyline odds can be displayed in positive or negative format. Negative numbers indicate the favorite and show how much you need to bet to win $100 on top of your original wager. Positive numbers are used for underdogs and show the potential winnings for a $100 bet, in addition to your original wager.

In a matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Philadelphia Flyers could be considered the underdogs with a moneyline of +165. This indicates that a $100 bet on the Flyers would result in a $165 payout if they emerge victorious.

If you prefer Pittsburgh playing at home, you may see the Pens listed at around -200 odds. This indicates that you would have to wager $200 on the Pens to potentially win $100 on a successful bet.

NHL Puck Lines

In hockey betting, NHL puck lines work similarly to point spread bets in football, with the favorite typically set at -1.5 and the underdog at +1.5. This is due to the fact that the majority of NHL games are determined by a margin of two goals or fewer.

When betting on the puck line, it is crucial to choose the team that will win while considering how the puck line will impact the overall score. Some sportsbooks may have varying puck lines available at different prices.

NHL Totals

NHL totals operate in a similar fashion to over/under bets in the NHL. Bookmakers establish a line for the total number of goals scored by both teams, and you wager on whether the final total will surpass or fall below that number.

NHL over/under lines are usually set at five or six goals, allowing bettors to place bets on either outcome with -110 odds.

NHL Futures

In NHL betting, futures typically involve predicting the winner of the Stanley Cup, a conference, or a division. Additionally, futures can involve speculating on the total number of wins a team will achieve in the regular season or forecasting individual player awards.

Pennsylvania sportsbooks offer a variety of NHL future odds that are constantly updated, allowing customers to place bets on popular options like team or player prospects.

• NHL Win Totals involve wagering on whether a team will surpass or fall short of a set number of victories during a season.
• Placing bets on the division/conference champions: Gambling on a team to win first place in their division or conference.
• Placing a wager on a team to advance to the NHL Playoffs or emerge victorious in a playoff series.
• Placing a wager on a team to be victorious in the Stanley Cup.
• Place your bets in advance on events such as the NHL Winter Classic.

NHL Props

A prop bet is a specialized wager that hones in on a particular occurrence within a game rather than the final result. For instance, bookmakers may present prop bets on the likelihood of Sidney Crosby scoring a goal or the combined number of shots on goal by the Flyers.

NHL Parlays

When you combine multiple individual NHL bets into one, you create an NHL parlay. Although parlays offer the chance for larger payouts compared to single bets, every individual bet must win in order for the parlay to be a success.

NHL In-play/In-game Betting

Pennsylvania sportsbooks, especially those available online and on mobile platforms, provide a wide range of NHL betting choices, including live, in-play betting. This feature enables bettors to place bets on NHL matches as they happen, with odds that adjust according to the game’s progress.

Experience the excitement of live hockey betting by placing bets on different outcomes like the next goal scorer, period winner, or next penalty. Utilize moneyline, totals, or puck line bets with real-time odds as the game unfolds. Visit your preferred sportsbook for the latest live betting options during any ongoing NHL game.

Best NHL Betting Apps in Pennsylvania

1. DraftKings Sportsbook PA – Up to $1,250 in Bonus Bets

Thanks to a partnership with Penn National Gaming and the Meadows Racetrack & Casino near Pittsburgh, the DraftKings Sportsbook app can now be accessed in Pennsylvania.

The Meadows retail sportsbook opened at the beginning of the 2019-20 NHL season, with the DraftKings Sportsbook app quietly launching on Nov. 4, 2019, before being fully accessible for betting on Nov. 7.

The DraftKings Sportsbook app offers a sleek and user-friendly interface with all the top lines, odds, and props available.

• Get up to $1,250 in Bonus Bets by betting on NHL games with DraftKings.

2. FanDuel Sportsbook – No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000

Earn up to $1,000 with your first bet effortlessly.

The FanDuel Sportsbook app is a leading contender in the Pennsylvania market, providing a user-friendly interface that closely mirrors its website.

FanDuel offers a wide range of NHL betting options, including live in-game betting. They also have promotions like NHL odds boosts and parlay insurance to enhance the betting experience.

You can easily sign up, deposit money, and place bets with just a few clicks using the app, which is compatible with Android and iOS devices.

• Utilize FanDuel’s No Sweat First Bet offer and get up to $1,000 in free bets for NHL matches.

Why Bet on Hockey Online in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, online sportsbooks and betting apps provide the same range of hockey bets as traditional sportsbooks in casinos, but with the added benefit of user-friendly navigation and the ability to explore different parlays and payouts.

With just a click, you can easily place various bets on an online betting slip, giving you the flexibility to customize payouts and options without the pressure of a crowd waiting in line behind you at the betting window.

Using a betting app on your phone for live in-game NHL betting is quicker and more convenient than using a retail sportsbook in Pennsylvania. Although the social aspect of a sportsbook can be enjoyable, online and mobile NHL betting offers more efficiency and speed.

There are many online and mobile sports betting operators in Pennsylvania that provide users with a range of deposit options to fund their bets.

• Visa and Mastercard are popular and widely recognized credit cards.
• Online bank transfers
• Some of the popular third-party payment processors include PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller.
• Cash deposits can be made at the cashier cages of partnered Pennsylvania casinos or select 7-Eleven or CVS locations.

After setting up and funding your account, you can quickly access NHL betting lines and futures, compare odds, and start placing bets in a matter of seconds.

Bet on Pittsburgh Penguins

Two exceptional players, one of whom is now the team owner, have played a key role in establishing the Pittsburgh Penguins as one of the most esteemed teams in the NHL.

Mario Lemieux, a prominent figure in Penguins history, was a player for the team from 1984 to 2006 before becoming the owner in 1999. Sidney Crosby, the current team captain, was drafted first overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and is on track for a future Hall of Fame career.

Lemieux guided the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992. He was honored as the NHL’s top player on four occasions and earned the league’s MVP title three times during his remarkable career.

Crosby won the NHL Rookie of the Year award in his first season and followed it up by being named the NHL’s most outstanding player and MVP in his second season. In his third year, he led the Penguins to the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Detroit Red Wings in six games.

The following year, Crosby made history as the youngest captain in NHL history to lead his team to a Stanley Cup victory, guiding the Pens to a seven-game series win over the Wings. He went on to lead the team to back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2016 and 2017.

The team became a part of the NHL in 1967 and held their games at the Civic Arena, also known as The Igloo, until the 2009-10 season. They relocated to the Consol Energy Center for the 2010-11 season, which has since been rebranded as PPG Paints Arena.

The Penguins continued their streak of making the NHL playoffs for 16 consecutive years in 2022. Although they started the first round against the New York Rangers with a 3-1 lead, they were ultimately defeated in a seven-game series. This was the first time in the team’s history that they had lost a Game 7 on the road.

• Make use of the No Sweat First Bet offer and place a bet on Penguins futures at FanDuel to take advantage of the offer.

Bet on Philadelphia Flyers

After joining the NHL in the 1967 expansion, the Philadelphia Flyers made history by becoming the first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup in the 1973-74 season. They followed up this success by winning the championship title again in the 1974-75 season.

Since Eric Lindros led the Flyers in the competitive era of the 1990s, the team has been striving to rebuild and restructure in order to regain contender status.

The Flyers ended the 2021-2022 season at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, posting a record of 25 wins, 46 losses, and 11 ties.

The Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia is home to the Flyers’ home games.

• Get up to $1,250 in Bonus Bets and place wagers on Flyers futures at DraftKings.

NHL Power Rankings

The Super 16 NHL Power Rankings have been unveiled on NHL.com, showcasing the top teams in the league as voted on by thirteen NHL beat writers.

NHL.com starts the season by providing the same information. Keep up with the latest Super 16 rankings by visiting NHL.com weekly.

How to Stream NHL Games Live in Pennsylvania

You have the option to watch live Philadelphia Flyers or Pittsburgh Penguins games through various live TV streaming services like FuboTV, Hulu, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, PlayStation, or Xbox. Keep in mind that certain broadcasts may require you to log in with your cable provider on the FOX Sports Go or NBC Sports apps.

Another option to consider is subscribing to NHL.TV, which allows you to watch live streams of all NHL regular-season games online. Please note that blackout restrictions may be enforced.

How NHL Works: Preseason, Regular Season, and the Playoffs

The NHL’s 32 teams play 82 games over seven months in the regular season before embarking on the playoffs to vie for the coveted Stanley Cup.

The NHL playoffs are comprised of four rounds where teams face off in best-of-seven series.

The playoffs will consist of the top three teams from each division in the league, along with two wild card teams from each conference. The four teams that advance from the initial two rounds will progress to the Conference Finals, with the ultimate goal of vying for the Stanley Cup.

NHL Betting Tips

Although predicting the outcome of every NHL game can be challenging, it is not necessary for success in NHL betting.

In order to effectively manage your betting bankroll and consistently win, mastering the art of betting is crucial. These NHL betting tips are essential for achieving success in this goal.

1. Accept Home-Ice Advantage

The NHL home-ice advantage is as solid as the ice itself. Teams playing at home not only benefit from the ability to make the last line change but also gain a confidence boost from the energized support of their fans.

Consider the teams’ home and away records before making your hockey bet, as certain teams tend to have a stronger performance when playing in their home arena.

2. Use Stats Relentlessly

Understanding hockey is essential for successful betting. By analyzing team statistics and conducting research, you can make informed decisions when placing bets. Stick to betting on familiar teams and use your fan knowledge to your advantage. Base your bets on data and facts, not emotions, to increase your chances of winning.

3. Don’t Chase Losses

Losing is a common occurrence in hockey betting. It is crucial to avoid the urge to raise your bets to recoup losses quickly, as this could lead to financial ruin. Stay consistent with your original bet size and continue playing until your luck changes and you begin to win again.

Top 5 NHL Players From Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is known for producing many talented hockey players, and here are the top five athletes from the state.

1. Mike Richter

Hailing from Abington, PA, Mike Richter gained fame as the iconic goaltender for the New York Rangers. During his impressive 14-year tenure with the team, he played a pivotal role in guiding New York to success during the 1993-94 Stanley Cup season.

Richter received five Vezina Trophy nominations and retired with a save percentage of .904 and 301 career wins. He played a key role in the 2002 US Olympic team’s silver medal victory and served as the goalie for the 1996 World Cup champion US team.

2. R.J. Umberger

Originally hailing from Pittsburgh, R.J. Umberger enjoyed an 11-season career in the NHL, suiting up for both the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets. With a total of 180 goals and 212 assists to his name, he is considered one of the top-scoring players to come out of Pennsylvania in NHL history.

Umberger has competed in various international events on behalf of the United States on multiple occasions.

3. Ryan Malone

In 2003, Ryan “Bugsy” Malone made history as the first Pittsburgh native to be a part of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

During his 11-year NHL career, he played for the Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and New York Rangers. Malone recorded 370 career points, making him the third-highest scoring player born in Pennsylvania in NHL history.

In 2010, he earned a silver medal with the US Olympic team and competed in two World Cup tournaments with the US national team.

4. Brandon Saad

In the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks chose Pittsburgh native Brandon Saad. He later went on to achieve Stanley Cup victories with the team in both 2013 and 2015.

Saad spent four seasons with the Blackhawks before moving to the Columbus Blue Jackets for two seasons. He returned to the Blackhawks for the 2017-18 season, then played with the Colorado Avalanche in 2020-21. Saad will be joining the St. Louis Blues for the upcoming 2022 season. Throughout his NHL career, Saad has accumulated over 450 points.

Saad played a key role in leading the 2010 US Juniors team to victory in the World Junior Championship.

5. Vincent Trocheck

Vincent Trocheck, a native of Pittsburgh, spent six seasons playing for the Florida Panthers after being drafted by the team in 2011. He was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2019-20 season’s trade deadline.

Trocheck, who hails from Pennsylvania, is among just four players from the state to achieve over 300 career points in the NHL. He has now surpassed the 400-point milestone in his career.

Trocheck was instrumental in leading the 2010 US Juniors team to victory at the World Junior Championship, and later went on to compete for the 2014 US World Cup team.