Betting on the National Hockey League (NHL), may seem like a less popular sport in Nigeria compared to football and basketball. However, thanks to access to global sports broadcasts, interest in the NHL is gradually growing even in regions where hockey is not traditionally a dominant sport.
In this article, we will explain why NHL betting may be interesting for Nigerian punters, what features are important to consider, and how to choose a reliable platform to play on.
What is the best site for NHL predictions?
Nigeria almost holds the record for the number of bookmakers in the betting market. Among the wide list of companies there are both with and without a licence. To ensure that you don't have any legal problems, we have compiled a list of the best online operators that accept bets on hockey, specifically on the NHL:
- 1xBet;
- Betwinner;
- 22Bet;
- PariPesa;
- Helabet.
Why is the NHL interesting for betting?
The NHL catches the attention of betting enthusiasts with its unique character and dynamism. It attracts fans to stadiums and bettors to place predictions for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the dynamics of the matches. In the NHL, matches are high-paced with active attacks and frequent injuries. Live betting adds more adrenaline. In this case, the odds are constantly changing, and the risk of losing money adds interest to the match.
Secondly, global popularity. The NHL is not just a list of clubs in America and Canada, but the centre of world hockey. Participating in the NHL is about status and prestige. Matches attract the attention of a large number of fans not only in America and Canada, but also all those who are not indifferent to hockey.
Thirdly, a wide range of betting options. NHL offers a huge number of choices. For example:
- Bet on the outcome of the match. You choose who wins in regular time or in the case of overtime. For example, if the Anaheim Ducks are playing against the Colorado Avalanche, you can bet on either team to win or draw.
- Double Chance. A bet on two options at the same time out of three possible: 1X (the home team will win or the main time of the match will end in a draw), X2 (the visitors will win or the main time of the match will end in a draw), 12 (there will be no draw, one of the competitors will win the match).
- Bet with a handicap. A handicap is used to compensate for the difference in the strength of the teams. For example, a bet āVancouver Canucks -1.5ā means that they must win with a difference of at least 2 pucks for the bet to win.
- Total (Over/Under).A bet on the number of pucks scored by both teams. For example, if you bet on āOver 6.5ā, the total number of goals must be 7 or more.
- Betting on periods. You can bet on the result of each of the three periods separately. For example, Detroit Red Wings will win the second period.
- Individual player statistics. You can predict the results for a certain player. For example, choose that Brady Tkachuk will score at least one puck in the game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
NHL betting features for Nigerian players
If you live in Nigeria and you decide to make a prediction, you need to be aware of a few peculiarities you may encounter.
The first is the time zone difference. Most NHL games are played at night according to Nigerian time. This creates complications for those who want to watch the games live. The solution is to use live stats on betting platforms. For example, 1xBet and Betwinner offer this service.
The second thing is the lack of streaming. Local sports channels favour other disciplines. You can enjoy live streaming on bookmaker websites that provide this option, such as 22Bet and PariPesa.
Third, seasonality. The NHL season usually lasts about 8 months, including the regular season and playoffs. It is important for bettors to consider the physical state of the teams, which can change over the course of the season. For example, teams often play a series of matches in a row in the winter, which affects their overall physical condition and affects fatigue and weariness, even among professionals.
The fourth and last thing we would like to draw your attention to is the absence of hockey in the list of betting disciplines. It is important to choose platforms with international coverage, such as Helabet.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the minimum amount to bet on a hockey match?
Usually there is no limit on the minimum amount. Bookmaker's offices most often set limits on the maximum sum. In the case of hockey it is 11 000 000 NGN.
Can I make live bets on the NHL?
Yes. It will add to the excitement, as in this case the odds change depending on the situation on the ice.
In which months does the NHL hockey season take place?
NHL season 2024-2025 began on 4 October 2024 and ends on 17 April 2025. The Stanley Cup Playoffs begins in April 2025 and concludes with the Final Series in June.
Is Betting on the NHL Legal?
Yes. To avoid facing offences, choose reliable bookmakers. For example, one of the mentioned in this article.