If you think the NHL is exciting now, wait until you have a bet on a game.

You can bet in Illinois on the world’s premier hockey league. Sports betting is legal here, meaning the NHL is on the betting menu.

You’ll have your choice of hundreds of games to bet on from the beginning of the regular season in October, through to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Our guide to NHL betting covers it all including the best sports betting apps to bet the NHL online, today’s NHL odds direct from Illinois online sportsbooks and more.

Live NHL odds at Illinois online sportsbooks

See below for today’s best NHL odds directly from leading online sportsbooks here in IL. Find today’s best puckline, moneyline and totals lines for every NHL game plus current Stanley Cup odds and odds for major player awards. Click on any odds to go directly to the sportsbook, claim your bonus and lock your bets in.

How to bet on the NHL in Illinois

Getting started with NHL betting is a fairly simple process, but there are some things you need to know before you begin.

• How can I register for an online sportsbook?: It’s important to choose a legal and regulated operator for an online sportsbook. Those who do not meet these standards can cause unnecessary issues. We have vetted and recommended several operators for you. To register, simply click on one of our links. By doing so, you will receive some attractive sign-up offers. The account creation process is quick and easy, taking only a few minutes.
• What are the ways to deposit and withdraw money?: Sportsbooks that are legal and regulated provide several methods for both depositing and withdrawing money, though the options may differ from one operator to another. Common methods include credit and debit cards, wire transfers, and PayPal. You can perform these transactions directly through the cashier function on online sportsbook websites and apps.
• Is it possible to access sports betting via apps?: Absolutely, all top operators offer applications for both iOS and Android users. After setting up an account through our links with a bookmaker like DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois or FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois, seek out the download link on the operator’s webpage. Once you have done this, simply log in on your mobile device for legal sportsbook access at your convenience.
• Is there a difference between online and in-person betting odds?: The odds displayed on online sportsbooks and apps are typically identical to those you would find at the operator’s physical location. However, it’s important to remember that market movements can cause rapid changes in the betting lines. Generally speaking, the odds available for online betting are just as competitive as those at a traditional sportsbook.

Types of NHL bets

There are several options to consider for NHL betting. Let’s take a quick look at the most popular bet types on the menu:

• Moneyline: This straightforward wager involves selecting the winner between the favorite, which has negative odds, or the underdog with positive odds.
• Puck Line: Similar to a point spread in football or basketball, this bet operates for the NHL. The puck line is established at 1.5. You have the option to select the favorite with a deduction of that amount or opt for the underdog with an addition of 1.5.
• Summary: You have the option to bet on the cumulative amount of goals scored in a match. Bookmakers determine a predicted number, and you can choose to bet on whether the actual total will be over or under this figure.
• Props, short for Propositions, offer extra betting chances for specific games. They often focus on how individual players perform, but can also be based on team performance or particular events during the game.
• Live betting allows you to place wagers on games in real-time. These rapidly evolving bets offer new odds on the outcome, props, and more.
• Futures: These are predictions made on the entire season, like the winner of the Stanley Cup or the recipient of the Vezina Trophy.
• Parlays: In betting parlance, a parlay refers to the act of including several outcomes on the same betting slip. This type of bet carries the potential for both high risk and high reward.

We’ll cover additional details for several of these bet types as we move forward. For those new to hockey betting, moneyline bets, totals and props are three ways to get started.

What about futures and prop bets in Illinois?

Throughout the NHL season, you’ll have a whole slew of sports betting options. Those aren’t the only ways to get in on the action. You can place some bets on the entire season with futures, or open the doors to more game wagers with props.

The futures market for the NHL revolves around events that will happen once the season comes to a close. Odds for the available bets will come out in the offseason, and many of the markets stay active all year. Here are some of the more popular bets you’ll see:

• Stanley Cup winner
• Division and conference winners
• Teams in playoffs and teams not in playoffs
• Win totals for all teams during the regular season
• Winners of awards such as Hart, Vezina, and others.
• Leaders in scoring – goals, points, and so on.

Props are additional bets on individual games. You’ll find all the prop bets available for a contest by clicking on the game listing. There will be props based on team and game situations, as well as several that revolve around player performance.

• What is the over/under for the total number of goals and assists by Patrick Kane — 1.5?
• Is Jonathan Toews going to score a goal in the game — yes/no?
• Who will score more total points in the game, Alex DeBrincat or Ryan Suter?

On the game and team side, you might see props on which side will have more shots in the contest or if a shootout will be needed to decide things. Props are an awesome way to get even more engaged with the games you plan on betting on anyway.

What are the rules for betting on hockey online?

Many sports betting rules are pretty standard across the board, but there may also be some variances from operator to operator. A good rule of thumb to always review the house rules.

For sportsbook apps and online sites from regulated operators, you should be able to locate them via the “Help“ section. Here’s the gist of what you need to know when it comes to wagering on the NHL:

• Comprehend the types of NHL bets that are solely based on regulation time and those that incorporate overtime. Additionally, there are a handful of bets that take into account the shootout.
• Be sure to understand what you’re betting on, such as game wagers or player props, before you click submit.
• For settlement purposes, official NHL statistics are used in books.

Once again, we have to emphasize that the rules in specific circumstances may vary by operator. If you take just a couple of minutes to review the terms and conditions where you are playing and understand how a particular sportsbook lists NHL bets, you may save yourself some confusion down the road.

How to bet on NHL games live?

If you thought the action on the ice moved fast, then wait until you check out NHL live betting. Also known as in game betting, these are wagers that you can place in real time. The NHL betting odds and offerings are based on what’s happening on the ice.

Live betting is incredibly popular, and leading operators stand at the ready with great platforms for you to dive in and take advantage. DraftKings and FanDuel are among those leading the way with great live betting features on mobile. Here are some of the bets you might come across.

• Updated odds for moneyline, puck line, and total bets.
• Wagering on specific periods, power plays, and so on.
• Opportunities for prop bets based on player statistics and achievements.

This area of betting can be lots of fun, incredibly exciting and potentially profitable. That said, remember not to get too swept up in the action. As with all types of wagering, always bet with your head and never over it.

Most popular NHL team in Illinois 

The NHL has an incredibly loyal and passionate following in Illinois. Naturally, the Chicago Blackhawks are at the top of the charts in terms of interest. The team competes in the NHL’s Central Division. The seven other teams that make up the division are among the Blackhawks’ biggest rivals:

• Dallas Stars
• Colorado Avalanche
• Nashville Predators
• St. Louis Blues
• Winnipeg Jets
• Arizona Coyotes 
• Minnesota Wild

The Blackhawks are also one of the original six NHL franchises, so games against the other five squads on that list — Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Toronto Maple Leafs — are traditionally always among the highlights of the season.

Here are the details on where you can catch Blackhawks action in person:

• Arena: United Center
• Location: 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60612
• Date Opened: August 18, 1994
• United Center Joint Venture is the owner and operator.
• Hockey games can accommodate 19,717 spectators.
• Other happenings: Chicago Bulls games, concerts and events.

Betting on the Chicago Blackhawks 

The Blackhawks franchise traces its roots back to the founding of the NHL. There has been a good deal of success, including a trio of Stanley Cup wins. Here are some of the key details about the franchise:

• Founded: 1926
• Six Stanley Cups, most recent in 2014-15.
• Four conference championships, with the last one in 2014-15.
• The team has won 16 division titles, with the most recent one being in the 2016-17 season.
• Two Presidents Trophies, most recent in 2012-13.
• Six numbers have been retired, the most recent in 2008.
• 51 Hall-of-famers: 40 players and 10 builders.
• Stan Mikita leads with a total of 1,549 games played.
• Bobby Hull holds the record as the all-time leading goal scorer with 666 goals.
• Ed Belfour holds the record for the most wins in a season with 43, achieved in the 1990-91 season.

Chicago has made it to the postseason in 63 of its 93 NHL seasons. The most recent appearance came in 2019-20, which snapped a two-year drought. The club took down the Edmonton Oilers in the qualifying round before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round.

Check today’s Blackhawks betting odds.

How do NHL power rankings work?

Power rankings are a handicapping tool that bettors of all experience levels can use. In a nutshell, the rankings attempt to quantify teams into a numerical value based on their strengths and weaknesses.

In theory, you compare the rankings for two teams and factor in home-ice advantage. The result should point you to the more likely result and an estimated margin of victory. While there are no foolproof systems in handicapping, power rankings can be a useful tool to use as part of an overall strategy.

Many seasoned handicappers create their rankings that factor in a number of variables, such as goal differential, strength and weakness on special teams and effectiveness at home and away.

There are also several free-to-use power ranking systems available on the internet, including the popular Sagarin ratings. Power rankings can be helpful, but remember that projected results are no guarantee, as anything can happen when two teams step on the ice.

How the NHL season works  

The lengthy NHL season traditionally begins with the preseason in the fall and runs all the way through to the Stanley Cup Final, which typically doesn’t wrap up until June. Every step of the way, you’ll have plenty of betting options.

While each game on the docket will attract its fair share of betting action, marquee contests and nationally televised affairs will see the most. There’s a spike in interest come postseason time as the Stanley Cup playoffs are among the most entertaining parts of the yearly sports calendar.

5 best NHL players from Illinois

Dozens of players who were born in Illinois have made it to the pro ranks. Here’s a quick look at five of the all-time best from that list:

Chris Chelios, D

• Played from 1984-2010
• Winner of the Stanley Cup three times – in 1986, 2002, and 2008.
• James Norris Trophy was won by 3x in 1989, 1993 and 1996.
• Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013.
• Most regular season and playoff games played by a defenseman

Ed Olczyk, C

• Played from 1984-2000
• The Chicago Blackhawks selected the third overall pick in the 1984 NHL draft.
• 1994 Stanley Cup champion with the New York Rangers
• Inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012.

Tony Granato, LW

• Played from 1988-2001
• Served as coach for the US men’s ice hockey team at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
• 1x all-star selection
• Head coach currently at the University of Wisconsin

Joe Corvo, D

• Played from 1998-2014
• Member of the US national team at World Championships twice.
• 1997 World Junior Championships silver medalist

Craig Anderson, G

• Played from 2001-present
• In the 2001 NHL draft, the Chicago Blackhawks selected with the 73rd overall pick.
• Two-time member of the US national team at World Championships

NHL betting tips and strategy

The NHL is a fun sport to bet on, and there’s profit potential to boot. That said, it can take some getting used to, especially for those new to the game. Here are three tips you can use as you begin your NHL betting journey:

• Place your bets on familiar teams: A beneficial initial strategy is to simply stick to betting on teams you are familiar with. For instance, if you are a fan of the Blackhawks, you are likely to have a good understanding of other Central Division teams due to their frequent match-ups. Start by focusing on these teams’ games before attempting to bet on a wider range of matches.
• Determine the value: Sportsbook apps and websites often generate significant betting activity for the NHL through the moneyline bet. However, betting on favorites may not always offer substantial value, and haphazardly betting on underdogs could lead to losses. Therefore, while perusing the odds, it’s crucial to train yourself to identify possible value opportunities, regardless of the side.
• What type of bettor do you intend to be?: It’s beneficial to determine your overarching objectives for NHL betting when you’re starting. Do you aim to bet sporadically on more significant games? Or, are you intending to be a frequent bettor? Recognizing your goals allows you to modify your strategy and overall approach accordingly.

Knowing what to do when NHL betting certainly helps, but knowing what to watch for is also helpful. Included on that list is trying to bet on every single game or chasing your losses in an attempt to recoup funds. As opposed to those two trouble spots, look toward taking a focused approach and learn to accept that losses will happen.